Tower of the Hand

The Boy Next Hodor

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:41:00 EST

Hodor went from working the stables to being Bran's constant companion. Beyond that, little else has been revealed about the simpleminded giant. Theon Greyjoy had once commented that Hodor did not know much, but no one could doubt that he knew his name. Old Nan had cackled like a hen when Bran told her that, and confessed that Hodor's real name was Walder. No one knew where "Hodor" had come from, she said, but when he started saying it, they started calling him by it. It was the only word he had. Where do you think "Hodor" came from? Is he a Frey, like so many others named Walder? That might also make Old Nan a Frey, since Hodor is the last of her blood. Not every character has a secret identity or suspect motives, but is it possible there's more to Hodor than it seems?

Posted Today 11:41:00 AM ET by Johnny, Comments

Betting on a Game of Thrones

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:06:00 EST

George R. R. Martin recently got a first hand look at how his book, A Game of Thrones, was being adapted for television. Martin said, "These are my characters and this is my story, and it's thrilling to see 'em come to life." Martin, however, cautioned fans to not get too thrilled. HBO has thus far ordered a single episode-- the pilot-- and plenty of other pilots have failed to become full series. But Game of Thrones is no ordinary pilot and I dare say we'll not only see an entire season, it'll be a hit, too. (Read more...)

Posted 11/9/2009 by Johnny, Comments

The Linen Anniversary

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:52:00 EST

A Feast for Crows was unleashed upon the U.S. four years ago today. So, too, was this website. That's right, Tower of the Hand is now a four-year-old. We want to thank everyone for visiting and contributing to our site. It's hard to imagine this community without your constant enthusiasm and inspired debates. 2009 has been an exciting year and we fully expect 2010 to be an even better one. We hope you stick with us! Just a warning: the front page will get a slight redesign in the next couple of weeks. And I'm still working on two major additions that I hope to deliver sooner rather than later. As always, if you have any suggestions for the site, please let us know.

Posted 11/8/2009 by Johnny, Comments

Dublin Signing Reports

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:33:00 EST

George R. R. Martin posts a Not a Blog from Ireland, offering high praise for the cast and production: "Yes, some things are not exactly as they were in the books, that's inevitable with any adaptation... but these are my characters and this is my story, and it's thrilling to see 'em come to life." GRRM also confirms which scenes have been shot, which I can now add to our new Locations Gallery. GRRM also reports on his signings and meetups in Belfast and Dublin. JacMac30 posted some video of the Belfast moot where GRRM says HBO will decide on the series' fate by March and that it's possible Game of Thrones may get a two-season order. Winter Is Coming and the ASOIAF Forum have more on Dublin.

Posted 11/6/2009 by Johnny, Comments

The Belfast Moot Reports

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:52:00 EST

After the Belfast book signing, several fans met up at a separate moot with George R. R. Martin and various cast and crew members, including Esme Bianco, Rory McCann, and visual effects producer Julia Frey. Plenty of reactions from and about the cast at the ASOIAF Forum and Winter Is Coming. Adam Whitehead of The Wertzone provides the most salient details on Game of Thrones' odds: One slightly "Huh?" moment that got lost in the mix was George cautioning that it's just a pilot so it might not get picked up, but then he said it might get a one-season order or it might get a two-season order! He didn't say any more about that (presumably miniscule and highly unlikely) possibility though. And progress on A Dance with Dragons: GRRM repeated that he had over 1100 MS pages but more were needed. He hoped not too much more and was very happy with the progress he'd made over the last few months. He confirmed that part of the Meereenese Knot is related to the timeline of events of people showing up and departing in the right place to track with the other books, but it's all coming together.

Posted 11/4/2009 by Johnny, Comments

From Sharpe to Game of Thrones

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:51:00 EST

One of Sean Bean's first major roles was as Richard Sharpe in a British television adaptation of the Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell. Sharpe fan Jon Hunter started a site to cover the series and the show: Sharpe Books. With Sean Bean now tackling a new role, Jon decided to launch a separate site to cover his growing interest in that show: Game of Thrones. It's great to see Game of Thrones getting more attention, especially from unique perspectives. Welcome, Jon!

Posted 11/3/2009 by Johnny, Comments

Deadliest Warrior Semifinals

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:09:00 EST

After many hard-fought battles, sixteen of Westeros' finest warriors have been whittled down, one by one, until only four remained standing. MikeLight77 reports on the semifinals below. Now the final championship begins. Who will take the crown? Vote now! (Read more...)

Posted 11/3/2009 by Johnny, Comments

Belfast Signing Reports

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:42:00 EST

From left to right: Ron Donachie (Rodrik), Alfie Owen-Allen (Theon), Kit Harington (Jon Snow), George R. R. Martin, Sophie Turner (Sansa), Maisie Williams (Arya), Richard Madden (Robb). Photo copyright (c) Parris, via Westeros.org. The Wertzone has a detailed report of George R. R. Martin's appearance in Belfast today. Also in attendance were the actors portraying Robb, Sansa, Arya, Jon Snow, Theon, and Ser Rodrik. Everyone appears to be getting along well and pleased by the filming so far. HBO seems especially excited by all the attention: A lady from HBO was there and seemed delighted with all the excitement over the books. She said they'd had a big talk with George to see how happy he was with filming so far, and he said he thought everything was going great. HBO seems to be running a lot of things past George to ensure the series remains true to the books and his vision, and HBO are very respectful of that. Additional accounts of the signing can be found at Winter Is Coming, the ASOIAF Forum, and the Belfast Telegraph. For those in the area, GRRM also has a signing in Dublin on November 5, and in London on November 11. Complete details here.

Posted 11/3/2009 by Johnny, Comments

A Bran New Adventure

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:43:00 EST

When we last saw Bran Stark, Samwell Tarly was leading the boy and his companions through the Black Gate at the command of a strange man we know as "Coldhands." But Coldhands' true identity isn't the only mystery facing Bran. He's searching for the Three-Eyed Crow, dreaming of flying, and mind-controlling Summer and Hodor, but can't explain why. There's even a possibility he may reunite with Jon Snow or the long-lost Benjen Stark. What do you think will happen to Bran next? How far North will Bran travel and will he return to the Wall in A Dance with Dragons?

Posted 11/2/2009 by Johnny, Comments

Open Thread, NaNoWriMo

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:31:00 EST

November is National Novel Writing Month and NaNoWriMo challenges aspiring authors to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel in thirty days. Is anyone taking part this year? If you've attempted the contest previously, how far did you get? I love hearing from writers, NaNoWriMo participants or otherwise, and I hope you'll share your novel ideas and progress. This is an open thread, so feel free to discuss whatever else in your mind: World Series picks, disaster flicks, or even potential ASOIAF topics.

Posted 11/1/2009 by Johnny, Comments

Costume Photo, Tidbits

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:08:00 EST

What better way to celebrate Halloween than a costume update from Game of Thrones? Louie Pastore, part of the Clanranald Trust's "Combat International" fight stunts team, posts what appears to be the first picture of an official costume. That is stuntman Scott Macmaster dressed as a Baratheon guard. Rimshot, an extra in Northern Ireland, also praises the costumes: "I have worked on loads of films and worn loads of costumes and those I saw yesterday were some of the highest quality I have ever seen (wait till you see the armour!)" Follow the Game of Thrones news as it happens over at Westeros.org and Winter Is Coming.

Posted 10/31/2009 by Johnny, Comments

The Gathering Storm

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:19:00 EST

After Robert Jordan died two years ago, Brandon Sanderson was chosen to complete the epic Wheel of Time series. Jordan expected the twelfth and final book to be a massive novel called "A Memory of Light." Sanderson opted to split the story into three volumes. (If that sounds familiar, rest assured, Sanderson referenced A Feast for Crows when he thoroughly explained the decision.) Today marks the release of the first volume, The Gathering Storm. If you're reading the book, let us know how it is and how Sanderson's writing style compares to Jordan's. Does the series regain the focus that some of the latter books seem to be missing? Would you still recommend Wheel of Time to ASOIAF fans?

Posted 10/27/2009 by Johnny, Comments

Sailing from the Free GeoCities

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST

With GeoCities permanently going offline today, I compiled a (likely incomplete) list of the Ice and Fire fansites hosted by the once venerable service. Visit these sites now, for they will be gone tomorrow. Update: Most of the sites are gone now, but an archived copy may still be available, as suggested in the comments. (Read more...)

Posted 10/26/2009 by Johnny, Comments

Doune Castle as Winterfell

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST

Game of Thrones started filming over the weekend at Doune Castle, a Scottish castle that now doubles as Winterfell. The Lost Fort tours the castle to help us visualize Winterfell. Many of the actors are there now, shooting the Great Hall scene from the pilot. Winter Is Coming is providing regular updates on the shoot, tirelessly collecting eye-witness accounts and photos from the ASOIAF forum and Twitter. George R. R. Martin is also on hand to observe and film a cameo. Now that he's met the real life faces behind his characters, he's started to regret all "all the horrors that they're going to have to go through in the months and years to come, thanks to me." Crakehall from the ASOIAF forum snapped a photo of GRRM outside the castle.

Posted 10/26/2009 by Johnny, Comments

What's New: 2008 April 22

2008 April 22: Revised Chapter 64 of A Storm of Swords and related pages.