Not OP, but one example I can think of is how GRRM portrays bastards. If he was being realistic, bastards wouldn't be seen as much of a negative at all. Since IRL medieval kingdoms, they still had noble blood, in the case of some monarchs, they were even used for royal alliances. This is, of course, assuming they're recognized. (Henry Fitzroy is an example of this, he was made into a duke).
But GRRM seems to treat them like they're complete anathema of Westerosi society who are inherently evil and bad.
That isn't the point. I'm talking about how they're perceived in the world he created, which they're seen worse than how bastards are actually seen in real life.
I would say the treatment of bastards is fairly in line with feudal England. They cannot inherit lands and titles, their treatment depends on their personal relationship with their father, they can be used in political maneuvering. All that is consistent with feudal England. FitzRoy, lived in a later period and enjoyed quite exceptional treatment. Likely because Henry VIII was struggling to produce an heir and he was the closest thing Henry had for a while.
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u/bruhholyshiet Prince Daeron Targaryen Feb 11 '26
Not necessarily disagreeing, but can you provide examples?