The Stark family stands as a cornerstone in the intricate universe of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels. Their lineage, stretching back through centuries, is deeply interwoven with the very fabric of Westerosi history. Alongside other great houses like the Targaryens, Lannisters, and Baratheons, the Starks are pivotal to the unfolding dramas, their influence felt from the ancient Wall to the tumultuous Dance of the Dragons and the devastating War of the Five Kings. Understanding the Got Stark Family is essential for anyone seeking to fully grasp the complexities of this rich fictional world.
Within Game of Thrones, we are introduced to a select few members of the Stark lineage, a number further complicated by familial ties that aren’t always straightforward. Navigating the Stark family tree can be challenging, especially as the narrative delves into historical events predating the series. To clarify the relationships and significance of these characters, we present a detailed overview of the most crucial figures in the GOT Stark family, spanning both Game of Thrones and its prequel series, House of the Dragon.
Our exploration begins with Bran the Builder, the mythical founder of House Stark, and extends to Bran the Broken (portrayed by Isaac Hempstead Wright), Eddard Stark’s (Sean Bean) son who ascends to an unexpected kingship after enduring paralysis inflicted by Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) in the first season of Game of Thrones. However, our primary focus will be on the key Stark figures involved in the Dance of the Dragons, a brutal civil war ignited between Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney), a conflict that engulfed all of the Seven Kingdoms. House of the Dragon Season 1 meticulously built the tension between the two Targaryen factions – those loyal to Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne and those resistant to the idea of a female ruler in Westeros. Season 2 promises to plunge into the most violent phases of this war. In this impending conflict, figures such as Cregan Stark (Tom Taylor) will become central players, and historical precedents, like Torrhen Stark’s oath to Aegon the Conqueror, will undoubtedly resurface, shaping the destinies of the GOT Stark family.
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Bran the Builder: The Architect of the North
Bran the Builder stands as the legendary progenitor of House Stark. He is credited with the construction of numerous formidable structures across the North, including the iconic Winterfell castle, the imposing Storm’s End, and the towering Hightower, most famously, the colossal Wall that defends Westeros from the threats beyond. While some historians debate the extent of his actual accomplishments, attributing some to embellished tales over time, Bran the Builder’s historical significance is undeniable. His name, Brandon, resonates throughout the GOT Stark family, with many members, even in lesser houses, carrying it in tribute. King Bran the Broken is perhaps the most renowned of these namesakes. Living during the Age of Heroes, a mythic period of Westerosi history, Bran the Builder, one of the First Men (the earliest human inhabitants of Westeros), asserted dominance over the North, wresting control from Houses Dustin and Barrowton and establishing himself as the first King in the North. Legends claim him to be the son of Garth Greenhand, a mythical figure considered the ancestor of numerous houses in the Reach, further cementing his foundational role in Westerosi lore and the GOT Stark family history.
Torrhen Stark: The King Who Knelt
Torrhen Stark holds the somber title of the Last King in the North. As Aegon the Conqueror advanced through Westeros, forging the Seven Kingdoms, Torrhen Stark faced the daunting prospect of confronting the Targaryen forces. Initially, he may have considered resistance, but news of the catastrophic destruction at Harrenhal and the Field of Fire massacre in the Reach profoundly impacted his decision. Faced with the overwhelming power of dragons and the potential annihilation of his people, Torrhen made the agonizing choice to yield to Aegon. In a symbolic act of submission, he laid his crown at Aegon’s feet. Aegon, in turn, named him Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. Despite retaining his lordship, history remembers Torrhen Stark as “The King Who Knelt,” a title that encapsulates the pivotal moment when the North bowed to Targaryen rule. Centuries later, in A Storm of Swords, a notable location is the Inn of the Kneeling Man, built on the very site where Torrhen is said to have acknowledged Aegon as his king, forever linking this Stark to the Targaryen dynasty and the broader GOT Stark family narrative.
Rickon Stark: Lord of Winterfell in Troubled Times
Rickon Stark, portrayed by David Hounslow, is the father of Cregan Stark and son of Benjen Stark and Lysa Locke. He presides as Lord of Winterfell during the early stages of the succession crisis that plagues King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine). As Viserys designates his daughter, the young Rhaenyra, as his heir to the Iron Throne, Rickon, along with the other lords of the realm, pledges his fealty to her. This oath of allegiance, sworn by Rickon, becomes a critical factor as the Dance of the Dragons looms. In the escalating conflict, House Stark, under Rickon’s son Cregan, stands as one of the few houses to honor their commitment to Rhaenyra, highlighting the Stark family’s sense of duty and integrity within the GOT Stark family history.
Cregan Stark: The Wolf of Winterfell in the Dance of Dragons
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Cregan Stark, brought to life by Tom Taylor, is a significant figure in the GOT Stark family lineage, being Eddard “Ned” Stark’s great-great-great-great-grandfather. His prominence stems from his role as the Lord of Winterfell during the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen civil war depicted in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood and its HBO adaptation, House of the Dragon. Son of Rickon Stark and Gilliane Glover, Cregan ascended to lordship at the young age of 13, initially under the regency of his uncle, Bennard. As Cregan matured, his relationship with Bennard deteriorated, culminating in Cregan killing his uncle to fully assume power. During the Dance of the Dragons, both Rhaenyra and Aegon II seek Cregan’s support. Rhaenyra dispatches her son, Jacaerys (Harry Collett), to Winterfell, hoping to forge an alliance with the young Stark lord.
At just 21, Cregan faces a momentous decision: choosing a side in the intensifying Targaryen conflict. His choice will significantly impact the North and the overall outcome of the war. The details of Jacaerys’ successful persuasion remain somewhat ambiguous in the source material. Accounts range from a bond of brotherhood to rumors of a scandalous affair between Jacaerys and Cregan’s bastard half-sister, Sara Snow. Regardless, a pact is formed, solidified by the betrothal of Jacaerys’ firstborn daughter to Cregan’s son. Fire & Blood emphasizes Cregan’s unwavering loyalty to Rhaenyra and later to her descendants throughout the war. During the reign of Rhaenyra’s son, Aegon III, Cregan briefly serves as Hand of the King during a period known as the Hour of the Wolf, further cementing his legacy within the GOT Stark family and Westerosi history.
Rickard Stark: Father of a Generation
Jumping forward several generations, we encounter Rickard Stark, portrayed by Wayne Foskett, the son of Edwyle Stark and Marna Locke. Rickard is the patriarch of the Stark generation familiar to Game of Thrones viewers, fathering Ned, Brandon, Lyanna (Aisling Franciosi), and Benjen (Joseph Mawle). His life tragically ends alongside his eldest son, Brandon, when they travel south to demand the return of Lyanna, who was allegedly abducted by Prince Rhaegar (Wilf Scolding). Their deaths at the hands of the Mad King Aerys II ignited the flames of rebellion, profoundly impacting the GOT Stark family and the fate of Westeros.
Brandon Stark: The Heir Lost Too Soon
Brandon Stark, the firstborn son of Lord Rickard Stark and Lyarra, was Eddard’s older brother and the intended heir to Winterfell. His life was cut short before the events of Game of Thrones began. Brandon met a gruesome end, murdered alongside his father, Rickard, by the Mad King Aerys II (David Rintoul). They had traveled to King’s Landing to protest Lyanna’s alleged kidnapping, but were instead met with royal wrath. Brandon’s death, alongside his father’s, became a catalyst for Robert’s Rebellion, marking a turning point for the GOT Stark family and the Seven Kingdoms.
Lyanna Stark: The Spark of Rebellion
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Lyanna Stark, portrayed by Aisling Franciosi, Ned’s younger sister, is a central figure in the events leading up to Game of Thrones. She was betrothed to Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy) when she was allegedly kidnapped by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. This event was presented as the trigger for Robert’s Rebellion, the war that ultimately overthrew the Targaryen dynasty. However, Game of Thrones, along with book theories supported by showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, presents a different narrative. It suggests Lyanna eloped with Rhaegar willingly, driven by love, and died giving birth to their son, Jon Snow (Kit Harington). Ned discovered Lyanna dying and, honoring her last wish, took her son to Winterfell, raising him as his bastard son to protect him from Robert’s wrath. This secret parentage makes Jon Snow a Targaryen heir and a significant member of the extended GOT Stark family history.
Benjen Stark: Brother of the Night’s Watch
Benjen Stark, played by Joseph Mawle, Ned’s younger brother, serves as an inspiration to Jon Snow, embodying duty and honor as a ranger in the Night’s Watch. During a ranging mission north of the Wall, Benjen disappears, and his men are killed and transformed into wights by White Walkers. While his fate remains uncertain for a time, Benjen eventually reappears as a changed figure, partially transformed by the Children of the Forest to aid in the fight against the White Walkers. His dedication to the Night’s Watch and his eventual sacrifice highlight the Stark family’s commitment to protecting Westeros, even in the face of supernatural threats, adding another layer to the GOT Stark family saga.
Eddard Stark: The Honorable Lord of Winterfell
Sean Bean in Game of Thrones
Lord Eddard Stark, “Ned,” portrayed by Sean Bean, is the central Stark figure at the beginning of Game of Thrones. He is the father of Robb (Richard Madden), Sansa (Sophie Turner), Arya (Maisie Williams), Bran, and Rickon (Art Parkinson), and, secretly, the adoptive father of Jon Snow. Married to Lady Catelyn Tully (Michelle Fairley), Ned rules Winterfell with honor and integrity. In Season 1, King Robert Baratheon, his comrade in rebellion, summons Ned to King’s Landing to serve as Hand of the King after the death of Jon Arryn. In the capital, Ned uncovers a conspiracy orchestrated by the Lannisters to seize the Iron Throne through the illegitimate children of Cersei (Lena Headey) and Jaime. In a misguided attempt at chivalry, Ned warns Cersei, giving her a chance to escape. This act of misplaced trust backfires tragically, leading to his public execution and setting in motion the tumultuous events that define Game of Thrones, deeply impacting the GOT Stark family.
Catelyn Tully: Lady of Winterfell, Mother of Wolves
Catelyn Tully, played by Michelle Fairley, is Ned Stark’s wife and the mother of Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. A member of House Tully, daughter of Hoster Tully and Minisa Whent, Catelyn embodies strength and fierce maternal love. After Ned’s death, Catelyn stands resolutely by her eldest son, Robb, supporting his claim to be King in the North and his fight for Northern independence. Tragically, Catelyn is murdered alongside Robb and many of their followers at the Red Wedding, a devastating betrayal orchestrated by the Freys and Lannisters. In the books, however, Catelyn is resurrected as Lady Stoneheart by Thoros of Myr (Paul Kaye), becoming a vengeful figure driven by grief and a thirst for retribution, adding a dark and complex dimension to the GOT Stark family narrative.
Theon Greyjoy: Ward of Winterfell, Traitor and Redeemed
Theon Greyjoy, portrayed by Alfie Allen, though not a Stark by blood, is intimately intertwined with the GOT Stark family history. Son of Balon Greyjoy (Patrick Malahide), Theon was taken as a ward by Ned Stark as a consequence of Balon’s rebellion against King Robert. Raised in Winterfell alongside the Stark children, Theon develops a complex bond with them, particularly Robb. During the War of the Five Kings, Theon betrays the Starks, seizing Winterfell in a misguided attempt to prove his loyalty to his own family. He is quickly captured by Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon), who subjects him to horrific torture, breaking his spirit and transforming him into Reek, a shadow of his former self. In the show, Theon eventually finds redemption, escaping Ramsay’s clutches and aiding Sansa. He ultimately sacrifices himself to protect Bran, demonstrating a final act of loyalty to the Starks, completing his tragic arc within the GOT Stark family saga.
Robb Stark: The Young Wolf, King in the North
Robb Stark, played by Richard Madden, is the eldest son of Ned and Catelyn. Following his father’s execution, Robb becomes Lord of Winterfell and is proclaimed King in the North by his loyal bannermen. A skilled military commander, Robb leads the Northern armies to several victories against the Lannisters. However, his reign is tragically short-lived. Robb is betrayed and murdered at the Red Wedding, along with his mother, his pregnant wife Talisa Maegyr (Oona Chaplin), and his direwolf, Grey Wind. This devastating event, a major turning point in the War of the Five Kings, is triggered by Robb’s breaking of his marriage pact with House Frey, highlighting the consequences of honor and betrayal within the GOT Stark family narrative. In the books, Robb’s wife is Jeyne Westerling, and the circumstances differ slightly, but the outcome remains the same.
Jon Snow: The Bastard of Winterfell, The King in the North, The White Wolf
Jon Snow, portrayed by Kit Harington, is a pivotal figure in the GOT Stark family and the entire Game of Thrones saga. Presented initially as Ned Stark’s bastard son, Jon endures a sense of being an outsider within the Stark household. He joins the Night’s Watch, seeking purpose and escaping the limitations of his bastard status. Jon rises through the ranks, becoming Lord Commander, but is assassinated by his own men for his decisions regarding the Wildlings. Resurrected by Melisandre (Carice van Houten), Jon’s true parentage is eventually revealed: he is the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, the rightful Targaryen heir to the Iron Throne. He allies with Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) to defeat the White Walkers and claim the Iron Throne. However, after Daenerys destroys King’s Landing, Jon, conflicted by duty and love, kills her. In the aftermath, Jon is exiled back to the Night’s Watch, eventually venturing beyond the Wall with the Wildlings, finding a different kind of freedom. His direwolf, Ghost, the runt of the litter, mirrors Jon’s own feelings of being an outsider, further connecting him to the GOT Stark family.
Sansa Stark: Little Bird, Lady of Winterfell, Queen in the North
Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark in
Sansa Stark, played by Sophie Turner, is the eldest daughter of Ned and Catelyn. Initially portrayed as naive and স্বপ্নdriven, Sansa endures immense suffering and manipulation throughout Game of Thrones. Taken hostage by the Lannisters after Ned’s execution, she is subjected to political maneuvering, forced marriages to Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson) and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), and horrific abuse at the hands of Ramsay Bolton. Despite these traumas, Sansa evolves into a shrewd and resilient leader. She plays a crucial role in reclaiming Winterfell and ultimately becomes the Queen in the North, ruling independently after the dissolution of the Seven Kingdoms. Sansa’s journey is one of transformation from a sheltered girl to a powerful political player, securing her place as a vital member of the GOT Stark family. Her direwolf, Lady, is executed in her stead, symbolizing Sansa’s early loss of innocence and the dangers she faces.
Arya Stark: No One, The Faceless Man, Arya Stark of Winterfell
Maisie Williams as Arya Stark looking up in Game of Thrones
Arya Stark, portrayed by Maisie Williams, is the youngest daughter of Ned and Catelyn. A rebellious and independent spirit, Arya rejects traditional ladylike expectations, preferring swordplay and adventure. Forced to flee King’s Landing after Ned’s death, Arya embarks on a perilous journey, honing her survival skills and eventually training as a Faceless Man in Braavos. She becomes a skilled assassin, crossing names off her kill list and seeking vengeance for the injustices inflicted upon her family. In a pivotal moment, Arya kills the Night King, saving Westeros from the White Walker threat. Afterward, she chooses to explore the unknown lands west of Westeros, embracing her adventurous spirit and forging her own path, a testament to the GOT Stark family‘s resilience and adaptability. Arya’s direwolf, Nymeria, is released early in the story to protect her, symbolizing Arya’s own need for independence and her wild, untamed nature.
Bran Stark: The Broken, The Three-Eyed Raven, King of the Six Kingdoms
Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark looking up at something in HBO
Bran Stark, played by Isaac Hempstead Wright, is the second son of Ned and Catelyn. After being crippled by Jaime Lannister, Bran develops extraordinary abilities as a warg and greenseer. He journeys north, guided by visions, to become the Three-Eyed Raven, gaining access to the collective memories of the past, present, and future. Bran’s transformation makes him a repository of knowledge and history. While seemingly detached from human emotion, Bran’s wisdom and unique perspective become crucial in the final events of Game of Thrones. In the series finale, he is chosen as King of the Six Kingdoms, deemed the best ruler due to his impartiality and vast knowledge. Bran’s journey from a young boy to the all-knowing Three-Eyed Raven and King highlights the mystical and transformative aspects of the GOT Stark family within the Game of Thrones universe. His direwolf, Summer, aids him in his journey and symbolizes the magical connection Bran has with the natural world.
Rickon Stark: The Wild Child, A Stark Lost Too Soon
Rickon Stark, played by Art Parkinson, is the youngest son of Ned and Catelyn. Escaping Winterfell with Bran after Theon’s betrayal, Rickon’s storyline in the show is less developed than in the books. Portrayed as a feral and untamed child, Rickon struggles with the loss of his family and the harsh realities of war. In a heartbreaking scene, Rickon is killed by Ramsay Bolton during the Battle of the Bastards, a cruel act used to taunt Jon Snow and emphasize Ramsay’s depravity. Rickon’s death, while brief in the series, underscores the tragic toll of war on the GOT Stark family and the vulnerability of even the youngest Starks. His direwolf, Shaggydog, reflects Rickon’s wild and untamed nature, and his death mirrors the loss of innocence and childhood within the Stark family saga.
The GOT Stark family‘s saga is a complex tapestry of honor, betrayal, love, and loss. From the mythical Bran the Builder to the enigmatic Bran the Broken, their history is intertwined with the fate of Westeros. Their resilience, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, and their unwavering commitment to family and duty, define the enduring legacy of the Starks in the world of Game of Thrones.
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