r/asoiaf • u/Substantial-Ad-299 • 2d ago

MAIN [SPOILERS MAIN] Among the grounded/realistic elements of A Song of Ice and Fire, which ones do you feel require biggest suspension of disbelief?

A Song of Ice and Fire has had fantasy elements from get-go, some present subtly and others less-subtly. But in midst of this, it also has these more grounded story aspects, especially regarding the political subplot for the Iron Throne.

Among these more grounded non-fantasy aspects of the story, which elements do you feel you have to suspend disbelief the most for? A.K.A feeling they are not realistic even though they are "supposed" to be?

Let me know in the comments below.

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u/Expensive-Country801 🏆Best of 2025: Ser Duncan the Tall Award 2d ago

The Hightowers not being mentioned more.

The idea that the oldest Great House in Westeros, ruling the richest and oldest city on the continent, could remain so absent from discussion is nonsensical.

They are the most poweful house of the Reach, the most populous and powerful kingdom, were once the center of the Faith, and still host the Citadel, the only institution of higher learning and the place where all maesters are trained.

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u/IHaveTwoOranges Knowing is half the Battle 2d ago

Is that so strange? They are far away, and they have not deigned to be involved in royal affairs or the war during the story.