Game of Thrones is often pitched as a gateway fantasy story. Those who thought Lord of the Rings was too whimsical or The Wheel of Time was too complex might find Westeros more appealing. Part of what sets Game of Thrones apart is its atmosphere. Instead of taking place in the days of adventure, it takes place in the bitter, brutal, grounded world that grew generations after those days passed. The Age of Heroes was Westeros's high fantasy period, and the Grey King was one of its legendary heroes.