Ever since, we got to know that Game of Thrones last season will release on 14th April 2019, we all have been desperately waiting for it. We are all trying to stay hopeful for our favourite characters but deep down there is this undying tension that they might die. Why is it that we fear that we will not get a happy ending or at least get anything which will be remotely happy? It is because we know that it is a Nihilistic show!
What is Nihilism?
It is a philosophical belief that everything that happens in life is meaningless therefore, there are no grounds for beliefs in religion, afterlife or any moral values. It is no doubt a very creepy viewpoint which undoubtedly robs away any hope for solace in life. It was first discussed by Buddha (563 B.C. to 483 B.C) who recognized its repercussions those who hold these views will not see the danger in misconduct and the blessings in good conduct and will, therefore, avoid good bodily, verbal and mental conduct; practicing misconduct instead.
How is Game of Thrones Nihilist?
Game of Thrones is very much a power play but it’s also a journey that teaches its character to transcend said power play by playing into nihilism. Indeed, the realization that there are no gods (save for the Lord of Light who seems real enough), there’s no purpose, indeed as The Hound realized in S07E01 there’s no “divine justice”. That is pretty nihilistic. But the show requires these realizations of its character so that they can assess their humanity and what they truly value. This delves deeper on a structural level. All characters are rebels in some form, it keeps them pro-active and they need to question their world to drive plot. Even more so in Game of Thrones which plays with power structures in societal hierarchy and oppressive systems. Best example is Sansa who is grinded by the power plays and learns that what she desires is actually family and home. And on top of that, the entire show does preach higher meanings and divine justice especially on moral grounds. Revenge is done, justice is served, though certainly very few characters see this happening for themselves. Only those that learn to value love and equality seem to escape the hunger for power.
So, there is little hope that we will get the ending we desire but still I would recommend everyone to keep their fingers crossed because there is still a chance for a happy ending!