Last nights episode of Game of Thrones was quite an event. For the first time the show has surpassed the books in such a great and significant matter. I was completely in the dark as to what will happen - seeing how we never found out what happens to the babies when the White Walkers take them in the novels, what I experienced last night must be how non book readers feel whenever there is a gigantic plot twist - or something super creepy.
Thrones is definitely not for everybody. It can be hard viewing. There is violence and sexual exploitation all through it. This portrayal has, I believe, a serious and worthy purpose, which I'll get to. But there's no doubt that it is hard to watch, even for a jaded viewer like me. There is no dishonor if one cannot watch that.
The episode opened with Missandai teaching Grey Worm how to read. The show is definitely making a point - literacy is important, eunuchs smugglers kids!. Missandai and Shireen would get on. Anyways, Grey Worm is very appreciative of his lessons and asks Missandai a little about her life. It was a nice, sweet moment. Daenerys and Barristan walk in and Dany tells Grey Worm that it's time.
Thrones is especially rewarding and important for people like me who have a weakness for “genre fantasy”, the strain of literature which has emerged from generations of writers inspired by Tolkien. Part of the way Thrones works, part of why it is entertaining, is that it offers strong examples of the seductive allure of the feudal romance: heroism and honor and glory in battle and all that jazz.
Here are the details for this year’s Game of Thrones.
Here are the details for this year’s Game of Thrones.
- May 4th and run for 6 weeks (through the end of Season 4 of Game of Thrones.)
- We will be knitting a lace shawl inspired by Daenerys Targaryen! The mystery is in the design…
- The recommended yarn is 2 skeins of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock and we are using the Limited Edition color “Fire and Blood” (avail. 4/25.) Lorna’s Laces Solemate is also a great substitute, and as usual, you are welcome to use ANY fingering weight yarn of your choosing. You are never required to buy yarn from us to participate in one of our KALs. Anyone is welcome!
- The pattern difficulty level is considered Intermediate. The stitches are basic enough (a list of abbreviations is available immediately when you download the pattern in case you need to brush up on any skills), but there is some interesting shaping that may challenge you a bit (in a good way of course.)
- The pattern will include both written instructions AND charts (by popular demand!)
- The KAL will be hosted entirely on Ravelry, so the pattern will also only be available on Ravelry this year.
- You will need to go here to download the pattern: Game of Thrones
- Each Sunday during the KAL, you’ll receive a message that the pattern has been updated. You can download and print each clue individually, week by week.
- As usual, we’ll have threads for each clue in the JBW Group on Ravelry, so come on over and join in the conversation, ask questions, get help with the pattern, etc.!!!
