Author Archives: Valkyrist

VoK 110: KrakenKast – “The Watchers on the Wall” (S04E09 Review)

Posted on June 11, 2014 | Leave a comment

THE KRAKEN LAUNCHES ITS ASSAULT! Aussie & Asia-Pacific vassals Duncan (Valkyrist), Jessica (jesicka309), Bing (Shoeshiner), Tony (The Reader), Joseph (Ciao_Gamer), and Tanja (Scilens) review the ninth episode of Game of Thrones’ fourth season, entitled “The Watchers on the Wall.”

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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KrakenKast typically records on Tuesday at 7:00pm (AEST) / 10:00am (GMT).

This time is meant to cater for Australian and Asian-Pacific fans, but everyone is welcome. Just let us know on the “Call to Arms” thread HERE, if you’d like to join us for an episode.

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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, Podcast, TV Shows

Tagged Ciao_Gamer, jesicka309, Scilens, Shoeshiner, The Reader, Valkyrist

VoK 106: KrakenKast – “The Mountain and the Viper” (S04E08 Review)

Posted on June 3, 2014 | 3 comments

THE KRAKEN SAVOURS ITS REVENGE! Aussie & Asia-Pacific vassals Duncan (Valkyrist), Bing (Shoeshiner), Joseph (Ciao_Gamer), and Tanja (Scilens) review the eighth episode of Game of Thrones’ fourth season, entitled “The Mountain and the Viper.” Also features the appearance of a Dornish Red-swilling Jessica (jesicka309), at the 50:00 mark.

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
[Archive] View this episode’s page on Archive.org
[Forum] Episode Thread
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KrakenKast typically records on Tuesday at 7:00pm (AEST) / 10:00am (GMT).

This time is meant to cater for Australian and Asian-Pacific fans, but everyone is welcome. Just let us know on the “Call to Arms” thread HERE, if you’d like to join us for an episode.

3 Comments

Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, Podcast, TV Shows

Tagged Ciao_Gamer, jesicka309, Scilens, Shoeshiner, Valkyrist

VoK 100: The Dance of the Vassals

Posted on May 23, 2014 | 4 comments

After six weeks of bitter fighting, the lords of DragonCast, KrakenKast and WolfCast lay down their battered steel in honour of Vassals of Kingsgrave’s 100th episode.

Join VoK curators Bina (Bina007), Glen (Dagos_Rivers), Duncan (Valkyrist), Katie (Lady Griffin), and veteran hosts Michal (inkasrain) and Zach (Alias), as they review the seventh episode of Game of Thrones’ fourth season, entitled “Mockingbird.” And stick around for the Aftershow, where they’ll be performing a chapter reading of “Sansa VII” from A Storm of Swords.

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

02:28 – “Mockingbird” (S04E07) Review
1:02:19 – Messages from House Manwoody
1:08:21 – Full Cast(le) Recording #3: A Castle in the Snow
1:46:23 – The VoK Shareholder’s Luncheon [contains #SPOILERS# for Godzilla (2014), Richard II, War Horse, Legend of Korra, and Tetris]
2:51:43 – ???

We’d like to offer a huge thanks to lead curator Vikram (fortytwo), who couldn’t make the episode, as well all of the other regular hosts, contributors and our growing listenership. And lots of love to Amin and the APOIAF crew, for all of their support. Long live HOUSE MANWOODY!

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

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4 Comments

Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, Fandom, Full Cast(le) Recording, Game of Thrones, Podcast, TV Shows

Tagged Alias, Bina007, Dagos_Rivers, inkasrain, Lady Griffin, Valkyrist

VoK 97: KrakenKast – “The Laws of Gods and Men” (S04E06 Review)

Posted on May 13, 2014 | 2 comments

THE KRAKEN RAGES AHEAD! Aussie & Asia-Pacific vassals Duncan (Valkyrist), Bing (Shoeshiner), Joseph (Ciao_Gamer), and Tanja (Scilens) review the sixth episode of Game of Thrones’ fourth season, entitled “The Laws of Gods and Men.”

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
[Archive] View this episode’s page on Archive.org
[Forum] Episode Thread
[iTunes] Subscribe to us on iTunes
[RSS] Podcast Feed

KrakenKast typically records on Tuesday at 7:00pm (AEST) / 10:00am (GMT).

This time is meant to cater for Australian and Asian-Pacific fans, but everyone is welcome. Just let us know on the “Call to Arms” thread HERE, if you’d like to join us for an episode.

2 Comments

Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, Podcast, TV Shows

Tagged Ciao_Gamer, Scilens, Shoeshiner, Valkyrist

VoK 94: KrakenKast – “First of His Name” (S04E05 Review)

Posted on May 6, 2014 | 8 comments

THE KRAKEN STRIKES BACK! Aussie & Asia-Pacific vassals Duncan (Valkyrist), Jessica (jesicka309), Bing (Shoeshiner), Tony (The Reader), Joseph (Ciao_Gamer), and Tanja (Scilens) review the fifth episode of Game of Thrones’ fourth season, entitled “First of His Name.”

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
[Archive] View this episode’s page on Archive.org
[Forum] Episode Thread
[iTunes] Subscribe to us on iTunes
[RSS] Podcast Feed

KrakenKast typically records on Tuesday at 7:00pm (AEST) / 10:00am (GMT).

This time is meant to cater for Australian and Asian-Pacific fans, but everyone is welcome. Just let us know on the “Call to Arms” thread HERE, if you’d like to join us for an episode.

8 Comments

Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, Podcast, TV Shows

Tagged Ciao_Gamer, jesicka309, Scilens, Shoeshiner, The Reader, Valkyrist

VoK 88: KrakenKast – “Breaker of Chains” (S04E03 Review)

Posted on April 22, 2014 | Leave a comment

THE KRAKEN SURGES ON! Aussie & Asia-Pacific vassals Duncan (Valkyrist), Jessica (jesicka309) and Bing (Shoeshiner) review the third episode of Game of Thrones’ fourth season, entitled “Breaker of Chains.”

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
[Archive] View this episode’s page on Archive.org
[Forum] Episode Thread
[iTunes] Subscribe to us on iTunes
[RSS] Podcast Feed

KrakenKast records every Tuesday at 7:00pm (AEST) / 10:00am (GMT).

This time is meant to cater for Australian and Asian-Pacific fans, but everyone is welcome. Just let us know on the “Call to Arms” thread HERE, if you’d like to join us for an episode.

Leave a comment

Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, Podcast, TV Shows

Tagged jesicka309, Shoeshiner, Valkyrist

VoK 85: KrakenKast – “The Lion and the Rose” (S04E02 Review)

Posted on April 15, 2014 | 1 comment

THE KRAKEN RISES …a week late, and a tentacle short, but still. Aussie & Asia-Pacific vassals Duncan (Valkyrist), Jessica (jesicka309), Tony (The Reader), and Bing (Shoeshiner) review the second episode of Game of Thrones’ fourth season, entitled “The Lion and the Rose.”

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

Disclaimer: Please note that VOK does not condone the illegal downloading of television shows. The discussion of piracy in this episode was meant to be light-hearted rant regarding the lack of available options for Australian and Asian viewers. Thanks 🙂

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
[Archive] View this episode’s page on Archive.org
[Forum] Episode Thread
[iTunes] Subscribe to us on iTunes
[RSS] Podcast Feed

KrakenKast records every Tuesday at 7:00pm (AEST) / 10:00am (GMT).

This time is meant to cater for Australian and Asian-Pacific fans, but everyone is welcome. Just let us know on the “Call to Arms” thread HERE, if you’d like to join us for an episode.

1 Comment

Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, Podcast, TV Shows

Tagged jesicka309, Shoeshiner, The Reader, Valkyrist

Operation “Crownless Skull”!

Posted on April 1, 2014 | 2 comments

*AIR RAID SIREN*

Do not adjust your computer screens. Operation “Crownless Skull” is in full effect. The podcast formerly known as A PODCAST OF ICE AND FIRE is now under the direct control of VOK. Marshal law has been imposed over all forums and subforums. Any attempts to aid the fugitives Kyle, Ashley, or Mimi will result in immediate imprisonment. Over the next 24 hours, we will be accepting oaths of fealty from our loyal listeners.

Feast your eyeballs on the new world order: http://PodcastOfIceAndFire.com/

THE DRAGONFIRE RISES!

2 Comments

Posted in Announcements

VoK 76: Metanarrative in the Game of Thrones (Part 2) – Martin and Tolkien (audio essay)

Posted on March 21, 2014 | Leave a comment

In this followup episode to VoK 23, Valkyrist continues to look at postmodern theory in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. However, where part 1 dealt with the story and characters, part 2 focuses on structure, and how Martin’s fantasy texts contrast with the more traditional writing of J. R. R. Tolkien.

Contains spoilers for all published books in A Song of Ice and Fire

Credits:
Written and Edited by Valkyrist
Music from HBO’s Game of Thrones soundtrack

[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
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Links:
The Postmodern Condition: A Report on the Understanding of Knowledge (by Jean-François Lyotard)
VoK 23: Metanarrative in A Game of Thrones (Part 1)

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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, Philosophy, Podcast, The Lord of the Rings

Tagged Valkyrist

VoK 72: Interview with Remy J. Verhoeve (author of “Waiting for Winter”)

Posted on March 13, 2014 | 5 comments

In this episode, Valkyrist interviews author and blogger, Remy J. Verhoeve, about his new book – Waiting for Winter: Re-Reading “A Clash of Kings,” Part I. Topics covered include: the politics of the A Song of Ice and Fire fandom; fresh insights and lingering mysteries in book 2; and the culture of “fan theorizing” that Martin’s series has inspired.

Due to equipment problems, the audio quality is not the best, but it has been cleaned up as much as possible. The episode also features several cameo appearance’s from Remy’s infant son.

Warning: Contains #SPOILERS# for all published books in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, as well as the 2005 film Oldboy (???)

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
[Archive.org] View this episode’s page on Archive.org
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Links:
Waiting for Winter: Re-Reading “A Clash of Kings,” Part I (Amazon)
Stormsongs (Remy’s Blog)
Jaime, Azor Ahai & the God of War

5 Comments

Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, Fandom, Podcast

Tagged Remy, Valkyrist

VoK 61: The Winds of Winter – Preview Chapters (by George R. R. Martin)

Posted on February 3, 2014 | 6 comments

Cold winds rise as the Vassals dive into the first 8 preview chapters of George R. R. Martin’s The Winds of Winter. Jon Vikram (fortytwo), Bina, Duncan (Valkyrist), Nadia and Zach (Alias) as they discuss the Battle of Winterfell, the Siege of Meereen, and Aegon’s Second Landing.

Before going through the chapters, however, the hosts have a general debate over what constitutes a spoiler in contemporary culture. After that, its wild, unmitigated book 6 speculation (and the occasional bit of intelligent analysis).

Due to the episode’s length, each segment has been time-stamped with a short musical cue:

3:23 – “Spoilers” in Pop Culture
32:15 – Theon I
1:00:23 – Tyrion I & II
1:12:25 – Victarion I
1:37:52 – Barristan I & II
2:13:58 – Arianne I & II
3:00:55 – ????

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for the sixth (unpublished) book in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire.

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
Various tracks owned by The Walt Disney Company, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment.

[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
[Archive.org] View this episode’s page on Archive.org
[Mirror] Download from mega.co.nz
[Forum] Episode Thread
[iTunes] Subscribe to us on iTunes
[RSS] Podcast Feed

Links:
Theon I (full reading) [released Dec 2011]
Victarion I (partial reading) [recorded Mar 2012]
Arianne I (full reading) [released Jan 2013]
Barristan I (full reading) [published Oct 2013]
Summaries for Unreleased Chapters

6 Comments

Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, Podcast

Tagged Alias, Bina007, fortytwo, Nadia, Valkyrist

VoK 59: Full Cast(le) Recording #1 – We Need to Talk About Kevan

Posted on January 28, 2014 | 3 comments

In the inaugural episode of the “Full Cast(le) Recording” series, the Vassals of Kingsgrave don their mummer’s masks to perform a dramatic reading of the Epilogue from A Dance with Dragons.

And don’t forget to hang around backstage, as the vassals discuss the chapter, debate the morality of Kevan Lannister, and agree that Varys is hella creepy.

1:40 – Chapter Reading
39:53 – Aftershow Discussion

The Cast:
Michal (inkasrain) – Narrator
Leigh (LordManderBlee) – Ronnet Connington / Randyll Tarly
Duncan (Valkyrist) – Kevan Lannister / Tywin Lannister
Peter (Shellfish) – Mace Tyrell
Steven (SJ Lee) – Maester Pycelle
Paul (Pod’s Plight) – Harys Swyft
Brooke (Asha Greatjoy) – Cersei Lannister
Elena (Lady_Grey) – Novice / Varys
Chloe (Lady_Grey’s daughter) – Tommen Baratheon

The Crew:
Michal (inkasrain) – Host
Duncan (Valkyrist) – Editor

3 Comments

Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, Full Cast(le) Recording, Podcast

Tagged Asha Greatjoy, inkasrain, Lady_Grey, LordManderBlee, Pod's Plight, Shellfish, SJLee, Valkyrist

VoK 57: Theories of Ice and Fire (Vol.1)

Posted on January 22, 2014 | Leave a comment

The Vassals gather around the fabled roundtable of Kingsgrave, this time to discuss theories both serious and crackpot. Join Michal (inkasrain), Nadia, Duncan (Valkyrist), Peter (Shellfish), and Dan (witless chum) for a fiery debate over what is really going on in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. This is hopefully the first of many episodes on House Manwoody’s “Theories of Ice and Fire”.

Because of the episode’s length, each segment has been time-stamped with a short musical cue:

2:25 – Stannis is the Third Head of the Dragon [concerning Stannis Baratheon’s destiny, and why he doesn’t even get to be the star of his own theory]
19:08 – Arya is Batman [concerning the character development of Arya Stark, and the true function of the Faceless Men]
47:38 – Brandon + Ashara [concerning the relationship between Brandon Stark and Ashara Dayne, and the child who never was]
1:16:32 – House Stark is descendent from the Others [concerning the arcane origins of the Kings of Winter, and their knowledge of ice magic]
1:54:54 – I(lyrio)+S(erra)=A(egon)B(lackfyre) [concerning the ancestry of Aegon-called-Targaryen, and the source of Ilyrio Mopatis’ “western ambitions”]

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published works in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire.

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
Various tracks owned by Song Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group.

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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, Podcast

Tagged inkasrain, Nadia, Shellfish, Valkyrist, witless chum

VoK 56: Amadeus [1984] (DVD Commentary)

Posted on January 19, 2014 | Leave a comment

The Vassals soak up some culture with an audio commentary for the 1984 period drama Amadeus (Director’s Cut). Join Bina (Bina007) and Duncan (Valkyrist) as they dissect the tragic rivalry between Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The movie should be synced from 1:50 to 3:02:07, and the commentary itself will begin around 50 seconds into the movie. This was due to some slight audio wrinkles, which thankfully iron out after the first few minutes. Also, don’t forget to nominate this episode for the “Most Niche VoK” award 😉

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
Audio Clips owned by Warner Bros. Entertainment

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Posted in DVD Commentary, History, Movies, Music, Podcast

Tagged Bina007, Valkyrist

VoK 55: A Flight of Sorrows – Collector’s Edition

Posted on January 11, 2014 | 3 comments

Duncan (Valkyrist) welcomes the newest member of the VoK family, Silvana (silvaubrey), for an in-depth discussion of Westerosi justice, vengeance, ethnicity and conspiracy. This episode focuses on the fabled “Collector’s Edition” of A Flight of Sorrows, specifically the four new essays added to the compendium:

7:02 – Savouring the Taste? On the role of revenge in songs of ice and fire (by Stefan Sasse)
24:09 – The Prince is Riding: Rebutting the identity of—and the aim of the conspiracy around—Aegon Targaryen (by Miles Schniederman)
36:13 – A Feast of Vipers: Ethnic diversity, personal identification, and fandom theories in Dorne (by Amin Javadi)
58:27 – The King’s Justice is Mute, Not Blind: Why trials in Westeros are not what they seem (by John Jasmin)
1:12:43 – Other Essays in A Flight of Sorrows (edited by Marc N. Kleinhenz)
1:24:27 – Game of Thrones news and discussion
1:36:28 – ????

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

Links:
Follow “Westeros Indonesia” on Twitter
Tower of the Hand: A Flight of Sorrows
The World of Ice and Fire: The Official History of Westeros and The World of A Game of Thrones (released October 28, 2014)
A Feast of Ice and Fire: The Official Game of Thrones Companion Cookbook
Tower of the Hand: A Hymn for Spring (released June 14, 2014)

3 Comments

Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, Fandom, Podcast

Tagged silvaubrey, Valkyrist

VoK 51: FeastDance (Part 6) – Dornish Drawls and Northern Conspiracies

Posted on December 29, 2013 | Leave a comment

The Vassals ring in the New Year with the thrilling conclusion to their FeastDance reread series. Join Duncan (Valkyrist), Bina, Nadia, and Zach (Alias) as they delve into Pate’s prologue in Oldtown, Ser Kevan’s epilogue in King’s Landing, and all of the chapters that take place in Dorne.

And make sure to stick around for the Aftershow where they wrap-up FeastDance with an in-depth discussion of the Grand Northern Conspiracy. Unfortunately, the most important question of the night remains glaringly unanswered: who would win in a fight, Darkstar or Ser Pounce? Have your say below! 😉

1:46 – Pate
20:14 – Kevan Lannister
46:07 – Areo Hotah, Arys Oakheart and Arianne Martell
1:28:48 – The Grand Northern Conspiracy
2:12:02 – ????

Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
Various tracks owned by Sony Music Entertainment, the Warner Music Group and Karliene Reynolds

Links:
The Grand Northern Conspiracy
FeastDance ReRead (Part 1)
FeastDance (Part 2): Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things
FeastDance (Part 3): All Roads Lead to Essos
FeastDance (Part 4): Another Brick in the Wall
FeastDance (Part 5): We Remember the North

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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, Podcast

Tagged Alias, Bina007, Nadia, Valkyrist

VoK 45: Alien [1979] (DVD Commentary)

Posted on December 13, 2013 | Leave a comment

Have you been dreaming of a Red Christmas? Join vassals Duncan (aka Valkyrist) and Katie (aka Lady Griffin) as they delve into the blood-splattered, chest-bursting masterpiece that is Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979). This is the third entry in a potential “Sci-Fi Classics” audio commentary series.

The commentary itself runs from 6:36 to 2:01:26, and the opening production logos will be played at full volume in order for the listener to sync up their copy of the movie correctly. We used the Director’s Cut edition of the movie, released in 2003.

Warning: Contains plot spoilers for Alien, Aliens, and Alien 3.

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
Audio Clips owned by 20^th Century Fox

[MP3] Download or play this episode directly.
[Archive.org] View this episode’s page on Archive.org.
[Mirror] Download from mega.co.nz
[iTunes] Subscribe to us on iTunes
[RSS] Podcast only feed.
[Forum] Podcast Forums.

Links:
Alien (1979): All Deleted Scenes
Original 1976 Screenplay (by Dan O’Bannon)
Dan O’Bannon and The Origins of Alien (by David Konow)
Alien and the Monstrous-Feminine (by Barabara Creed)

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Posted in DVD Commentary, Movies, Podcast, Science Fiction

Tagged Lady Griffin, Valkyrist

VoK 44: Fight Club [1999] and Truth-Procedures (audio essay)

Posted on December 9, 2013 | 3 comments

In this mini-episode, Valkyrist discusses the philosophy of ethics within David Fincher’s Fight Club. Specifically, how Alain Badiou’s theory of the “truth-procedure” is manifested by the characters.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Fight Club, and some explicit language.

Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist

Links:
Ethics: An Essay on the Understanding of Evil (by Alain Badiou)

3 Comments

Posted in Movies, Philosophy, Podcast

Tagged Valkyrist

OzMoot 2013

Posted on November 30, 2013 | Leave a comment

The original “OzMoot Four”: Marius, Bina, Duncan and Jessica!

Well, lords and ladies, the first ever OzMoot was held last night, in a comfy little cocktail bar off Spring Street, in the Melbourne CBD. Four vassals were in attendance: two Aussies (Valkyrist and jesicka309), one Romanian (marius), and one Brit (Bina007). We drank blood-red wine, feasted on sausage rolls and lemoncake, shared stories and theories beneath the imaginary flag of House Manwoody… and then dispersed back into the night. It was a really amazing time, and very cool to finally meet some other forum members in person.

It’s a shame we couldn’t record something for the podcast, because we had a pretty long and in-depth discussion of the books. Unfortunately, the bar was too loud, and my iPhone simply wouldn’t have been able to capture anything. However, I’ve wracked my brains, and recapped as much of our ASOIAF discussion as I can recall in the link below.

The full thread can be found here, complete with a list of a crazy theories we settled on, and the rest of the photos.

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Posted in Announcements