6 Series of Medieval Fantasy
Welcome once again to the All Stremio cinema and series blog, this time I want us to explore together the epic universe of medieval fantasy series that I love so much. In the vast world of television entertainment, medieval fantasy series stand as true bastions of epic narratives, where magic, political intrigue, and colossal battles intertwine in imaginary worlds rich in history and mythology. If you’re into this theme, don’t miss out on the following series.
Game of Thrones
Based on George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series of novels (I wonder if he’ll manage to finish the books), “Game of Thrones” unfolds in the vast continent of Westeros, where several noble houses vie for the Iron Throne and control of the Seven Kingdoms. From the intriguing King’s Landing to the icy lands beyond the Wall, the series immerses us in a brutally realistic world where politics are as sharp as swords.
One of the most outstanding features of “Game of Thrones” is its deep exploration of characters, ranging from honorable nobles to Machiavellian schemers. Through surprising twists and shifting alliances, the series constantly challenges viewer expectations. One thing I learned from this series is not to get attached to any character; who knows if they’ll make it to tomorrow.
In addition to its intricate political plot, “Game of Thrones” spares no expense; it’s a true blockbuster with exciting action scenes where you can witness impressive battles, beautiful landscapes, and incredible scenes because everything in this series is carefully crafted and of enormous quality that you can enjoy in every detail.
Unfortunately, everything ends, even the good things, but this should not be a reason for sorrow. If you love the entire Game of Thrones universe, you have at your disposal the prequel that is still airing, which happens to be the next series we’re going to talk about.
House of the Dragon
Based on George R.R. Martin’s novel “Fire & Blood,” “House of the Dragon” is a prequel to “Game of Thrones” that tells the story of the legendary House Targaryen, one of the most powerful and emblematic families in Westeros. Set three hundred years before the events of the original series, the series promises to explore the rise to power of House Targaryen, as well as the intrigues, betrayals, and battles that defined its legacy.
Right now, you have the first season available, and the second is expected to premiere on June 16, 2024, so I would start watching the first one soon to get hooked on the story fresh. We all know that with these series, one gets lost with the names of so many distant relatives, so take advantage of the fact that it’s premiering soon to start watching it.
The Witcher
Based on the popular novels and video games by Andrzej Sapkowski, “The Witcher” follows the adventures of the lone monster hunter Geralt of Rivia in a world plagued by supernatural creatures, realms in conflict, and dark magic. The series has a unique and perfect mix of action, humor, and love, embodied in our dear Henry Cavill, who unfortunately will only be in it until the third season, in the following ones, he will be replaced by Liam Hemsworth; let’s hope the guy lives up to it.
One of the standout strengths of “The Witcher” is its focus on the mythology and culture of its fictional world, which feels authentic and vibrant in every detail. From the dark forests of Brokilon to the majestic cities like Cintra and Novigrad, each location is richly developed and full of history.
In addition to its captivating setting, “The Witcher” shines thanks to its complex and charismatic characters, from the cynical and taciturn Geralt to the powerful sorceress Yennefer and the young princess Ciri. As their destinies intertwine in an epic struggle between good and evil, viewers are taken on an exciting journey full of unexpected twists and shocking revelations.
While you mourn Henry Cavill leaving and the fourth season won’t premiere until who knows when (Netflix has indefinitely postponed the premiere), you can console yourself with another prequel to this wonderful world and also learn about the origin of the witchers.
The Witcher: Blood Origin
It’s a prequel to the successful series “The Witcher,” which explores the origins of the first Witcher and the events that shaped the world of the continent long before Geralt of Rivia arrived. Set in a world of elves, humans, and monsters, the series promises to offer a new vision of the rich history and mythology of “The Witcher” universe, with political intrigues, epic battles, and powerful magic.
It’s just one season, so you can enjoy it as a little appetizer until the fourth season of The Witcher arrives.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
I know I’m getting into a controversial series; for the purists and lovers of Tolkien’s works, this series is something that should never have existed; for me, I’m of the opinion that it’s not the best thing I’ve seen, but I like the theme and I think it’s fine, so here I am to watch the second season.
Now, with the band-aid put on before the wound, let me comment a bit.
“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”: an ambitious series that transports us to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, thousands of years before the events narrated in the books and Peter Jackson’s films, specifically to the Second Age of Middle-earth. This production, probably the most expensive ever made for television, came to the small screen through Amazon Prime Video.
The series explores a period of relative peace, before the resurgence of evil and the forging of the Rings of Power. The series features a diverse cast, with known characters such as Galadriel, Elrond, and Isildur, alongside new heroes and villains. Galadriel, played by Morfydd Clark, embarks on a quest to eradicate the evil lurking in Middle-earth. Isildur, played by Maxim Baldry, is a young human who will play a crucial role in the story.
The series is not limited to Middle-earth; it also takes us to the Sundering Isles, home of the Númenóreans, a powerful and advanced human civilization that is in relative decline, from which we will see its eventual downfall, a crucial event in the history of Middle-earth.
As I mentioned at the beginning, this first season has received quite a few criticisms; let’s see how the second season develops.
The Wheel of Time
Based on Robert Jordan’s legendary series of novels, “The Wheel of Time” stands as one of the most anticipated adaptations of the fantasy genre on television. With a vast and complex universe spanning multiple realms, powerful magical forces, and an epic narrative that stretches over thousands of years, this series promises to take viewers on an exciting journey full of mystery, intrigue, and heroism.
In this world, time is an endless wheel, where the past, present, and future are intertwined in an intricate pattern woven by the One Power. The story follows a group of young people, known as the Ta’veren, who are destined to play a crucial role in the fight against the forces of the Dark One, a malevolent entity seeking to dominate the world and break the wheel of time.
I must say that this series is the one that seems a bit more cheesy in terms of technical means, which doesn’t make it bad, but it’s more difficult to compare with the rest of the series. In any case, you’re going to love it.
That’s it for my selection of 6 medieval fantasy series. Remember that you can watch content like this and much more on Stremio. If you don’t know what it is, here’s a guide:
