Game of Thrones is one of the most famous fantasy stories in modern pop culture. It began as an epic book series titled A Song of Ice and Fire, written by the American author George R.R. Martin starting in 1996. The story takes place on the imaginary continents of Westeros and Essos, where seasons can last for years or even decades. The main plot follows several powerful noble families as they compete, make alliances, and fight dangerous wars to gain control of the Iron Throne and rule the Seven Kingdoms.