Exploring the Mysterious House Banners and Sigils of Game of Thrones

In the intricate web of power and intrigue that is Game of Thrones, each house has a distinctive banner that carries a wealth of history and significance. While the more prominent houses like the Starks and Lannisters are well-known, there is a rich tapestry of lesser-known houses with equally intriguing sigils. In this article, we delve into the unique symbols and backstories of some of these fascinating houses.

House Trant

House Trant might hold the dubious distinction of being one of the least experienced noble houses in the Seven Kingdoms. The only member to ever grace the pages of A Song of Ice and Fire is Meryn Trant, a starkly unpopular figure known for his venal deeds. However, despite the somewhat negative association, House Trant does have a surprisingly sinister and threatening sigil. Featuring a dark, ominous design with the haunting phrase “So End Our Foes,” their symbol serves as a powerful reminder to what they stand for.

The House Seaworth

House Seaworth is founded by none other than the famous Onion Knight and Hand to the One True King, Davos Seaworth. Despite the simple and humble origins of this house, their sigil tells a profound story. Black on a field of grey, the sigil symbolizes the journey of a smuggler who successfully breached the Redwyne fleet's siege on Storm's End. This action kept Stannis alive and enabled Ned Stark to lift the siege, ensuring the survival of House Seaworth and their king.

House Manwoody

House Manwoody is a gruesome sight, with their coat-of-arms featuring a crowned skull on a field of black. The imagery is stark and powerful, perhaps serving as a chilling message. Unlike House Trant, House Manwoody has a mysterious backstory. According to legend, the crowned skull represents the King of the Reach who was defeated by their ancestor, who then raised a castle at the spot where the skull was found.

House Qoherys

The House Qoherys is another house with an ominous banner, though less cryptic than House Manwoody. Their sigil features multiple skulls, adding a layer of danger and sinfulness to their presence. Historically, House Qoherys traces its roots to Valyria. During the conquests of Aegon the Conqueror, their ancestor served as the Master-at-Arms at Dragonstone. For their bravery, Aegon rewarded them with Harrenhal, the former home of the Hoares, following the grisly demise of their previous owners. The skulls in the house's banner are believed to represent the Hoare family, likely including King Harren the Black and his three sons, symbolizing the fallen dynasty.

The House Arryn Sigil

The House Arryn stands out as a shining emblem of honor and power. With a design as elegant as their name, their sigil represents the virtue of As High as Honor. The Arryns are not only known for their strength and martial prowess but also for their unwavering commitment to honor. A majestic falcon is at the center of the sigil, soaring above all others, representing the independent and dominate nature of the House. The sky-blue and white surface of their sigil serves as a testament to their connection to the heavens, symbolizing the heights to which they aspire. Their motto encapsulates the core values of honor and pride, and in my opinion, it is the best sigil in all of Westeros.

Each house in Game of Thrones has a unique sigil, each telling a different story from history and weaving a complex web of identities. Whether sinister, powerful, or simply a statement of identity, the sigils are a crucial feature of the intricate narrative of the world. Exploring these symbols allows us to dive deeper into the historical and cultural fabric of Westeros, and it's fascinating to see the significance that such simple designs can hold.

Key Takeaways: House Trant House Seaworth House Manwoody House Qoherys House Arryn

Related Keywords: Game of Thrones, House Banners, Sigils