Game of Thrones features a fascinating aspect in the form of the noble Houses governing the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Each House has a rich history spanning centuries, if not millennia, and besides their emblem, they also possess their own unique words, akin to a motto.
These House words can take various forms, granting insight into the House's nature or values. For instance, the House words in Game of Thrones might exude power, intending to strike fear in their adversaries. Conversely, they could serve as a reminder to the House members to uphold honor. In some cases, like the renowned words of House Stark, they could even serve as a grave warning to all.
7 House Lannister: Hear Me Roar!
Contrary to popular belief, the commonly misunderstood motto of House Lannister is not "A Lannister always pays his debts," as Maester Luwin points out to Bran in the first season. Instead, their true words that accurately represent their proud lion-associated lineage are "Hear me Roar!" This powerful phrase serves as both a menacing threat and a confident boast, commanding attention and inspiring awe.
6 House Baratheon: Ours Is The Fury
The Stormlands were not always ruled by House Baratheon, a fact unknown to most fans. The Baratheon dynasty's history only dates back to the conquest, when Orys Baratheon, half-brother to Aegon the Conqueror, killed the last Durrandon King. Not only did Orys become the Lord Paramount of the Stormlands, but he also took the king's daughter, seized Storm's End castle, and adopted the words of House Durrandon as his own dynasty. Given the motto "Ours is the Fury," it is understandable why Orys Baratheon resorted to this act of minor plagiarism.
5 House Royce: We Remember
House Royce, although not widely recognized, holds the distinction of being the first House introduced in both the Game of Thrones television series and books. Their encounter with death, as the proud and inexperienced Ser Waymar Royce perishes at the hands of the Others beyond the wall, establishes their significance. Renowned for their proficiency in rune magic and adherence to the ancient gods, the phrase "We Remember" epitomizes their beliefs.
The precise memories that House Royce holds remain undisclosed, heightening the intrigue surrounding their words. Fans eagerly anticipate revelations in the final two books to shed light on this enigma. It is worth noting that a member of House Royce undergoes a cruel demise in House of the Dragon, reminiscent of the vengeful nature depicted in "The North Remembers" narrative.
4 House Targaryen: Fire And Blood
The words of House Targaryen serve as a chilling reminder to everyone. In essence, those who refuse to submit to the Targaryens can expect nothing but destruction and death, as symbolized by the phrase "Fire and Blood."
These words not only convey the Targaryen's dominance, but also speak to their unique qualities. The association with fire is straightforward, reflecting how the Targaryens established and maintained their rule using their mighty dragons. The mention of blood refers to the Blood of Old Valyria or the Blood of the Dragon, which the Targaryens infamously sought to preserve through incestuous practices.
3 House Greyjoy: We Do Not Sow
House Greyjoy's motto, "We do not sow," signifies the ironborn's approach to life and suggests their intention to plunder the crops of the vulnerable. Theon Greyjoy is reminded of this motto's importance by his father when he returns to the Iron Islands. Though seemingly innocent alone, this phrase takes on a chilling meaning when spoken by the merciless characters of Game of Thrones.
2 House Martell: Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken
House Martell, the ruling house of Dorne, would undoubtedly embody pride in their words, unlike any other house in Game of Thrones. The phrase "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken" serves as a powerful testament to both House Martell and the unwavering nature of Dorne. In contrast to the rest of the kingdoms in Westeros, they stood alone in successfully resisting the invading Targaryens.
Eventually, Dorne peacefully joined forces with House Targaryen through a marriage alliance. However, even amidst their most dire struggles, House Martell can rightfully boast that they were never conquered.
1 House Stark: Winter Is Coming
The infamous phrase of House Stark, "Winter is coming," stands as the most well-known House motto from Game of Thrones and has become a prominent feature of modern popular culture. Unlike the self-centric slogans of other Houses, the ancient saying of the Northern Kings serves as a blunt reminder to the entire realm, urging them not only to brace themselves for the hardships of winter, but also for far graver perils.
The true significance behind the words "Winter is coming" lies in their solemn reference to the ever-present danger of the Long Night, a threat that has been disregarded by much of the realm, particularly the southern regions, who remain preoccupied with their trivial conflicts.