What is a Fortnight in Game of Thrones?
For those who are not familiar with the medieval-inspired world of Game of Thrones, the term "fortnight" might seem like an obscure and archaic concept. However, for fans of the show and book series, a fortnight is a crucial unit of time that plays a significant role in the narrative. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of a fortnight in Game of Thrones and explore its significance in the world of Westeros.
What is a Fortnight?
A fortnight is a period of 14 days, which is equivalent to two weeks. In the context of Game of Thrones, a fortnight is often used to measure the passage of time, particularly in relation to the scheduling of events, battles, and festivals. The term is derived from the Old English words "fort" meaning "four" and "niht" meaning "night", which together imply a period of 14 nights or 14 days.
Significance of Fortnights in Game of Thrones
In the world of Game of Thrones, fortnights are used to plan and coordinate various events, such as battles, tournaments, and feasts. Here are some examples of how fortnights are used in the show:
- Battles and Sieges: Fortnights are often used to plan and execute battles and sieges. For instance, the Battle of the Blackwater Bay, which took place in Season 2, was fought over a period of several fortnights.
- Tournaments and Feasts: Fortnights are used to schedule tournaments and feasts, such as the Tourney of the Hand in Season 1, which was held over a period of several fortnights.
- Royal Decrees and Proclamations: Fortnights are used to issue royal decrees and proclamations, such as the decree issued by King Robert Baratheon in Season 1, which called for the gathering of the lords of the Seven Kingdoms.
Table: Examples of Fortnights in Game of Thrones
| Event | Duration | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Battle of the Blackwater Bay | 2-3 fortnights | Decisive battle in the War of the Five Kings |
| Tourney of the Hand | 2 fortnights | Tournament held to celebrate the Hand of the King |
| King Robert’s Decree | 1 fortnight | Call to gather the lords of the Seven Kingdoms |
| The Red Wedding | 1 fortnight | Betrayal and massacre of the Stark army |
Fortnights and the Calendar of Westeros
In the world of Game of Thrones, the calendar is based on the solar year, with each year consisting of 12 months. The months are:
- Harrowing: The first month of the year, which falls in the spring
- Flowering: The second month, which falls in the spring
- Haying: The third month, which falls in the summer
- Harvest: The fourth month, which falls in the autumn
- Hunting: The fifth month, which falls in the autumn
- Winter: The sixth month, which falls in the winter
- Storming: The seventh month, which falls in the winter
- Frosts: The eighth month, which falls in the winter
- Snows: The ninth month, which falls in the winter
- Thawing: The tenth month, which falls in the spring
- Greening: The eleventh month, which falls in the spring
- Long Night: The twelfth month, which falls in the winter
Conclusion
In conclusion, a fortnight is a significant unit of time in the world of Game of Thrones, used to measure the passage of time and plan events, battles, and festivals. The term is derived from Old English and is equivalent to two weeks. Fortnights play a crucial role in the narrative of the show, and understanding their significance is essential for fans of the series.