- The Starks of Winterfell
- The Lannisters of Casterly Rock
- The Targaryens of Dragonstone
- The Baratheons of Storm's End
- The Tyrells of Highgarden
- The Arryns of the Eyrie
- The Martells of Sunspear
- The Greyjoys of Pyke
- Other Houses
- House Tully of Riverrun
- House Frey of the Crossing
- House Bolton of the Dreadfort
- House Mormont of Bear Island
- House Martell of Nymeria
- House Reed of Greywater Watch
In thе world of Wеstеros which you sее in Gеorgе R.R. Martin's books and thе show Gamе of Thronеs, thеrе arе lots of important familiеs trying to bе thе most powеrful. Each family has its own story, symbol, saying, and way of doing things that affect how thеy play thе gamе of powеr.
Stark of Winterfell (North)
Lannister of Casterly Rock (Westerlands)
Targaryen of Dragonstone (formerly King's Landing, exiled)
Baratheon of Storm's End (Stormlands)
Tyrell of Highgarden (The Reach)
Arryn of the Eyrie (Vale of Arryn)
Martell of Sunspear (Dorne)
Greyjoy of Pyke (Iron Islands)
The Starks of Winterfell
Sigil: Direwolf
Motto: Winter is Coming
Location: North
The Starks are a family known for being honorable, loyal, and tough, mainly because they live in a tough place. Their leader is Ned Stark, a nobleman. They get caught up in the tricky politics of King's Landing, which ends up causing a lot of tragedy. Ned has children named Robb, Bran, Arya, Sansa, Rickon, and Jon Snow, and each of them goes on their own adventures, eventually becoming important in the fate of Westeros.
The Lannisters of Casterly Rock
Sigil: Lion
Motto: Hear Me Roar
Location: Westerlands
The Lannisters are a family that's all about being super rich and powerful, mainly because they own a lot of gold mines and are highly ambitious. Cersei Lannister is the queen and wants even more power, while her brother Jaime is smart and tricky. Their other brother Tyrion is small in size but extremely clever. They're good at playing the tricky political game, but sometimes their pride and evil nature cause problems for them.
The Targaryens of Dragonstone
Sigil: Three-headed dragon
Motto: Fire and Blood
Location: Exiled (formerly King's Landing)
Long ago, the Targaryens were the powerful rulers of Westeros and they had dragons. But after a rebellion, they were banished. Daenerys Targaryen, the last one left from that family, starts off as nobody but wants to take back what she believes is rightfully hers. She gathers loyal helpers and three big dragons, becoming a big player in the power struggle. She challenges the way things are and is ready to fight fiercely to claim the Iron Throne.
The Baratheons of Storm's End
Sigil: Stag
Motto: Ours is the Fury
Location: Stormlands
The Baratheons are famous for being good at fighting and having hot tempers. When Robert Baratheon takes the throne from the Targaryens, his brothers Stannis and Renly also want to be in charge. They all fight in the War of the Five Kings, each trying to be the ruler. Their fights show how even families that seem close can have a lot of ambition and problems.
The Tyrells of Highgarden
Sigil: Rose
Motto: Growing Strong
Location: The Reach
The Tyrells are the richest family in Westeros because they control the fertile area called the Reach. They're good at making deals and tricking people into doing what they want. Olenna Tyrell, who is charming, is the one who's usually in charge and makes all the plans. They make friends with other powerful families and use their influence to get what they want. But sometimes, because they depend too much on others, they find themselves in trouble when things don't go as planned.
The Arryns of the Eyrie
Sigil: Falcon
Motto: As High as Honor
Location: Vale of Arryn
The Arryns are a family that lives up in the mountains in a place called the Vale, and they're pretty proud of who they are. Jon Arryn is their leader, and he's careful about getting involved in fights for power. Robin Arryn, who's still young and hopeful, is next in line to lead. At first, they don't want to take sides in the power struggles, but because of where they live and Robin's weaknesses, they end up being used by other people in the game.
The Martells of Sunspear
Sigil: Sun pierced by a spear
Motto: Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken
Location: Dorne
The Martells are from a place called Dorne, known for being independent and good at using poisons and fighting. Prince Doran Martell is the leader, and he's patient and smart, planning to get back at people who wronged him in the past. His daughter Arianne is fiery, and his brother Oberyn is clever, which makes the Dornish story even more interesting.
The Greyjoys of Pyke
Sigil: Kraken
Motto: We Do Not Sow
Location: Iron Islands
The Greyjoys come from the Iron Islands, and they're tough and take a lot of pride in their ways. They're known for raiding and also for making strong fabrics. Balon Greyjoy is their leader, and he wants to separate from the rest of the Seven Kingdoms, causing a lot of problems and arguments within their family. His children Asha and Theon feel torn between being loyal to their family and wanting other things for themselves.
Other Houses
While the Great Houses dominate the political landscape, countless other noble houses play crucial roles in the intricate tapestry of Westerosi power. Let's explore some notable ones:
House Tully of Riverrun
Sigil: Trout jumping a weir
Motto: Family, Duty, Honor
Location: Riverlands
The Tullys are the Starks' close allies, and they're famous for being loyal and having strong family ties. Hoster Tully, who's like the head of the family, helps make important alliances at the start. His kids, Catelyn Stark (who's married to Ned) and Edmure Tully, become important in the fighting during the War of the Five Kings and later on too.
House Frey of the Crossing
Sigil: Two crossed swords beneath a red and blue quartered field
Motto: We Do Not Forget
Location: Riverlands
The Freys are famous for being sneaky and taking advantage of opportunities, especially because they control an important bridge called the Twins. Walder Frey, who's their leader, is smart but also not very trustworthy. He plans and carries out the infamous Red Wedding, which changes a lot of things in the story. What they do shows how brutal and dishonest the politics in Westeros can be.
House Bolton of the Dreadfort
Sigil: A flayed man
Motto: Our Blades Are Sharp
Location: North
The Boltons are a scary family known for being cruel and enjoying hurting people. Roose Bolton, who's sneaky, turns against the Starks and gets to be in charge as the Warden of the North for a bit. His son Ramsay is even worse - he's mean and makes the story even scarier.
House Mormont of Bear Island
Sigil: Bear standing on hind legs
Motto: Here We Stand
Location: North
The Mormonts are famous for being loyal and brave. Jorah Mormont, who's a knight who did something wrong and wants to make up for it, becomes a trusted advisor and protector to Daenerys Targaryen. His strong loyalty to her and what happens to him show how people sometimes have to give up a lot in their quest for power.
House Martell of Nymeria
Sigil: Sun pierced by a spear
Motto: Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken
Location: Dorne
While House Martell of Sunspear is the main branch in Dorne, we shouldn't forget about House Martell of Nymeria, which has a distant but notable connection to Daenerys Targaryen. Oberyn Martell, who's proud of being Dornish and wants revenge for something, is a very important character in the earlier parts of the story.
House Reed of Greywater Watch
Sigil: Crannogman emerges from the water with a spear and shield
Motto: The Marsh Knows No King
Location: Neck
The Reeds are the mysterious rulers of the swampy area called the Neck, known for keeping to themselves and being good at living in their unusual surroundings. Jojen and Meera Reed are important because they help Bran Stark on his journey, showing how sometimes you need help from unexpected friends to reach your goals.
FAQs on Game of Thrones Houses
A. The Free Cities are independent city-states across the Narrow Sea, each with its own unique culture and political system. They play a significant role in trade and sometimes become involved in Westerosi affairs.
A. The Dothraki are a nomadic warrior people from the Essos continent, known for their horsemanship and fierce fighting skills. Daenerys Targaryen allies with a Dothraki khalasar early in her journey.
A. The White Walkers are an ancient and terrifying threat from the far north, composed of ice and death. They pose a significant danger to all of Westeros as the story progresses.
