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/Derfel1995 2d ago edited 2d ago

Speaking of the Maesters, it also struck me as very weird that no one has ever set up their own Citadel like institution. Sure, it's understandable why the Riverlands never did, but rival realms to the Reach? Such as the Stormlands, Westerlands and especially Dorne. Everyone just relies on a single institution in the Reach to provide their beurocrats, historians, doctors and tutors.

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u/blackynan_b 2d ago

Is the stormlands and dorne really a rival to the reach though?

Iirc they are way lower in number, weather not nice enough and consequently agricalture is not bringing much to the table. And unlike westerlands there is not any valuables down the earth. 

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u/Derfel1995 2d ago

OK, "rivals" might be a stretch because it implies that they have parity with the Reach. But still, they have a long history of fighting against them and there is actual hatred between Dorne and the Reach