Just like Westeros, but Without the Bloody Shock Scenes: This Series is Almost like 'Game of Thrones', but from Korea
There are no thrones, but the struggle for power is still the same.
We live in an era where fantasy is not only swords and dragons, but also gigabytes of CGI, tons of pathos and a mandatory checklist of a progressive agenda. Most series of the genre have become similar to each other — they sound the same, look the same and are forgotten equally quickly.
But sometimes, out of nowhere, something fresh, bold and surprisingly adult appears. All this is about Arthdal Chronicles — a South Korean series that is strangely ignored by those who still re-watch Game of Thrones.
What kind of beast is Arthdal?
Fantasy, but not Western. Politics, but not on the surface. Magic, but almost without magic. The world of "Arthdal" is built on myths, bronze and blood. An alliance of human tribes fights with ancient Neanderthal clans, where courage is not a pose, but a way to survive. The plot is simple: war, massacred people, surviving half-breeds and a prophecy about a new hero. And then — a struggle for power, intrigues in the capital, a cult, priests, secret alliances and one fate that changes everything.
There is a Tyrion, Daenerys and Varys
Tagon is a brilliant military leader, cunning and charismatic, like Jaime Lannister without regrets. His father is a gray cardinal. The priestesses of the cult hit on the brains, like in Dune. And the half-breed twin, who grew up in the forests, seems destined for the throne. The heroes are not perfect — they are smart, vengeful, vulnerable. Everyone plays their own game, where friends betray, and enemies become allies. Everything is like in Westeros, only without the constant bloody shock scenes.
Fantasy without vulgarity and CGI overdose
The visuals are a sight to behold. The picture seems to be hand-drawn, the world is dense and real. The scenery is grandiose, the costumes have soul, special effects are minimal, and that's all the better for it. There is no falsehood here, just as there are no pink ponies with plastic dialogues. This is not a fairy tale — it's a myth. Not teenage love, but an adult drama. Everything is on the edge — but not too much.
And yet - why does no one watch it?
Perhaps it's because of its Korean origin. Perhaps it's because of the marketing. But The Arthdal Chronicles deserves a second chance. Not as a clone of Game of Thrones, but as its quiet, verified antipode. Just as ambitious. Just as dark. But, perhaps, even more honest.
