Watch: The opening fourteen minutes of HBO's "Game of Thrones"

HBO's adaptation of George R. R. Martin's fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire will premiere on April 17, but the channel has kindly provided us with this meaty preview of the first episode's opening. While I'm one of those people who hasn't read the books yet, I'm very excited even if I don't know exactly what the hell is going on here. My main takeaway: beheadings for everyone!

Between this, The Borgias, and Camelot, the next few months are going to be a great moment for people who love getting dressed up for the Renaissance Fair. (And before anyone comments about how two out of three of these shows have nothing to do with the Renaissance at all, let me say: neither does the Renaissance Fair. Last time I went to one I counted five Jack Sparrows and a ninja.)