The Stark family stands as a cornerstone within the intricate world of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and George R.R. Martin’s epic saga, A Song of Ice and Fire. Their history is deeply interwoven with the very fabric of Westeros, a lineage stretching back centuries and profoundly influencing the continent’s destiny. While Game of Thrones introduces us to a core group of Starks, understanding their ancestry and the roles of their predecessors is crucial to grasping the full scope of their significance, especially as the narrative delves into historical events.
The Starks have been pivotal figures in Westerosi history, from the construction of the Wall to the tumultuous Dance of the Dragons and the devastating War of the Five Kings. Alongside iconic houses like the Targaryens, Lannisters, and Baratheons, they form the bedrock of this rich universe. Many pivotal characters in both Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire trace their lineage directly back to the legendary Brandon “The Builder” Stark, underscoring the family’s foundational role.
Within Game of Thrones, we become intimately acquainted with a select few Starks, and even some honorary members. This focused view can sometimes obscure the broader family tree and the historical depth of House Stark. As House of the Dragon expands the timeline, delving into Stark ancestors and their impact on events like the Dance of the Dragons, understanding the Stark family history becomes even more essential. To clarify the lineage and highlight key figures, here’s a comprehensive guide to the most important members of the Stark family across Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
This exploration begins with Bran the Builder, the mythical founder of House Stark, and extends to Bran the Broken (Isaac Hempstead Wright), Eddard Stark’s (Sean Bean) son who ascends to the throne in an unexpected turn of events. Crucially, understanding figures like Cregan Stark (Tom Taylor) becomes vital as House of the Dragon Season 2 approaches, promising to plunge into the brutal Dance of the Dragons. This civil war between Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) will heavily involve House Stark, bringing ancient oaths and historical precedents, like Torrhen Stark’s submission to Aegon the Conqueror, back into sharp focus.
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Bran the Builder: The Architect of the North
Bran the Builder, the legendary progenitor of House Stark, is more than just a name in the Stark family tree; he is a mythic figure credited with shaping the North as we know it. Attributed with constructing Winterfell, the ancestral seat of House Stark, the formidable Storm’s End, and the towering Hightower in Oldtown, his most monumental achievement is undoubtedly the Wall. This colossal ice barrier, guarding Westeros from the dangers beyond, stands as a testament to his vision and engineering prowess. While some scholars debate the extent of his actual accomplishments, attributing some to embellished legends over centuries, Bran the Builder remains a cornerstone of Stark identity. His name, Brandon, echoes through generations of Starks and other Northern houses, a constant reminder of their founder’s legacy.
Living during the Age of Heroes, a period shrouded in myth and legend, Bran the Builder is said to have been among the First Men, the original inhabitants of Westeros. He solidified Stark dominance in the North, taking control from Houses Dustin and Barrowton and establishing himself as the first King in the North. Legend further links him to Garth Greenhand, a mythical figure from the Reach considered the ancestor of numerous noble houses, adding another layer to his legendary status. Bran the Builder is not just the first Stark; he is the architect of the North and a figure of near-mythological importance in Westerosi history.
Torrhen Stark: The King Who Knelt, and Secured the North
Torrhen Stark, the Last King in the North, faced an unprecedented challenge: Aegon the Conqueror and his dragons. Initially, Torrhen, like many rulers in Westeros, considered resisting Aegon’s relentless campaign to unite the Seven Kingdoms. However, news of the catastrophic destruction of Harrenhal and the Field of Fire massacre in the Reach reached the North, painting a terrifying picture of Aegon’s might. Faced with the overwhelming power of dragons, Torrhen made a pragmatic and arguably courageous decision: to kneel before Aegon Targaryen.
This surrender, while earning him the moniker “The King Who Knelt,” ultimately saved the North from fire and blood. By choosing diplomacy over futile resistance, Torrhen secured the survival of his people and the integrity of the North. Aegon, recognizing the wisdom in Torrhen’s decision and the strength of the North, named him Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, acknowledging the Starks’ continued rule over the region, albeit under Targaryen dominion. This pivotal moment in Stark history is commemorated in A Storm of Swords with the Inn of the Kneeling Man, built on the very spot where Torrhen is said to have pledged fealty to Aegon, a constant reminder of this crucial turning point. Torrhen Stark’s legacy is complex: a king who yielded, yet in doing so, preserved his kingdom.
Rickon Stark: Lord of Winterfell During a Time of Succession Crisis
Played by David Hounslow
Rickon Stark, played by David Hounslow in House of the Dragon, is a key figure in the lead-up to the Dance of the Dragons. Son of Benjen Stark and Lysa Locke, Rickon holds the lordship of Winterfell as King Viserys I (Paddy Considine) grapples with the question of succession. Early in House of the Dragon, when Viserys declares his daughter Rhaenyra as his heir, breaking with tradition, Rickon, along with other lords of the realm, swears fealty to her.
This oath becomes significant as the Targaryen succession crisis escalates. Rickon’s pledge foreshadows the Stark stance during the Dance of the Dragons. While many houses may waver or switch allegiances, the Starks, guided by Rickon’s initial oath, are poised to be among the few to honor their commitment to Rhaenyra. Rickon’s role, though seemingly brief, sets the stage for his son Cregan’s pivotal involvement in the Dance of the Dragons, establishing the Stark family’s early allegiance to Rhaenyra’s claim.
Cregan Stark: The Young Lord at the Heart of the Dance of Dragons
Played by Tom Taylor
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Cregan Stark, portrayed by Tom Taylor, is a central figure in the Dance of the Dragons and a direct ancestor of Eddard Stark, being his great-great-great-great-grandfather. His role in George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood and the House of the Dragon adaptation is paramount. Cregan, son of Rickon Stark and Gilliane Glover, ascended to lordship of Winterfell at just 13 years old, initially under the regency of his uncle, Bennard Stark. His relationship with Bennard grew strained, ultimately leading to Cregan killing his uncle to fully assume power – a testament to his decisive and sometimes ruthless nature.
During the Dance of the Dragons, both factions vying for the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra and Aegon II, recognize the strategic importance of House Stark and the North. Rhaenyra dispatches her son, Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett), to Winterfell to court Cregan’s support. The two young men, close in age, forge a bond that solidifies Stark allegiance to the Black faction. The details of this pact are varied in accounts, ranging from a strong friendship to rumors of a scandalous affair between Jacaerys and Cregan’s bastard half-sister, Sara Snow. Regardless of the specifics, the outcome is a pact: a marriage alliance between Jacaerys’s firstborn daughter and Cregan’s son, and crucially, Stark commitment to Rhaenyra’s cause.
Cregan’s decision is another critical juncture for House Stark. At only 21, he must navigate the treacherous Targaryen civil war and choose a side. His alliance with Rhaenyra proves steadfast throughout the Dance. Later, 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, showcasing his continued influence and power in the aftermath of the Dance. Cregan Stark’s actions during the Dance solidify House Stark’s position as a major power player in Westeros and deeply impact the Targaryen dynasty.
Rickard Stark: The Lord of Winterfell at the Dawn of Robert’s Rebellion
Played by Wayne Foskett
Rickard Stark, played by Wayne Foskett, bridges the gap between the historical Starks and the central figures of Game of Thrones. Son of Edwyle Stark and Marna Locke, Rickard is the father of Ned, Brandon, Lyanna (Aisling Franciosi), and Benjen (Joseph Mawle). His reign as Lord of Winterfell is tragically cut short by the events leading to Robert’s Rebellion. Rickard and his heir, Brandon, travel south to demand justice for Lyanna, who was allegedly abducted by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen (Wilf Scolding).
Their arrival at King’s Landing leads to a disastrous confrontation with the Mad King Aerys II Targaryen (David Rintoul). Aerys, in his escalating paranoia and cruelty, brutally executes both Rickard and Brandon. Rickard is burned alive while Brandon is forced to watch, strangled by a device designed to tighten as he struggles to reach a sword placed just out of reach. These gruesome deaths ignite the flames of rebellion, with Eddard Stark, Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy), and Jon Arryn rising up against Targaryen rule. Rickard Stark’s death, and that of his heir, becomes a catalyst for the rebellion that reshapes Westeros, making him a pivotal, albeit tragic, figure in the lead up to Game of Thrones.
Brandon Stark: The Heir Who Sparked a Rebellion
Brandon Stark, the eldest son of Lord Rickard Stark and Lyarra, is another Brandon Stark who met a tragic end, but his death served as a crucial spark for Robert’s Rebellion. As Rickard’s heir, Brandon was known for his fierceness and honor. When news reached Winterfell that Lyanna had been allegedly kidnapped by Rhaegar Targaryen, Brandon rode south with a retinue, arriving at King’s Landing and publicly demanding Rhaegar to “come out and die.”
This rash act, fueled by grief and anger, played directly into the Mad King Aerys’s paranoia. Aerys arrested Brandon and summoned Rickard Stark to court. The subsequent executions of both Rickard and Brandon, described above, were not just personal tragedies for House Stark but a blatant act of royal tyranny that galvanized the rebellion. Brandon’s impetuous nature and tragic death ignited the fury that led to the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty and the rise of Robert Baratheon, forever changing the course of Westerosi history.
Lyanna Stark: The Mystery at the Heart of Robert’s Rebellion
Played by Aisling Franciosi
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Lyanna Stark, played by Aisling Franciosi, is a figure shrouded in romantic tragedy and political intrigue. Ned Stark’s younger sister, Lyanna, was betrothed to Robert Baratheon, solidifying an alliance between two powerful houses. However, her alleged kidnapping by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen became the widely accepted catalyst for Robert’s Rebellion. The narrative presented to Westeros was that Rhaegar abducted and possibly assaulted Lyanna, enraging Robert and igniting the war to overthrow the Targaryens.
However, Game of Thrones and book theories, supported by showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, offer a different perspective. They suggest Lyanna and Rhaegar were not captor and captive, but lovers who eloped willingly. According to this version, Lyanna died in childbirth, not as a victim, but as a mother. Ned Stark found her at the Tower of Joy, where she extracted a deathbed promise from him. This promise led Ned to claim Lyanna’s son, Jon Snow (Kit Harington), as his bastard to protect him from Robert’s wrath, concealing his Targaryen heritage. Lyanna Stark, whether victim or lover, remains a pivotal figure, her story sparking a rebellion and shaping the destinies of major characters like Ned and Jon Snow. Her true story is a complex tapestry of love, duty, and political machinations.
Benjen Stark: The Ranger Beyond the Wall
Played by Joseph Mawle
Benjen Stark, played by Joseph Mawle, Ned’s younger brother, represents the Stark commitment to duty and the defense of the realm. Inspiring Jon Snow, Benjen chooses to join the Night’s Watch, dedicating his life to guarding the Wall and protecting Westeros from the threats beyond. As a ranger, he ventures frequently north of the Wall, facing the dangers of the wild and the growing threat of the White Walkers.
During a ranging mission, Benjen disappears. His men are found slain and transformed into wights, undead servants of the White Walkers. Benjen’s fate remains ambiguous for a time, but he eventually reappears as a changed figure, rescued by the Children of the Forest and imbued with ancient magic, becoming something “neither living nor dead.” He aids Bran and Meera Reed (Ellie Kendrick) and later saves Jon Snow, sacrificing himself against wights to ensure their escape. Benjen Stark embodies the Stark ethos of duty and sacrifice, dedicating himself to protecting Westeros from supernatural threats, even at great personal cost.
Eddard “Ned” Stark: The Honorable Lord of Winterfell
Played by Sean Bean
Eddard “Ned” Stark, played by Sean Bean, is arguably the most iconic Stark in Game of Thrones, embodying the family’s core values of honor, duty, and loyalty. Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, Ned is the father of Robb (Richard Madden), Sansa (Sophie Turner), Arya (Maisie Williams), Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright), and Rickon (Art Parkinson), and, secretly, the guardian of Jon Snow. Married to Catelyn Tully (Michelle Fairley), Ned’s life takes a dramatic turn when King Robert Baratheon, his close friend and comrade in rebellion, appoints him Hand of the King after the suspicious death of Jon Arryn.
Reluctantly leaving Winterfell for King’s Landing, Ned is thrust into the viper pit of court politics. His unwavering sense of justice and honor, while admirable, proves ill-suited to the intrigues of the capital. Ned investigates Jon Arryn’s death and uncovers the devastating secret of Cersei Lannister’s (Lena Headey) incestuous relationship with her brother Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and the illegitimacy of her children, including Joffrey (Jack Gleeson). Choosing to warn Cersei out of misplaced chivalry, Ned’s honorable intentions backfire spectacularly. Betrayed and falsely accused of treason, Ned Stark is publicly executed on Joffrey’s orders, a shocking event that sets the stage for the escalating conflicts of Game of Thrones. Ned Stark’s tragic fate underscores the dangers of honor in a world of deceit and power struggles, and his death serves as a major catalyst for the War of the Five Kings.
Catelyn Stark: The Fierce Mother Driven by Duty
Played by Michelle Fairley
Catelyn Stark, played by Michelle Fairley, born Catelyn Tully, is the wife of Ned Stark and mother to Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. A member of House Tully of Riverrun, Catelyn is intelligent, fiercely protective of her children, and deeply committed to her family and duty. After Ned’s execution, Catelyn becomes a driving force in the Stark response, urging Robb to seek justice and independence for the North. She is instrumental in Robb being declared King in the North and acts as a key advisor throughout the War of the Five Kings.
Catelyn’s decisions are often driven by her maternal instincts and a desire to protect her children, sometimes leading to impulsive actions, such as capturing Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), which inadvertently escalates tensions between the Starks and Lannisters. Tragically, Catelyn is murdered at the Red Wedding alongside Robb and many Stark bannermen, 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 a thirst for retribution against those who wronged her and her family. Catelyn Stark represents the strength and resilience of the Stark women, and her tragic journey highlights the brutal consequences of war and betrayal.
Theon Greyjoy: The Ward Turned Captor, Seeking Redemption
Played by Alfie Allen
Theon Greyjoy, played by Alfie Allen, while not a Stark by blood, holds a complex and tragic place within the Stark narrative. Son of Balon Greyjoy (Patrick Malahide), Theon was taken as a ward by Ned Stark after Balon’s rebellion against Robert Baratheon. Raised alongside the Stark children at Winterfell, Theon develops a close, albeit sometimes fraught, relationship with the family, particularly Robb. He is essentially a hostage, but Ned treats him more like a son, fostering a sense of conflicted loyalty in Theon.
During the War of the Five Kings, Theon faces an agonizing choice. Torn between his Greyjoy heritage and his Stark upbringing, he ultimately betrays Robb, seizing Winterfell in the name of his father. This act of betrayal marks a turning point for Theon, leading to his capture and horrific torture at the hands of Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon). Ramsay systematically breaks Theon, stripping him of his identity and transforming him into the broken and subservient “Reek.” Theon’s journey is one of profound suffering and eventual, albeit partial, redemption. In later seasons, he begins to reclaim his identity and aids Sansa, ultimately sacrificing himself to protect Bran from the Night King. Theon’s arc is a poignant exploration of identity, loyalty, betrayal, and the possibility of redemption even after immense suffering.
Robb Stark: The Young King in the North, Betrayed
Played by Richard Madden
Robb Stark, played by Richard Madden, the eldest son of Ned and Catelyn, steps into leadership after his father’s execution, becoming the King in the North. Driven by grief and a desire for justice, Robb rallies the Northern lords and proves to be a skilled military commander, winning several key victories against the Lannisters. His youth, charisma, and military prowess inspire loyalty and hope in the North.
However, Robb’s reign is marked by both triumphs and fatal missteps. He breaks his marriage pact with House Frey to marry Talisa Maegyr (Oona Chaplin) in the show (Jeyne Westerling in the books), a decision with devastating consequences. This betrayal of his oath leads to the infamous Red Wedding, where Robb, Catelyn, Talisa (or Jeyne), and many Northern bannermen are brutally massacred by the Freys and Boltons in a Lannister-orchestrated plot. Robb’s death is a crushing blow to the Stark cause and a stark (pun intended) illustration of the treachery and brutality of Westerosi politics. Despite his military successes, Robb’s inability to navigate the political landscape and his impulsive decisions contribute to his downfall, making his reign tragically short-lived.
Jon Snow: The Bastard Son, The Resurrected King
Played by Kit Harington
Jon Snow, played by Kit Harington, begins as the perceived bastard son of Ned Stark, carrying the weight of his ambiguous status within the Stark household. Seeking purpose and escaping his uncertain future at Winterfell, Jon joins the Night’s Watch, embracing the harsh realities of defending the Wall. His journey is one of transformation, rising through the ranks of the Night’s Watch to become Lord Commander.
Jon’s true parentage, however, is a secret that unravels throughout the series. He is revealed to be the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, the rightful Targaryen heir to the Iron Throne. This revelation complicates his identity and destiny significantly. Jon faces numerous trials, including betrayal and death at the hands of his own Night’s Watch brothers for his willingness to ally with the Wildlings against the White Walkers. Resurrected by Melisandre (Carice van Houten), Jon becomes a central figure in the fight against the White Walkers, forging an alliance with Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke). Despite his heroic actions in saving Westeros, Jon ultimately makes the agonizing decision to kill Daenerys to prevent her tyrannical rule. In the end, Jon is exiled back to the Night’s Watch, finding a measure of peace beyond the Wall. Jon Snow’s journey is a complex exploration of identity, duty, leadership, and the burden of destiny.
Sansa Stark: From Lady of Winterfell to Queen in the North
Played by Sophie Turner
Sansa Stark, played by Sophie Turner, the eldest daughter of Ned and Catelyn, begins as a naive and romantic young lady dreaming of courtly life and noble marriages. Her journey is one of profound hardship and transformation. Taken to King’s Landing and held hostage by the Lannisters after her father’s arrest, Sansa endures manipulation, abuse, and forced marriages to Joffrey Baratheon and Ramsay Bolton. These brutal experiences strip away her naivety, forcing her to learn the harsh realities of political intrigue and survival.
Through these trials, Sansa develops resilience, political acumen, and a steely resolve. She learns to play the game of thrones, using her experiences to become a shrewd strategist and leader. After escaping Ramsay Bolton, Sansa returns to Winterfell and, alongside Jon Snow, reclaims her ancestral home. By the end of Game of Thrones, Sansa, having witnessed and endured immense suffering, emerges as a strong and independent leader, crowned Queen in the North, ruling a newly independent kingdom. Sansa’s arc is a powerful testament to resilience, adaptation, and the forging of strength through adversity.
Arya Stark: The Faceless Assassin, The Explorer of the Unknown
Played by Maisie Williams
Maisie Williams as Arya Stark looking up in Game of Thrones
Arya Stark, played by Maisie Williams, the youngest daughter of Ned and Catelyn, is a defiant and independent spirit who rejects traditional ladylike expectations. From a young age, Arya displays a thirst for adventure and a rebellious nature, preferring swords to sewing needles. Forced to flee King’s Landing after her father’s execution, Arya embarks on a perilous journey of survival and self-discovery.
Her path leads her to Braavos, where she trains with the Faceless Men, honing her skills as an assassin and learning to detach herself from her identity. However, Arya ultimately rejects the Faceless Men’s path, choosing to reclaim her Stark identity and return to Westeros. She becomes a formidable warrior, playing a crucial role in the Battle of Winterfell by killing the Night King and saving Westeros from the White Walker threat. After the wars are over, Arya, ever restless and curious, sets sail west of Westeros, seeking to explore the uncharted territories beyond. Arya’s journey is one of fierce independence, self-determination, and embracing her own unique destiny, defying societal expectations and forging her own path.
Bran Stark: The Three-Eyed Raven, The King of the Six Kingdoms
Played by Isaac Hempstead Wright
Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark looking up at something in HBO
Bran Stark, played by Isaac Hempstead Wright, the second-youngest son of Ned and Catelyn, undergoes the most transformative journey of all the Stark children. Initially a curious and adventurous boy, Bran’s life changes irrevocably when he is crippled after being pushed from a tower by Jaime Lannister. This fall, however, unlocks latent abilities within him. Bran develops prophetic visions and the power to warg, seeing through the eyes of animals.
Guided by visions, Bran journeys north of the Wall, becoming the Three-Eyed Raven, the repository of Westeros’s historical and magical knowledge. He becomes detached from his Stark identity, evolving into a being more than human, connected to the ancient and mystical forces of the world. Despite his detachment, Bran’s knowledge and abilities prove crucial in the fight against the White Walkers and the subsequent political upheavals. In a surprising turn of events, Bran is chosen as the new king of the Six Kingdoms (excluding the North) at the end of Game of Thrones, deemed the best choice due to his wisdom and lack of personal ambition. Bran’s arc is a profound exploration of destiny, transformation, and the acceptance of a unique and unexpected path, ultimately leading him to the throne, not as a warrior or ruler in the traditional sense, but as a wise and detached observer and guide.
Rickon Stark: The Wild Child, A Short and Tragic Life
Played by Art Parkinson
Rickon Stark, played by Art Parkinson, the youngest son of Ned and Catelyn, has the shortest and most tragic arc among the Stark children in the Game of Thrones series. A young boy when the series begins, Rickon is forced to flee Winterfell with Bran after Theon Greyjoy’s betrayal. He is separated from Bran and spends time in hiding, becoming a feral and untamed child, reflecting the wild nature of his direwolf, Shaggydog.
Rickon’s storyline in the show is relatively limited. He is eventually captured by Ramsay Bolton and used as a pawn in Ramsay’s psychological games against Jon Snow before the Battle of the Bastards. In a heartbreaking and brutal scene, Rickon is killed by Ramsay, shot with an arrow as he runs towards Jon across the battlefield, a tragic end to the youngest Stark child. While Rickon’s character is less developed compared to his siblings, his death serves as a powerful emotional catalyst in the Battle of the Bastards, highlighting the cruelty of war and the devastating losses suffered by House Stark.
The Stark family, throughout Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, embodies resilience, duty, and a deep connection to the North. From their legendary founder Bran the Builder to the surviving Stark children at the end of Game of Thrones, their lineage is marked by both tragedy and triumph, shaping the history of Westeros and captivating audiences worldwide. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of family, honor, and the will to survive in a world of constant turmoil.
Game of Thrones is streaming on Max in the U.S.
