‘Winter is coming’: Odyssean parallels in the Stark family in Game of Thrones:

While scholarship has drawn parallels to Odysseus’ return to Ithaca in the long nostos of Daenerys Targaryen across multiple seasons of Game of Thrones (2011-2019), this paper will argue for the engagement and subversion of The Odyssey through the characters within the Stark family. Through tracing the character journeys across the television series, this paper will highlight the different aspects in which this occurs.

Through the characters the notion of nostos will be explored, as will references to aspects such as Odysseus’ various adventures, as one sees with Arya Stark taking on the role ‘no-one’ and achieving revenge through guile and deceit. Odysseus’ treatment of the suitors will also be explored through storylines such as Jon Snows killing of his sister’s husband and crowing as King in the North, or Sansa Stark who serves as both Penelope and Odysseus in both her marriage, revenge, and subsequent rise to Queen.

This paper reveals how the influences of the themes of the epic tale of Odysseus are far more nuanced and layered than might be seen on initial viewing. The television series reflects, subverts and alters the elements of the tale, though the core themes ultimately shine through. By considering these classical reception, this paper will reflect upon the broader popular understanding of The Odyssey that is revealed, both in the creative intent of the show, and the reception from the audience.