Brain Snacks: Tasty Tidbits of Knowledge
George R. R. Martin doesn't just write about olden times, he uses olden times equipment to type on. Or, more precidely, a WordStar 4.0 word processor because it doesn't correct his spelling and grammar. When you have characters named Xaro Xhoan Daxos, we suppose that would save you a lot of headache. (Source.)
The events of A Clash of Kings take place at the end of a ten-year summer, but as the Starks are fond of reminding everyone, winter is coming, and some tell tale of winters that lasted for several generations. But how exactly is that possible? How can some summers be shorter than others and some winters longer still? Several theories have arisen, and some of them are even pretty scientific. (Source.)
This book might be fantasy, but that doesn't mean Martin pulled it all from thin air. Nope—there are all kinds of real-world influences to be found in here, from the Wars of the Roses to Margaret of Anjou ruling on behalf of a mad king. (Source.)
The Wall of the Night's Watch was sparked by Hadrian's Wall in North England. Like the Romans who built it, the Night's Watch attempt to keep the natives from beyond from invading their lands. (Source.)