Symbol


 * The Iron Throne**

The Iron Throne is a central symbol in the story. The throne is forged from the swords of defeated foes. Aegon Targaryen had the throne built after he used his three dragons to conquer the entire continent. Despite the throne’s old age, many if the swords it is constructed from are still sharp. The fact that many of the blades still have edges symbolizes that enemies from the past can come back to hurt you. Daenerys Targaryen and her three dragons are a potent example if this danger. Though King Robert fears her, the general consensus is that as long as she is across the water she will not be a threat, even with Kahl Drogo at her side. The Lannisters are also an example of the type of danger the sharp blades of the Iron Throne represent. They had several plots to assassinate the king, and once he is dead they deny Eddard Stark the throne, despite the King ordering that Eddard inherit his throne. The Iron Throne symbolizes an even more prominent element of the story, though. It is mentioned on several occasions by various characters that the Iron Throne is very uncomfortable. The throne’s discomfort is meant to symbolize how the person who has gained the throne cannot become relaxed or complacent. It takes constant vigilance and constant care to maintain the entire realm.


 * Ravens**

Ravens and crows are a very important symbol in the story. They represent the big picture. The author uses their ability to fly and the fact that they carry most messages to illustrate how, in the deep mangled conflicts of the story, it is difficult for people to see the big picture. It is a crow that comes to Bran in his dream. He is still in a coma from his fall. In his dream he is falling infinitely from a high tower. A three-eyed crow teaches him to soar, and he sees his whole world from above. He can see every quarrel from the plot taking place at the time. He also sees over the wall. The raven shows him over the wall because that is the most important conflict in the big picture.


 * The Seasons**

Both summer and winter are important symbols in the story. Summer symbolizes childhood and innocence. The Stark children are often referred to as “sweet summer” children. The youngest have never lived during the winter, and even the older children only lived their infant years in the winter. When Jon Snow starts his training with the Night’s Watch, one of the senior officers describes the new recruits as still smelling of summer. Smelling of summer symbolizes that they have been untested up to this point. To complement summer, winter represents adulthood, compromises, and danger. The motto of house Stark is “Winter is Coming”. Due to their home being so deep in the north, and having such close proximity to The Wall, the Starks are very wary of the challenges and peril represented by winter. Consequently, though not just for the Stark children, the changing of the seasons from summer to winter represents the rite of passage from child to adult. The change is especially evident in Rob Stark. He is the oldest of the Stark children. Toward the end of the book, Rob has to take over the Kingdom of Winterfell completely for his late father. As a result he is forced to put aside the last of his childish tendencies and assume total responsibility. Meanwhile, winter is dawning on the horizon. It is no coincidence that the two events occur side by side.