In the world of “Game of Thrones,” adapted from George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, the banners of the various houses serve as important symbols of their identities, values, and histories. Each house’s sigil (the emblem on their banner) and the colors they use convey complex meanings and reflect their characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of some notable houses and the meanings behind their banners:
House Stark
- Sigil: A grey direwolf on a white field.
- Colors: Grey and white.
- Meaning: The direwolf symbolizes loyalty and ferocity, traits associated with the Stark family. The colors represent the cold, harsh environment of the North, where the Starks hail from. The Stark motto, “Winter is Coming,” emphasizes the importance of vigilance and preparation for adversity.
House Lannister
- Sigil: A golden lion on a crimson field.
- Colors: Gold and red.
- Meaning: The lion represents strength, pride, and nobility, reflecting the Lannisters’ wealth and power. The use of gold signifies their immense wealth, while red symbolizes blood and the fierce ambition of the family. Their motto, “Hear Me Roar!” (though often paraphrased by the unofficial motto, “A Lannister Always Pays His Debts”), emphasizes their power and influence.
House Targaryen
- Sigil: A red three-headed dragon on a black field.
- Colors: Red and black.
- Meaning: The three-headed dragon symbolizes the Targaryen family’s legacy of dragons and their once-great empire. The colors black and red represent fire and blood, which are central to Targaryen identity and history. Their motto, “Fire and Blood,” reflects their fierce nature and the tumultuous history of their house.
House Baratheon
- Sigil: A crowned black stag on a gold field.
- Colors: Black and gold.
- Meaning: The stag symbolizes nobility and strength, representing the Baratheon claim to the Iron Throne. The crown signifies their royal status, with black representing the fierce and unyielding nature of the house, while gold highlights their ambition and wealth. Their motto, “Ours is the Fury,” emphasizes their determination and readiness to fight.
House Greyjoy
- Sigil: A golden kraken on a black field.
- Colors: Gold and black.
- Meaning: The kraken symbolizes the Greyjoys’ mastery of the sea and their maritime culture. The black field represents the harsh and unforgiving nature of the Iron Islands, where the Greyjoys come from. Their motto, “We Do Not Sow,” reflects their culture of raiding and their pride in taking what they want rather than relying on agriculture.
House Tyrell
- Sigil: A golden rose on a green field.
- Colors: Gold and green.
- Meaning: The rose symbolizes beauty, growth, and prosperity, reflecting the Tyrells’ wealth and status as the rulers of the fertile Reach. The gold represents their riches, while green signifies the lushness of their lands. Their motto, “Growing Strong,” emphasizes their resilience and ability to thrive.
House Martell
- Sigil: A gold sun pierced by a red spear on an orange field.
- Colors: Gold, red, and orange.
- Meaning: The sun represents warmth and vitality, while the spear symbolizes Martell’s warrior culture and readiness to defend their lands. The vibrant colors reflect the hot climate of Dorne and the house’s distinct culture and independence. Their motto, “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken,” emphasizes their strength and resilience.
These banners not only serve as identifiers for the houses but also encapsulate their values, ambitions, and histories, making them an integral part of the “Game of Thrones” narrative.