‘Game of Thrones’ Family House Mottos, Explained

As a long-time fan of George R.R. Martin’s epic saga, I’ve watched the Game of Thrones and its prequel House of the Dragon with bated breath. And after careful consideration, I must say that my favorite house motto has to be “Fire and Blood” from House Targaryen.

Growing up in the harsh, unforgiving lands beyond the Wall, I’ve always admired the resilience and fierceness of those who can command dragons. The Targaryens embody this spirit perfectly – they are rulers who will stop at nothing to protect their legacy.

From Daenerys Targaryen’s journey from a humble exile to the Mother of Dragons, to Rhaenyra and her struggle for the Iron Throne in House of the Dragon, it’s clear that these characters are willing to do whatever it takes to secure their power. And who wouldn’t want a dragon breathing fire at their back?

That being said, I can’t help but chuckle at the irony – here I am, a humble wildling from beyond the Wall, admiring a house that prides itself on its dragons and blood purity. But hey, even a wildling can appreciate the grandeur of House Targaryen!

The enthralling television series, Game of Thrones, mesmerized audiences through its complex political intrigue, breathtaking combat sequences, and imaginative construction of a magical realm. One particularly fascinating aspect was the prominent noble houses that governed Westeros, frequently instigating the conflicts mentioned above. Each of these significant houses was distinguished by their subordinate houses, emblems, and potent house mottos.

Each house’s slogan (or saying) showcased their values and the image they aimed to project. Yet, not all these phrases accurately reflected their house’s essence, and some even fell short in earning the esteemed reputation they had hoped for.

9
“We Do Not Sow”

House Greyjoy

The Greyjoy household was brimming with pirates who took great joy in their maritime lifestyle. Their emblematic saying, “We do not sow,” symbolizes their propensity for acquiring goods without cultivating or purchasing them, often through theft. However, without proper context, this motto might be confusing. Moreover, the irony lies in Theon, Balon’s heir, who was infamous for “spreading his seeds” but later suffered a fate that left him incapable of doing so – a rather grim twist to the meaning.

What is Dead May Never Die

The original phrase “We do not sow” and the Greyjoy’s motto, “What is dead may never die,” while intriguing, might not be as impactful or inspiring as intended. Instead of expressing a profound message about resilience or their religious beliefs, they seem more like straightforward statements about sowing seeds and the immutability of death. Although the Greyjoys can be admired for their unique expressions, in terms of effectiveness, both could benefit from being more evocative or thought-provoking.

8
“As High as Honor”

House Arryn

As a devoted cinephile, I can relate to the cryptic nature of House Arryn’s motto. At first glance, it seems enigmatic, but upon deeper analysis, it appears to allude to their lofty abode, the Eyrie, and the unwavering nobility they uphold. Regrettably, the modern members of this house seem to fall short of embodying this high-reaching motto, making “As high as honor” a less fitting description for them.

Low Expectations

In essence, Jon Arryn, considered the most honorable among the Arryns, had limited screen time in the series, making it challenging to discuss him extensively. If we include his wife Lysa as an ‘honorary’ Arryn, the situation doesn’t improve significantly, given her questionable actions, such as murdering her husband and instigating a war due to jealousy. Moreover, Robin, the last of the line, was known for his spoiled, impolite, and cruel behavior during his youth. Additionally, there are rumors that he might not be a genuine Arryn but instead the son of Littlefinger.

Following his mother’s passing, Robin found refuge under Lord Royce’s care, who left a positive impact on him. In the eighth season, an energized Robin partook in the Great Council at Dragonpit and appeared to handle the matter with gravitas. We’re optimistic that he’s grown since then and has the potential to fulfill his family’s legacy, yet it remains to be seen if those words carry much weight currently.

7
“Growing Strong”

House Tyrell

Symbolically speaking, House Tyrell flourished like a resilient rose throughout the series, with Margaery, portrayed by Natalie Dormer, entering into marriages with three different kings, ascending to the throne albeit briefly. However, when compared to other houses on this list, their power and intimidation are less evident. Instead, their might suggests a future dominance rather than an ongoing show of strength.

No Longer Growing

Unfortunately, at the finale of “Game of Thrones,” Margaery, Mace, and Loras perished when Cersei detonated the sept, and later, Olenna was compelled to take a fatal dose of poison. It’s conceivable that a Tyrell family member of illegitimate birth survived somewhere, but it seems more probable that the Tyrell line, which had strived for greatness, ultimately faded away, ending in extinction instead.

6
“Ours Is the Fury”

House Baratheon

The House Baratheon stood at the heart of the War of the Five Monarchs. Following the demise of Robert Baratheon, during a hunting excursion (or possibly assassination), his two younger brothers emerged as contenders for the throne. These two potential rulers displayed contrasting traits, with Stannis leaning towards coldness and Renly showcasing charm. However, it’s intriguing that the house mottos didn’t seem to align perfectly with their characters. “Fury” proved fitting for both Robert Baratheon and his non-biological son, Joffrey, as they consistently displayed and acted upon intense rage throughout the narrative.

The Biggest Exception

Shireen Baratheon, Stannis’ daughter, didn’t embody her family’s motto in any way. Yet, fans were undeniably enraged when Stannis ultimately offered her as a sacrifice to the Lord of Light. Meanwhile, Gendry Baratheon, Robert’s illegitimate son, appears quite dissimilar to the motto, and with him being one of the last (or potentially even the last) living Baratheons, it’s plausible he represents a fresh direction for the family.

5
“Hear Me Roar!”

House Lannister

Initially, House Lannister’s words appear to align with their proclaimed might, as they boldly declare power. Their emblem, the lion, is fitting, yet the Lannister family themselves fall short of this grand image. Known more for their shrewdness and tactical prowess, the Lannisters (excluding Cersei) do not require demonstrations or boasts of strength. As Tywin once stated, “He who has to say, ‘I am the king,’ is no true king,” and any house that roars loudly is merely bluffing and lacking substance.

Repaying Debts

The primary reason the Lannisters’ house slogan isn’t at the top of our list is not due to its significance, but rather because their unofficial motto, “A Lannister always pays his debts,” has overshadowed it. This unofficial phrase seems so authentic to many viewers that they often consider it the true motto, making the original one, “Hear me Roar!”, seem less impactful and memorable than initially perceived.

4
“Family, Duty, Honor”

House Tully

As someone who has spent a significant portion of my life studying the complexities of noble houses in the fictional world of Westeros, I find House Tully’s motto “Family, Duty, Honor” to be one of the most compelling and relatable. Unlike some other houses that seem to prioritize power, vengeance, or fear, the simplicity of House Tully’s words resonates deeply with me.

Throughout my studies, I have encountered numerous instances where families, much like House Tully, have had to make difficult decisions in order to uphold their values and maintain their honor. The quiet strength that is conveyed through these three words speaks to a resilience and commitment that transcends the tumultuous politics of Westeros.

In my own life, I find myself drawn to people who embody the spirit of House Tully – those who prioritize family, duty, and honor above all else. They may not roar with the same intensity as other houses, but their actions speak louder than words. The unwavering dedication to their principles in the face of adversity is something that I deeply admire and strive to emulate in my own life.

In short, House Tully’s motto serves as a powerful reminder that honor and duty are not just empty words, but rather guiding principles that should be at the forefront of our actions and decisions. Whether it is in the fictional world of Westeros or the real world we inhabit, these three simple words serve as a beacon of hope for those who seek to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy.

More in the Prequel

It’s true that it can be challenging to judge how well the Tullys’ words align with their house in “Game of Thrones,” given that Edmure is essentially the only true Tully character at that stage. Catelyn and Lysa, while technically Tullys, are more closely associated with the Starks and Arryns respectively, and, even if they weren’t, they don’t significantly contribute to the Tully house’s influence. However, it’s worth noting that House Tully was less prominent in “Game of Thrones,” but it has assumed a more significant role in “House of the Dragon.” In this spin-off, Oscar Tully appears to uphold his house’s motto with pride, and even at a young age, he seems determined to embody its values.

3
“Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken”

House Martell

House Martell’s words ring with defiance, boasting that foreign forces have never compelled them to bend knee, and current powers won’t do so either. They were the lone Great House to stand against the Targaryens, and at the beginning of Game of Thrones, their house was among the most powerful. However, by the series finale, a significant portion of their line had perished—not at the hands of outsiders, but from within.

Unbowed, Unbent, but Broken

Terribly, Oberyn Martell, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, was slain by the Mountain following his role as Tyrion’s combatant in a trial of combat. He came close to winning the fight but ultimately lost when he grew overconfident and attempted to extract a confession from his adversary. Tragically, Trystane and Doran also met their demise at the hands of the Sand Snakes after they failed to avenge him. Despite the Martells’ steadfast refusal to bend or kneel, their family house suffered a great fracture as a result.

2
“Winter Is Coming”

House Stark

Among all the houses in the series, the Starks would undoubtedly emerge victorious if we based our judgment on which motto is most crucial to their storyline. “Winter Is Coming” is a recurring theme that foreshadows both impending battles and the White Walkers. This motto reflects the Stark’s readiness for adversity and even functions as a subtle reminder of their formidable power. In essence, it encapsulates the spirit of the Starks and serves as a warning to other houses about what the Starks have faced and are capable of facing again.

Weathering Hardships

The harsh winter took its toll on the entire Stark family. It struck Ned when he was wrongfully charged with treason, then affected Robb and Catelyn during the Red Wedding, eventually reaching Rickon who was taken by Ramsay. Sansa, Arya, Bran, and even Jon (if we include him) experienced hardships as well, but they demonstrated their resilient Stark spirit, coming out stronger on the other side.

1
“Fire and Blood”

House Targaryen

The House Targaryen is characterized distinctively by two elements: fire and blood. Fire symbolizes their fierce dragons, known for incinerating their foes with their fiery breaths. Meanwhile, blood represents their sovereignty as rulers, as well as the “dragon’s blood” metaphorically used to signify their claim to power, which may also hint at their historic pursuit of intermarriage for maintaining a pure lineage. The phrase is also utilized as a warning against adversaries, as evident in “The Old Gods and the New”, where Daenerys (played by Emilia Clarke) menaces the Spice King, stating that she will reclaim what’s rightfully hers “through fire and blood.

House of the Dragon

As a longtime fan of George R.R. Martin’s works, I find it fascinating that the upcoming series “House of the Dragon” is based on his book “Fire and Blood,” which delves into the Targaryen dynasty. Having read and re-read many of his books, I can attest to the fact that no words could more accurately capture the Targaryens’ power, legacy, and fierce determination to protect what they believe is theirs.

In my opinion, the series seems to be a testament to the complexities of the Targaryen family, with their battles for control, political intrigue, and dragons that breathe fire. It’s also interesting to consider that at the end of the series, Jon Snow may be the last somewhat Targaryen alive, which makes me wonder how he will navigate his newfound connection to this ancient dynasty and its prophecies.

As someone who eagerly anticipates any news about Martin’s works, I can only hope that a spin-off featuring Jon Snow will be greenlit and offer viewers an even deeper look into the world of ice and fire. It would be a dream come true to see more of this rich universe unfold onscreen, and I am confident that George R.R. Martin’s storytelling will not disappoint.

2025-01-02 05:02

9 “We Do Not Sow”