Feasting with crows: Impressions from the 4th volume
The world of fantasy as we know it, lies in tatters. Heroes are dead whilst crows are feasting on their corpses. George R. R. Martin stepped over every possible line that demarcated what had been known as the genre of fantasy. Is it possible to save the world of fantasy from ever-pervading irony? Is it possible for the world of fantasy to reborn? Martin deliberately began with Eddard Stark, a typical high-fantasy character, who was cast in a medieval-like setting typical for the genre. Unfortunately for Eddard, a lot had changed in the world of fantasy. Virtuous characters like Aragorn, Ged or Conan are not rewarded for their deeds anymore - their virtue is the cause of their downfall. Eddard’s devotion to the old ways not only caused his death but also brought war and unstability to the Seven Kingdoms. Sure, you may say that Eddard acted like a true hero and followed his fantastical-categorical imperative. Yet can you see the consequences? Not only Martin changed our perceptio...