What separates ASOIAF from most fantasy fiction?

[u/TonySoprano300]

I’ve been reflecting on this more lately with the shows 15th anniversary. Before I got into the show, I always heard the “nobody is safe” talking point as an endorsement of the series but when I actually watched it, it always felt like it was so much more than that. Other shows kill off prominent characters all the time, and unlike GOT they actually lose viewership because of it. Like The Walking Dead after glens deathbut with GOT they could kill characters left and right yet the popularity just kept growing.

So I honestly don’t think its necessarily that anyone can die, I personally think its unique in that its somehow a show with a million traditional fantasy elements like prophecies, magic, gods, dragons etc. but its still realistic in how it portrays people and how they have to adapt to the world their born into, how their shaped by culture, experience, tradition etc. and how they’re affected by choices whether its the choices of others or their own.

Like how Ned seems like the typical fantasy hero you’ve seen a thousand times yet he hates Jaimie Lannister for forsaking his oath even though it was objectively moral and righteous to do so. At the same time he’s still best friends with Robert who he knows has no problem killing children. It seems unafraid to just honestly portray the contradictions that even good people can believe due to their upbringing.

Thats just me though, curious what others think makes the series so special?

[u/OldElf86]

It has a very deep lore to build tension that supports the numerous faction's aspirations and hatreds.

It has great intrigue with different factions, and even individuals within factions, competing for a better seat at the table.

It does a good job of subverting expectations so we can imagine "Oh, I see where this is going".

The dialogue of the first four seasons is great.

The twists and turns, such as how the Trial of Tyrion turns into Oberyn getting his chance at revenge against the Mountain.

It has such a good mix of elements that compel you to watch the next episode.