SPOILER ALERT! If you’re only thinking of starting Game of Thrones now, turn back before it’s too late.

Life sucks. I know that sounds a little cynical, but let me explain. As a teenager in high school, life seems short and gloomy, but in comparison to a Game of Thrones character, we have it good.

For those of you who obsess over Game of Thrones, you know what I mean. No one seems to make it past the age of 35, and each death is more and more violent. But looking past the blood and guts, Game of Thrones actually has some relevant life lessons. And no, it’s not just to reject your invitation to the Red Wedding. ROBB PLEASE I MISS YOU!

As much as Game of Thrones is a fantasy TV show, and Westeros isn’t a real place, the show teaches us valuable lessons about what really happens in life.

• Lust for power ultimately leads to failure

Queen Cersei said it best in Season One: “In the game of thrones, you either win or you die.” Well, she’s still alive, so she must be winning. But this theme creates not only wars but a perpetual state of competition between all the major houses.

This theme is most present in the ‘War of the Five Kings’ in Season One between House Baratheon, House Lannister, House Stark and that one old guy from the Iron Islands. (SPOILER ALERT: No one cared about him). All five ‘kings’ were fighting for the control of the Seven Kingdoms, and it ultimately led to all of their deaths.

It also exemplifies how the lust for power can easily turn into corruption.  As much as we all enjoyed Joffrey’s death in Season Four, it only happened because of the corrupt souls behind the plot: Petyr Baelish and Olenna Tyrell. These two have got to be some of the most devious and dangerous people in all of Westeros.

This recurring theme of the struggle for power shows us that in life there is only space for one on the peak of the mountain…or on the Iron Throne.

• The value of loyalty

Loyalty isn’t easy to identify in this show. Alliances are made and broken at every turn.

But the ‘good’ guys and the ‘bad’ guys aren’t as black and white as they might be in other fantasy series, like Lord of the Rings. In other series, the writers identify the villains by their ugly personalities, sneering faces and black clothes, but George R.R. Martin, the author of the Song of Ice and Fire series, completely changed those cliches.

The men of the Night’s Watch are ‘criminal scum’ who have submitted to a life of cold and darkness at the end of the world. And their black uniforms are supposed to make them villains by the old ‘hero vs. villian’ standards…right? But actually, the men of the Night’s Watch have given us some of our most beloved characters, Jon Snow being one of them.

While on the other hand, the Kingsguard wears white, representing the supposed pure and good. NOPE. The Kingsguard is one of the most corrupt groups in the show. Led by the ‘Lord Commander’, there have been some absolutely horrific members.

This teaches us exactly how hard it is the identify our true friends in real life. In high school especially, we don’t know who’s here to support us and who is just waiting for you to leave the room so they can talk behind your back. Game of Thrones offers insight on the true nature of humanity. No one is completely good or completely bad.

• Role of religion

Religion is one of the most easily identified themes in Game of Thrones. From the Faith of the Seven to R’hllor, faith controls many plotlines throughout the series.

The three most discussed religions are:

1. Faith of the Seven: the predominant religion in Westeros. It’s kind of like the polytheistic  Ancient Greek religion because it circles around seven gods that each represent a life value. They are the Father, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Smith, Warrior, and Stranger.

2. Old Gods of the Forest: This is the religion of the Northern kingdoms. It focused on these unnamed spirits of nature. In every major house, there will be a small forest called the ‘weirwood’, where citizens will come for quiet contemplation.

3. R’hllor: Otherwise known as the Lord of Light, Melisandre is the most pictured believer of this faith. And despite her treacherous and sacrificial ways, recently everyone has been praising Melisandre and her beloved Lord of Light. Because she BROUGHT JON SNOW BACK FROM THE DEAD! Bless.

But these conflicting faiths within the show are supposed to represent our world’s own struggles with religion. Even within the seven kingdoms,  there are over 15 different religions and many more gods. As important religion is on this show, it does not serve as a barrier to progress and change.

• Gender roles in society

For Game of Thrones being a ‘middle ages’ show, it is surprisingly progressive. Women are allowed to be in the Kingsguard, fight for their families, and even rule. That’s a huge step up from the real Middle Ages.

But as forward thinking as Game of Thrones is, they still don’t let us forget the real world gap between the sexes. For example, Yara, the daughter of Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands, is currently fighting to become the ‘lord’ of her house. Even though she is the eldest heir the Iron Islands, she is being denied her right to rule because she is a woman.

For every step forward in the game of women’s rights, there are just as many steps back. It’s important to not forget discrimination that people around us face everyday for many different reasons. Even though we are all separate individuals, we all deserve equality.  

Whether you live in Westeros or Apple Valley, Game of Thrones offers explanations to some of life’s most complex ideas. So hopefully, I haven’t spoiled too much of the show for you. For the 50+ hours I’ve spent with these characters, I like to think the life lessons I’ve learned make it worth my time. From oppressive queens to wise teachers, everyone has something to offer, both in the world of Game of Thrones and out.