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House of the Dragon is a highly anticipated American television series set in the world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series. The show takes place 300 years before the events of the original series and focuses on the rise of House Targaryen in Westeros. While the show is produced in the United States, it has a significant following in the UK, where it is broadcast on several channels. In this post, we will explore some of the British English used in House of the Dragon.
Accents
One of the most significant ways that British English is featured in House of the Dragon is through the accents of the characters. While the show is set in a fictional world, many of the actors use British accents to give their characters a distinct voice. For example, Olivia Cooke, who plays Alicent Hightower, uses a refined British accent, while Emma D’Arcy, who plays Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, speaks with a more neutral accent.
Old English
Since House of the Dragon is set in a medieval-inspired world, the show also features some Old English language and terminology. For example, the show refers to knights as “ser,” which is a medieval title used in the UK. Additionally, characters use Old English terms such as “maester” to refer to learned scholars and “lord” to refer to a nobleman.
Cultural references
House of the Dragon is set in a fictional world, but it draws heavily on medieval European history and culture, including British history. The show features references to British castles, such as the Tower of London, as well as British customs and traditions, such as the coronation ceremony. These cultural references add depth and richness to the show’s world-building.
Medieval English slang
Like any show set in a particular time period, House of the Dragon features its share of medieval English slang and colloquialisms. Some of these terms are specific to the show’s world, such as “dragonlord” for a Targaryen ruler, while others are borrowed from real-world medieval English, such as “mummers” for traveling performers.
British guest stars
House of the Dragon features several British actors in key roles, including Matt Smith, who plays Prince Daemon Targaryen, and Rhys Ifans, who plays Otto Hightower. These actors bring their own unique British accents and perspectives to the show, adding to its richness and complexity.
In conclusion, House of the Dragon is a show that draws heavily on medieval European history and culture, including British history and language. From the British accents of the characters to the Old English terminology and cultural references, the show reflects the global nature of its audience and the entertainment industry as a whole. These elements add to the show’s depth and complexity, helping to make House of the Dragon a highly anticipated and beloved series.
