The Westerosi Primer - A Song of Ice and Fire Podcast

Liz introduces a new season of Westerosi Primer focused on long-debated book reader theories. Beware there will be spoilers for A Song of Ice and Fire novels and HBO adaptations. There are announcements about the website, newsletter, and a Patreon with ad-free episodes, and Discord access.

The episode explains the “R+L=J” theory—that Jon Snow’s parents are Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. The episode starts by first reviewing alternative proposed mothers (the fisherman’s daughter, Wylla, and Ashara Dayne) and why each raises logistical or narrative problems.

Liz then outlines book-based clues for each possible mother before coming to her conclusion and that of many book readers. She also explores the potential implications about Jon Snow's probable parentage.

In this season finale episode (of the podcast AND House of the Dragon!), Liz does a reaction over the season's storylines. We have brothers (Aemond and Aegon) with an overdue conversation. Helaena makes a choice. Rhaenyra decides what type of queen is. Daemon gets to be on the battlefield again with the long waited battle of Tumbleton. Who were the winners and losers of this episode? Tune and check out the episode! See you for Season 5!

In this episode, Liz discusses House of the Dragon 3x07 titled "Dragon in Winter." As the season has just one episode left, there's a lot more set up. Aemond has a mind trip just like his uncle Daemon the previous season. Alys Rivers weaves her web on him. Alicent apparently just does whatever Rhaenyra tells her and she has given up on most of her children. Helaena has some interesting dreams, but does it mean. We get a sort of resolution with Rhaena's storyline. Ormund continues his plots with an unexpected ally appearing at the very end. Check out the website to share your thoughts of this episode!

In this week's episode, Liz discusses and opines House of the Dragon Episode 3x06 titled "Faceless Men." In an episode where a notable character dies and the cyvasse pieces move on the board once again, will we finally get a battle next episode or will the writing team let us down? There were some highs and lows in this episode. As always check out the website to find out how you can share your thoughts about the tv show and this podcast episode. Sign up to the newsletter!

In this week's episode, Liz discusses the various storylines in House of the Dragon titled "Unbowed and Unbent." This time she talks about the relationships of the Green faction Targaryens with each other and their mother, Alicent. She talks about Criston Cole's fixation on dying in battle to make something meaningful of his life. She also discusses the current position Rhaenyra and her supporters are in as tensions continue to rise. Be sure to check out thewesterosiprimer.com to leave a comment, check out past episodes and get updates!

In this episode, Liz reviews House of the Dragon’s episode “Tumbleton.”

She notes it contains more significant plot movement and setup. She discusses Ormund Hightower’s unusual dynamic with Daeron and the show’s claim that Alicent gave up Daeron to be raised in Oldtown. She questions Ormund’s apparent push to elevate Daeron as a Hightower-backed king.

She covers Criston Cole and Gwayne arriving at Harrenhal searching for Aemond and Alys Rivers’ apparent scheming.

Liz finds Aegon’s travel storyline unexpectedly interesting as it exposes him to common life but doubts it will reform him. She critiques Daemon’s Sheepstealer-related plot and strongly dislikes the writing for Rhaena.

Finally, she summarizes Rhaenyra’s challenges in King’s Landing, Alicent’s scene, Helaena’s new pregnancy (not in the book), and hopes for upcoming battles including Tumbleton and possibly the Butcher’s Ball.

This episode is a reaction to House of the Dragon “Rhaenyra Triumphant.” She discusses the various plot points setting up future events and continued conflict with the Greens and within her own support base. There are many implications to events that happened. From juggling needs ot the poor and maintaining support from nobles, Rhaenyra is struggling now she's back in King's Landing. What exactly are the Hightowers scheming next? It's clear the war isn't really over.

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In this episode, Liz discusses the House of the Dragon episode titled "Queen's Landing." The episode discusses the various implications of events in the previous episode. Some characters like Rhaenyra and Aemond make decisions that will have consequences down the road. Is Rhaenyra truly secure or is she about to step into a bigger fire that what a dragon can breathe?

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This episode of the podcast delves into the 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 premiere, 'Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood.' The host Liz praises its solid execution but suggesting it would have been more impactful as a Season 2 finale due to pacing.

The discussion highlights divergences from George R.R. Martin's 'Fire and Blood.' One particular examples is concerning Rhaena's acquisition of a wild dragon and her active involvement in the war. This contrasts with her book counterpart.

Other key changes include Daemon's altered storyline, Alicent's improbable trip to Dragonstone, and Larys's role in Aegon's escape. The episode confirms the Battle of the Gullet, leading to a tragic death, and portrays Rhaenyra as a frustrated queen, unprepared for rule.

Criston Cole's character continues to be depicted as increasingly unlikable. The episode also features impressive, chaotic sea battles, exacerbated by inexperienced participants, foreshadowing a brutal conflict.

Welcome back listeners to Season 4 of The Westerosi Primer. This is a short and sweet introduction episode. Liz discusses the theme of this season: reaction to House of the Dragon Season 3. Coming soon is a Patreon! You aren't expected to sign up to the upcoming Patreon, but support is always appreciated! Also sign up to the newsletter to get the latest updates and other Ice and Fire content!