Uncovering the Secrets of Game of Thrones: An In-Depth Look at House Martell

Don't allow the swordfights and dragons to overshadow the true essence of Game of Thrones. This renowned series is fundamentally a family drama, centered around a select few bloodlines locked in a ruthless struggle for power, territory, love, and wealth. These families consistently intertwine, betray each other, and engage in internal conflicts. While the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryens are well-known, other noble houses also demand attention, such as House Martell, a powerful family that has turned the deserts of Dorne into a prosperous land.

A Song of Ice and Fire is an immense, sprawling narrative that spans approximately seven million miles of land and encompasses countless significant events that could fill multiple world history textbooks. Attempting to follow the lives of every influential figure in Westeros would require even more space than the books already occupy. The television series, although more limited in scope, also provides glimpses into the lives of lesser-known characters, without truly delving into their stories.

How did House Martell take power?

House Martell, the ruling noble house of Dorne, holds a significant place in Westeros. Dorne is believed to be the first region where humans settled, as the First Men crossed a land bridge from Essos and landed there. However, this bridge was soon destroyed, forcing the First Men to disperse across Westeros. Dorne's harsh environment, primarily consisting of a brutal desert and surrounded by rocky shores, makes it a challenging place to inhabit.

For thousands of years, the First Men lived in Westeros without disturbance until the arrival of the Andals. The Andals revolutionized the continent, overpowering and subjugating most of the First Men, including those in Dorne. This led to widespread conflict, engulfing even the perilous shores of Dorne.

Dorne itself was fragmented, with numerous petty kings continuously feuding over territory for centuries. However, the arrival of the Rhoynar people changed everything. The Rhoynar had fled from the Valyrians, who had established a dominant empire in Essos. Led by the formidable warrior princess Nymeria, ten thousand ships approached Dorne's shores. Despite the fear of losing their hard-fought power, all the petty kings rejected Nymeria and her armies, except for one.

Mors Martell, upon seeing Nymeria, instantly fell deeply in love with her. He proposed marriage, and Nymeria accepted. With the formidable power of Nymeria's Rhoynar army, House Martell rose to dominance in Dorne. Unfortunately, Mors met a tragic end in battle, but Nymeria's reign continued to shape Dorne, establishing a noble lineage that greatly influenced the entire continent.

How did House Martell rule?

Dorne sets itself apart from the other kingdoms of the Seven Kingdoms in numerous notable ways. The influence of Nymeria's Rhoynar heritage permeates various aspects of Dornish culture. The rulers of Dorne hold the titles of princes and princesses, deviating from the customary lords or kings. Unlike most kingdoms, Dorne follows a succession system where the eldest son or daughter of the previous ruler ascends to the throne. Dorne, in general, adopts a more progressive mindset compared to the rest of Westeros. There are fewer restrictions surrounding sexuality, and the concept of honor is much more flexible. The Martells exemplify the essence of the Dornish people, being passionate and astute. Their teachings from Mors and Nymeria emphasize the significance of using tact and diplomacy in certain battles.

While Aegon Targaryen successfully unified six of the seven kingdoms through a violent campaign, Dorne remained unconquered. Despite Aegon's attempts to subdue Dorne, the geographical challenges of the kingdom and the guerilla warfare tactics employed by House Martell forced his retreat. Although there was a brief defeat for the Dornish on the battlefield against King Daeron I Targaryen, the kingdom ultimately stood unyielding as the Targaryen forces were successfully repelled during a relentless rebellion. As a result of this achievement, House Martell adopted the motto "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken." Under their leadership, Dorne created a prosperous and isolated nation amidst a consistently tumultuous continent.

Did House Martell ever lose power?

There was a brief period in the show where a Martell temporarily did not occupy the throne of Dorne. However, this did not last long and the family retained their authority. Oberyn Martell, while defending Tyrion Lannister in a trial by combat, was killed by Gregor Clegane. His death greatly angered his wife, Ellaria Sand. Oberyn, who fathered eight illegitimate daughters known as the Sand Snakes, sparked a desire for vengeance against House Lannister in both Ellaria and the Sand Snakes. However, Oberyn's brother, Prince Doran, refused to support their quest for vengeance. In retaliation, the Sand Snakes assassinated Doran and his heir, seizing the throne for themselves and allying with Daenerys Targaryen to fight against the Lannisters. Ultimately, an unnamed Martell regains control of the throne by the end of the series.

Among all the noble families, House Martell is undoubtedly the most enjoyable. They do not engage in incestuous practices, nor do they have a self-destructive commitment to honor or a tarnished legacy to overcome. The Martells experience mostly victories throughout their history, starting from their rise to power fueled by love at first sight and their reign as unconquerable heroes. This is why they have such an admirable tagline. However, due to the nature of Game of Thrones, which revolves around miserable characters betraying one another in brutal massacres, House Martell does not receive much attention. The death of Oberyn is the standout Martell moment in the show. The story of Mors and Nymeria is simply too morally good for the world of Game of Thrones.