A Comprehensive Guide to Noble Houses in Westeros

Westeros, the richly detailed and historically complex continent from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, is home to numerous noble houses, each with its unique history and influence. In this guide, we will explore the landscape of Westeros through these powerful families, their vassals, and the regions they govern.

The Landscape of Westeros and Noble Houses

Westeros is a vast and varied land divided into six kingdoms: the North, the Vale, the Isles and Rivers, the Westerlands, the Stormlands, and Dorne. Each of these realms is governed by powerful noble families, and the structure of power in Westeros is deeply rooted in feudalism, with the Great Houses holding the highest positions of authority.

The Great Houses of Westeros

The most powerful houses in Westeros, known as the Great Houses, control the land and resources of their respective regions. These houses are bound by mutual oaths of fealty to one another, creating a complex web of allegiances and rivalries.

The North

The North is ruled by House Stark of Winterfell, a dynasty recognized for their strength and honor. Several other houses swear fealty to the Starks:

Hound of the North: House Bolton Walls of Winter: House Manderly The Doorkeepers: House Umber Shapers of Ships: House Glover Host of the Horn: House Karstark Captains of the Cliff: House Mormont Sentry of the Wall: House Cerywn Warden of the Winds: House Reed Guardians of the Gates: House Manderly

The Riverlands

The Riverlands are home to House Tully of Riverrun, another Great House whose influence is as strong as the mighty River Trident. Some of their key vassals include:

Counsel of the Stones: House Bracken Champions of the Mist: House Blackwood Lords of the Bridges: House Frey Protectors of the Tower: House Whent Guardians of the Marshes: House Mallister Sentry of the Fords: House Darry Heirs of the Shores: House Mooton Warden of the Whitemarch: House Vance Keepers of the Dam: House Ryger

The Westerlands

The Westerlands, the richest and most prized region of Westeros, is ruled by House Lannister of Casterly Rock. Their vassals and allies are as follows:

Defenders of the Widow's Eyrie: House Marbrand Men of the Mountains: House Swyft Guardians of the Pearl: House Crakehall People of the Rock: House Westerling Champions of the Crown: House Lefford Sir of the Stars: House Farman Wardens of the West: House Lyden Inhabitants of the Fells: House Brax Guardians of the Hills: House Preston Bread of the Barriers: House Dudley

The Vale

The Vale, a mountainous and windswept region, is ruled by House Arryn of the Eyrie. Its vassals and allies consist of:

Guardians of the Peak: House Royce Champions of Ashendar: House Corbray Champions of Green: House Redfort Defenders of the Wall: House Waxley Knights of the Golden Glade: House Grafton Sentinels of Redwood: House Hunter Warriors of the Red Keep: House Waynwood Champions of the Crag: House Lynderly Friends of the Glades: House Sunderland Protectors of the Peak: House Bower

The Stormlands

The storm-threatened coasts of the Stormlands are governed by House Baratheon of Storms End. Their vassals and allies are:

Lords of Driftmark: House Dondarrion Champions of Charmbray: House Morrigen Heirs of the Heir: House Estermont Ancestors of the Flay: House Tarth Inhabitants of the Marches: House Selmy Unyielding Knights: House Swann Champions of the Field: House Caron Descendents of Highcastle: House Rogers Lordly Marshals: House Wylde Knights of the Broken Shore: House Rogers

The Reach

The fertile and prosperous region of the Reach is ruled by House Tyrell of Highgarden. Its vassals and allies are:

Guardians of the Gate: House Hightower Champions of the Sun: House Redwyne Lords of Crownlands: House Tarly Serfs of the Stone: House Oakheart Champions of the Mirror: House Florent Knights of the Moon: House Caswell Defenders of the Fold: House Meadows Sons of the Sun: House Peak Defenders of the Sun: House Ashford Guardians of the Shield: House Cedryck

Dorne

Dorne, a desert-heavy region distinct from the other regions of Westeros, is ruled by House Martell of Sunspear. Some of the vassals include:

Protectors of the Needle: House Dayne Counsel of the Redmarch: House Qorgylle Warden of the Gates: House Uller Heirs of the Sand: House Toland Wardens of the Corpse: House Fowler Wardens of the Toll: House Blackmont Guardians of the Sand: House Yronwood Lords of the Realm: House Wyl Guardians of the NarrowSea: House Dalt

The Iron Islands

The Iron Islands, an archipelago ruled by House Greyjoy of Pyke, have their own set of vassals:

Champions of the BlackValid: House Harlaw Wardens of the Rock: House Stonetree Champions of the Lake: House Blacktyde Heirs of the Hammer: House Hautt Knights of the Mud: House Trask Reavers of the Rock: House Drumm Men of the Deep: House Ironmaker Sons of the Mountain: House Saltclift

The Crownlands

The Crownlands, formerly ruled by House Targaryen of Dragonstone, are currently governed by House Baratheon of Storms End. Their vassals include:

Guardians of the Citadel: House Velaryon Men of the Castles: House Rosby Defenders of the Waves: House Stokeworth Knights of the Flesh: House Hayford Champions of Smugglers: House Celtigar Men of the Storm: House Massy Champions of the Glass: House Rykker Walls of the Blood: House Bar Emmon Sons of the Sea: House Sunglass

Conclusion

In summary, the noble houses of Westeros form a complex and intricate tapestry of power, each with their own unique roles and influence over the numerous regions of Westeros. The Great Houses not only rule their own territories but also govern the baronial and petty lords who serve under them, ensuring the continuation of the feudal system.