Analyzing Postmodern Aspects of Medieval Fantasy Fiction: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire in order to demonstrate that in spite of its medieval character, Martin’s work is based on postmodern conventions and enters into a dialogue with the expectations of the twenty-first century readers. Thus, the article analyzes the structure of the narrative, the world depicted in it, and its characters. This analysis is preceded by a discussion of “fantastic neomedievalism”, particularly in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and later Tolkienesque fantasy prone to nostalgic rendition of the Middle Ages. The study is complemented by a passage on other fantasy novels which show signs of postmodern sensibility and, therefore, offer a glimpse into the process of transformation within medieval-inspired fantasy, of which Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire can be regarded as the most recent product.