Sunday, December 26, 2021

Ponniyin Selvan vs. Game of Thrones

Most readers nowadays are more likely to be familiar with Game of Thrones compared to Ponniyin Selvan. This is such a shame because not only do those who have read both book series recommend the latter over the former, but there are also striking parallels between the characters from both stories. Here is a rundown of the characters from Ponniyin Selvan are similar to those from Game of Thrones. 


1. King Robert Baratheon - King Sundara Chola

Both are kings of their respective kingdoms, but are essentially forced to share their power with other powerful men in order to maintain peace in their empires. Their deaths spark the major conflict of both stories.


2. Cersei Lannister - Nandhini 

Strong and powerful women with great beauty from powerful families who then marry into even more powerful families to solidify their positions. Both possess an unquenchable thirst for power and can easily manipulate those around them to do their bidding. 


3. Tyrion Lannister - Vandiyathevan 

Renowned for their wit and intelligence which allow them to survive countless life-threatening situations. Both journey on great adventures across their respective empires. 


4. Jon Snow - Arulmozhi Varman

Great young warriors from powerful families who are sent away from home on important missions and are fated to become heirs to the throne despite their own wishes. 


5. Daenerys Targaryen - Kunthavai 

Intelligent princesses who do not wish to hide behind a man throughout their lives and instead plan to unite the empire under their respective kingdoms. Both are the female leads of their respective stories. 


6. Rob Stark - Aditya Karikalan 


Fearless, great warriors who are the heir to their respective father's positions. Consequently, both are the subjects of conspiracies that involve a grand ceremony. 


7. Sansa Stark - Vanadhi 

Beautiful young women from minor noble families who associate themselves with much more powerful families and even harbour fantasies of marrying kings. 


8. Joffrey Baratheon - Mathuranthagan


Potential candidates for the throne but are cowards who do not deserve to become king but still conspire with others to claim it for themselves. 


9. Varys - Aniruddha Brahmaraiyar 

Powerful courtiers with a wide network of spies that allow them to possess information that is inaccessible to anyone else in the kingdom. 


10. Ygritte - Poonguzhali

Strong young tribal women who save young men from powerful families from danger while they are far away from home and eventually fall in love with them.  


Even the most powerful families in Ponniyin Selvan parallel those in Game of Thrones


1. Pandiyans - House of Targaryen 

The previous dynasty that ruled the empire before being overthrown by a new family that joined forces with other minor noble families.


2. Cholas - House of Baratheon

The current royal family that has to align with many minor noble families in order to stay in power and maintain peace. Nevertheless, many conspire against them. 


3. Pazhuvettaraiyargal - House of Lannister

The second most powerful family in the land that controls the kingdom's economy and is thus the most powerful financially. It is essential that the royal family remain close to them to stay in power. 

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