Which Great House in Game of Thrones is the Most Powerful at the Start of the Books?

The world of the Song of Ice and Fire series, created by George R.R. Martin, is a richly detailed universe filled with complex politics and power dynamics. At the start of the first book, A Song of Ice and Fire, the distribution of power among the Great Houses of Westeros is highly significant. Let's explore which of these Houses stands out as the most powerful, based on their current strength and influence.

House Lannister: The Richest and Most Influential

House Lannister holds the title of the richest and most influential House in the Seven Kingdoms, starting with their rise to power during Robert's Rebellion. Some of the key reasons for their supremacy include:

Ample resources and wealth, making them formidable in both economic and military terms. A direct line to the Throne, as Cersei Lannister becomes Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. In the aftermath of Robert's death, House Lannister essentially controls King’s Landing, making them the ruling house of Westeros. Their army can field up to 50,000 infantry and more cavalry, giving them a significant military advantage. Strong political connections, such as Cersei's marriage to King Robert Baratheon.

Highest Score: 5/5 in overall power.

House Tyrell: The Most Populous and Resourced

House Tyrell, controlling the Reach, is the second most powerful House. They are characterized by several key attributes:

Control over the largest and most populous region in Westeros, allowing them to field sizable armies. Access to a powerful fleet, the Redwyne Fleet, that can rival or surpass the Royal and Iron Fleets. Strategic marriages that align them with influential Houses, enhancing their influence. Strong leadership and the respect of their people, making them the more popular of the Great Houses.

Highest Score: 4.5/5 in overall power.

House Baratheon: Struggling but Still Influential

House Baratheon, although their power has drastically declined over the series, remains a force to be reckoned with:

Control over the crownlands and the stormlands, giving them access to two strategically important regions. Ability to field powerful armies, thanks to strong military commanders like Stannis and Renly Baratheon. Hierarchical ties, such as their relationship with the Starks, Arryns, and Tyrells.

Notably, after the death of King Robert Baratheon, House Lannister effectively takes over the ruling of Westeros, with Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen becoming wards of the Lannister family.

Highest Score: 4/5 in overall power.

House Stark: The North – Astial and Loyal

House Stark, ruling the north, remains powerful due to their:

Loyal and fierce vassals, ensuring a substantial army. Strategic ties with the Tullys, Arryns, and Greyjoys. Vigorous and often resistant personalities among their members, contributing to their influence. While not particularly rich, they are known for their strength and skill.

Under Ned Stark as Hand of the King, the Starks maintain a significant presence at court, despite their more resilient nature as compared to the Westerosi nobility.

Highest Score: 3.5/5 in overall power.

House Arryn: The Vale’s Precision Warriors

House Arryn, controlling the Vale of Arryn, are renowned for their:

Impregnable fortress, the Eyrie, providing a strategic stronghold. Profound military prowess, matched only by the Knights of the Vale. Strategic marriages with other significant Houses, enhancing their goals and stability. Powerful allies, such as the Royces, Waynwoods, and Ellenys.

The leadership of Jon Arryn as Hand of the King was a pivotal moment that almost gave the Arryns the de facto rule of Westeros.

Highest Score: 3.5/5 in overall power.

House Hightower: Wealth and Influence Beyond Expectations

House Hightower is unique among the Great Houses due to:

Heretofore, they held more power than their overlords, the Tyrells. They can field one of the largest armies in the Seven Kingdoms, even dwarfing the Tyrells' bannermen. Rich and wealthy, with a larger city, Oldtown, and the Citadel as their seat. Venetian-like political marriages, marrying their children to various powerful families, including Tyrells, Florents, and Harnemires.

Additionally, they were twice married to Targaryen kings, creating stronger ties and influence, and the Hightowers control five powerful vassals, making them formidable in their own right.

Highest Score: 4/5 in overall power.

House Martell: Stability and Power in Dorne

House Martell, controlling Dorne, demonstrate their power with:

A well-maintained and stable region, unrelenting in facing conflicts. Strong leadership under Prince Doran. Capable and sufficient armies to defend their territory.

Although they did not participate significantly in Robert's Rebellion, their armies remained untouched, ensuring they retain a state of readiness.

Highest Score: 3/5 in overall power.

House Tully: Resilient on the Riverlands

House Tully, controlling the Riverlands, are resilient and influential due to:

Substantial wealth and resources to field sufficient armies. Military ties through marriages with essential powers like the Arryns and Starks.

Despite the Riverlands being a key battleground, the Tullys have managed to maintain their robust influence over the region.

Highest Score: 3/5 in overall power.

House Greyjoy: Wealth and Naval Power

House Greyjoy, ruling the Iron Islands, stand out with:

Control over the most renowned and powerful navy, the Iron Fleet. Resilience and adaptability, demonstrated by their temporary control over the North during the War of the Five Kings. Significant wealth and a patronage that their numbers and influence match.

They were even powerful enough to temporarily rule the North, showing their potential on the political stage.

Highest Score: 2.5/5 in overall power.

Honorable Mentions: Other Significant Families

While not among the top Great Houses, other significant families include:

House Redwyne hold considerable influence through Lady Olenna and control the largest fleet in Westeros. House Manderly are the wealthiest in the North, leading the city of White Harbor. House Royce of Runestone are the most powerful in the Vale, with strong representation at the Eyrie. House Frey are wealthy and numerous, playing key roles in the War of the Five Kings. House Yronwood are the second most powerful in Dorne, with the ability to field decent-sized armies. House Florent have strong ties to the Baratheons, Tyrells, and Tarlys, and can field a decent-sized army. House Velaryon once rivaled the powerful Lannisters but their current status remains uncertain due to their diminished power.

Highest Score: 2/5 in overall power.

Each Great House in Game of Thrones brings a unique mix of influence and power, but House Lannister stands out as the most powerful due to their wealth, military strength, and political maneuverability. This analysis provides a detailed framework for understanding the complex power dynamics that shape the world of Westeros.