10. Sansa Stark Draws From Anne Neville & Elizabeth Of York
Sansa Stark, Joffrey’s intended early in the series, actually bears many similarities to Anne Neville, Edward of Lancaster’s wife. Anne Neville became something of a prize bride after her father and brother died in battle, making her the heir to a large estate. This is much like how Sansa is constantly being noted to be the key to The North in Game of Thrones. After Anne’s first husband Edward died in battle, she was married to Richard III, so he could secure her wealth and land, and became Queen of England.
Later Anne died, and many believed it may have been the doing of Richard III in order to marry his niece, Elizabeth of York. Oddly enough, Sansa shares similarities to Elizabeth as well. Elizabeth was the sister to two younger brothers, who quite literally disappeared. They were locked in a tower and then just vanished from history. This is similar to Bran and Rickon, who both have now reappeared, but who were previously in hiding.
When Henry Tudor crossed the sea and took the throne, he married Elizabeth, as she had strong claim to the throne herself and he wanted to win the support of the Yorks. This ended the War of the Roses. While we don’t know how Game of Thrones ends, it will be interesting to see if Sansa plays a part in the end game, much like how Elizabeth did.
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