Matthew Brake (M.Div., Regent University) is the series editor for the Theology and Pop Culture series and runs the Popular Culture and Theology blog.

This is a volume that showcases a number of truly excellent, insightful, and provocative essays (in all the best ways) that explore the theological subtexts and religious themes that have been interwoven throughout George R.R. Martin’s masterful fantasy novels, A Song of Ice and Fire, and in the derivative HBO series, Game of Thrones. Popular fiction has always engaged the cultural landscapes familiar to its audience, and the fantasy world by Martin is no exception. In particular, and as revealed in the essays within this volume, the character dramas and social tensions that are set in this world take inspiration from Biblical themes (but not only!) of sin, guilt, damnation, and repentance. Truly, these works are a genre-defining collection of essays, and they should enjoy a wide readership of academics and non-academics alike.

• Introduction: Sex, Violence, and Theology in the World of Ice and Fire Matthew BrakePart I: Power and Sacred Institutions in the Seven Kingdoms1. Seasons Change and “Winter is Coming”: Patterning in Game of Thrones and the Hebrew Bible Eric X. Jarrard2. Targaryen Exceptionalism and Politics in the Sacred Structures of WesterosMollie Gossage and Edgar Valles3. Guest Rights and Gods: Historical Hospitium in Game of Thrones Katy KriegerPart II: Ecclesiology of Thrones4. What is Dead May Never Die: The Drowned God and Jesus’ Call to Discipleship Shaun C. Brown5. Ragamuffins Bound by the Word: The Ecclesiology of the Night’s Watch Drew McIntyrePart III: Augustine Goes to Westeros6. Night Kings and Shadow Assassins: Reflections on Death, Evil, and Privation Mark Wiebe 7. The Faith of the Seven and Faith in the Trinity David Mahfood Part IV: Dispatches from Essos: Pluralism and Orientalism in the World of Ice and Fire8. Is Hinduism Present in Game of Thrones? Jeffery D. Long9. “

Matthew Brake (M.Div., Regent University) is the series editor for the Theology and Pop Culture series and runs the Popular Culture and Theology blog.

This is a volume that showcases a number of truly excellent, insightful, and provocative essays (in all the best ways) that explore the theological subtexts and religious themes that have been interwoven throughout George R.R. Martin’s masterful fantasy novels, A Song of Ice and Fire, and in the derivative HBO series, Game of Thrones. Popular fiction has always engaged the cultural landscapes familiar to its audience, and the fantasy world by Martin is no exception. In particular, and as revealed in the essays within this volume, the character dramas and social tensions that are set in this world take inspiration from Biblical themes (but not only!) of sin, guilt, damnation, and repentance. Truly, these works are a genre-defining collection of essays, and they should enjoy a wide readership of academics and non-academics alike.

• Introduction: Sex, Violence, and Theology in the World of Ice and Fire Matthew BrakePart I: Power and Sacred Institutions in the Seven Kingdoms1. Seasons Change and “Winter is Coming”: Patterning in Game of Thrones and the Hebrew Bible Eric X. Jarrard2. Targaryen Exceptionalism and Politics in the Sacred Structures of WesterosMollie Gossage and Edgar Valles3. Guest Rights and Gods: Historical Hospitium in Game of Thrones Katy KriegerPart II: Ecclesiology of Thrones4. What is Dead May Never Die: The Drowned God and Jesus’ Call to Discipleship Shaun C. Brown5. Ragamuffins Bound by the Word: The Ecclesiology of the Night’s Watch Drew McIntyrePart III: Augustine Goes to Westeros6. Night Kings and Shadow Assassins: Reflections on Death, Evil, and Privation Mark Wiebe 7. The Faith of the Seven and Faith in the Trinity David Mahfood Part IV: Dispatches from Essos: Pluralism and Orientalism in the World of Ice and Fire8. Is Hinduism Present in Game of Thrones? Jeffery D. Long9. “

Matthew Brake (M.Div., Regent University) is the series editor for the Theology and Pop Culture series and runs the Popular Culture and Theology blog.

This is a volume that showcases a number of truly excellent, insightful, and provocative essays (in all the best ways) that explore the theological subtexts and religious themes that have been interwoven throughout George R.R. Martin’s masterful fantasy novels, A Song of Ice and Fire, and in the derivative HBO series, Game of Thrones. Popular fiction has always engaged the cultural landscapes familiar to its audience, and the fantasy world by Martin is no exception. In particular, and as revealed in the essays within this volume, the character dramas and social tensions that are set in this world take inspiration from Biblical themes (but not only!) of sin, guilt, damnation, and repentance. Truly, these works are a genre-defining collection of essays, and they should enjoy a wide readership of academics and non-academics alike.

• Introduction: Sex, Violence, and Theology in the World of Ice and Fire Matthew BrakePart I: Power and Sacred Institutions in the Seven Kingdoms1. Seasons Change and “Winter is Coming”: Patterning in Game of Thrones and the Hebrew Bible Eric X. Jarrard2. Targaryen Exceptionalism and Politics in the Sacred Structures of WesterosMollie Gossage and Edgar Valles3. Guest Rights and Gods: Historical Hospitium in Game of Thrones Katy KriegerPart II: Ecclesiology of Thrones4. What is Dead May Never Die: The Drowned God and Jesus’ Call to Discipleship Shaun C. Brown5. Ragamuffins Bound by the Word: The Ecclesiology of the Night’s Watch Drew McIntyrePart III: Augustine Goes to Westeros6. Night Kings and Shadow Assassins: Reflections on Death, Evil, and Privation Mark Wiebe 7. The Faith of the Seven and Faith in the Trinity David Mahfood Part IV: Dispatches from Essos: Pluralism and Orientalism in the World of Ice and Fire8. Is Hinduism Present in Game of Thrones? Jeffery D. Long9. “