Game of Thrones Season One Ultimate Unofficial Guide: The Game of Thrones Season 1

brother is supposed to. Only in a dress when forced, never inside, and usually dirty, she thrives on adventure and experience. She lets it known that all the girly stuff is not for her and the last thing she wants to do is get married and have children. When given a sword of her own, she learns to wield it properly and is able to use it to escape danger in King’s Landing. In an obvious gender role reversal, Arya is forced to disguise herself as a boy for protection after her father’s death. Will she be happy with the female gender expectations lifted, or realize that male gender expectations are also difficult?

House Sigils and Words
    House Stark
    Sigil: Direwolf
    Location: Winterfell
    Words: “Winter is Coming”
    House Targaryen
    Sigil: Three-headed Dragon
    Location: Dragonstone
    Words: “Fire and Blood”
    House Lannister
    Sigil: Golden Lion
    Location: Westerlands
    Words: “Hear Me Roar”
    House Baratheon
    Sigil: Stag (currently a Crowned Stag because Robert
    is King)
    Location: King’s Landing
    Words: “Ours is the Fury”
    House Greyjoy
    Sigil: Kraken
    Location: Iron Islands
    Words: “We Do Not Sow”
    House Arryn
    Sigil: Falcon and Crescent Moon
    Location: The Vale
    Words: “As High As Honor”

Reputation is Everything
    With so many narratives being interwoven throughout the story, the show creators made sure to capture the many layers present with each character. Family bloodline determines ones station in this fantasy world, much like it has in our world. Traditions and folklore are passed down the generations, giving each family a reputation according to their regional history and code of behavior.
    The most honorable of the families are The Starks. They have lived in Winterfell as guardians of The North since the First Men settled there. They have never given up control of their homeland despite living under the dominion of four different kings over the past three centuries. Their ancestor, Brandon Stark, built The Wall and Winterfell after surviving the horrors of “The Long Night.” Because of this family history, the Starks possess a strong sense of duty and honor. They live by tried and true family mottos, such as “always the old ways,” “there must always be a Stark in Winterfell,” and “the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.”
    The lifestyle in The North is not as luxurious as other parts of the kingdom and the inhabitants are under constant threat from their environment. Due to their location, the Starks are left alone to self-govern the region and are rarely visited by royalty. The Stark House words are “winter is coming,” a reminder that danger is always close at hand. Their proximity to The Wall and the perils it holds at bay keeps the memory of its purpose fresh in their minds. Plus, it was a Stark ancestor who was responsible for building it. It is their family duty to ensure it stays there. They have a history of making thoughtful decisions and acting on the part of righteousness and truth instead of personal gain.
    For example, Ned’s father and oldest brother were executed by the Targaryen king after attempting to peacefully appeal for the return of Ned’s kidnapped sister, who ends up being killed by the prince. Ned’s other brother Benjen, understanding the significance of the life choice, had selflessly pledged his loyalties to protecting the entire realm by joining the Night’s Watch. Suddenly the only remaining Stark heir, Ned honorably steps up to the responsibilities of his father’s position as head of the House. He joins Robert Baratheon in the fight against the Targaryens, not to take the throne, but to avenge the injustices shown his family. At one point in the story, Cersei mentions that Ned had the chance to take the throne, but chose not to. He knew it was not rightfully his or what he wanted.
    In an act of duty, Ned fulfilled a marriage agreement with House Tully initially intended for his older brother, the one who was unexpectedly executed. Though an arranged marriage, Ned and Cat grow to love each other deeply and rely on one another’s support. They have five children together, all of whom are being raised with Stark values. Brought up with affection and guidance, each child blossoms into their own personality with a strong sense of their namesake. Ned and Cat protect their family out of love and do not manipulate their children for power or control. The Starks are respected and known to make the honorable choice despite