Every Game of Thrones House Explained in 19 Minutes

Summary

This video script delves into the history and influence of Westeros' most prominent houses, from the dragon-wielding Targaryens to the cunning Lannisters and the honorable Starks. It explores the rise and fall of these families, their pivotal roles in shaping the Seven Kingdoms, and the legacies they leave behind, offering viewers an insightful journey through the political landscape of Game of Thrones.

Takeaways

• 🐉 The Targaryens were a powerful house in Westeros, known for their mastery of dragons, which made them an unstoppable force until the Doom of Valyria.
• 👑 House Baratheon was founded by Orys Baratheon, a general in Aegon's army, and became prominent after being granted Storm's End; however, their legacy ended with no legitimate heirs.
• ❄️ House Stark is one of the oldest and strongest houses, ruling the North before the Targaryen conquest and maintaining power due to their strength and diplomacy.
• 💰 House Lannister rose to prominence through the cunning of Tywin Lannister and became the wealthiest family in Westeros, known for their saying 'A Lannister always pays his debts'.
• 🌱 House Tyrell became powerful through their service to House Gardener and later by surrendering to Aegon the Conqueror, known for their political cunning and wealth.
• 🏰 House Arryn is renowned for their impregnable fortress, the Eyrie, and remained a strong house in Westeros, with Jon Arryn serving as Hand of the King.
• 🏜️ House Martell of Dorne was unique in that they were never conquered by outsiders and maintained their independence until joining the Seven Kingdoms through a matrimonial alliance.
• 🛥️ House Greyjoy ruled the Iron Islands and were known for their naval strength and fierce warriors, though their rebellions against the mainland were largely unsuccessful.
• 🌾 House Tully of the Riverlands was known for their loyalty to the Targaryens and played a crucial role in Robert's Rebellion, with the surviving member, Edmure Tully, becoming Lord of Riverrun.
• 🔪 House Bolton was one of the oldest and most ruthless houses, known for their brutal practice of flaying, and their eventual defeat marked the end of their legacy.
• 🌉 House Frey controlled a strategic crossing point over a river and became wealthy through tolls, though their betrayal at the Red Wedding led to their eventual downfall.

Q & A

What significant event allowed House Targaryen to become powerful in Westeros?

House Targaryen became powerful due to their mastery of using dragons to fight for them, which made them an unstoppable force until the Doom of Valyria.

Why did House Targaryen relocate to Dragon Stone before the Doom of Valyria?

Daenise the Dreamer foresaw the Doom of Valyria and convinced her father to move the family and some dragons to Dragon Stone, which allowed them to survive the disaster.

Who was the first Targaryen ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and what was his goal?

Aegon the Conqueror was the first Targaryen ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, and his goal was to rule over all of them as one unified realm.

How did House Baratheon come into power?

Orys Baratheon, a general in Aegon's army, was given the land known as Storm's End for his accomplishments in battle, founding his own house.

What event nearly caused House Baratheon to lose Storm's End for the first time?

During Robert's Rebellion, House Baratheon nearly lost Storm's End due to a siege by House Tyrell, who remained loyal to the Mad King.

Who founded House Stark and why were they recognized as the kings of the North?

Bran the Builder, a legendary first man, founded House Stark. They were recognized as the kings of the North after proving to be the strongest and gaining control over other Northern houses.

How did House Lannister become the wealthiest family in Westeros?

The Lannisters became wealthy after the legendary trickster, Tywin Lannister, swindled Casterly Rock from House Clegane, which led to the extinction of House Clegane.

What is the significance of House Tyrell's rise to power?

House Tyrell rose to power by serving House Gardener and later surrendering High Garden to Aegon the Conqueror, which led to them becoming the Lords of High Garden.

How did House Martell manage to stay independent during Aegon's Conquest?

House Martell stayed independent due to their advanced weaponry, military tactics, and the killing of Rhaegar Targaryen's dragon, Meraxes.

What is the unique characteristic of House Greyjoy's rule over the Iron Islands?

House Greyjoy is known for their strength at sea and their fierce, ruthless people known as the Ironborn, who only follow those stronger than them.

Why did House Frey betray House Stark during the Red Wedding?

House Frey betrayed House Stark because Robb Stark broke his promise to marry one of Walder Frey's daughters, leading to the infamous Red Wedding.

What is the legacy of House Targaryen after Robert's Rebellion?

After Robert's Rebellion, the Targaryen dynasty was overthrown, and their legacy was left uncertain, with Daenerys Targaryen later attempting to reclaim the Iron Throne.

How did House Tyrell's political cunning manifest in their actions?

House Tyrell's political cunning was evident in their ability to switch sides during wars, pursue morally right actions through unethical means, and their rise to power through strategic alliances and surrenders.

What was the fate of House Mormont after the events of the series?

House Mormont went extinct after the deaths of its key members, Jorah and Lyanna Mormont, leaving no direct heirs to continue the legacy.

What is the origin of House Tarly's Valyrian steel sword, Heartsbane?

Heartsbane is a Valyrian steel sword that has been passed down through House Tarly, an old house with origins dating back to the First Men.

How did House Baelish's lack of a noble background affect his rise to power?

Despite not coming from a noble background, Petyr Baelish managed to rise to power through financial acumen, political cunning, and ruthless ambition, eventually becoming Master of Coin.

What was the significance of House Hightower's position in Oldtown before the Targaryen conquest?

House Hightower was one of the most ancient, wealthy, and powerful houses in Westeros, ruling over Oldtown, the biggest city in Westeros, and playing a central role in politics for centuries.

What is the legacy of House Bolton after their defeat in the series?

House Bolton's legacy ended with their defeat, as all members were killed off, signifying the end of their ruthless rule and practices in the North.