9 periods in Westeros history perfect for another Game of Thrones spinoff
By Michael East
The Doom of Valyria
The Doom of Valyria was a cataclysmic event that occurred around four hundred years before the War of the Five Kings. It destroyed the city-state of Valyria, shattered the Valyrian Freehold, and changed the shape of the world of ice and fire forever. The Doom saw an eruption of volcanoes that decimated the entire eastern continent, leaving only ruins behind. The flames flared so hot even dragons burned to death.
This event created several new political entities, including the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, and drove many survivors west to Essos, where they eventually established new colonies such as Braavos. The Doom extinguished numerous houses, while others lost much of their power and prominence.
The Targaryens were a Valyrian house that saw the Doom coming and managed to survive. By the end, they were left as the only Dragonriders in the world and settled on Dragonstone. The Doom also created several new religions, such as the Faith of the Seven, as people looked to find meaning in the catastrophic event.
The Doom of Valyria has massive potential as a spinoff. The story of House Targaryen could be told in more detail, from their origins in Old Valyria to their eventual flight to Dragonstone. Other Houses could also be explored in greater depth, as they have roots on Essos. The Doom would provide a perfect opportunity to show how these Houses rose to prominence in the aftermath of the cataclysm.
The show could be split into two major parts, with the Doom featuring throughout the first half and the recovery being the second half. The Free Cities of Essos could also be explored in more detail. The rise of Braavos, for example, could be a key storyline, as it was founded by refugees from the Valyrian freehold.
The Doom of Valyria would be a brave choice for HBO as it would be far less centered on war than Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Instead, it would focus on the human reaction to the great suffering caused by a natural disaster, which would allow the show to comment on dealing with climate change and refugees.