Every Game of Thrones House Explained in 19 Minutes

House Targaryen: Rise and Fall

The Power of House Targaryen

• House Targaryen was a powerful house in Westeros, known for their mastery of dragons before their rule began.

• Daenys the Dreamer foresaw the Doom of Valyria, convincing her father to relocate to Dragonstone with some dragons.

• After the Doom, the Targaryens survived on Dragonstone and later began their reign with Aegon the Conqueror's conquest of Westeros.

The Legacy of Aegon and House Baratheon

• Aegon's conquest unified the Seven Kingdoms, aided by his dragons and sisters who were also his wives.

• Orys Baratheon, a general in Aegon's army, founded House Baratheon after being granted Storm's End for his military achievements.

• During Robert's Rebellion, Stannis led a siege at Storm's End against loyalists to the Mad King; this marked a significant moment in Baratheon's history.

The Fate of House Stark

Origins and Strength of House Stark

• House Stark is one of the oldest houses in Westeros, ruling the North long before Aegon's unification.

• Founded by Bran the Builder, they became kings through strength over other Northern houses.

Surrender to Aegon

• King Torrhen Stark surrendered to Aegon upon witnessing his dragons rather than face destruction; this controversial decision preserved Stark power.

The Rebellion and Its Consequences

• Lady Lyanna Stark’s abduction by Prince Rhaegar sparked Robert's Rebellion; Eddard Stark joined forces against the Targaryens.

House Lannister: Wealth and Influence

Ancestry and Rise to Prominence

• The Lannisters are descendants of Andal invaders who conquered much of Westeros 6,000 years ago.

• They gained prominence after clever manipulation led them to take Casterly Rock from House Cley.

Allegiance and Wealth

The Rise and Fall of Prominent Houses in Westeros

House Lannister's Legacy

• Tywin Lannister rebuilt House Lannister to a position of power, ensuring his children were placed in influential roles. By the end of the series, all main family members except Tyrion had died, leaving their future uncertain.

House Tyrell: A Respectable Rise

• The Tyrells are the second wealthiest house, descending from Andal knight Alistair Tyrell. Unlike the Lannisters, they gained prominence through more honorable means by serving House Gardener initially.

• Their rise to power accelerated around Aegon's Conquest when Harlin Tyrell surrendered Highgarden to Aegon after King M's refusal led to his execution.

• While they rose respectably compared to the Lannisters, they share similar cunning traits in politics but often employ subtler tactics.

• The Tyrells navigate ethical dilemmas with a mix of honor reminiscent of House Stark while being willing to engage in morally questionable actions for political gain.

• By the end of the show, all members of House Tyrell have perished, suggesting their legacy may not continue if book events mirror this outcome.

The Strength of House Arryn

• House Arryn remains strong as Lords of the Eyrie due to their historical surrender during Aegon's Conquest. John Arryn was a respected leader whose rebellion against the Mad King sparked significant conflict among houses.

• John Arryn served as Hand of the King under Robert Baratheon until his death left his young son Robin as heir at the series' conclusion.

The Resilience of House Martell

• Historically divided into various regions with multiple kings, Dorne unified under House Martell about a thousand years ago through strategic marriage alliances led by warrior queen Nymeria.

• They successfully resisted Aegon’s Conquest and maintained independence due to advanced military tactics and weaponry; notably slaying Rhaenys Targaryen's dragon.

• Despite joining the Seven Kingdoms via marriage alliance centuries later, their motto "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken" reflects their enduring strength against outside conquest.

• Elia Martell’s tragic fate during Robert’s Rebellion fueled outrage within her family but did not extinguish their legacy as new leaders emerged post-conflict.

Overview on Other Houses

Overview of House Greyjoy and Other Notable Houses in Westeros

House Greyjoy's Strengths and Challenges

• House Greyjoy is recognized as one of the strongest houses in Westeros, particularly at sea, ruling over the fierce Ironborn people who are known for their ruthlessness.

• Lord Balon Greyjoy led a rebellion against King Robert Baratheon, resulting in significant losses for his house, including the deaths of two sons during the conflict.

• After Balon's defeat, his only surviving son Theon was taken by the Starks as a ward; Yara remained on the Iron Islands after this turmoil.

• Following Balon's exile of Euron, who became a notorious pirate, both brothers ultimately met their demise in later seasons, leaving Yara as the last surviving member to lead House Greyjoy.

The Rise and Fall of House Tully

• In central Westeros lies Riverlands ruled by House Tully, which gained prominence during Aegon's Conquest due to its support for Targaryen invaders.

• Brothers Hoster and Brendan Tully fought together but later parted ways; Brendan earned the nickname "Blackfish" and continued to battle until Riverrun's siege.

• Hoster married Lady Lysa from House Arryn to form an alliance against the Mad King during Robert's Rebellion; Catelyn Stark was also part of this strategic marriage arrangement.

• Despite their loyalty to Targaryens initially, both Catelyn and Lysa were killed off by season 8 with Edmure being the last surviving member leading Riverrun.

The Ruthlessness of House Bolton

• One of the oldest houses in Westeros, House Bolton has a history rooted in violence against House Stark and is infamous for flaying their enemies alive.

• Their sigil—a flayed man—symbolizes their brutal practices that have persisted for centuries. They were eventually forced to abandon these customs after bending the knee to Stark.

• Roose Bolton’s betrayal led to significant Stark casualties; he became Lord of Winterfell but was ultimately killed off by season 6 along with his family.

The Wealthy Yet Disrespected Freys

• Lords of the Twins, House Frey controls a crucial crossing point over a river. They amassed wealth through toll collection from travelers passing through their bridge.

• Historically disrespected by other houses like Tully, Walder Frey's actions culminated in betrayal during events like the Red Wedding where he executed key characters Catelyn and Robb Stark.

• Arya Stark avenged her family's death by killing Walder Frey; however, with over 100 descendants remaining, Frey's legacy continues despite individual losses.

The Resilience of House Mormont

• Located on Bear Island in northern Westeros, House Mormont is characterized as relatively poor yet known for producing strong and loyal individuals throughout its history.

Jorah Mormont and House Tarly's Legacy

Jorah Mormont's Background and Fate

• Jorah Mormont was exiled from Westeros for participating in slave trading, a crime considered inexcusable.

• He found Daenerys Targaryen during his exile and chose to loyally follow her.

• His father, Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, felt disgraced by Jorah’s actions.

• Jorah ultimately dies protecting Daenerys in Season 8.

The Extinction of House Mormont

• Lyanna Mormont became head of House Mormont but also died in Season 8.

• The death of both Jorah and Lyanna led to the extinction of House Mormont.

Overview of House Tarly

• House Tarly is an ancient house with origins dating back to the First Men, known as Lords of Hornhill.

• They possess a Valyrian steel sword named Heartsbane, highlighting their military tradition.

Lord Randall Tarly's Actions

• During Robert's Rebellion, Lord Randall commanded the Vanguard at the Battle of Ashford, forcing Robert Baratheon to retreat.

• After the extinction of House Baratheon, House Tarly swore allegiance to House Lannister but later betrayed them.

Consequences for House Tarly

• Both Randall and his son Digon were executed by Daenerys after the Battle of the Gold Road due to family ties with Samwell Tarly from the Night's Watch.

• With no male heirs left, only Samwell’s sister Tala could inherit; however, her marriage into another house complicates succession.

The Rise and Fall of House Baelish

Origins and Early Connections

• House Baelish was founded by a sellsword from Braavos who served another house located in the Vale.

• Peter Baelish (Littlefinger), fostered at Riverrun, fell in love with Catelyn Stark while she was betrothed to Brandon Stark.

Peter Baelish’s Ambitions

• After losing a duel for Catelyn’s hand against Brandon Stark, Peter returned home humiliated but continued nurturing bitter feelings.

• He eventually gained prominence through financial work under Jon Arryn and became Master of Coin after Jon became Hand of the King.

Littlefinger’s Political Maneuvering

• Despite lacking noble lineage, Peter became a significant player in royal politics through cunning strategies.

• Ultimately killed by Arya Stark in Season 7, he left no offspring behind leading to the extinction of House Baelish.

House Hightower: A Historical Overview

Significance in Westerosi Politics

• Although not present in current series events, House Hightower was one of Westeros' most powerful houses historically.

• They ruled Oldtown for thousands of years before Targaryen rule began.

Key Figures within Hightower

• Lord Hobert Hightower led before King Viseryx I; his brother Otto served as Hand to Viseryx I.

• Otto arranged for his daughter Alicent to marry Viseryx I resulting in four children born into power.