Every Game of Thrones Organization Explained in 11 Minutes

Summary

This script delves into the intricate world of Westeros, highlighting key organizations such as the Night's Watch, the Small Council, the King's Guard, the Maesters, the Iron Bank of Braavos, and others. Each group plays a pivotal role in the governance, protection, and economic stability of the Seven Kingdoms, with unique histories and responsibilities that add depth to the Game of Thrones universe. The video invites viewers to explore these organizations further and ponder their favorite aspects of this richly detailed world.

Takeaways

• 🛡️ The Night's Watch is an ancient organization over 8,000 years old, established to protect the Seven Kingdoms from threats beyond the Wall, including the White Walkers.
• 🏰 The Wall was built by Bran the Builder to safeguard the kingdoms, and the Night's Watch members serve a life-long commitment, renouncing personal ties and wealth.
• 📜 Members of the Night's Watch are divided into three orders: stewards, builders, and rangers, each with its own commanding officer appointed by the Lord Commander.
• 📯 The Night's Watch has a specific duty to monitor the Wall and sound a horn to signal different threats: returning rangers, wildlings, or the White Walkers.
• 🏛️ The Small Council is an advisory group to the king, traditionally consisting of seven members including the Hand of the King and other key advisors in various fields.
• 👑 The King's Guard, or 'white cloaks,' are the royal bodyguards, sworn to lifelong service and absolute loyalty to the king and his family.
• 🔮 The Order of Maesters is a scholarly organization with members serving as healers, scientists, and advisors, trained at the Citadel and bound by strict ethical codes.
• 🤴 The Elders of Braavos, known as 'the 13,' are a powerful group of merchant princes controlling the city's affairs, including magic practitioners from the House of the Undying.
• 🏹 The Brotherhood Without Banners is an outlaw group formed to protect the common folk from the ravages of war, operating independently of any king or faction.
• 👮‍♂️ The City Watch of King's Landing, or 'gold cloaks,' are the law enforcement dedicated to maintaining order in the capital, loyal only to the Iron Throne.
• 💰 The Iron Bank of Braavos is a powerful financial institution known for its discretion, lending to kings and supporting new rulers to ensure debt repayment.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the Night's Watch?

The primary purpose of the Night's Watch is to protect the Seven Kingdoms from threats beyond the Wall, which historically included the White Walkers and currently includes wildlings.

Who built the Wall and for what purpose?

The Wall was built by Bran the Builder with the goal to protect the Seven Kingdoms from the threats beyond it.

How has the perception of serving on the Wall changed over time?

Initially, serving on the Wall was an honorable duty with many taking the black voluntarily. However, over time it has become more of a punishment, with criminals and undesirables serving there.

What happens when a man breaks his vows to the Night's Watch?

If a man breaks his vows to the Night's Watch, he is sentenced to death for attempting to leave.

What are the three different orders within the Night's Watch and their roles?

The three orders are the stewards who supply the watch, the builders who maintain the Wall and castles, and the Rangers who defend the Wall from threats.

What is the role of the Lord Commander in the Night's Watch?

The Lord Commander oversees everything within the Night's Watch and is appointed by the brothers of the watch to serve until death.

What is the function of the Small Council in the Seven Kingdoms?

The Small Council functions as a group of advisers to the lord of the Seven Kingdoms on matters of policy, consisting traditionally of seven members, including the Hand of the King and other key advisors.

What is the role of the King's Guard and their vows?

The King's Guard serves as the royal bodyguards of the Iron Throne, sworn for life to protect the king and royal family, obeying his commands, and keeping his secrets.

What is the significance of the white cloak in the King's Guard?

The white cloak is a symbol of their vows and commitment to the King's Guard, received from the king or the Lord Commander during a formal ceremony.

What is the role of the maesters in the realm and their training?

Maesters are scholars, healers, messengers, and scientists who complete their training at the Citadel, serving lords and providing counsel and knowledge.

What is the Iron Bank of Braavos and its influence?

The Iron Bank of Braavos is a powerful financial institution known for lending money to various entities, including the lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and having a reputation for ensuring repayment of debts.

What is the Brotherhood without Banners and their mission?

The Brotherhood without Banners is an outlaw group formed to protect the small folk from forces preying on them, originally following orders from Eddard Stark but later fighting for the welfare of commoners.

What is the City Watch of King's Landing and their loyalty?

The City Watch of King's Landing, also known as the gold cloaks, are the law enforcers sworn only to the Iron Throne, maintaining peace and order in the city.

What is the significance of the Iron Bank's saying 'the Iron Bank will have its due'?

The saying signifies the Iron Bank's relentless pursuit of debt repayment and its influence in supporting new rulers who will honor previous debts as a condition for financial support.