The world of Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, is a sprawling fantasy universe filled with complex characters, intense political struggles, and rich family histories. At the heart of this intricate saga lies the Game of Thrones family tree, where alliances, rivalries, and bloodlines shape the fate of Westeros and beyond. Understanding the family tree is crucial to comprehending the power dynamics and motivations of key characters. In this article, we will explore the family trees of the major houses, their relationships, and how they intertwine, creating a fascinating web of history, betrayal, and ambition.
House Stark: The Noble Family of the North
The House Stark family tree is one of the most significant in the Game of Thrones series. Known for their motto, “Winter is Coming,” the Starks are the lords of Winterfell and the Wardens of the North. Their lineage is steeped in honor and loyalty, making them one of the most beloved houses in Westeros.
At the start of the series, the head of the family is Eddard Stark, also known as Ned Stark. He is married to Catelyn Tully of House Tully, forming an important alliance between two noble houses. Together, they have five children: Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. Additionally, Ned has a ward, Theon Greyjoy, and a supposed illegitimate son, Jon Snow, who later becomes a key figure in the series.
The Stark family tree has deep roots, with connections to ancient Westerosi traditions and powerful houses. Ned’s father, Rickard Stark, was the Lord of Winterfell before him, and the family’s history is intertwined with the bloodlines of the First Men, making the Starks one of the oldest houses in the Seven Kingdoms.
Key Stark Family Members:
- Eddard Stark: Lord of Winterfell, father of the Stark children.
- Catelyn Stark: Born Catelyn Tully, wife of Eddard, mother to the Stark children.
- Robb Stark: Eldest son, King in the North.
- Sansa Stark: Eldest daughter, later becomes the Lady of Winterfell.
- Arya Stark: Independent, fierce daughter who takes her own path.
- Bran Stark: Youngest son, who becomes the Three-Eyed Raven.
- Rickon Stark: Youngest child, whose fate is sealed early in the series.
- Jon Snow: Believed to be Ned’s illegitimate son, later revealed to be Aegon Targaryen, with a hidden claim to the Iron Throne.
House Lannister: The Wealthy and Ruthless Powerhouse
The House Lannister family tree is synonymous with wealth, power, and cunning political maneuvers. As the rulers of the Westerlands and the owners of Casterly Rock, the Lannisters are one of the most influential families in Westeros. Their motto, “Hear Me Roar,” though not as commonly heard as their phrase “A Lannister Always Pays His Debts,” represents their powerful and often ruthless reputation.
At the helm of the family is Tywin Lannister, a calculating and ambitious leader who is determined to solidify the Lannisters’ control over the Seven Kingdoms. He has three children: Jaime, Cersei, and Tyrion. The Lannister family tree is marked by its internal struggles and rivalries, especially between Tywin and Tyrion, his youngest son, who he despises. Cersei Lannister, married to King Robert Baratheon, secretly has an incestuous relationship with her brother Jaime, which results in three children: Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen, who are all central to the political turmoil in King’s Landing.
Key Lannister Family Members:
- Tywin Lannister: Patriarch of the Lannister family, Hand of the King.
- Jaime Lannister: Eldest son, member of the Kingsguard, and Cersei’s twin brother.
- Cersei Lannister: Queen, mother of Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen, later Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
- Tyrion Lannister: The youngest son, known for his intelligence and wit.
- Joffrey Baratheon: Cersei’s eldest son, cruel and tyrannical King of the Seven Kingdoms.
- Myrcella Baratheon: Daughter of Cersei, sent to Dorne as part of a political alliance.
- Tommen Baratheon: Youngest child of Cersei, becomes King after Joffrey’s death.
House Targaryen: The Legacy of Fire and Blood
The House Targaryen family tree is legendary, representing the last remnants of Old Valyria and dragonlords who once ruled over Westeros. Their motto, “Fire and Blood,” is a reflection of their violent rise to power and their fierce control over the Seven Kingdoms before Robert’s Rebellion. The Targaryens are known for their tradition of marrying within the family to preserve their Valyrian bloodline.
At the start of Game of Thrones, the Targaryen line is thought to be nearly extinct, with only two known members remaining: Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen, the children of King Aerys II, the Mad King, who was overthrown by Robert Baratheon. Throughout the series, Daenerys becomes a major contender for the Iron Throne, building an army and reclaiming her family’s legacy with the help of her dragons.
However, as the series progresses, it is revealed that Jon Snow is actually Aegon Targaryen, the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, and therefore a legitimate heir to the Targaryen dynasty.
Key Targaryen Family Members:
- Aerys II Targaryen: The Mad King, overthrown during Robert’s Rebellion.
- Rhaegar Targaryen: Eldest son of Aerys, father of Jon Snow (Aegon Targaryen).
- Viserys Targaryen: Brother to Daenerys, obsessed with reclaiming the throne.
- Daenerys Targaryen: Mother of Dragons, last surviving Targaryen at the beginning of the series.
- Jon Snow/Aegon Targaryen: The son of Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark, raised as Ned Stark’s illegitimate son.
House Baratheon: The Short Reign of the Stag
House Baratheon, with their motto “Ours is the Fury,” plays a pivotal role in the early part of Game of Thrones. Their family tree starts with Robert Baratheon, who led the rebellion that overthrew the Targaryens and claimed the Iron Throne. Robert has two brothers, Stannis and Renly Baratheon, both of whom also have their eyes set on the throne.
Robert’s marriage to Cersei Lannister creates the illusion of an alliance between House Baratheon and House Lannister, but their children—Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen—are secretly fathered by Jaime Lannister, making them illegitimate heirs to the throne.
Key Baratheon Family Members:
- Robert Baratheon: King of the Seven Kingdoms after Robert’s Rebellion.
- Stannis Baratheon: Robert’s brother, claims the throne after Robert’s death.
- Renly Baratheon: Youngest Baratheon brother, also claims the throne.
- Shireen Baratheon: Stannis’s only daughter, tragically sacrificed.
House Greyjoy: The Ironborn and Their Rebellion
House Greyjoy, lords of the Iron Islands, follow the Old Way of reaving and raiding. Their motto, “We Do Not Sow,” reflects their belief in taking what they need through force rather than farming or trading. The Greyjoy family tree is headed by Balon Greyjoy, who declares himself King of the Iron Islands and leads a failed rebellion against the Iron Throne.
Balon has several children, including Theon and Yara (Asha in the books). Theon is taken as a ward by the Starks after his father’s rebellion, creating a complicated dynamic when he later betrays the Starks in his attempt to reclaim his family’s honor.
Key Greyjoy Family Members:
- Balon Greyjoy: Lord of the Iron Islands, declares independence from the Iron Throne.
- Theon Greyjoy: Balon’s son, ward of the Starks, known for his internal struggle between loyalty to the Starks and his Greyjoy heritage.
- Yara Greyjoy: Balon’s daughter, fierce and capable leader of the Ironborn.
Conclusion
The Game of Thrones family tree is an intricate network of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles that shapes the very foundation of Westeros. Each family tree, whether it’s the noble Starks, the cunning Lannisters, the powerful Targaryens, or the rebellious Greyjoys, contributes to the complex storylines that have captivated audiences for years. Understanding these family trees not only enhances the viewing experience but also reveals the intricate web of political intrigue that drives the narrative forward. As we explore each branch of these family trees, it becomes clear how the fate
