The Plague That Changed the Course of ‘Game of Thrones’ History
Summary
A year after 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' season one, Westeros faces a dramatic shift not through war, but due to a devastating illness. The publication explores how this sickness alters the fate of the realm.
Key Insights
What is the Great Spring Sickness in the Game of Thrones universe?
The Great Spring Sickness was a devastating plague epidemic that struck Westeros in 209-210 AC, killing tens of thousands across the Seven Kingdoms, with particularly high mortality in cities like King's Landing where it killed four out of ten people, and claiming the lives of elderly King Daeron II and his two eldest grandsons.
How did the Great Spring Sickness impact the Targaryen succession and Westeros history?
The plague killed King Daeron II and heirs Baelor 'Breakspear' and Valarr, thrusting Maekar Targaryen toward the throne and paving the way for his descendants including Aerys II, Rhaegar, Daenerys, and Jon Snow, which influenced major events like Robert's Rebellion.