For the droves of Game of Thrones aficionados wandering bereft since the conclusion of series six, TitanCon comes at the perfect time. A two-day event based in Belfast annually since 2009, this gathering is a chance for fans of all ages to meet and appreciate the HBO series and George R. R. Martin’s books that inspired it. TN2 decided to investigate this promising event and, boy, did it deliver.
Alice and Cahal, Saturday 11.00
As dazed first-timers to TitanCon, which was held last weekend at the Wellington Park Hotel, we jumped in head first by signing up for the most obscure activity available: a medieval staff combat workshop in the hotel’s “Winterfell” room. Run by Historical Fencing Northern Ireland, this was one of several workshops aimed at providing an insight into the battle scenes of Game of Thrones. Within a minute, we were both handed staffs and shown basic techniques. The hour-long lesson was an introduction to sparring in pairs, but was also grounded in a fascinating theoretical framework. According to instructor Harold Turner, the staff was considered a non-lethal equivalent to the sword, but was often preferable as it provided a non-fatal way for guards to apprehend malcontents. The workshop was a fascinating tutorial on authentic medieval combat that would appeal to anyone with even a mild interest in battle techniques.
Alice and Cahal, Saturday 12.00
At this point it was time for the annual game of Countdown in the “King’s Landing” room. Guests, including fantasy novelist Peadar Ó Guilín and Game of Thrones actors Kerry Ingram (Shireen Baratheon) and Dominic Carter (Janos Slynt), were paired off in ferocious battles of wit and wisdom. Challenges included anagrams, mental arithmetic and Scrabble, all timed to the Countdown clock. Audience participation was encouraged in the challenges and also in entertaining distractions, such as arranged gymnastic tricks, while the competitors tried to solve the latest puzzle. The game was wonderfully funny and entertaining to watch, while also helping TitanCon newcomers ease into the convention atmosphere.
Cahal, Saturday 15.00
After lunch I took part in the “Samwell’s Diary” workshop in the “Riverrun” room with an open mind and absolutely no idea what I was about to do. It turned out to be medieval leather crafting. Referencing the character’s famous leather-bound diary in the show, participants were invited to try their hand at crafting their own. A beautiful example was provided by instructor Emma Andrews, and I set to work making a naturally inferior version. Using a scalpel and hole puncher, I transformed an unremarkable notebook from Poundland into a traditional diary covered in soft black leather. The workshop was a practical demonstration of the level of work required to produce anything in the Middle Ages, even for something so nondescript. It was also an example of the TitanCon volunteers taking a minor detail in the TV show and turning it into an illuminating workshop.
Alice, Saturday 15.00
The shouts and yells from next door in the “Castle Black” room caught my attention. The workshop, titled “Scottish Gaelic for Time Travellers,” immediately appealed to my inner Outlander fan. I was soon delving into the history of the Scottish clans, dispelling popular myths about the clans and their customs. Host Beth NicAonghais demonstrated the battle cries of various Scottish clans, many of which were not in Scots Gaelic, but in English, French and Latin. These ranged from the terrifying cry of Clan Cameron (“Sons of the hounds, come hither and get flesh!”) to the slightly less threatening “High hillock!” of Clan Mackenzie. The workshop ended with an opportunity to win an Outlander Jamie Frasier doll for creating the most imaginative motto, sigil and Clan name. Overall, it provided an interesting comparison between Scots Gaelic and the better known Irish tongue, while also providing an excellent lesson in Scottish history.
Cahal, Saturday 17.00
After finally achieving a somewhat acceptable stitching on my diary, I wandered into the “King’s Landing” hall. It turned out to be a panel discussion with eight Game of Thrones extras. The intriguing discussion ranged from applying to be an extra on the show, to the sort of work involved, to the crazy hours that can be required for filming. One extra detailed her experience receiving a call in Dublin at midnight asking her to be in Derry for filming at six the following morning. It is undoubtedly a dream of any of the show’s fans to someday appear in it, and this was an excellent introduction to how it might someday be possible. I can still dream!
Alice and Cahal, Saturday 18.00
By this point, it was time for the closing ceremony. This opened with several martial arts demonstrations by Northern Irish schools, followed by the intriguingly titled Brutal Ballet. The largely bemused audience watched an interpretive dance based on the People Beyond the Wall in Game of Thrones. A dozen or so dancers in full coats and masks performed a variety of styles, from ballet to Irish and lyrical to break-dancing. It was the most imaginative dance routine we have ever witnessed and a tribute to the sheer creativity this convention inspired.
Alice, Sunday 11.30
The second part of TitanCon weekend was a trip around Northern Ireland to a variety of filming sights. The Dark Hedges was our first stop. This road lined with beech trees was originally planted along the drive to a Georgian manor to impress visitors. They were filmed in the first episode of season two, when Arya and the Night’s Watch recruits leave King’s Landing.
Cahal, Sunday 14.00
Our second stop was Cushendun Caves, at the mouth of the River Dun. This carries the caveat that the shots in the show were very dark. However, the place is still recognisable upon inspection as the location where Melisandre gives birth to the shadow in season two. After getting lost in the caves (twice), we eventually found the spot.
Alice, Sunday 15.00
The next (very quick) visit was to the village of Carnlough. A set of steps leading down from the pier featured briefly in season six, where Arya drags herself out of the canal. Cahal (supposedly by accident) started a trend of recreating the scene.
Cahal, Sunday 16.00
Our final destination was the scenic Clandeboye Estate, which contained several filming locations. The first was the clearing in which Craster’s Keep (seasons one to five) had been filmed. It appeared that the Night Watch’s fire had been permanent however, as there was nothing resembling a keep to be seen. Nevertheless, the tree groupings around the keep were recognisable and host Phil Lowles said that several props had been found the previous year. You never know what might get left behind for the trailing fans!
Alice, Sunday 16.30
The last sight of the tour was undoubtedly my favourite – the sinister scene where Jaime Lannister loses his right hand to one of Lord Bolton’s men.I relived the horror of the scene in my mind looking at the infamous tree stump and the trees where Brienne and Jaime had been chained during the Season 3 episode. I turned around to realise that we were right in front of the Godswood Tree from season one. This location where the Night’s Watch made their vows caused an impromptu recitation from Cahal, a hilarious but endearing sight.
Alice and Cahal, Sunday 19.00
The final part of our TitanCon was a medieval-themed feast at the banquet hall in Clandeboyne. Although not an actual filming site, the hall was beautiful and still captured the essence of Westeros. Unlike last year, which apparently saw a Red Wedding recreation, the end of the convention was a peaceful but comfortable atmosphere.
Alice and Cahal, Monday 12.00
Overall, we came away from TitanCon with a leather-bound diary, a new knowledge of Scottish war-cries and medieval staff wielding, a plethora of photographs from filming sights and a great sense of the community this television series inspires. The organisers have made it a convention suitable for everyone, from superfans to newbies alike, and thus an event all can enjoy. Ten out of ten would TitanCon again.
