Are the Houses from Game of Thrones Based on Anything from Real Life?

Yes, the houses in Game of Thrones, which is based on George R.R. Martin's series A Song of Ice and Fire, draw inspiration from various historical sources, cultures, and real-life events. This rich tapestry of influence has not only enhanced the story but also created a world that resonates deeply with real-life themes of power, betrayal, and family dynamics.

House Stark: Northern English History

House Stark, whose stronghold is Winterfell, is often compared to the historical Northumbrian kings in medieval England. The Stark family's strong sense of honor and loyalty reflects themes found in Northern English history. These kings were known for their fierce independence and their strategic alliances to protect and expand their territories, much like the Starks in Westeros.

House Lannister: Plantagenet and Lancastrian Families

The Lannisters, a wealthy and powerful family, are reminiscent of the Plantagenets and the Lancastrians in medieval Europe. This stark contrast with the Starks illustrates the complex power dynamics in the Seven Kingdoms. Just like the Plantagenets and Lancastrians, the Lannisters' wealth and political influence stem from their strategic marriages and conquests, exemplifying the ruthlessness of the political landscape in Westeros.

House Targaryen: Royal Dynasties and Families

House Targaryen's dragonlords and emphasis on bloodlines are often compared to historical royal families such as the Byzantines or the Spanish monarchy. Their practice of marrying within the family, a tradition also seen in many real-world royal dynasties, underscores the importance of blood ties in maintaining power and stability. The Targaryens' flame and blooddrop sigil and their approach to succession reflect the real-world customs of monarchies, where the legitimacy of a ruler is often determined by lineage.

House Baratheon: Tudor Mystique

House Baratheon can be seen as a mix of historical figures, particularly the Tudors of England. Their rise to power reflects the tumultuous nature of succession and civil war. The Tudors, known for their political cunning and their ability to navigate the treacherous waters of royal intrigue, provide a parallel to the Baratheons' struggles to ascend the Iron Throne.

House Greyjoy: Viking Culture

House Greyjoy represents a seafaring culture similar to the Vikings, with their focus on raiding and maritime prowess. The Greyjoys are the coastal raiders of the Iron Islands, whose practices echo the Viking Age. Their motto, "'We do not sow.'" speaks to their efforts to control the sea and the resources it brings, rather than farming the land.

House Tyrell: Renaissance Wealth and Power

The Tyrells of Highgarden have traits similar to the wealthy merchant families of Renaissance Italy, emphasizing wealth, influence, and political alliances through marriage. The Tyrells' vast estate and their ability to form strategic marriages reflect the power dynamics of Renaissance Italy, where wealth and family connections were key to political and economic success.

Are the Main Houses of South Westeros Directly Inspired by Irish History?

Yes, the main Houses of South Westeros are clearly inspired by Irish historical and mythological peoples. Here are some examples:

House Lannister: Leinster and the Laighin

The territory of the Lannisters, in particular, equates to the Province of Leinster. The word "Leinster" is derived from the old Irish tribe named the Laighin. The Lannister coat of arms, with its golden lion, reflects this historical connection. Additionally, the name Tyrion is an anagram of "Tigh Rian," meaning "House of the little King" in Irish, which is a nod to the Irish fascination with power and hierarchy.

House Tully: Irish Surnames and Symbols

House Tully's fish sigil and the name of their stronghold, Riverrun, echo the Irish landscape and culture. The word "Riverrun" might be a nod to James Joyce's Finnegans Wake. The name "Tyrion" also holds an Irish etymology, reflecting the narrative's intertwining of Irish and Westerosi cultures.

House Arryn: Mountains and Erainn

The House of Arryn, with its territory in Westeros, is inspired by the territory of the Erainn, an ancient Irish tribe famous for its mountains and valleys. This connection is reflected in the Arryn coat of arms. The tale of Conaire Mor, who had a father who was a bird man, mirrors the Arryn heraldry, adding a mythical dimension to the family's history.

House Baratheon: MacCarthy and Irish Baronies

House Baratheon's stag coat of arms can be likened to the MacCarthy's of Clan Eoghan, who also have a stag in their coat of arms. Another possibility is the Barony of Owney, an Anglicization of the Irish word Uaithne, derived from the tribe of Uaithni. This area, around Galway, corresponds to the territory of House Baratheon in Westeros. The House of Morrigen, with their raven sigil, is an obvious nod to the Irish goddess of the same name.

House Tarly and Tyrell: Irish Surnames

Houses Tarly and Tyrell, located in the North, are represented by actual Irish surnames. The surname "Tyrrell" is an Italian name, while "Turley" is an Irish surname associated with Counties Down and Armagh. In County Down, Tyrella is a real parish, adding another layer of cultural connection.

House Martell of Dorne: Irish Goddess and Dragons

Dorne, the sandy and hot region in the South, is inspired by Ireland, with Dorne taking its name from the Irish province of Munster. The Targaryens, with their dragon lords and emphasis on bloodlines, are linked to the fair-haired Tuatha De Danann people of ancient Ireland. These mythological people, known for their four great treasures and their celestial origin, provide a rich backstory for the Targaryen family.

House Targaryen: Ancient Irish Paganism and Crom Dubh

The name of the Royal House of Targaryen, "Targaryen," is a composite of "Tar" (a hill) and "Ga" (village), reflecting the roots of ancient Irish sites. They are also based on the fair-haired Tuatha De Danann, who came to Ireland from the skies, resembling the dragon lord Targaryens. The Targaryen stone of destiny, which cried out when sat upon by a rightful ruler, mirrors the legends of the Tuatha De Danann. Crom Dubh, the ancient Pagan God, is also linked to the Night King, whose name and attributes echo historical Irish beliefs.

The Night King: Crom Dubh and Humpty Dumpty

The Night King, with his dark and bent over appearance, is likely inspired by the ancient Irish Pagan God Crom Dubh. Crom means "crooked" or "bent over," Dubh means "dark" or "black," and the name of the stone idol associated with him. Saint Patrick is said to have put a stop to the worship of Crom Dubh, which might help explain the origins of the nursery rhyme "Humpty Dumpty." The rhyme, with its themes of a king who falls and can't be put back together, reflects the moon and its phases, which are also mirrored in the struggle between the living and the dead.

In essence, the Houses of Game of Thrones draw on a rich tapestry of historical and cultural influences, creating a world that is both fantastical and deeply rooted in the real world.