Who are the Martell’s in Game of Thrones?

House Martell is one of the Great Houses of Westeros and the ruling house of Dorne.

Game of Thrones aired on HBO from 2011 to 2019, spanning eight seasons. It is a series that captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping narrative, complex characters, and intricately woven plotlines, based on George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire. Westeros is a continent marked by feudal power struggles, noble houses, and constant warfare over the Iron Throne, while Essos, on the other hand, is a sprawling continent across the Narrow Sea, characterized by cultural diversity, bustling city-states, and the presence of slavery. The Martells of Dorne are known for their resilient leaders, strategic warfare, and fiercely sovereign ideologies.

What are the Martell’s known for?

House Martell, renowned for their guerrilla tactics and resilience, has defied conquest by foreign powers, including the Targaryens. They have an ancestral feud with House Lannister, originating from the murder of Elia Martell, sister to Prince Doran Martell, during the brutal Sack of King's Landing at the close of Robert's Rebellion.

Currently, Prince Doran, afflicted with gout and confined to a wheelchair, leads House Martell with a keen strategic mind, navigating the intricate political landscape of Westeros. His younger brother, Oberyn Martell, the charismatic Red Viper, seeks retribution for their sister's demise, showcasing exceptional combat skills and a fervent pursuit of justice against the Lannisters.

The Martells' distinct culture, heavily influenced by their southern Westeros location and ties to the Rhoynar, champions gender equality, allowing women to inherit titles and partake in paramour relationships where noblewomen can take lovers outside of marriage. The house's words are "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken," reflecting their resilience and determination.

In the epic tale of Game of Thrones, House Martell plays a pivotal role, particularly in the later seasons, engaging in conflicts such as the War of the Five Kings, the quest for the Iron Throne, and the battle against the menacing White Walkers.

Who plays Martell’s in Game of Thrones?

The Martells are one of the noble families on the fictional continent of Westeros. They rule over the region of Dorne, which is located in the southernmost part of the continent. The Martells are known for their fierce independence and strong will. Several actors bring the Martell family to life with their compelling performances; some of these actors include:

• The head of House Martell is Prince Doran Martell, who is portrayed by actor Alexander Siddig. Doran is a cautious and calculating ruler.

• Doran's siblings include his fiery and vengeful sister, Ellaria Sand, portrayed by actress Indira Varma. Ellaria is not a true Martell by blood; she is actually a bastard daughter, known as "Sand.”.

• Oberyn Martell, Doran's charismatic and hot-tempered younger brother, is portrayed by Pedro Pascal. Oberyn, also known as the "Red Viper,". He is a charismatic and skilled fighter driven by a thirst for justice following the brutal murder of his sister Elia and her children by the Lannisters.

• Doran's son and heir is Prince Trystane Martell, played by actor Toby Sebastian.

When are the Martell’s introduced in the show?

The Martells are first introduced in the Game of Thrones TV series in Season 4. Prince Oberyn Martell, also known as the Red Viper, arrives in King's Landing to attend the royal wedding of King Joffrey Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell. Oberyn is seeking justice for the murder of his sister Elia and her children by the Lannisters during Robert's Rebellion. He becomes involved in the political and military conflicts in King's Landing, forming alliances and seeking revenge against the Lannisters.

Other members of House Martell are introduced in later seasons, including Prince Doran Martell, the head of House Martell, and his daughter Arianne Martell. The Sand Snakes, the illegitimate daughters of Oberyn Martell, are also introduced in later seasons, including Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene Sand.