The Origins of House Lannister: Unveiling the First Lannister

The Noble Houses play a crucial role in Game of Thrones, specifically the intense political rivalry between House Stark and House Lannister. While there are other families worth keeping an eye on, the conflict between the lions and wolves takes center stage. House Stark's rich history traces back to Bran the Builder, who constructed Winterfell and the Wall, embracing the solemn responsibilities of life in the frozen North. On the other hand, House Lannister's origins are marred by deceit and underhanded tactics.

Within the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, House Lannister occupies a captivating and oftentimes villainous position. Cersei, shaped into an unrepentant monster through the influence of her almost demonic father, Tywin, commits callous acts of genocide. Her brother Tyrion remains a figure of unpredictable neutrality, while Jamie, unjustly seen as a criminal, has only one notable act of goodness to his name. All of their actions ultimately fall under the shadow of Joffrey, who embodies every wrong aspect of hereditary rule. Their virtues are overshadowed by their sins, and their origins leave much to be desired.

Who is Lann the Clever?

Lann the Clever, the progenitor of House Lannister, is a significant figure in the Age of Heroes, a mystical period preceding the events of the narrative. This era began after the settlement of the First Men in Westeros and their peaceful coexistence with the indigenous Children of the Forest. Since both groups lacked written languages, the events of the Age of Heroes are more akin to legends than recorded history. These tales are epic stories of conquest and sacrifice, ultimately leading to the creation of various aspects in Westeros. The stories surrounding Lann the Clever and his contemporaries may be fictional within the fictional world of Game of Thrones.

There are several potential origin stories surrounding Lann the Clever. According to some accounts, he was allegedly a bastard child of one of Garth Greenhand's daughters. Garth Greenhand, the High King of the First Men, is the ancestral figure of many noble families in Westeros. Alternatively, some believe Lann posed as one of Greenhand's descendants, deceiving others to secure a portion of his inheritance. Another perspective suggests that Lann might have been an Andal, an ethnic group that arrived in Westeros thousands of years after Lann's hypothetical arrival. The Andal invasion marked the end of the Age of Heroes. Lann could have been an Andal adventurer or an exiled outcast who sailed to Westeros prematurely.

How did the Lannisters get Casterly Rock?

Casterly Rock, the seat of power, is currently under the control of the Lannisters. Legend has it that Lann the Clever successfully seized the stronghold from House Casterly using cunning tactics, although the exact details remain uncertain. Despite this ambiguity, the Lannisters justify their ownership of Casterly Rock by maintaining their blood relation to Lann the Clever. Tywin Lannister, who is not known for being superstitious, once stated:

The most plausible theory regarding Lann's conquest of Casterly Rock suggests that he secured his position by marrying one of Lord Casterly's daughters, thereby becoming the rightful male heir to the castle. However, this version of the story lacks popularity. The more commonly told tale involves Lann sneaking into Casterly Rock by squeezing himself through a small opening in the stone. To achieve this, he resorted to stripping nude and covering himself with butter. Once inside, he spent months deceiving House Casterly by convincing them that their home was haunted. He would manifest as a demonic presence, whisper threats while they slept, and play tricks by stealing items from one sibling and hiding them in another's room. Eventually, the Casterly family abandoned their ancestral home, allowing Lann to claim it as his own. In alternative versions of the story, it is said that he introduced vermin into the castle or unleashed a pride of lions to devour its owners. Lann reportedly lived an extraordinarily long life of 312 years and fathered a hundred sons and daughters. Some even claim that he acquired a shimmering mane by stealing gold from the sun.

Regardless of whether Lann utilized the "butter gambit" or a strategic marriage to gain control of Casterly Rock, the historical records indicate the disappearance of House Casterly. House Lannister, on the other hand, emerged as the new rulers of the castle. Lann is often likened to Loki, while Bran the Builder of House Stark is regarded as a legendary military figure akin to Hadrian. The cunning and shrewdness of House Lannister are attributed to Lann's legacy, although few would consider his methods virtuous. While the modern era does not generally admire those who resort to trickery, there is a certain brilliance in the art of deception. Lann the Clever symbolizes the value of intellect prevailing over physical strength, even when employed for less honorable purposes.

Editor's P/S

House Lannister, one of the most prominent and influential houses in the world of Game of Thrones, has a complex and intriguing history. The origins of House Lannister are shrouded in mystery and legend, but one thing is for certain: they are a family that has risen to power through cunning, deceit, and ruthless ambition.

The legendary figure of Lann the Clever, the supposed founder of House Lannister, is a prime example of the family's cunning and resourcefulness. According to legend, Lann the Clever used his wit and trickery to seize Casterly Rock, the ancestral home of House Casterly, and establish House Lannister's dominance in the Westerlands. While the exact details of Lann's conquest are uncertain, the story of his infiltration of Casterly Rock, whether through deception or trickery, showcases the Lannisters' willingness to go to any lengths to achieve their goals.