'House of the Dragon': A look at 8 major families featured in 'Game of Thrones' prequel

'House of the Dragon': A deep dive into all the 8 major houses

'House of the Dragon' features several noble houses in action, making it challenging to stay on top of everyone's intentions. Multiple aristocratic houses from 'Game of Thrones' are present in 'House of the Dragon,' which is set two centuries earlier. Based on George RR Martin's 'The Song of Ice & Fire' series, the show introduces various new house names that fit with its historical timeline. Fans are gearing up for the Dance of the Dragons, a civil conflict involving several noble families, as the second season draws near.

1. House Targaryen

The dragon-loving House Targaryen arrived in Westeros from Dragonstone, per Screen Rant. They fled their own nation after a natural disaster devastated the Essos empire in Old Valyria. The Targaryen dynasty was founded in Westeros by King Aegon the Conqueror, who ruled from King's Landing. Aegon the Conqueror flew to Westeros with his sister-wives and united the kingdoms under his banner 130 years before the Dance of the Dragons started. With a Targaryen representing each side with differing degrees of claim to the Iron Throne, House Targaryen comprises the majority of the 'House of the Dragon' cast.

2. House Velaryon

One of the wealthiest and most powerful houses in the Seven Kingdoms, House Velaryon is based on Driftmark, close to Dragonstone. The house, headed by Corlys Velaryon, is descended from Dragonriders and is based in Valyria. The Velaryon house, like the Targaryens, are dragonriders in their family tree. Rhaenys Targaryen and Corlys Velaryon are married, and the couple has multiple kids and grandkids. Corlys's younger brother, Vaemond, was a pivotal character in the first season of 'House of the Dragon.'

3. House Stark

Despite not having a major role in 'House of the Dragon,' House Stark is depicted as the Targaryens' ally. Lord Rickon Stark is shown swearing allegiance to Rhaenyra as her successor when Viserys calls the lords of Westeros to King's Landing. 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 will see Rickon's son, Cregan Stark, serve as the family's principal spokesman. The story will travel back to the North when Jacaerys Velaryon visits Winterfell and the Wall. With roots dating back to the First Men, House Stark is regarded as one of the most ancient families in the Seven Kingdoms.

4. House Hightower

With roots in the southern city of Oldtown that stretches back thousands of years, House Hightower is among the most ancient homes in all of Westeros. Ser Otto Hightower was King Jaehaerys Targaryen's and King Viserys I's Hand of the King. Aegon II, the stepbrother and eventual challenger for the throne of Rhaenyra, was born to Otto's daughter Alicent Hightower, who married King Viserys I. Alicent's brother, Ser Gwayne Hightower, was added as a new character in season 2, and House Hightower now controls a significant chunk of the Greens' army.

5. House Cole

Ser Criston Cole represents the Cole family, which is not one of the most prominent noble houses. After defeating Prince Daemon Targaryen in a tournament, he wins Princess Rhaenyra over and is named to the Kingsguard. Except for Criston, who has risen to the nobility, House Cole isn't very well-known; yet, in theory, the house is noble. Criston is the only confirmed member of this family, which 'Game of Thrones' declared extinct, per 'House of the Dragon' and George RR Martin's larger writings.

6. House Lannister

Another well-known family in 'Game of Thrones' was the Lannister family, which was represented by both protagonist Tyrion and antagonists Cersei and Tywin. House Lannister dominates the Westerlands from Casterly Rock during the events of 'House of the Dragon,' and its commander still goes by the title "Warden of the West." The Lannisters and the Targaryens have a lengthy history that begins with Aegon's attempted overthrow. House Lannister is still quite powerful in the prequel, even if it isn't as strong as it is in 'Game of Thrones.'

7. House Strong

The castle of Harrenhal is said to be cursed in 'Game of Thrones,' and House Strong is one of its numerous occupants, and which plays a significant role in 'House of the Dragon.' During the first season, Lord Lyonel Strong serves on King Viserys' small council and briefly assumes the role of Hand of the King. His sons are Larys Strong, the most infamous schemer on the show, and Ser Harwin Strong, the love interest of Rhaenyra. Larys decides to support the Greens at the Dragon Dance. House Strong is another noble family that disappeared from 'Game of Thrones,' despite their prominence in 'House of the Dragon.'

8. House Cargyll

Aside from the characters in 'House of the Dragon,' House Cargyll is another obscure house with scant historical information. In the first season of the show, twin brothers Erryk and Arryk Cargyll are chosen to join King Viserys' Kingsguard. The twins adopt opposing positions at the Dance of the Dragons: Arryk sticks with the Greens, while Erryk backs Rhaenyra. They have a dubious past besides being a house from the Crownlands. The 'House of the Dragon' twins' vows prevent them from having children, therefore it's unclear how the Cargyll bloodline traces around them or when the house disappears.