The Legacy and Antiquity of Westeros' Noble Houses: Are the Starks Really the Oldest? ??

In the vast and mythic world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, the nobility of Westeros is cloaked in a rich tapestry of history and legend. The Starks, with their ancient home of Winterfell, are considered among the oldest and most prominent of these noble families. However, the question of whether they truly are the oldest family in the entire continent of Planetos remains a contentious and intriguing one.

Distinct Origins and Lineages

While the Starks are believed to have held power for the longest period in Westeros, dating back at least 8,000 years with occasional lapses, there is no definitive proof that they are the oldest house in Planetos. Other noble families, such as the Lannisters of Casterly Rock and the Targaryens, who hail from the ancient city of Valyria, also lay claim to great antiquity.

The Targaryens, in particular, ruled Westeros for nearly 300 years after Aegon the Conqueror's conquest. Their lineage traces back to Valyria, which predates the establishment of many noble houses in Westeros. The Targaryens' long reign underlines their significant historical presence in the region.

Myths and Legends: The First King of the First Men and Beyond

One candidate for the oldest noble family is House Dustin, which claims descent from the First King of the First Men. However, like many of the ancient legends from the Age of Heroes, the authenticity of these claims is difficult to verify. Even more significant is the possibility that one of the noble families in Yi Ti, the Golden Empire, might be nobler than the Starks. Yi Ti existed before Valyria and still exists today, despite internal struggles, with three claimants to the title of God-Emperor.

Other Ancient Houses in Westeros

While considering the time scale in Westeros, it is important to note that some in-story sources suggest that the Hightowers may not be First Men descendants but remnants of a prehistoric colony. Similarly, House Dayne claims descent from a house that is said to be 10,000 years old, but their verifiable history is limited. The Starks, like many houses in the Reach, claim descent from Garth Greenhand, a mythical figure, and their connection to the founding of the Night's Watch and the construction of the Wall adds another layer of historical significance.

House Dustin, in the North, claims descent from the Barrow Kings, who in turn claimed descent from the very first king of the First Men. These connections, while intriguing, are not extensively documented and remain shrouded in myth and legend. Thus, while the Starks' lineage is undeniably long and prominent, it is not definitively proven to be the oldest.

Unique Attributes of the Stark Lineage

Despite not being the oldest, the Starks' lineage is distinctive for several reasons:

Their founding is contemporaneous with the establishment of the Night's Watch and the construction of the Wall, suggesting a significant role in the defense of Westeros during the Long Night. They are possibly the oldest and longest-continuously ruling paramount-level house, having been kings and overlords of their entire region for 8,000 years or more. No other house, such as the Arryns, Martells, or Durrandons, has the continuous history and geographical span of the Starks in their known territory.

While these attributes highlight the Starks' immense historical significance, they do not necessarily place them at the pinnacle of antiquity on the planet of Planetos. The Hightowers, with their mysterious origins, and House Dayne, with their ancient claims, provide compelling alternatives.

Conclusion

Whether the Starks are the oldest family in Planetos remains an open question. While their lineage is ancient and significant, other noble families in Westeros and beyond present challenging alternatives. The true history of the continent, as detailed in the complex and enigmatic world of A Song of Ice and Fire, continues to unfold with layers of mystery and legend. As the realm of Westeros and its noble families continue to evolve, the mysteries of their origins and the true antiquity of their lineages will undoubtedly remain a captivating subject for aficionados of the genre and readers of George R.R. Martin's epic series.

Keywords

Starks, Westeros, Noble Houses, Antiquity, Age of Heroes