A Song of Dan and Josh: Eddard XV and Catelyn IX

We’re back with more A Song of Dan and Josh, the show where myself and FanSided editor Josh Hill talk through each and every chapter of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. This week, we’re breaking down Eddard XV and Catelyn IX, a pair of chapters from A Game of Thrones, the first book in the series. Let the discussion and debate begin!

What topics do we explore? I’m glad you asked.

• This is the final Eddard chapter ever! Would first-time readers have picked that up?
• Martin shows his grasp of irony here. Varys offers Ned a choice: hold to the truth and surely be killed, or lie in an attempt to save his own life and, more importantly, the life of his daughter Sansa. Ned finally compromises his principals in front of the Sept of Baelor…and it doesn’t matter, because Joffrey executes him anyway.
• Varys claims to Ned that he serves the realm, “and the realm needs peace.” Is that truly what Varys believes? We try to untangle his motives?
• The Catelyn chapter introduces us to Walder Frey, who is delightfully depraved. Martin smothers him in personality. Although at this point, neither of us can read about him without picturing David Bradley; kudos, sir.
• Longtime viewer Julie Davies sent in a terrific comment criticizing Catelyn’s behavior in this chapter, and in general. We talk through it. Did Catelyn make a bad deal with Walder Frey on Robb’s behalf? What about her lifelong hatred of Jon Snow? Catelyn’s on trial today!
• Somehow, Walder Frey inspires a discussion of whether A Song of Ice and Fire is “timeless.” What do you think?

We’ll be back on Wednesday, August 1 with more of our Song of Ice and Fire read-through; feel free to join us when we stream it live on our Facebook page! Next on the docket is Jon VIII and Daenerys VII. We’re coming up on the end of the first book here!

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