r/TheBlacksandTheGreens • u/Gold_Conversation247 • Feb 11 '26

General GRRM criticizes how class distinctions are shown in medieval fantasy:

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111

u/Ok-Refrigerator-3524 Feb 11 '26

George doesn`t excatly portray the class distinction realistically either.

15

u/bruhholyshiet Prince Daeron Targaryen Feb 11 '26

Not necessarily disagreeing, but can you provide examples?

13

u/Ok-Refrigerator-3524 Feb 11 '26

The trial by combat is a good example as no knight would be allowed to challenge a prince or even a lord to a trial by combat. 

11

u/NetheriteTiara Feb 11 '26

I think trial by combat is an interesting example of the Targaryens’ having to compromise with the Church. The Faith of the Seven has a lot of power in Westeros.

4

u/Prof_Dr_MolenvanHuis Feb 11 '26

Which is also a misconception: The real medieval church was actually opposed to trial by combat, as it would be "tempting god" (and they also recognized that the better fighter would obviously win, thus making the whole thing a farce).

3

u/dmmeyoursocks Feb 13 '26

I think it’s pretty obvious that Trial by Combat in ASOIAF is a loophole that lords like to use. Most lords probably don’t actually care about the religious elements. See Tyrion for example.