One of the most epic sagas of modern times, 'A Song of Ice and Fire', which inspired Game of Thrones, was born thanks to a sudden, almost frightening flash of inspiration from George R.R. Martin. In 1991, disillusioned with Hollywood, where his scripts were constantly being rewritten, Martin returned to writing books, and then it all started.
The writer was working on the science fiction novel 'Avalon' when a vivid and terrifying image suddenly appeared in his head: a headless man, direwolves, and snow.
This scene, as the author recalled, “was so strongly and vividly etched into his consciousness” that he could not ignore it. He wrote it down, and literally in three days, one scene turned into the first chapter. Thus began a journey into the world of Westeros — harsh, majestic, and full of intrigue. In just one summer, Martin wrote more than a hundred pages, exploring the fictional universe and it's heroes.
Interestingly, Game of Thrones was originally conceived as a short story. But as soon as the author began to delve into the history of the great houses and their ambitions, a whole universe unfolded before him.
“I started researching these families, and the world seemed to come alive on its own,” he recalled.
It is important that Martin never worked according to strict plans. He preferred to let stories flow naturally, developing from one vivid image to the next. This is how 'A Song of Ice and Fire' was born — a grand saga that inspired the cult HBO series.
So, from one random “scary” idea, a great story about power, love and betrayal was born, which captured the hearts of millions around the world.
