Reimagining the Nineteenth Century through Medieval Fantasy: An Orientalist Portrayal in House of the Dragon

Abstract

The medieval fantasy series Game of Thrones (2011-19) became a cultural phenomenon after its debut in 2011. Despite widespread backlash from its large fanbase over the final season, HBO launched a spinoff prequel series titled House of the Dragon (2022- ), which delves into a civil war within the infamous ruling family, the Targaryens. Although the world is primarily modeled on a medieval European setting, it incorporates elements from the nineteenth century—especially those tied to the British Empire. Most notably, its orientalist aesthetics closely resemble Victorian-era illustrations from The Arabian Nights. This review explores the visual legacy of The Arabian Nights as a lens for understanding how Victorian-era conceptions of “the East” and empire are integral to the world-building of the Game of Thrones universe, as seen through House of the Dragon.