‘Game of Thrones’: A Guide to the Houses of Westeros

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In the world of Game of Thrones, family history and social standing are incredibly important. The Seven Kingdoms are filled with many different houses, but a few powerful families truly lead the way. Even people who haven’t seen the show probably know the names Stark and Targaryen – they’re that famous! These nine great houses hold significant power and influence, essentially controlling the events of the series. Let’s take a closer look at each of them, exploring their family connections and their positions at the beginning of Season 1.

House Stark


HBO 

  • Ruler: Lord Eddard “Ned” Stark
  • Words: “Winter Is Coming”
  • Sigil: Direwolf
  • Founded by: Bran the Builder during the Age of Heroes
  • House Seat: Winterfell in the North

Family Tree in ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 1

Ned Stark is the head of House Stark and a powerful leader in the North, known as the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. He’s a man of strong principles and believes deeply in fairness, and he’s skilled with the ancient Valyrian steel sword called Ice. People respect and follow him because of his honor and unwavering moral code. Ned is also a long-time friend of King Robert Baratheon, and they fought together in a rebellion that overthrew the previous king. Because of their history, Robert later appoints Ned as his Hand – a trusted advisor and right-hand man.

Catelyn Stark, also known as Cat, is the wife of Ned Stark and the mother of their five children. Originally from House Tully, she shares Ned’s strong sense of honor and is deeply devoted to her family, fiercely protecting them at all costs.

Robb Stark is the eldest child of Ned and Catelyn Stark, making him the heir to Winterfell and the future Warden of the North. He shares a strong sense of honor and duty with his parents and, like his siblings, has a direwolf companion named Grey Wind. Robb is determined to fulfill his responsibilities and quickly mature into the leader he’s meant to be, looking to his father as a role model.

Sansa Stark is the oldest child of Ned and Catelyn Stark. She fully enjoys the traditional life of a noblewoman, becoming skilled in activities like sewing, playing music, and dancing. She longs for a great love. Her father and King Robert arrange for her to marry Joffrey Baratheon, Robert’s son. With her direwolf, Lady, Sansa travels with her father and sister Arya to King’s Landing to begin her new life at court.

Arya Stark is the third child of Ned and Catelyn Stark, and very different from her sister Sansa. She rejects traditional expectations for girls, preferring to train with a sword. She names her direwolf Nymeria after a famous warrior princess. Before traveling to King’s Landing with her family, her half-brother Jon gives her a sword called Needle.

Brandon Stark, known as Bran, is Ned and Cat Stark’s fourth child and loves to explore, which often leads to trouble. During a visit from the Lannisters, Bran’s life changes forever when Jaime Lannister pushes him from a tower window. Similar to his siblings, Bran has a strong mental connection with his direwolf, Summer, who stays with him as he recovers.

Rickon Stark is the youngest of Ned and Cat Stark’s children. He’s a typical energetic kid who loves playing with his direwolf, Shaggydog, and can be a bit moody and stubborn. When Ned, Sansa, and Arya leave for King’s Landing, Rickon stays behind at Winterfell with his brothers and mother.

Jon Snow is the illegitimate son of Ned Stark. When the story begins in Game of Thrones, he doesn’t know who his mother was. While Catelyn Stark often treats him as an outsider, it’s clear her harshness comes from the pain of Ned’s infidelity. Jon has good relationships with his half-siblings. He’s a reserved, cautious, and mysterious person. Ultimately, he chooses to join the Night’s Watch, accompanied by his direwolf, Ghost.

House Targaryen


HBO

  • Ruler: Viserys Targaryen
  • Words: “Fire and Blood”
  • Sigil: Three-headed dragon
  • Founded by: Unknown, but House Targaryen used to be Dragonlords in the Valyrian Freehold prior to the Doom of Valyria and King Aegon I Targaryen’s conquering of Westeros
  • House Seat: Dragonstone in the Crownlands before Robert’s Rebellion

Family Tree in ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 1

Viserys Targaryen is the seventh child of King Aerys II and Queen Rhaella. He’s spent most of his life in exile in Essos with his sister, Daenerys, after his father was killed by Jaime Lannister and his older brother Rhaegar was killed by Robert Baratheon during Robert’s Rebellion. At the start of the story, Viserys is determined to win back the Iron Throne and restore his family’s power. He and Magister Illyrio Mopatis plan for Daenerys to marry Khal Drogo, hoping Drogo’s large Dothraki army will support Viserys’ claim to the throne. However, Viserys is often cruel and unpredictable, and he mistreats Daenerys despite the fact that her marriage is essential for securing the army he needs.

Daenerys Targaryen, known as Dany, was born during the final month of a rebellion, and sadly, her mother died giving birth. Having spent her childhood and teenage years in Essos, Dany has no memories of Westeros. Initially quiet and reserved, she gradually becomes a powerful leader. She gains a loyal follower in Ser Jorah Mormont, a knight exiled from Westeros, and receives three dragon eggs as a wedding gift from Illyrio. Dany then marries Khal Drogo and travels with him, his Dothraki army, and her brother Viserys to the city of Vaes Dothrak.

House Lannister


HBO

  • Ruler: Lord Tywin Lannister
  • Words: “Hear Me Roar”
  • Sigil: A golden lion
  • Founded by: Lann the Clever during the Age of Heroes
  • House Seat: Casterly Rock in the Westerlands

Family Tree in ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 1

Tywin Lannister is a powerful and influential figure, ruling from Casterly Rock as Lord and Warden of the West. He has three children: the twins Jaime and Cersei, and Tyrion. He previously served as the Hand of the King under Aerys II. Tywin is known for being both shrewd and ruthless, with a deep understanding of political maneuvering. He clearly favors Jaime and Cersei, and holds Tyrion responsible for the death of his wife, Joanna, who died giving birth to him.

Ser Jaime Lannister is a knight sworn to protect King Robert, and initially appears as a handsome and charismatic figure. However, beneath the surface lies a troubled history – he killed the former king, Aerys II, during a rebellion. He also has a scandalous relationship with his twin sister, Cersei, and famously pushed Bran Stark from a window after Bran caught them together. Many believe Jaime is actually the father of Cersei’s children, despite Robert being named as their father.

Queen Cersei Lannister is married to Robert I and shares many traits with her father, Tywin. She’s a master strategist in the political game and will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Cersei is fiercely devoted to her children – Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen Baratheon – and although she doesn’t love Robert, she endures their marriage.

Tyrion Lannister is the youngest child of Tywin and Joanna, and the designated heir to Casterly Rock. Though he’s often ridiculed for his short height and doesn’t share the typical cunning or drive associated with the Lannister family, Tyrion is known for his intelligence, kindness, and sharp wit. He frequently clashes with his father, Tywin, and sister, Cersei, but shares a strong bond with his brother, Jaime.

Ser Kevan Lannister: Kevan is the younger brother of Tywin and a knight of House Lannister.

House Tyrell


HBO

  • Ruler: Lord Mace Tyrell
  • Words: “Growing Strong”
  • Sigil: A golden rose
  • Founded by: Ser Alester Tyrell of the Andals
  • House Seat: Highgarden in the Reach

Family Tree in ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 1

Ser Loras Tyrell is the son of Mace Tyrell, the powerful Lord of Highgarden, and Lady Alerie Hightower. He’s the first member of House Tyrell seen in the first season of Game of Thrones. Known as the Knight of Flowers, Loras is charming, good-looking, and a skilled fighter. During a tournament in King’s Landing, he gives Sansa a rose. However, his true affections lie with Lord Renly Baratheon, whom he encourages to claim the Iron Throne after King Robert is injured in a hunting accident.

House Greyjoy


HBO

  • Ruler: Lord Balon Greyjoy
  • Words: “We Do Not Sow”
  • Sigil: A golden kraken
  • Founded by: An unnamed son of the Grey King during the Age of Heroes
  • House Seat: Pyke on the Iron Islands

Family Tree in ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 1

Theon Greyjoy is the youngest child and only surviving son of Lord Balon Greyjoy and Alannys Harlaw. He has an older sister named Yara. He’s the only member of the Greyjoy family seen in the first season. As a result of the Greyjoy Rebellion, Theon was sent to Winterfell as a hostage and raised as Ned Stark’s ward. He becomes close to the Stark children and their parents, though not to Jon. Despite appearing confident and somewhat reckless, Theon is actually insecure and struggles with his sense of self. When Catelyn Stark travels to King’s Landing, Theon remains in Winterfell to advise Robb, who is now in charge while Catelyn and Ned are away.

House Martell


Max

  • Ruler: Prince Doran Martell
  • Words: “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken”
  • Sigil: A red sun pierced by a golden spear
  • Founded by: Morgan Martell, Mors Martell, and Nymeria during the Andal Invasion
  • House Seat: Old Palace in Sunspear in the region of Dorne

Family Tree in ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 1

Although House Martell is a powerful family, they don’t actually appear on screen until Season 4 of Game of Thrones. However, characters discuss them in earlier seasons. Dorne, the Martell’s home region, has a long history of resisting control from the rulers of Westeros, going back to when Westeros was first unified. The Martells were involved in a major rebellion against the throne, as Princess Elia Martell, sister of the current ruler of Dorne, briefly married Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. Tywin Lannister later ordered Elia and her children to be killed, which created lasting tension between House Martell and the major families of Westeros, especially the Lannisters and Baratheons.

House Baratheon


HBO

  • Ruler: King Robert I Baratheon of House Baratheon of King’s Landing; Lord Stannis Baratheon of House Baratheon of Dragonstone; Lord Renly Baratheon of House Baratheon of Storm’s End
  • Words: “Ours Is the Fury”
  • Sigil: A crowned stag
  • Founded by: Orys Baratheon during Aegon’s Conquest
  • House Seat: Storm’s End in the Stormlands

Family Tree in ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 1

Robert Baratheon, the King of Westeros, often longs for the past, remembering when he led the rebellion that overthrew the previous king. He’s very close to Ned Stark and asks him to come to King’s Landing to serve as his most trusted advisor and protector. Although he acts as a father to Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen, Robert knows they aren’t his biological children. His marriage to Cersei is troubled. Robert is known for being bold and courageous, and he has several illegitimate children, including Gendry, a young blacksmith working in the capital.

I’m a big supporter of Lord Renly Baratheon! He’s the head of the Baratheon family in the Stormlands, ruling from Storm’s End. He was also a key advisor to his brother, Robert – serving as Master of Laws on the small council. Honestly, Renly is just… charming. He’s got that natural Baratheon confidence and is really easy to be around. Plus, he and Ser Loras Tyrell are perfect together. But he’s not content just ruling Storm’s End; he believes he could truly lead the whole realm and make a real difference.

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Prince Joffrey Baratheon, promised to Sansa Stark, is the eldest child of Cersei and Robert I (though his real father is actually Jaime Lannister). He physically resembles the Lannisters, with blonde hair and green eyes. At first, Joffrey seems kind to Sansa, but he’s quickly revealed to be unpredictable, cruel, and enjoys getting revenge. He’s determined to get his way, and won’t hesitate to harm or even kill anyone who stands in his path.

Princess Myrcella Baratheon is the second child of Cersei and Robert Baratheon. She’s known for being polite, smart, and more understanding than her mother. Ned Stark learns that Myrcella, like her brothers, is not actually Robert’s biological child.

I have to say, Tommen Baratheon is one of the more likable characters! He’s Cersei and Robert’s youngest son, and honestly, he’s the complete opposite of his brother Joffrey. Everyone describes him as really kind and gentle. He genuinely seems like a good person who always tries to do the right thing and treat people well, which is a breath of fresh air in King’s Landing!

House Tully


HBO

  • Ruler: Lord Hoster Tully
  • Words: “Family, Duty, Honor”
  • Sigil: A leaping trout
  • Founded by: Has existed since the First Men, but Ser Edmure Tully became the first Lord of Riverrun during the coming of the Andals
  • House Seat: Riverrun in the Riverlands

Family Tree in ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 1

While not prominently shown in the first season, House Tully remains a powerful family in the realm. Hoster Tully, the Lord of Riverrun and a leading figure in the Trident region, is ill and confined to his bed. His son, Edmure, is poised to inherit the title. Hoster and his deceased wife, Lady Minisa Whent, had three sons (whose names aren’t mentioned), along with two daughters: Catelyn Stark and Lysa Arryn. Hoster also served as a guardian to a young Petyr Baelish, who developed feelings for Catelyn. Hoster’s brother, Brynden Tully, is a skilled knight.

House Arryn


HBO

  • Ruler: Lord Robin Arryn
  • Words: “As High as Honor”
  • Sigil: A sky-blue falcon
  • Founded by: Ser Artys Arryn during the coming of the Andals
  • House Seat: The Eyrie in the Vale of Arryn

Family Tree in ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 1

Lysa Arryn is the youngest daughter of Hoster and Minisa. She was married to Jon Arryn, who served as Robert I’s Hand, until his death before the start of Game of Thrones. Lysa has one son, Robin, whom she fiercely protects. Her relationship with her sister, Cat, is complicated.

Robin Arryn, also known as Lord of the Eyrie, is the ruler of the Vale, though he’s known for being quick-tempered and complaining. His mother, Lysa, tries to keep him happy so he’ll stay with her, but she’s really the one in charge. Robin has a disturbing fascination with the Moon Door and enjoys watching people fall through it.

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2026-01-10 19:27