In an exciting turn of events, George R.R. Martin had the remarkable opportunity to meet the newly “de-extinct” dire wolves, one of which intriguingly shares its name with a beloved character from Game of Thrones. This encounter not only highlights the fascinating intersection of science and popular culture but also brings a unique connection between the fantasy genre and real-world advancements in genetic engineering.
It’s now official: we have achieved the remarkable feat of bringing back dire wolves even before George R.R. Martin completes The Winds of Winter. Not only is this a significant moment in paleogenetics, but it also adds a playful twist, as Martin poses with these iconic canines that have become synonymous with his acclaimed series. The dire wolf, an emblematic creature within Game of Thrones, takes on a new life as we witness this extraordinary scientific achievement unfold.
While there remains some debate regarding whether Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi are true examples of the revived dire wolves, one thing is certain: it’s a delight to see George R.R. Martin interacting with these animals. Their undeniable cuteness adds another layer of charm to the story. Martin disclosed that he had the opportunity to meet these fascinating creatures back in February, several months before the news broke, showcasing the excitement and anticipation surrounding this groundbreaking development.
The team at Colossal Biosciences, renowned for their ambitious goals of de-extinction, previously sought to revive iconic species like woolly mammoths, the Tasmanian tiger, and dodo birds. They utilized DNA extracted from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull to create these new dire wolves. However, there exists ongoing debate about whether these animals are genuinely restored dire wolves or simply genetically engineered grey wolves that mimic certain characteristics of the extinct species. Regardless, this milestone provides George R.R. Martin with a fresh dusk jacket cover for his future literary endeavors, should he return to his typewriter.
According to a statement from Business Wire, “The dire wolf, often believed to be a mythical creature popularized by the HBO hit series Game of Thrones, was an American canid that had been extinct for over 12,500 years. The successful birth of three dire wolves marks a groundbreaking milestone in scientific progress, demonstrating a significant advancement in Colossal’s de-extinction technologies and paving the way for the revival of other target species.”
Whether George R.R. Martin ever completes The Winds of Winter remains uncertain, but it was reported last year that HBO is moving forward with plans for a Game of Thrones movie, alongside teasing a potential spin-off series. Whatever developments arise from this franchise, fans hope they yield better outcomes for Martin than the recent House of the Dragon series.
What are your thoughts on the fascinating concept of “de-extinct” dire wolves?
