6 fun facts that connect Game of Thrones to Russia

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Dobrynya Nikitich and Zmey Gorynych. / Tretyakov Gallery

The three dragons in GoT can also be found in Russian fairy tales, but in a slightly different form. Zmey Gorynych, an evil dragon-like creature, was a frequent enemy of Russian bogatyrs, and often kidnapped young women and terrorized small villages. Zmey Gorynych has three heads and is very difficult to kill because it can grow back a head that's been cut off.

Arya Stark from Novosibirsk. / REN TV

Russia’s very own Arya Stark lives in Novosibirsk. In 2015, Maria won the GoT look-a-like competition that took place in 15 Russian cities.

The Dothraki people. / PLANET PHOTOS / Global Look Press

The Dothraki of GoT resemble the Mongols who left a deep impact on Medieval Russia. Batu Khan, founder of the Golden Horde that conquered Ancient Rus’ in the 13th century, is clearly Khal Drogo. The similarity between the titles is evident and it's clear why the horse-mounted warriors that threatened Europe were put into the GoT story.

The Game of Thrones festival in Moscow. / Vyacheslav Prokofyev/TASS

On June 24, Moscow saw the second Game of Thrones festival that gathered the show's fans at Park Pobedy. Guests had the chance to try fencing, coin minting and armor fabrication, as well as enjoy a Middle Age hairstyle.

Tsar Nicholas II with daughters. / Getty Images

Russian filmmakers plan to make a TV series similar to GoT, but based on the story of the Romanov dynasty. Titled, “The Age of Grandeur,” it will feature 12 seasons each with 12 episodes. This new TV series will begin with the Time of Troubles in the early 17th century, and there also will be a full-length feature film by the end of 2017. The first season of “The Age of Grandeur” is scheduled to appear on screens in early 2018.

Yuri Kolokolnikov as Styr. / PLANET PHOTOS/Global Look Press

Russian actor Yuri Kolokolnikov starred in the 4th season of GoT as head of the wildlings tribe. Unfortunately, his character, Styr, was killed by John Snow, but the actor later recounted that he enjoyed his death and that his favorite character in the TV show is Tywin Lannister.

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