The original French TV series (under the title of Les rois maudits (1972-1973) was superb historical drama. It was shown in the UK with subtitles but I understand this option is not available on the DVD re-release. I hope that changes! Another show at the same time was Shadow of the Tower about the reign of Henry VII is also highly recommended. It is still (at this time of writing) available to watch for free on UA-cam.
Reading the accursed kings you can really see the parallels between asoiaf and Maurice Druon. You got mahaut who is so like lady Olena except more ruthless and vicious. The execution of Jacques de molay mirrors Ned Stark's execution.
You know, I'd never recognised the parallel between Ned Stark's and Jacques de Molay's execution, but you're right... Two honourable men whose executions spark the main events of the story (the 'spark' pun works better for the Grand Master)
@@ElliotEdits yeah! I remember reading the way the execution was set up as well as so many of the other executions in the accursed kings series (like enguerrand de martigny) and I saw where George RR Martin got his inspiration. Also Robert of Artois's campaign in burgundy when he pillages and plunders reminded me of the atrocities commuted by the Mountain, not to mention the height of both giant men.
yep, i read the accursed kings before i read ASOIAF. I wasn't really surprised to learn the accursed kings had been one of the inspirations for AWOIAF. And yep, to me, the most obvious parallels are among characters, and Olenna and Mahaut is in the top. Cersei strikingly feels every inch like Queen Isabella. Just like Tywin with Philipp the Fair. Historians and George RR Martin usually say that Tywin is inspired by King of England you see in Braveheart, Edwards I "Langshanks" (who was, by the way, the brother in law of Philipp the Fair). But i really feel like GRRM based his Tywin physical description and charisma on the way Druon describes Philipp in the Accursed Kings : Philipp is a very tall blond man still extremely healthy and strong for his age, a silencious man who never laughs and doesn't smile often, very puritan, entirely consumed by his political character, obsessed with his legacy, which is basically the cause to which he is fanatically devoted, although he doesn't taste much in materialistic pleasures, cunning, in absolute self control, with a very high sense of state affairs, capable of extreme cruelty in politics, and remorseless deceiving, using his children as political pawns, have high expectations and big plans for them but very disappointed by them, a seasonned warrior who had his share of battlefields although he now only commands from the rear, but still physically apt, with very impressive eyes. Basically, i also just described Tywin. The only difference being that although Philipp has very big and impressive blue eyes "that never close", Tywin has green eyes with golden reflects. Oh, and Tywin is bald, lol. Isabella being Philipp's daughter and Cersei being Tywin's daughter, the parallel looks even stronger : both Cersei and Isabella are extremely beautiful women, and still are past 30 despite multiple childbirths, both are very proud and narcissistic women, extremely crual with ennemies, decently cunning but blinded with their vanity. Both have a complicated relationship with their father, they love, look upon and admire, but resent for having being married each to a man they didn't love and who mistreat them. Both have their abusive husband murdered. And both had hypocritically other princesses they hated and scorned denounced and locked up for adultery, and yet commited the same sin. And both, after lusting for power, and showing some talent to get it, showed themselves very poor rulers once they had it.
@bretonneux3389 that's a very remarkable comparison. I didn't see the tywin or Isabella parallels until now (despite them coming off as a bit obvious) Maurice Druon was truly unmatched in his carefully crafted attention to historic details, a true inspiration for any writer of historical fiction/fantasy. Reminds me of how grr Martin's dedication to the accursed kings in the foreword mentioned the parentage between fantasy and historical fiction, painting them as long-lost siblings. By the way, are you from Bretagne? I'm asking given that your username hints at that.
@@adamferencszi797 no no, i'm not from Bretagne, it's the name of my growing up village in Ile de France. Maurice Druon really wrote a masterpiece, but the Accursed Kings was a teamwork however (which he never hid).
I got turned onto this series by ASOIAF as well, and ultimately found that it fits the kind of story GRRM is telling IMO. Druon's series is all about how France fell from being the Medieval superpower of its day, to being subsumed into over a century of on again off again warfare. It's tragedy writ large and small--for it's not just at the largest scale that it's a tragedy, but as you pointed out it's on the small interpersonal scales as well. It's a sweeping romantic tragedy of how France destroyed itself. And it's also then that I realized that Tyrion Lannister is going to be the Robert of Artois of Westeros--going to a foreign ruler with a claim on the throne, asking them to come and invade, all for his own gain and to overthrow his own relatives from an inheritance that should rightly be his.
Thank You! This helped me A LOT. I recently finished ASOIAF, Fire & Blood, as well as A Knight The Seven Kingdoms. I've never been much of a reader, but the disaster that was GoT season 8 and my love for this story compelled me to read these books. Now I am waiting on the WoW like everyone else and found the Accursed Kings series through another video. I bought books 1-3 on B&N Nook and I am about to finish book 2. I'm loving every minute of it. I was on B&N putting the rest the books on my Wishlist when I saw the 1* rating on book 7 and was like ??? Came straight to the UA-cam, found your video and now it makes sense. Probably going with the audiobook for book 7. Thanks so much! It seems crazy to me that these books are not more well known given that GRRM recommends them. Good luck with that adaptation, I certainly will watch it! Side note: I think I just realized that GoT season 8 made me a reader. I mean I do suddenly have a growing "to read" pile. lol
I'm so glad some good could come of GoT Season 8 😂 I fully support the book 7 audiobook, have on in the background whilst cooking or doing laundry, idea! The series definitely deserves more eyes. Book 3 is my favourite! Let me know how you find it :)
@ElliotEdits Hello Elliot! I hope this message finds you & yours well! I wanted to get back to you on The Accursed King series. Full disclosure, I just finished part 1 of The She Wolf, so I haven't completed the full series. Also I would like to say again I am completely new to reading as a way of consuming my entertainment. Is that the proper way to put it? Yeah, I'm going with that. I have only a basic understanding of grammar and punctuation and sentence structure. Never mind what it takes to write a novel. That is to say, I certainly am not qualified in any way to offer any more than my opinion on these books for anyone who might read my comment in the future. All that said, I don't think I can call book 3 my favorite of the series even though I haven't finished. I feel like book 3 is where we connect the most with Guccio and Marie's story arc. Guccio is certainly a loveable guy and I understand how he an Marie's story would be a fan favorite within the series. I, however, am much more interested in the arcs of The Countess Mahaut of Artois and Robert III of Artois. IMO, there is no doubt that The Countess Mahaut was a primary inspiration for Cersei Lannister and I am leaning heavily in the direction that Robert III was at least partially an inspiration for Tyrion Lannister. If I had to guess and given what I have read of book 5 already, I think book 5 or 6 will probably be were my favorite lies.
I didn't really like the last book at first either but after listening to it in audio I changed my mind a bit. It's certainly different than all the prior books but I find the Cardinal's perspective interesting and of course I love all the history described.
Maybe I should give it another go on audiobook. The history is great, but I can only imagine how brilliant it would have been in the same style as the rest of the series
@@ElliotEdits yeah you're definitely right about that. I agree it probably would have turned out much better if he had stuck with the style from the rest of the series.
I look forward to the day an adaptation has your name attached to it. I very much enjoy your critical analysis, reviews, and creative vision for adaptation e g. your suggested changes for WOT season 1.
@Elliotedits I saw the original adaptation for French TV, but dubbed in Spanish, back in the 70s (1972) when I was a kid. It was presented in the form of a play with the actors breaking the 4th wall and as they were introduced in the first chapter. Then the second 2005 TV adaptation is now available in a you tube channel and it was a mix of TV's Dinasty with a weird set design that looked like leftovers of Children of Dune's TV series. The voice and acting of the Countess of Artois, played by Jeanne Moreau was a match to Katherine Hepburn's Queen Eleanor character in The Lion in Winter. I wish someone would pick up the book series and turns it into a TV series or maybe a Sci Fi adaptation like Dune. Game of Thrones is the closest adaptation of the series.
I have seen clips from both versions and I have to agree, it could do with updating. It's such good storytelling. With the budgets fantasy and period dramas receive these days, it could be a great show!
Currently I am reading the 6th book. I love it. Your comments are acurate. Some stories are left unfinished. But.... It would be an infinite book. I look forward with fear the 7th after your Comment. Never the less, thank you for your review
@@ElliotEdits I liked it. It depends on how much you like the Arthurian legend - The Warlord Chronicles by Cornwell is a trilogy reimagining the Arthurian mythos as historical fiction with little to no magical elements. Book 1 The Winter King is slow to start (with a lot of setup) but then the pacing picks up and is on point throughout the trilogy. Its well-written, with some very interesting takes on characters like Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin, Nimue and Morgan. In terms of triggers, there is a lot of graphic violence in battle scenes. Found it in a historical fiction recommendations list for ASOIAF fans. Worth a try imo if you like historical fiction/fantasy focusing on battles and don't mind Arthurian retellings. However if you prefer your historical fiction to be slow-paced with a focus on political intrigue and character development like in Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, this may not be the best choice. YMMV of course.
This is my favourite book series everr....i mean i read it every year once a year since i was 16....now I am 38....soooooo calculate how many times i read it😂😂. And its still interesting, entertaining, shocking
I found some beautiful hardback editions in a secondhand bookshop this week and am considering a re-read! Such a brilliant series that needs to be talked about more!
@@ElliotEdits forgive me for the backwards compliment. I’m autistic and things come out weird sometimes. I meant you are eloquent and will do well presenting your adaptation to studio execs 🥰
to me Robert d'Artois is more like Littlefinger's brains in Gregor Clegane's body.
I can see that! Still a very OP combination!
The original French TV series (under the title of Les rois maudits (1972-1973) was superb historical drama. It was shown in the UK with subtitles but I understand this option is not available on the DVD re-release. I hope that changes! Another show at the same time was Shadow of the Tower about the reign of Henry VII is also highly recommended. It is still (at this time of writing) available to watch for free on UA-cam.
I love learning more about Henry VII. Got hos penguin monarch book on pre-order. Will definitely check out the Shadow of the Tower! Thanks
Reading the accursed kings you can really see the parallels between asoiaf and Maurice Druon.
You got mahaut who is so like lady Olena except more ruthless and vicious.
The execution of Jacques de molay mirrors Ned Stark's execution.
You know, I'd never recognised the parallel between Ned Stark's and Jacques de Molay's execution, but you're right... Two honourable men whose executions spark the main events of the story (the 'spark' pun works better for the Grand Master)
@@ElliotEdits yeah! I remember reading the way the execution was set up as well as so many of the other executions in the accursed kings series (like enguerrand de martigny) and I saw where George RR Martin got his inspiration.
Also Robert of Artois's campaign in burgundy when he pillages and plunders reminded me of the atrocities commuted by the Mountain, not to mention the height of both giant men.
yep, i read the accursed kings before i read ASOIAF. I wasn't really surprised to learn the accursed kings had been one of the inspirations for AWOIAF. And yep, to me, the most obvious parallels are among characters, and Olenna and Mahaut is in the top. Cersei strikingly feels every inch like Queen Isabella. Just like Tywin with Philipp the Fair. Historians and George RR Martin usually say that Tywin is inspired by King of England you see in Braveheart, Edwards I "Langshanks" (who was, by the way, the brother in law of Philipp the Fair). But i really feel like GRRM based his Tywin physical description and charisma on the way Druon describes Philipp in the Accursed Kings : Philipp is a very tall blond man still extremely healthy and strong for his age, a silencious man who never laughs and doesn't smile often, very puritan, entirely consumed by his political character, obsessed with his legacy, which is basically the cause to which he is fanatically devoted, although he doesn't taste much in materialistic pleasures, cunning, in absolute self control, with a very high sense of state affairs, capable of extreme cruelty in politics, and remorseless deceiving, using his children as political pawns, have high expectations and big plans for them but very disappointed by them, a seasonned warrior who had his share of battlefields although he now only commands from the rear, but still physically apt, with very impressive eyes. Basically, i also just described Tywin. The only difference being that although Philipp has very big and impressive blue eyes "that never close", Tywin has green eyes with golden reflects. Oh, and Tywin is bald, lol.
Isabella being Philipp's daughter and Cersei being Tywin's daughter, the parallel looks even stronger : both Cersei and Isabella are extremely beautiful women, and still are past 30 despite multiple childbirths, both are very proud and narcissistic women, extremely crual with ennemies, decently cunning but blinded with their vanity. Both have a complicated relationship with their father, they love, look upon and admire, but resent for having being married each to a man they didn't love and who mistreat them. Both have their abusive husband murdered. And both had hypocritically other princesses they hated and scorned denounced and locked up for adultery, and yet commited the same sin. And both, after lusting for power, and showing some talent to get it, showed themselves very poor rulers once they had it.
@bretonneux3389 that's a very remarkable comparison. I didn't see the tywin or Isabella parallels until now (despite them coming off as a bit obvious)
Maurice Druon was truly unmatched in his carefully crafted attention to historic details, a true inspiration for any writer of historical fiction/fantasy. Reminds me of how grr Martin's dedication to the accursed kings in the foreword mentioned the parentage between fantasy and historical fiction, painting them as long-lost siblings.
By the way, are you from Bretagne? I'm asking given that your username hints at that.
@@adamferencszi797 no no, i'm not from Bretagne, it's the name of my growing up village in Ile de France.
Maurice Druon really wrote a masterpiece, but the Accursed Kings was a teamwork however (which he never hid).
I got turned onto this series by ASOIAF as well, and ultimately found that it fits the kind of story GRRM is telling IMO. Druon's series is all about how France fell from being the Medieval superpower of its day, to being subsumed into over a century of on again off again warfare. It's tragedy writ large and small--for it's not just at the largest scale that it's a tragedy, but as you pointed out it's on the small interpersonal scales as well. It's a sweeping romantic tragedy of how France destroyed itself.
And it's also then that I realized that Tyrion Lannister is going to be the Robert of Artois of Westeros--going to a foreign ruler with a claim on the throne, asking them to come and invade, all for his own gain and to overthrow his own relatives from an inheritance that should rightly be his.
Wow! I'd never made the Tyrion connection, but now you say it, it's so spot on! Hope things work out better for Tyrion
The original GOT is actually Queen Margot by Dumas.
@@lecapetien3223 I'll have to check that out
Thank You! This helped me A LOT. I recently finished ASOIAF, Fire & Blood, as well as A Knight The Seven Kingdoms. I've never been much of a reader, but the disaster that was GoT season 8 and my love for this story compelled me to read these books. Now I am waiting on the WoW like everyone else and found the Accursed Kings series through another video. I bought books 1-3 on B&N Nook and I am about to finish book 2. I'm loving every minute of it. I was on B&N putting the rest the books on my Wishlist when I saw the 1* rating on book 7 and was like ??? Came straight to the UA-cam, found your video and now it makes sense. Probably going with the audiobook for book 7. Thanks so much! It seems crazy to me that these books are not more well known given that GRRM recommends them. Good luck with that adaptation, I certainly will watch it! Side note: I think I just realized that GoT season 8 made me a reader. I mean I do suddenly have a growing "to read" pile. lol
I'm so glad some good could come of GoT Season 8 😂 I fully support the book 7 audiobook, have on in the background whilst cooking or doing laundry, idea! The series definitely deserves more eyes. Book 3 is my favourite! Let me know how you find it :)
@ElliotEdits Hello Elliot! I hope this message finds you & yours well! I wanted to get back to you on The Accursed King series. Full disclosure, I just finished part 1 of The She Wolf, so I haven't completed the full series. Also I would like to say again I am completely new to reading as a way of consuming my entertainment. Is that the proper way to put it? Yeah, I'm going with that. I have only a basic understanding of grammar and punctuation and sentence structure. Never mind what it takes to write a novel. That is to say, I certainly am not qualified in any way to offer any more than my opinion on these books for anyone who might read my comment in the future. All that said, I don't think I can call book 3 my favorite of the series even though I haven't finished. I feel like book 3 is where we connect the most with Guccio and Marie's story arc. Guccio is certainly a loveable guy and I understand how he an Marie's story would be a fan favorite within the series. I, however, am much more interested in the arcs of The Countess Mahaut of Artois and Robert III of Artois. IMO, there is no doubt that The Countess Mahaut was a primary inspiration for Cersei Lannister and I am leaning heavily in the direction that Robert III was at least partially an inspiration for Tyrion Lannister. If I had to guess and given what I have read of book 5 already, I think book 5 or 6 will probably be were my favorite lies.
I didn't really like the last book at first either but after listening to it in audio I changed my mind a bit. It's certainly different than all the prior books but I find the Cardinal's perspective interesting and of course I love all the history described.
Maybe I should give it another go on audiobook. The history is great, but I can only imagine how brilliant it would have been in the same style as the rest of the series
@@ElliotEdits yeah you're definitely right about that. I agree it probably would have turned out much better if he had stuck with the style from the rest of the series.
I look forward to the day an adaptation has your name attached to it. I very much enjoy your critical analysis, reviews, and creative vision for adaptation e g. your suggested changes for WOT season 1.
Thank you! This comment means a lot
@Elliotedits I saw the original adaptation for French TV, but dubbed in Spanish, back in the 70s (1972) when I was a kid. It was presented in the form of a play with the actors breaking the 4th wall and as they were introduced in the first chapter. Then the second 2005 TV adaptation is now available in a you tube channel and it was a mix of TV's Dinasty with a weird set design that looked like leftovers of Children of Dune's TV series. The voice and acting of the Countess of Artois, played by Jeanne Moreau was a match to Katherine Hepburn's Queen Eleanor character in The Lion in Winter. I wish someone would pick up the book series and turns it into a TV series or maybe a Sci Fi adaptation like Dune. Game of Thrones is the closest adaptation of the series.
I have seen clips from both versions and I have to agree, it could do with updating. It's such good storytelling. With the budgets fantasy and period dramas receive these days, it could be a great show!
Currently I am reading the 6th book.
I love it. Your comments are acurate. Some stories are left unfinished. But.... It would be an infinite book.
I look forward with fear the 7th after your Comment.
Never the less, thank you for your review
So glad you're enjoying the series and enjoyed my review.
I wouldn't mind an infinite book to be honest 😅
Do you have a favourite book?
I am tired of waiting for winds 😫😫😫
I feel your pain 😢
Great discussion.
Just finished reading ASOIAF and Fire & Blood in August. Very interested in this series.
I don't think you'll regret picking this up
@@ElliotEdits Reading it now. I finished Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell before this so I feel ready!
@@Paromita_M I've not heard of that - would you recommend?
@@ElliotEdits I liked it. It depends on how much you like the Arthurian legend - The Warlord Chronicles by Cornwell is a trilogy reimagining the Arthurian mythos as historical fiction with little to no magical elements. Book 1 The Winter King is slow to start (with a lot of setup) but then the pacing picks up and is on point throughout the trilogy. Its well-written, with some very interesting takes on characters like Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin, Nimue and Morgan. In terms of triggers, there is a lot of graphic violence in battle scenes.
Found it in a historical fiction recommendations list for ASOIAF fans.
Worth a try imo if you like historical fiction/fantasy focusing on battles and don't mind Arthurian retellings. However if you prefer your historical fiction to be slow-paced with a focus on political intrigue and character development like in Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, this may not be the best choice. YMMV of course.
@@Paromita_M I love Arthurian legend so I'm definitely adding this one to the reading list! Thank you
This is my favourite book series everr....i mean i read it every year once a year since i was 16....now I am 38....soooooo calculate how many times i read it😂😂. And its still interesting, entertaining, shocking
I found some beautiful hardback editions in a secondhand bookshop this week and am considering a re-read! Such a brilliant series that needs to be talked about more!
I swear Elliot. You have such a way with words. You could sell food like products 🥰
Thank you 😅 maybe I'll start reviewing food
@@ElliotEdits forgive me for the backwards compliment. I’m autistic and things come out weird sometimes. I meant you are eloquent and will do well presenting your adaptation to studio execs 🥰
@@GrammaCheri thank you! I really liked your comment. I'd love to do a cooking channel, but I think I'll leave WoT food videos to Malkier Talks 😅
you definitely convinced me
Let me know what you think of book 1!
love these books and would watch the hell out of that adaptation, just 2 books down though so you did remind me to try to find the 3rd book in french
The third is my favourite! Let me know what you think once you've read it