11 most prominent Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon houses

As a historian who has spent countless nights poring over dusty tomes and ancient scrolls, I have come to appreciate the intricate tapestry of power that is Westeros. One House that stands out, even amidst the grandeur of the Targaryens and the cunning of the Lannisters, is House Stark.

George R.R. Martin meticulously constructed a complex universe through his “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, sometimes leaving readers in awe at the depth of Westeros’ social hierarchy. Many fans immerse themselves deeply into this world, often focusing on the influential noble families, thus understanding the significant Houses is crucial.

In the world of Westeros, nine major families hold significant power, but there are numerous other families mentioned throughout the series who wield less influence or were already extinct by the time the main events unfolded. Some of these lesser-known houses play larger roles in George R.R. Martin’s historical works, such as Fire & Blood, which served as inspiration for “House of the Dragon.”

As a passionate fan diving into the captivating world of ‘Game of Thrones’ or brushing up my knowledge before ‘House of the Dragon’, or simply curious to delve deeper into my favorite houses, this comprehensive guide offers all the essential information about the origins and initial roles each house played. Enjoy the journey!

House Velaryon

“The Old, the True, the Brave”

The House Velaryon plays a significant role in “House of the Dragon,” yet they are barely visible during the events of “Game of Thrones.” Initially, they were a noble Valyrian house that settled in Westeros prior to the Targaryens and claimed Driftmark as their stronghold. They often formed alliances with the Targaryens through marriage. One notable Velaryon, Valaena Velaryon, was the mother of Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives.

Due to the tireless efforts of Corlys Velaryon, also known as the Sea Snake, House Velaryon held the title of Westeros’ wealthiest during King Viserys I Targaryen’s rule. Despite their involvement in the bloody Dance of the Dragons civil war, they managed to maintain much of their power. However, their influence waned during Robert’s Rebellion, making them vassals under House Baratheon. This shift in power is what appears to have led to their diminished presence by the time Game of Thrones begins.

Prominent Members:

• Corlys Velaryon (House of the Dragon)
• Laena and Laenor Velaryon (House of the Dragon)
• Monford Velaryon (Game of Thrones)

House Hightower

“We Light the Way”

The House Hightower traces its roots back to ancient rulers among the First Men, one of the earliest human groups in Westeros. They reside in the High Tower, a building that has been continually updated and rebuilt to maintain its status as a stronghold as technology progressed. During Aegon’s Conquest, Lord Manfred Hightower was advised to welcome the Targaryens to ensure the safety of his family line.

In the annals of Westeros, the Hightowers frequently joined forces with the Targaryens. For instance, Ceryse Hightower wed Maegor the Cruel in ancient times. Lady Alicent Hightower married Viserys I in “House of the Dragon”, and her offspring (though Targaryens) played crucial roles during the infamous Dance of the Dragons. Despite this, by the era depicted in “Game of Thrones”, the house had retreated into seclusion, limiting their influence on events.

Prominent Members:

• Otto Hightower (House of the Dragon)
• Alicent Hightower (House of the Dragon)

House Greyjoy

“We Do Not Sow”

One of the prominent families in Westeros, House Greyjoy, was chosen by the people because of their noble lineage, which is said to trace back to the legendary Grey King. To uphold their heritage, they managed to keep the Faith of the Seven from the Iron Islands. During the power struggle known as the Dance of the Dragons, both factions sought their ships due to their maritime prowess. However, so far, they have not made an appearance in the series House of the Dragon.

Following Robert Baratheon’s ascension to the Iron Throne several years prior to the events in Game of Thrones, Balon Greyjoy mobilized his Iron Fleet to revolt. Unfortunately, this uprising ended disastrously for him, resulting in the deaths of two of his sons and a significant portion of his troops at the hands of the Baratheon army. To preserve his title and lands, Balon was forced to give his youngest son, Theon, as a hostage to Eddard Stark, an arrangement that brought shame upon his household and sparked additional rebellion throughout Game of Thrones.

Prominent Members:

• Dalton Greyjoy (House of the Dragon)
• Balon Greyjoy (Game of Thrones)
• Asha and Theon Greyjoy (Game of Thrones)
• Euron Greyjoy (Game of Thrones)

House Tyrell

“Growing Strong”

Originally, House Tyrell pledged allegiance to House Gardener, who governed the Reach. Through multiple alliances, they were interconnected with House Gardener. However, when King Mern IX lost to the Targaryens, Harlan Tyrell swore fealty to Aegon the Conqueror. In exchange for this loyalty, House Tyrell was granted authority over the region and tasked with maintaining order among the Dornish.

In the epic conflict known as the Dance of the Dragons, the Tyrell family generally stayed out of it whenever they could. This suggests that viewers might not see them frequently in “House of the Dragon.” However, it’s worth noting that they were on the side of the Targaryens during Robert’s Rebellion. But their significance grows in “Game of Thrones” as they first forged alliances with Renly Baratheon and later with the Lannister-Baratheon rulers.

Prominent Members:

• Olenna Redwyne Tyrell (Game of Thrones)
• Loras Tyrell (Game of Thrones)
• Margaery Tyrell (Game of Thrones)

House Martell

“Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken”

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: I, Morgan Martell, founded House Martell after establishing roots in Dorne. Initially, we were just minor nobles, but things changed when Mors Martell wedded Nymeria of Ny Sar, the fierce princess from another land. We didn’t fall under the rule during Aegon’s Conquest, but we often joined forces with the Targaryens throughout Westeros’ long history.

During the Dance of the Dragons, both factions aimed to forge marriage ties with the Martells in a bid to solidify their claim as rulers of the Seven Kingdoms. However, these attempts were unsuccessful. The kingdoms finally united in 187 AC when Maron Martell wed Daenerys Targaryen (a different character from the one on Game of Thrones). Despite earlier hostilities from House Lannister towards House Martell prior to the events depicted in Game of Thrones, the Martells maintained their allegiance with the Targaryens during the rule of Robert Baratheon.

Prominent Members:

• Qoren Martell (House of the Dragon)
• Doran Nymeros Martell (Game of Thrones)
• Elia Martell (Game of Thrones)
• Oberyn Martell (Game of Thrones)

House Tully

“Family, Duty, Honor”

As a gamer, I’d say: For centuries, the Tully lineage has been the undisputed masters of Riverrun. Our prominence dates back to Aegon’s Conquest, where my ancestor, Edmyn Tully, chose to side with the Targaryens against House Hoare. Ever since then, we’ve held key council positions for Targaryen rulers, standing steadfast in our loyalty to those who wield power.

During the “Dance of the Dragons,” the Tully family found themselves split, with several members set to feature in “House of the Dragon.” In the era of “Game of Thrones,” House Tully maintained a significant presence in Westeros, as Lord Hoster Tully’s daughters were married into Houses Stark and Arryn. Although they may not have been the most aggressive players, the Tullys proved to be influential allies (and adversaries) for various parties.

Prominent Members:

• Grover Tully (House of the Dragon)
• Elmo, Kermit and Oscar Tully (House of the Dragon)
• Catelyn Stark (Game of Thrones)
• Lysa Arryn (Game of Thrones)
• Edmure Tully (Game of Thrones)

House Arryn

“As High as Honor”

One of the oldest houses in Westeros, House Arryn, traces its roots back to Andal royalty. During Aegon’s Conquest, they engaged in a prolonged struggle with the Targaryens, eventually reaching an impasse. However, the balance shifted when Visenya Targaryen captured young King Ronnel Arryn while his mother was absent. The Arryns had generally amicable ties with the Targaryens, including numerous unions, until close to the beginning of the events depicted in Game of Thrones.

As a devout fan, I can’t help but express my excitement over the fact that Rhaenyra Targaryen being half-Arryn means her family will have a significant presence in “House of the Dragon.” Although their involvement in “Game of Thrones” was primarily tied to Jon Arryn’s fostering of Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon, his brave decision not to sacrifice the two young men to Aerys II Targaryen ignited Robert’s Rebellion. As King Robert’s right hand, Jon served loyally until his untimely demise.

Prominent Members:

• Aemma Arryn (House of the Dragon)
• Jeyne Arryn (House of the Dragon)
• Jon Arryn (Game of Thrones)
• Robert/Robin Arryn (Game of Thrones)

House Baratheon

“Ours is the Fury”

The noble house known as Baratheon was established by Orys Baratheon, a man who claimed the life of Lord Durrandon’s lineage and wedded his daughter. Due to Orys’ strong alliance with Aegon the Conqueror, House Baratheon shared a tight bond with House Targaryen throughout much of Westeros’ initial history. The two families often intertwined through marriages, while also forging links with House Velaryon.

In the first season of House of the Dragon, Lord Borros Baratheon opted to side with Aegon II during the Dance of the Dragons due to a marriage agreement involving his daughters. The bond between House Baratheon and House Targaryen persisted post-civil war, but it was strained whenever the Baratheons perceived offenses from the ruling Targaryens. The most significant conflict occurred when Prince Rhaegar Targaryen kidnapped Lyanna Stark, who was betrothed to Robert Baratheon.

Following the fall of the Targaryens, House Baratheon divided into three branches: one ruling in King’s Landing, another maintaining their original territories, and a third taking control of Dragonstone, the former Targaryen stronghold. Robert Baratheon, along with his brothers and offspring, each played pivotal roles throughout Game of Thrones.

Prominent Members:

• Borros Baratheon (House of the Dragon)
• Robert Baratheon (Game of Thrones)
• Stannis and Renly Baratheon (Game of Thrones)
• Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen Baratheon (Game of Thrones)

House Lannister

“Hear Me Roar!”

During the epoch known as the Age of Heroes, the noble family of House Lannister emerged among the First Men. Over time, they ascended to the throne, with King Loreon Lannister marking the beginning of their reign. Through intermarriage with Andal lords, their lineage became a blend, first seen in Joffrey Lydden Lannister. House Lannister initially joined forces with House Gardener to oppose Aegon the Conqueror. However, Loren I Lannister ultimately yielded and was appointed as the Warden of the West.

The Lannister family was rich yet lacked significant political influence, that is, until the Dragon Dance, where they formed alliances with the Hightowers and Tywin Lannister secured a seat on the Small Council for his house. Post this power struggle, they faced numerous rebellions, but it wasn’t until Tywin took charge that he managed to stabilize their territories. He held the position of Hand under King Aerys II Targaryen for more than a decade, before the Rebellion led by Robert occurred.

Throughout much of the rebellion, Tywin Lannister maintained a neutral stance before launching a surprise attack on King’s Landing. It was his son, Jaime, who ended the life of Aerys Targaryen, while Tywin’s soldiers eliminated most of the remaining Targaryens. These betrayals paved the way for Tywin’s daughter Cersei to marry Robert Baratheon, thereby amassing significant political power. Owing to their prominence in both “House of the Dragon” and “Game of Thrones,” House Lannister is widely recognized, extending far beyond the fanbase.

Prominent Members:

• Jason and Tyland Lannister (House of the Dragon)
• Tywin Lannister (Game of Thrones)
• Jaime and Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones)
• Tyrion Lannister (Game of Thrones)

House Stark

“Winter is Coming”

Among the most ancient lineages in Westeros, House Stark has held sway over the North for countless years, even before the Targaryens united the kingdoms. The house’s founder, Brandon the Builder, is said to have crafted not only their stronghold at Winterfell but also the Wall that safeguards Westeros from the wildlings and the undead horde. Torrhen Stark eventually submitted to Aegon the Conqueror to avert further bloodshed, generally remaining faithful to the crown until the era of Robert’s Rebellion.

Initially swearing allegiance upon her ascension, House Stark remained loyal to Rhaenyra during the ‘Dance of the Dragons’. Lord Cregan Stark made his debut in season 2 of ‘House of the Dragon’. The audience can anticipate that House Stark will contribute troops in future conflicts and serve as a guiding force for the Targaryen dynasty, helping them navigate their way forward.

The House Stark played a pivotal role during Robert’s Rebellion, as there were allegations that Prince Rhaegar Targaryen had taken Lyanna Stark against her will. Tragically, Lord Brandon and his son Rickard met their end while attempting to rescue Lyanna. Eddard Stark joined forces with the Arryns and Baratheons in a victorious uprising against the monarchy. Throughout the series “Game of Thrones,” Eddard Stark and his offspring are significant characters.

Prominent Members:

• Cregan Stark (House of the Dragon)
• Eddard Stark (Game of Thrones)
• Robb, Sansa, Arya, Brandon, and Rickon Stark (Game of Thrones)
• Jon Snow (Game of Thrones)

House Targaryen

“Fire and Blood”

As a gamer immersed in the world of Westeros, I’ve seen how the House Targaryen ruled over this land for the better part of its known history. Before the Doom of Valyria, they had set up their base at Dragonstone. The first to make a mark was King Aegon I, who, alongside his valiant sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys, embarked on a conquest to unite the Seven Kingdoms under one rule. They succeeded, and their dominion lasted for centuries, bolstered by their unique ability to ride dragons – a privilege exclusive to them. However, their reign came to an end during Robert’s Rebellion, marking a significant shift in the power dynamics of Westeros.

In the beginning of “Game of Thrones,” House Targaryen had been out of power for fifteen long years. The Mad King Aerys was slain by Jaime Lannister, and most of his family met a grim end, save for his exiled offspring Viserys and Daenerys. In contrast, “House of the Dragon” is set over 150 years prior, during an era when the Targaryens reigned supreme on the throne, facing potential uprisings mainly from within their own ranks.

Prominent Members:

• Aegon the Conqueror
• Viserys I (House of the Dragon)
• Rhaenyra Targaryen (House of the Dragon)
• Aegon II Targaryen (House of the Dragon)
• Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones)

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2024-08-03 17:42