One of the best things aboutGame of Thronesis the various noble Houses that rule within the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The history of each House often spans hundreds if not thousands of years, and on top of a Sigil, each House also has its own words, similar to a motto.
These House words can take on many forms and often reveal something about the nature of the House or their values. For example, the House words inGame of Thronescould boast of power, perhaps to instill fear in those who would oppose them. Alternatively, the words could be a reminder to the family members to stay honorable. In other cases, such as with the famous words of House Stark, they could be a solemn warning to all.
7House Lannister: Hear Me Roar!
As Maester Luwin corrects Bran in the first Season, there is a common misconception with people believing the words ofHouse Lannisterare “A Lannister always pays his debts.” This is a very common saying, used much more often than their actual words: “Hear me Roar!”
Nevertheless, the words of their actual motto are just as apt for the proud House associated with lions. The words “Hear me Roar!” are both a threat and a boast, and either way demand attention and awe.
6House Baratheon: Ours Is The Fury
What most fans don’t know is that House Baratheon were not always the rulers of the stormlands. Their history only stretches back to the conquest, when Aegon the Conqueror’s half brother Orys Baratheon slew the last Durrandon King.
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On top of being named Lord Paramount of the Stormlands, Orys took the king’s daughter, the castle of Storm’s End, and also the words of House Durrandon forhis new dynasty. With the motto “Ours is the Fury,” it is hard to blame Orys Baratheon for this small instance of plagiarism.
5House Royce: We Remember
While House Royce may not be the best-known House fromGame of Thrones, they were actually the first House seen in both the show and books, as the arrogant and naive Ser Waymar Royce met his death at the hands of the Others beyond the wall. They are a House known for rune magic and still worship the old gods, and thus their House words “We Remember” seem particularly fitting.
What exactly it is that House Royce remembers is unknown, a fact that makes the words even more compelling, with fans hoping to find out in the last two books. A member of House Royce is also brutally murdered inHouse of the Dragon. Perhaps it is their suffering that they remember, patiently waiting for revenge, similar to"The North Remembers" plot.
4House Targaryen: Fire And Blood
The words of House Targaryen are a cold and brutal warning to all. Simply put, “Fire and Blood” is what awaits those who do not bow down to the Targaryens.
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These words also allude to the power of House Targaryen and what makes them who they are. The fire part is more obvious, as the Targaryens conquered and held onto power with their dragons. The blood aspect is in reference to the Blood of Old Valyria orthe Blood of the Dragon, which the Targaryens infamously tried to keep pureby practicing incest.
3House Greyjoy: We Do Not Sow
The words of House Greyjoy, “We do not sow” are about the ways of the ironborn and thus imply that they are coming for the harvests of those too weak to defend themselves. Theon Greyjoy is reminded of these words and their significance by his father, upon returning to the Iron Islands.
While they may seem simple and harmless out of context, this House motto certainly has a chilling effect, particularly when uttered by some ofthe most ruthlessGame of Thronescharacters.
2House Martell: Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken
If a House fromGame of Thronescould ever be proud of their words, it would beHouse Martell, the rulers of Dorne. The words “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” are a testament to the unyielding nature of both House Martell and Dorne. Unlike the other kingdoms of Westeros, they alone were able to stave off the invading Targaryens.
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Dorne eventually entered the fold peacefully with a marriage between the Houses Martell and Targaryen, but even after undergoing some of the worst hardships, House Martell can proudly say they were never conquered.
1House Stark: Winter Is Coming
The ominous words ofHouse Stark, “Winter is coming,” are easily the most iconic House words fromGame of Thronesand live on as a staple of modern pop culture. Unlike other House words, which are more self-focused, the words of the old Kings of the North are quite literally a stark reminder to the rest of the realm to not only prepare for the hardships of winter, but much worse.
The most serious meaning of the words “Winter is coming” is in reference to the ever looming threat of the Long Night, which most of the realm, especially the south, have forgotten about, distracted by their petty squabbles.
