COLLEGE STATION, Texas — A Throne Fit for a Queen!
Over the weekend, Texas A&M University turned into a real-life version of Game of Thrones when the iconic Lena Headey, famed for her role as the fierce Queen Cersei Lannister, swung by to explore a stellar treasure trove of memorabilia from the hit series. Accompanying her was none other than her husband, Marc Menchaca, an actor and proud Aggie alum. Sounds fun, right? Well, it totally was!
A Memorable Visit
The couple didn’t just drop by for a casual look-see. No, they were there to explore nearly 50,000 pieces from author George R.R. Martin’s personal stash, all neatly tucked away at the Cushing Memorial Library & Archives located on Texas A&M’s vibrant campus. The collection is a dream come true for any fan of the series, showcasing everything from swords wielded by the Lannisters to the ever-famous “needle” belonging to Arya Stark!
“I’ll be really honest, I was like, ‘What’s happening? What has he brought me to?’” Lena chuckled during her visit, clearly captivated by the gigantic collection. As a Brit, she found the scale of it all positively astounding, chuckling, “It was a bit like going to King’s Landing!” She was there for more than just history, though; she also got to learn a Texan tradition: how to gig ’em.
Behind the Collection
So, what makes this collection so impressive? Let’s just say it’s not your average memorabilia store. Jeremy Brett, curator of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Research Collection, excitedly shared that this rare assortment includes original manuscripts, stunning artwork with Martin’s own handwritten notes, sentries of the medieval world like Ned Stark’s majestic “ice,” and items lovingly lifted from the HBO series. “We’ve got lunch boxes, games, action figures, busts, and all kinds of like weird little doodads,” Brett excitedly added, underscoring the quirkiness of this extensive compilation.
For folks itching to see these jaw-dropping artifacts up close, most items are accessible to the public—but you’ll need to make an appointment! Just think about it: wandering through history while gazing at objects that played key roles within the show’s saga. If that doesn’t get your heart racing, what will?
A Legendary Connection
Notably, George R.R. Martin chose Texas A&M to be the custodian of his illustrious collection after a memorable visit to the Texas A&M University Science Fiction and Fantasy Research Collection back in the 1970s. Little did he know then that this decision would result in a magical fusion between his fantastical world and the spirited culture of Aggieland!
And just to sprinkle a bit of serendipity into the mix, Marc Menchaca is not just any actor; he hails from San Angelo and has made a name for himself in shows like Ozark and Homeland. The couple, who tied the knot in 2022, seems to be happily blending their lives in a blend of art, history, and Texas tradition. What more could you ask for?
The Weekend Wrap-Up
Following their tour of the stunning collection, Lena and Marc participated in the electric atmosphere of the Aggies Yell Practice before gearing up for an exciting Saturday night football match against the Texas Longhorns. Adding a pinch of excitement to their Texas experience, you can bet it made for an unforgettable weekend!
There you have it! Texas A&M continues to dazzle its visitors not just with academic excellence, but also with cultural treasures. And now you know why a weekend isn’t just a weekend when you bring a touch of Game of Thrones into the mix!
