Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama TV series created by D.B. Weiss and David Benioff for HBO. Adapted from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, the show is focused on the fictional continent of Westeros, the neighboring realm of Essos, and an unmapped area to the north, covered by a massive wall of ice and old magic.
Since its inception in 2011, Game of Thrones has taken the world by storm and left a sizeable mark on popular culture. Its complex themes, fantasy elements, and memorable characters live on in memes, conversations, and fanfic, even though the show aired its final episode early in 2019.
Despite the generally positive reception of the show (excluding its debatable and contentious conclusion), several production hitches went unnoticed by the majority of its viewers. Come along, as we unveil some of the most ludicrous blunders from the show. If you spotted any of these, then your attention to detail certainly exceeds that of many others!
Unscientific
Viserys Targaryen was among the earliest villains in the show, and his death was nothing to be sad about. However, his death by molten gold shows that chemistry wasn’t a strong suit for anyone on the GoT set. Normally, gold would melt at around 1063 degrees Celsius, but a campfire rarely gets over 370 degrees Celsius. This would mean that Dothraki campfires defy science, especially coupled with the fact that the gold turned into a liquid mess in mere seconds. While it is excusable since the show is set in a fantasy world, a little realism wouldn’t hurt now would it?
Ginger latte for Khaleesi
Observant fans caught sight of this production faux pas, even before it made the headlines in mainstream media. It’s none other than THAT misplaced coffee cup amidst wine glasses during the victory meal following the Battle of Winterfell. Starbucks amusingly joined in with a tweet, expressing surprise that a Dragon Drink wasn’t ordered. HBO went along with the joke, stating that what was actually ordered was herbal tea. Honestly, after participating in a battle as monumental as that, we would also be craving either an espresso or herbal tea.
Sansa Targarien
Throughout the years, the producers of the show have cleverly hidden numerous easter eggs within the opening sequence, but errors have also slipped through. For example, the first season mislabelled Sophie Turner as a Targaryen, even though her character, Sansa, is well-known for her northern heritage. Not only that, but there was confusion regarding the affiliations of different characters, with Iain Glen (Jorah) mistakenly shown under the Lannister banner while Rory McCann (The Hound) was incorrectly depicted beside the Baratheon’s stag. As the series was still in its infancy, these mistakes were only caught by a handful of viewers who had read the books.
Doesn’t she need that necklace?
Melisandre, also known as the Red Woman, maintained her youthful and attractive appearance despite being 400 years old. The sixth season of the show unveiled that an elaborate necklace she wore preserved her from aging. However, there is an inconsistency: In the fourth season, Melisandre is seen conversing with Selyse Baratheon without her necklace, but she appears the same as she does two seasons afterward when she supposedly requires the necklace to retain her youth. So what’s the deal? Could it be that the show’s creators introduced the necklace detail later in the story, or perhaps the power of R’hllor magic is stronger than she suggests.
President’s head on a spike…
The showrunners of King’s Landing found themselves in hot water when they used a prop resembling George W. Bush’s head during a scene, causing quite a stir. Although clearly not real, the depiction of the 43rd American President’s head next to the likes of Ned Stark’s and Septa Mordane’s provoked considerable controversy. The creators of the show, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, later admitted to using the Bush-like head and apologized for the incident. With an already politically-charged storyline, the inclusion of a realistically gory representation of a high-profile political figure, regardless of personal views, was undeniably inappropriate.
Wasn’t her hair supposed to burn?..
It’s uncertain whether shampoo exists in the universe of the show. Nonetheless, considering the state of Daenerys’s hair and her ability to raise infant dragons, it’s plausible to presume that such a product might be available. Perhaps, this hypothetical shampoo renders her hair resistant to fire. This theory is backed by Daenerys’s ability to walk through a blazing fire in the opening season, with her hair remaining unscathed while her clothing and everything around her was engulfed in flames. One might ponder on the composition of such a shampoo. Could it be an exclusive beauty secret held by the Targaryen clan? Whatever it consists of, Daenerys must utilize it extensively, being the dragon matriarch.
You’ve got a new email
Margaery Tyrell stands apart as one of the most brilliantly crafted characters in the series, serving as the Queen Consort of House Baratheon. In a memorable scene from the third season, this calculating yet kind-hearted aristocrat distributes toys to children left orphaned by the Battle of the Blackwater massacre. However, an oversight by the post-production team left a modern-day alert notification sound audible. Whether stemming from a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, it seems that the residents of Westeros are particularly poor at concealing their clandestine use of cutting-edge technology.
A not-so-deadly weapon
Most GoT fans to agree that the Battle of the Bastards in season six is one of the best fight scenes in the whole series. While most viewers were hypnotized by all the action, a few frowned as they noticed a rather hilarious goof: Jon Snow’s fearsome weapon has an odd bounciness to it. As the man who knows nothing sprang up onto his steed, his weapon flopped around like a fish out of water. One could theorize that Valyrian Steel is more flexible than our Earthy metals, but that’s a bit of a stretch, particularly considering nothing of the sort was ever explained.
Running out of charge
The conclusion of the fifth season of the series saw the character Stannis Baratheon meet his end through Brienne of Tarth. While the graphic scene of him agonising against a tree and losing blood may seem mild compared to others, something doesn’t quite fit: a contemporary charger can be spotted next to his wounded right leg. It raises a question about whether the fantasy realm of Westeros is attempting to conceal its technological progress. If that’s the case, their cover-up efforts seem to be falling short.
A fleeting mistake
In the later seasons of the series, Euron Greyjoy managed to rise to prominence after it was revealed that he commanded the largest fleet in the Seven Kingdoms. However, his homeland, the Iron Islands, doesn’t even possess the necessary resources for him to amass such a huge fleet of ships. Indeed, he’d struggle to manage a single seaworthy vessel! There’s definitely something amiss here, or perhaps he magically used rocks and bird poo to create the materials for building ships? Nah, that’s way too far-fetched, even for a world filled with dragons, sorcerers, and frozen zombies. But if we give GoT the benefit of the doubt for the mistakes we’ve shown you so far, maybe anything’s possible in Westeros?
Grenn’s magic sword
Despite the pervasive advanced technology of the continent, magic remains a potent force in Westeros, evidenced by Grenn’s enchanted blade. This misstep occurred in the first season’s third episode during a scene where Jon Snow successfully disarmed his comrade in arms, Grenn, during a sword practice session. However, when Grenn stooped to retrieve his blade, Jon issued another threat, attracting the viewers’ attention to the blooper. The camera angle abruptly shifted while Grenn was still gathering his sword, and all of a sudden, the blade was visible on the ground. This editing mishap was overlooked by many fans, partly due to its brisk transition and the spectators’ riveted focus on Jon.
Bad Heir Day
The series unquestionably emphasizes on the importance of genetics, specifically inherited attributes, a prime example being the House Baratheon, where every child, but one – Shireen, is identified by distinct black hair. Intriguingly, Shireen’s hair is unusually blonde, matching the characteristic hair color of the Lannisters. This could be a covert consequence of greyscale, the disease she once suffered from. Or, there might have been a concealed encounter between a Baratheon and a Lannister that wasn’t revealed. Or, could it be an oversight by the production team regarding hair color continuity? Given Shireen’s tough and traumatic life, it’s best not to ponder too much on it.
Where are the good boys?
Can you recollect the instance when Ramsay Bolton had his troops out looking for the escaped captives? If that rings a bell, then surely, you must remember that hound dogs were part of the search brigade. In that very episode, as Theon and Sansa were about to become dog food, Brienne of Tarth comes to their rescue. Interestingly, the hounds vanished without offering any resistance as soon as she made her appearance. This strange occurrence poses a question – were the dogs just figments of Theon and Sansa’s terrified imaginations? And while you ponder over that, don’t forget the fact that these alleged bloodhounds were once referred to as rottweilers, thus adding further confusion to this scene.
Miracles can happen, right?
Greyscale remains one of the most lethal diseases in the realm of the show. An infection from it leads to a rough skin that closely resembles stone, which gradually extends to affect internal organs, leaving the victim akin to a statuesque shell while simultaneously destroying the mind. To add to the grim predicament, the disease is extremely contagious and infrequently curable. Yet, Jorah was an exception to this rule. He was miraculously cured within a day by undergoing the excruciating process of removing the infected skin. However, the show fails to explain how this procedure results in a cure.
How old are you again?
In an era riddled with political turbulence and chaos, birthday festivities weren’t exactly in vogue. Yet, it’s critical to keep count of one’s age, isn’t it? Some characters, such as Jon, Sansa, and Cersei, are played by actors older than their fictional personas, but the case of Tommen Baratheon really pushes the envelope. In the books, his character is just seven at first appearance, yet on screen he’s portrayed by nineteen-year-old Dean-Charles Chapman. The actor even had to use a squeaky voice to hide his real age. Castings for children in shows geared towards adults can no doubt be challenging, but this instance is somewhat excessive.
Another necklace mixup
As if the inconsistency with Melisandre’s enchanted necklace wasn’t enough – in the fifth season, Cersei received her daughter Myrcella’s necklaces, which was sent from Dorne. This led her to believe that her child was in danger since only two of those necklaces were known to exist. However, for those who pay close attention, this isn’t actually true. Before Joffrey was antagonizing Sansa Stark, you may remember him giving her an identical necklace, saying that it’s “just like the one your mother wears.” For a “master strategist,” Cersei certainly doesn’t have a strong memory.
Another hair situation
Initially, we encounter Daenerys’s heat-resistant hair treatment, and subsequently, we discover Robb Stark and Jon Snow’s miraculous hair growth concoctions. In the premier episode, both men sported short hairstyles and clean-shaven looks while King Robert was on his visit. Remarkably, they appeared to have flourished their hair almost immediately upon finding the stranded dire wolf pups with their father. Honestly, we lack any knowledge regarding how the inhabitants of this realm manage their hair. Could it be that this rapid hair growth is the unique beauty secret of the House Stark? Does each prominent family in the Seven Kingdoms possess their own enchanting beauty remedies? Unfortunately, we are left in the dark as no explanation was ever offered!
Spooky skeletons
The chilling sight of these skeletal figures might just give you goosebumps, yet they were never intended to be mobile to begin with. Somehow, their skeletal structure has remained unbroken under the immense pressure of the snow for countless years, which defies believability. Moreover, the idea of bones operating without the aid of muscles, tendons, and ligaments is rather perplexing – but in a realm filled with dragons, magicians, stone men and a massive wall of enchanted ice, it’s preferable not to overanalyze the rationality of these skeletal creatures.
Practice what you preach
As a power conflict unfolds within the Seven Kingdoms, it’s inevitable to witness corruption, treachery, plots, and naturally, double standards. Speaking of double standards, do you recall Daenerys’ reputation as an abolitionist? Interestingly, she continues to possess slaves in the series. Moreover, she perceives them as nothing more than instruments, paying no heed to their individuality. It’s rather unsettling to see someone failing to abide by their own preached principles, despite viewing it as a necessary evil to achieve their goal. This behavioral inconsistency, to some extent, serves as a reasonable explanation for the outcome she faces at the climactic end of the series.
Lighting the way
Being entrapped in a dimly-lit prison cell is one matter, but being confined with only a few tiny windows allowing light in is another. Neither of these, however, appropriately describes Tyrion’s predicament. Although his cell ostensibly fits these two profiles, sunlight still remarkably penetrates his space, as was revealed by a wide-angle shot of his confinement. People might enjoy grumbling about the insufficient illumination during the Battle of Winterfell, but the excess brightness in what should have been a dingy jail cell is undoubtedly excessive.
Reaching for the top
Medieval castles were designed as formidable fortresses, and one might assume that features preventing easy scaling of their walls would be a given. However, such defensive principles don’t seem to be of concern in Westeros. In the inaugural episode, Bran was able to climb the tower with ease, as though it was intentionally constructed with hand and foot holds. The person responsible for such a faulty design should face severe penalties for their lacklustre defensive strategy. What’s even more bewildering is Jaime and Cersei’s choice of location for their illicit liaison – this readily climbable tower. Poor Bran is therefore deserving of our sympathy, not just because he became incapacitated, but also due to his unfortunate exposure to such a shockingly inappropriate scene.
An unlikely duo
Political turmoil often fuels animosity, as exemplified by Arya’s hatred for the Mountain. But something appears off: Why didn’t she openly show her disdain for him, even after finding out The Hound equally loathes him? Arya is known to put plenty of people on her revenge list for justifiable reasons, and for The Mountain, his crimes are the torture of her peers in captivity. Could it be that Arya is tactically playing silent to mislead him into misjudging her by exposing his vulnerabilities? Whatever the reason, it’s clear that trifling with Arya is risky business.
Dead men tell no lies
In the fifth installment, the Unsullied, under the leadership of Barristan and Grey Worm, confront the Sons of the Harpy. Needless to say, it led to a violent confrontation with numerous fatalities. However, once the camera angle changed, most of the bodies were not visible. The question is, what happened to all the bodies? Did they simply vanish? Is it possible that there was a cleaning crew ready to remove the gruesome debris in an instant? Given the amount of violence, undoubtedly someone must be responsible for tidying up the aftermath.
Scabbard scramble
Undergoing weapons training is an indispensable part of being a soldier, offering a critical advantage during warfare or at least aiding survival. Mastery over a weapon can facilitate the easy defeat of enemies, but being able to securely store it afterward is a different skill altogether. For instance, consider a soldier struggling to sheath his sword. Perhaps his problem is akin to Jon’s exhibit of a “rubber” sword during the Battle of the Bastards. It may be that the soldier has a similar sword and finds it challenging to sheath due to its excessive flexibility. Truly, utilizing rubber in prop swords seems inadvisable for a high-budget show.
A handy disappearing act
Before Jaime Lannister lost his right hand, many GoT fans were distracted by Catelyn Stark’s magic hand. In this scene from the first season, her hand just seems to vanish between shots. Maybe the show’s world is more magical than we think, but it doesn’t disappear with any of the smoke and sparkles you’d expect from a typical magical spell. It seems more likely that the people on-set that day lapsed in their attention to detail, as shown with all the previous mistakes like this. Either way, it doesn’t really matter because we all know that Catelyn’s vanishing hand is nothing compared to what went down at the infamous red wedding.
Sneaky, slithery snakes
Even though the Sand Snakes are bastard daughters of Prince Oberyn Martell, they were well-loved by their father. Still, bastards are often ostracized, and for those born into nobility, being ignored is one of the best-case scenarios. Indeed, the Sand Snakes were an unwelcome presence in the GoT world, and they had to mask their movements throughout the realm. However, this doesn’t explain how they managed to travel towards the capital aboard Jaime’s ship, kill the King, and flee back to Dorne, all without being caught.
Undying will
Arya’s resolve remained firm, even when confronted with calamities like the red wedding. The young lass bore witness to numerous terrifying incidents, including the harsh maltreatment of her comrades. Was she possessed of an extraordinarily resilient mind and heart? Absolutely. And did she have a remarkably robust body? Seemingly so. Even being wounded by a twisting knife wasn’t sufficient to end her life, despite the glaring absence of advanced medicine in Westeros. But then again, other characters endured harsher destinies, to the extent that Arya’s injury can be deemed a minor nuisance at its extreme. It seems the adage “mind over matter” holds notably true in her scenario.
Gotta go fast
The continent of Westeros is huge, and according to George R.R. Martin, roughly the size of South America. A land this big means traveling from one kingdom to another would take many days, even on the fastest known land transportation available. Yet somehow, Varys and Arya managed to hop from one kingdom to another in a short amount of time. Even teleportation is out of the question as far as the show’s lore is concerned, so what gives? Is there some fast travel method that the GoT creators didn’t bother to tell us about?