Most of us don’t put too much thought into the insult “bastard” when we throw it around. But back in the day, being called a bastard wasn’t just a generalized insult, it was a legitimate assault on your position in society and your worth as a human being. And in the world of Game of Thrones, it gets even more intense. Bastards are said to have tainted blood that makes them untrustworthy and cursed in the eyes of the gods.
To fill you in on all the particulars in regard to bastardry in the Seven Kingdoms, HBO has released this featurette that explains how it works when noble folk have children born out of wedlock.
Bastards are so prominently featured in George R.R. Martin’s work that they almost got their own division in our March Madness Game of Thrones Tournament. Who’s a bastard and who’s legitimate may play a big part in shaping the events of Season 5. Otherwise, why would HBO throw out this nice educational video leading up to the premiere on Sunday, April 12?
Source: HBO
