In this episode, Cindy Collins Smith hands the mic over to author S.K. Ehra as they discuss historical antecedents to Game of Thrones, complex characters and intricate worldbuilding, immanence, transcendence, existential threats, accusations of nihilism, and who really is the hero. In many respects, the popularity of this saga can be attributed to Martin’s ability to blend a Medieval fantasy world with the yearnings and attitudes of what philosopher Charles Taylor terms a “Secular 3” culture.