About 30-40 NE students attended A Rhetoric of Ice and Fire: The Appeal of Ethos in Westeros Sept. 25.

The concept focuses on the use of language and power in the popular novel and television show Game of Thrones.

“Westeros is a separate continent located in the far west of where action in the Game of Thrones series takes place,” English associate professor Edwardo Perez said.

Ethos in Westeros is the idea of power, aspirations, values and beliefs, where culture is largely based on family structure, Perez said.

Marriage in real life means one promises to love that person till death, Perez said.

“In the Game of Thrones, for example, it redefines that meaning, and it becomes a source of power where marriage is arranged,” he said.

Another example of ethos is “The Night’s Watch,” a military-like order where an oath is taken to protect and serve the mile-long ice wall structure that separates the kingdoms, Perez said. He then explained what this ethos in Westeros conveys.

“In the Game of Thrones, intimidation, violence, destruction and anger are all expressed,” he said.

— Lariza Moreno