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Mental Meanderings

Writer's pictureScott Holmes

Steal GRRM’s Secret: Use History as a Basis for Your Fantasy Stories

Unlock Real-World Inspiration for Captivating Fantasy




Creating fantasy worlds out of whole cloth can seem daunting. Why not steal an idea from one of the most successful authors of all time? History is rich with stories and eras that, with a little imagination, could serve as the basis for amazing fantasy novels. George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire (aka Game of Thrones) draws inspiration from the historical War of the Roses.


Join me as we delve into the parallels between Game of Thrones and actual historical events, before exploring other historical eras and captivating moments that will add irresistible authenticity to your stories.


The War of the Roses in Westeros?

The War of the Roses was a decades-long civil war between two rival houses vying for the English crown: the House of Lancaster (symbolized by a red rose) and the House of York (represented by a white one). It is no coincidence that the Lannisters’ main color is red while Stark’s is white.




It All Started with Madness

Both wars had their seeds sown long before. The overthrow and murder of the Mad King, Aerys II in Westeros is a shadow of the real life overthrow and murder (by starvation possibly) of Mad King, Richard II of England. Both kings had became paranoid, executing and banishing perceived rivals. The fictional king had the more interesting insanity. King Aerys choice of wildfire as his champion against Lord Rickard Stark was one example. It was more murder than trial by combat.


Chaos is a Ladder

King Robert Baratheon raised an army to overthrow Aerys much like Henry IV did for his own mad king. After becoming king, Henry IV died young at age 45 — but in bed at age 45 of a still-undiagnosed disease instead of murdered by a boar. Both deaths cast the die that eventually leads to war.


No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Ned Stark is based on Duke of York, Richard Plantagenet. King Henry VI “went mad” i.e became comatose. His son, Edward, was an infant, but rumors spread that the child was illegitimate. Parliament nonetheless declared Edward heir, but also named Plantagenet

as Protector of the Realm.




By all accounts, Plantagenet was an effective governor. However, Queen Cersei … I mean, Queen Margaret of Anjou saw the Duke of York as a threat to her son, especially when he openly stated the heir was a bastard.


Eventually, King Henry VI woke, dismissed Plantagenet, and acknowledged the child, but reportedly stated that the child’s father must be the Holy Spirit, which did little to tamp down the rumors. Plantagenet raised an army and rebelled against the King. Eventually, he also ended with his head on a spike (poor Ned).


Alliances and Betrayals

Just like the historical conflict, Westeros is riddled with shifting alliances, broken oaths, and bloody betrayals. Characters like Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger) embody the ruthlessness and political maneuvering that defined the War of the Roses. We see this mirrored in historical figures like Richard Neville, the “Kingmaker,” who switched sides multiple times to further his own power.


Other historical influences

Martin didn’t limit himself to the War of the Roses. Battles like the Battle of Blackwater Bay echo the historical Siege of Constantinople in 673 AD. The Eastern Romans (or Byzantiums, if you prefer) thwarted the attacking Arab fleet with the use of Greek Fire. We still do not grasp Greek Fire, but it would combust spontaneously and could not be extinguished with water. It was used to devastating effect during the siege much like Tyrion’s gambit with wildfire in the Battle of Blackwater Bay.


Find Your Historical Era as Inspiration

The War of the Roses is just one example of how history can inspire fantastical worlds. Here are some other historical eras brimming with potential, along with specific historical stories that could be springboards for fantasy narratives:


The American West

This is the historical reference I chose for my WIP. Using the geography and people, I imagined a world where gunslingers exist but are bound to the church. Not all are noble and some abuse their power to ride roughshod over the people armed with bows and swords. But that is a single example. This era offers themes of exploration, lawlessness, and the clash of cultures. You could draw inspiration from historical figures like Wyatt Earp facing down a band of outlaws who turn out to be powerful mages, or Doc Holliday using his magical abilities to become a legendary gunslinger.


The Crusades

How about a world where holy knights of different faiths wield enchanted blades and command magical beasts? A talented author could create a thrilling exploration of faith, fanaticism, and religious conflict. A reimagining of the Children's Crusade, a historical event where thousands of children marched to Jerusalem to liberate the Holy Land, could make an unforgettable story.


The Fall of the Roman Empire

A world struggling to maintain order after the collapse of a vast, magical empire could be the breeding ground for warlords with unique magical abilities, vying for control of the shattered fragments. The story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table could be retold in this setting, with Arthur uniting the remnants of the fallen empire under the banner of a powerful magical artefact.


Japan’s Sengoku Period

Imagine a world brimming with samurai wielding enchanted katanas, ninja with mystical stealth abilities, and daimyo (feudal lords) vying for dominance over fractured lands. The samurai code of bushido, emphasizing honor, loyalty, and self-discipline, could be a foundation for your magic system or a code for noble warriors. Japan’s rich folklore overflows with yokai (monsters) like oni (demons) and kitsune (fox spirits). These creatures could be integrated into your world as allies, enemies, or … protagonists.


The Renaissance

Artistic brilliance, political intrigue, and scientific discovery could be enhanced with magical academies, hidden societies of alchemists seeking to unlock the secrets of immortality, and rival noble houses vying for power through both political maneuvering and magical prowess. The rivalry between the Medici and Borgia families could be reframed as a magical power struggle, with each family using their wealth and influence to fund the research of powerful mages and alchemists.


The Industrial Revolution

Steam-powered technology combined with magic and fantastical creatures could create an exciting world with a steampunk aesthetic. Imagine monstrous clockwork creations alongside coal-fired airships soaring through smog-filled skies, piloted by daring sky pirates who wield elemental magic. Joe Abercrombie's Age of Madness trilogy exemplifies an excellent grimdark story based on this historical timeframe.


Unearthing the Magic from the Past

Turning historical eras into fantastical landscapes requires both research and imagination. To be done well, it takes works. Here are a few thoughts on how to do it right.


Wikipedia is not your friend

While it’s fine to start your search for ideas here, you can’t take them for fact. Find histories and textbooks in your library or online that delve into the era you have chosen.


Dive Deep with Primary Sources

If you can, explore primary sources like historical documents, artwork, and even architecture. These firsthand accounts offer a richer understanding of the era’s social fabric, political climate, and everyday life. In writing my master’s thesis, I ended up in my state archives and found personal letters sent by soldiers one-hundred and fifty years in the past. There is an indescribable power in these handwritten letters that resonates as you hold them. This power deserves an audience, even if only in fiction.


Identify the Core

Once you’ve chosen your historical period, peel back the layers and identify the core conflicts and social dynamics that shaped it. Was it a power struggle between rival factions? A clash of ideologies? Understanding these core elements helps you translate them into a fantastical setting.


Finding the Balance

Respecting historical accuracy is admirable, but remember, you’re building a fantasy world. Don’t be afraid to take creative liberties. My WIP is a dystopian future that only appears to be the past. The key is to strike a balance. Combine the reality of history with the fantastical of your imagination and you’ll create a story that touches readers.


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