House Targaryen House Targaryen, known for their dragons, came to Westeros from Dragonstone. Originally from the Essos empire of Old Valyria, they relocated after a natural disaster destroyed their homeland. King Aegon the Conqueror established the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros, ruling from King’s Landing. The Targaryens maintained peace for many years, but after King Viserys I’s reign, a conflict over the succession to the Iron Throne began. Season 2 will see a battle between Rhaenyra Targaryen, leading the Blacks, and King Aegon II Targaryen, leading the Greens.
House Velaryon House Velaryon, also from Valyria, settled on Driftmark near Dragonstone. This house, led by Corlys Velaryon, is one of the wealthiest and strongest in the Seven Kingdoms. Corlys is a naval leader and explorer who supports Rhaenyra Targaryen in the civil war. He is married to Rhaenys Targaryen, Rhaenyra’s aunt. King Viserys I had arranged a marriage between Rhaenyra and Corlys’s son Laenor, although their children’s paternity was questioned.
House Hightower House Hightower is one of the oldest families in Westeros, originating from Oldtown. Ser Otto Hightower served as Hand of the King to both King Viserys I and King Jaehaerys Targaryen. Otto’s daughter, Alicent Hightower, married King Viserys I and gave birth to Aegon II, who became Rhaenyra’s stepbrother and rival for the throne. The Hightowers are a key part of the Greens in the Dance of the Dragons.
House Stark House Stark, although not central in “House of the Dragon,” is shown as an ally of the Targaryens. They pledged loyalty to Rhaenyra when King Viserys summoned the lords of Westeros. The Starks are an ancient family from the North, tracing their lineage back to the First Men. They became known as the Wardens of the North after King Torrhen Stark submitted to Aegon the Conqueror to spare his people.
House Lannister House Lannister, ruling the Westerlands from Casterly Rock, plays a role in “House of the Dragon.” Tyland Lannister, who serves on King Viserys’s small council as Master of Coin, tries to marry Rhaenyra but ends up siding with the Greens. The Lannisters have a long history with the Targaryens, dating back to attempts to challenge Aegon’s rule.
House Cole House Cole is not among the top noble families but is represented by Ser Criston Cole. He impresses Princess Rhaenyra by defeating Prince Daemon Targaryen in a tournament and is appointed to the Kingsguard. Despite his low birth, his skills earn him a place in King’s Landing. After a failed romance with Rhaenyra, he joins the Greens in the civil war to avenge his broken heart.
House Cargyll House Cargyll, a minor family from the Crownlands, is represented by twins Erryk and Arryk Cargyll, both members of the Kingsguard. During the Dance of the Dragons, the twins take opposite sides: Erryk supports Rhaenyra while Arryk remains loyal to the Greens. Their house is not mentioned in “Game of Thrones” and is likely extinct by that time.
House Strong House Strong plays a significant role in “House of the Dragon.” Lord Lyonel Strong serves as Hand of the King to Viserys I until he and his older son Harwin are killed by his younger son, Larys. The family resides in Harrenhal, which is believed to be cursed. The Strongs support the Greens during the Dance of the Dragons.
Each of these houses has its own history and role in the unfolding conflict in “House of the Dragon,” providing a rich backdrop for the upcoming season.
