WoT to GoT

In mid-January, I read A Memory of Light (final installment of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time fantasy series). Today, I just finished A Feast for Crows (George R. R. Martin's fourth book of the Game of Thrones saga). I thought it might be interesting to consider some similarities and differences centered on theme. Well, here goes.

Crows
In WoT, they are the spies for the Dark One. During the most dire times, flocks of these birds were known to attack living prey (oftentimes human prey) and strip them to the bone in a matter of minutes. Both of these facts led various factions to reward (if not require) the slaughter of the black birds.

In GoT, death and destruction is widespread. Crows do not go without sustenance and at some point I may dig out some pretty fantastic quotes philosophizing on the conditions surrounding the crows' feast. Crows are not the emissaries of evil necessarily, but the profiteers from its effects.

Family
In WoT, we come to find out that Rand was adopted. Consider the identity of his true parents and how their lives defined (and didn't) his own path. Consider the true meaning of "parent" and the extent to which genes dictate this relationship. Think about the various familial units -- Rand's, Mat's, Perrin's, Egwene's, Asha'man, Aes Sedai, Aiel, Seanchan -- and the "mothers" (Moiraine, Egwene, Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha, EVEN Berelain). Think about what happens when a family unit is destroyed and what is done to preserve the memory and move forward from the point of destruction.

In GoT, family means different things to different kingdoms. The Starks, Lannisters, Freys, and Greyjoys all have different responsibilities to and expectations for their blood (and bastards). Compare and contrast -- being sure to remember Arya's group of "orphans" and the Night's Watch. Examine the relationships between siblings in each group and [as in the WoT portion] think about the effects of death and destruction and the healing process in each case.

Identity
Examine Rand's journey to a definition of self and his experiences hiding (from) the truth. Nynaeve takes a long time to accept her connection to the One Power; Egwene, Siuan, and Gareth have trouble adjusting to their new roles as well; Lan struggles with his identity. Don't forget about the men who join the Black Tower, despite centuries of discrimination against men wielding the Power. Consider the experiences of the young Aes Sedai outside of the tower (both in the core books and the prequel), Thom Merrilin, and Jain Farstrider.

Consider Arya's many identities, Catelyn Stark's positions, Jon Snow's definition of self (self-imposed and socially-influenced), Sansa's, Varys', Jaime's, Theon's... and the functions/pros/cons of each. Examine the reasons for the conflict.

Gender Roles
Consider the limitations and traditional roles prescribed for each sex. What did each struggle against and what was the outcome? Consider Elayne and the benefits/detriments of holding the throne of a traditionally-female kingdom. Egwene and Nynaeve overcoming the limitations of their hometown.

Consider the limitations and traditional roles prescribed for each sex. What did each struggle against and what was the outcome? Cersei, Arya, Sansa, Brienne.


Physical Weakness/Maiming
Consider the effects each condition had on the character and how it changed his/her trajectory and philosophy.

Rand,Galad, Mat

Varys, Jaime, Bran, Tyrion, Catelyn, Arya* (not to mention all the people Cersei had tortured to "confess")

Wolves
Perrin in WoT
Starks in GoT

Aes Sedai vs Night's Watch
dwindling numbers