EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELIGIOUS PROPHECY AND IDENTITY TRANSFORMATION IN HOUSE GREYJOY THROUGH THE LENS OF SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY WITH A TRANSNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This paper works towards the phenomenon of religious prophecy and its impact on the process of identity transformation within House Greyjoy, as depicted in the literary opus A Feast for Crows, authored by George R.R. Martin. Drawing upon the Social Cognitive Theory proposed by Albert Bandura, the present study examines how characters, specifically Aeron Greyjoy, interact with and internalise prophetic communications, consequently prompting modifications in their behaviour and self-perception. Furthermore, this analysis will incorporate a transnational perspective to comprehensively examine the global ramifications of House Greyjoy’s religious metamorphosis. This study aims to explicate the impact of social cognitive processes on religious transformation and its broader ramifications by analysing the beliefs, behaviours, and interactions exhibited by House Greyjoy.

The literary composition entitled A Feast for Crows allows readers to familiarise themselves with the enigmatic figure of Aeron Greyjoy, frequently referred to as the prophet or the Damphair. This particular character assumes a pivotal role within the religious domain of House Greyjoy. This research employs the Social Cognitive Theory framework to examine the impact of Aeron's environmental interactions, particularly within the Ironborn culture, and his prophetic experiences, on developing his beliefs and subsequent emergence as a religious leader. This study aims to thoroughly analyse Aeron’s expedition, shedding light on the complex interplay between individual factors, observational learning, and contextual influences.

The Social Cognitive Theory, as posited by Albert Bandura, contends that the complex interplay of individual factors, actions, and the surrounding context influences human behaviour. This theory has been widely applied in diverse fields, including psychology, education, and media studies, to comprehend how individuals acquire knowledge, adapt to novel situations, and construct their identities. In Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development Sam Goldstein and colleagues mention “Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory conceptualizes cognitive, vicarious, self-regulatory, and self-reflective processes as they relate to human motivation and behavior”.(1392-1394) Furthermore, this research endeavour aims to investigate the utilisation of Social Cognitive Theory in examining the prophetic function of Aeron Greyjoy, considering a transnational framework. This theoretical framework seeks to acquire a more profound comprehension of the cognitive processes and social influences that mould Aeron’s beliefs, actions, and interactions within the confines of his prophetic role. Observational learning and modelling are cognitive processes encompassing the acquisition of knowledge and skills by observing others.