HBO's newest "Game of Thrones" series "House of the Dragon [1]" tells the history of the powerful House Targaryen [2] centuries before the events of "Game of Thrones." [3] While the main focus of this series is on the Targaryens and the fighting among different members (all with their eyes on the throne), it's likely fans are wondering if any of the other recognisable families from "Game of Thrones" might show up in the new series. Plus, there are other Houses that play major roles in the show that viewers might not be familiar with just yet, like the Velaryons [4].
While HBO kept many details about "House of the Dragon" under wraps, we do have "Fire and Blood," [5] the book by George R. R. Martin that the new series is based on. "Fire and Blood" is a "history" book covering several generations of Targaryens, while "House of the Dragon" will focus specifically on a particular era. The book offers some major clues about who we might and might not come across once the show really gets going, including historical members of House Stark, House Lannister, and House Baratheon.
For example, when episode one of the series premiered on 21 Aug., there were some very recognisable House sigils [6] on display. Keep reading for a look at which houses and characters are likely to appear [7] in the series, and which ones already have.
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Are the Starks in "House of the Dragon"?
Although House Stark is one of the most important great houses in "Game of Thrones," they're much less significant in the era depicted in "House of the Dragon." In "Fire and Blood," House Stark is mostly in the background during the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen civil war that the new TV show will focus on. The Starks side with Rhaenyra Targaryen, although they're not in the thick of the war. However, Cregan Stark, the Lord of Winterfell, serves an extremely brief tenure as Hand of the King for one of the last Targaryen heirs.
In episode one, Lord Rickon Stark is seen pledging loyalty to the throne and to Rhaenyra as heir. Rickon is Cregan's father.
Are the Baratheons in "House of the Dragon"?
House Baratheon is the ruling royal house when "Game of Thrones" begins, but it's not nearly as strong or important during the "House of the Dragon" era. In fact, the house's origins are actually depicted in the book "Fire and Blood." The book covers several generations of Targaryen rule, starting with the conquest of Westeros by Aegon I. House Baratheon is founded by Orys Baratheon, one of Aegon I's generals, when he marries the last heiress of a conquered house.
Boremund Baratheon is seen in the first episode of "House of the Dragon" also pledging his support to Rhaenyra.
Are the Lannisters in "House of the Dragon"?
House Lannister is the only one of the great houses we knew from "Game of Thrones" (other than the Targaryens, of course) that we were sure would have some major characters in "House of the Dragon." Two Lannisters are in the main cast, with actor Jefferson Hall portraying both Jason Lannister, the lord of Casterly Rock, and his sly, politically minded twin, Tyland. Their choice of which side to back in the civil war has significant consequences if the show follows the same story as the book. Viewers met both brothers in the third episode.
Are the Tullys in "House of the Dragon"?
While not a major, point-of-view house, House Tully does play a major supporting role in "Game of Thrones." If "House of the Dragon" sticks pretty closely to its source material, the house won't be especially pivotal in this particular story. While the Tullys, like all the other great Houses of Westeros, do get involved in the civil war, they aren't central figures by any means.
Are the Wildlings in "House of the Dragon"?
The Wildlings, or free folk, live beyond the Wall and remain separate from the Seven Kingdoms. As a result of their cultural and geographical distance from the rest of the continent, they play little to no role in Westerosi politics. The book "Fire and Blood" doesn't include any stories that prominently feature Wildlings, so it seems safe to say "House of the Dragon" will also keep the Wildlings out of focus.
Are There White Walkers in "House of the Dragon"?
The warring kings and nobles in "House of the Dragon" have their hands full enough with a human (and dragon) civil war, so it's a good thing the White Walkers aren't also on their list of enemies to deal with. However, the first episode of "House of the Dragon" does introduce the idea that even the Targaryens of old knew the White Walkers and the Long Night were coming. Viserys tells Rhaenyra that Aegon dreamed of the Long Night [9] and that's why he brought dragons to Westeros.
Are There Children of the Forest in "House of the Dragon"?
The mystical Children of the Forest are a key part of Westeros lore, but they're supposedly long extinct before "Game of Thrones" starts. If you're hoping "House of the Dragon" goes far enough back in history to see their era, you'll unfortunately be let down. The era of the Children of the Forest takes place several thousands of years before "House of the Dragon," so they're unlikely to play a role in the new series.
Are the Martells in "House of the Dragon"?
House Martell has a significant history with House Targaryen, as depicted throughout the book "Fire and Blood." Whether they'll play just as significant a role in "House of the Dragon" remains to be seen. House Martell and their kingdom of Dorne are pivotal in the early years of Targaryen rule, as they're the only great house to resist the Targaryen conquest in a meaningful and sustained way. That being said, those events happen a few generations before the civil war shown in "House of the Dragon." In fact, "Fire and Blood" notes that the only involvement House Martell has in that war is its refusal to take any part in it, so we might not see Martells very much on screen.
Are the Velaryons in "House of the Dragon"?
One of the biggest houses in "House of the Dragon" is House Velaryon [10]. House Velaryon, like the Targaryens, descend from Valyria and also have silver hair and purple eyes. House Velaryon and House Targaryen have often been connected by marriage and are longtime allies. In "House of the Dragon," its most prominent members include Corlys Velaryon, aka the Sea Snake; his wife, Rhaenys; and their children, Laena and Laenor.
Are the Hightowers in "House of the Dragon"?
House Hightower will have a significant presence in "House of the Dragon." When the series begins, Otto Hightower is serving as the Hand of the King. His daughter Alicent is by his side in King's Landing and has a strong friendship with Princess Rhaenyra.
The house does briefly appear in "Game of Thrones." Alerie Hightower was married to Mace Tyrell. The head of Aerys's Kingsguard was also a member of House Hightower.
Are the Westerlings in "House of the Dragon"?
House Westerling, from the Westerlands, will also appear in "House of the Dragon." Ser Harrold Westerling serves as the Lord Commander of King Viserys's Kingsguard. Other members of the Westerling family become embroiled in the war known as the Dance of Dragons.
In George R. R. Martin's novels, Robb Stark marries Jeyne Westerling, but the character's name and backstory were changed for "Game of Thrones."
Are the Strongs in "House of the Dragon"?
House Strong is another house with a significant presence in "House of the Dragon." When the series begins, Lord Lyonel Strong is King Viserys's master of laws. His children are also present in King's Landing and the Red Keep, including Ser Harwin Strong, who serves in the gold cloaks, and Larys Strong, who is a quiet observer of everything that goes on.
Their House seat is the notoriously cursed Harrenhal, so it's not surprising that by the events of "Game of Thrones," the House has died out.