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Article The Shields that Guard the Realms of Men: in Game of Thrones

Mat Hardy

School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts & Education, Deakin University, Burwood 3125, Australia; [email protected]

 Received: 12 October 2018; Accepted: 6 November 2018; Published: 12 November 2018 

Abstract: The vast popularity of the Game of Thrones franchise has drawn a new and diverse audience to the genre. Within the pseudo-medieval world created by G.R.R. Martin, a great deal of detail has gone into establishing coats of arms for the characters and families that are depicted. These arms fulfill an extremely important role, both within the arc of the story and as part of the marketing collateral of this very successful series. This article examines the role of arms in the Game of Thrones universe and explores how the heraldic system transcends the usual genealogical display and functions more as a type of familial branding. An exploration of some of the practices and idiosyncrasies of heraldry in the franchise shows that whilst Martin sets his foundation firmly in the traditional, he then extends this into the fanciful; in much the same manner as he does with other faux-historical aspects of his work. This study is valuable because Game of Thrones has brought heraldry from being a niche interest to something that is now consumed by a global audience of hundreds of millions of people. Several of the fantasy in the series are now arguably the most recognisable coats of arms in history.

Keywords: Game of Thrones; A Song of Ice and Fire; heraldry; blazonry; fantasy; G.R.R. Martin

1. Introduction The entertainment phenomenon of the Game of Thrones (GoT) franchise has captured countless millions of viewers across the world, both through paid subscriptions and illegal downloading.1 In the USA alone, 30 million people watched each episode of the show’s seventh season in 2017 (Koblin 2017) and the broadcast rights see it appear in another 170 states and territories globally. Bootleg file sharing accounted for another one billion downloads of that 2017 season (Andrews 2017). Add to this the countless words and web pages that talk about GoT, the marketing of the original books, spin-off games, location tourism and a myriad of other phenomena, all of this combined makes GoT arguably the most successful fantasy franchise ever in terms of fiscal and cultural impact. Of greatest significance is that the television version has acted as a ‘gateway’ to the fantasy genre, crossing over to become a mainstream product that attracted a new and diverse audience that would not previously have been consumers of such works (Williams 2012). These newcomers and established fantasy fans alike are presented with a backdrop world that conforms to many of the standard tropes of the genre that is largely spawned from the works of J.R.R. Tolkien: a pseudo-medieval culture placed upon a European-like continent (Westeros) with the

1 For simplicity’s sake the name Game of Thrones will be used in this paper to refer collectively to the written and broadcast versions of G.R.R. Martin’s work. Although the book series was collectively known as A Song of Ice and Fire, the global popularity of the story was generated through the TV series, so its title has been selected as the more suitable . This paper also includes material from the prequel stories set in the same world.

Genealogy 2018, 2, 48; doi:10.3390/genealogy2040048 www.mdpi.com/journal/genealogy Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 2 of 15 addition of supernatural elements (Young 2014). Whilst the authenticity of this medieval world is open to debate (for example, see Carroll 2018), there is a definite effort on the part of the author to make the setting credible, if not necessarily an attractive place to live: what G.R.R. Martin himself has referred to as “gritty realism” and a repudiation of the “Disneyland ” (Martin 2011). With an inspiration in the dynastic struggles of the , one theme that Martin has chosen to emphasise in GoT is family identity. In a realm that is formed from uniting seven historic kingdoms, the complex interactions between the senior and their vassals places a great weight on shifting patterns of allegiances. Bonds and betrayal are everything in a political landscape where ‘Who’s who?’ is a matter of life and death. Linking this emphasis on family with the setting of medieval realism, Martin has made great use of the historic art of heraldry in a very modern approach to ‘branding’ his characters. The effort that has gone into creating the coats of arms of his imaginary world is significant, with over 400 different designs appearing in the books and related material (Garcia and Antonsson n.d.).2 Such prolific blazonry3 places GoT far beyond any other fantasy franchise in its heraldic detail.4 In a crossover between fantasy medievalism and real-world commercialism, some of these coats of arms have become attached to the marketing of the series and its associated merchandise. Devoted fans have even gone as far as to use these designs as tattoos.5 Given the impact of the saga in popular culture and its central use of coats of arms, an examination of the heraldic system of GoT is warranted. The purpose of this paper is not to attempt a complete historical comparison between fictional heraldry and various historical systems. Rather, by observing the role of heraldry in this imaginary world and describing some of its idiosyncrasies, it will be shown that whilst Martin sets his foundation firmly in the traditional, he then extends this into the fanciful; in much the same manner as he does with other faux-historical aspects of his work.

2. Family Business The right to a is dictated by one’s social position in the of GoT, with nobles and being the primary bearers of these. However, the feudal rank system of Westeros is rather less complex than that of European history. There is a monarch of the united ‘Seven Kingdoms’ and then there are numerous hereditary ‘lords’.6 The latter are not differentiated into any denominated sub-classes such as , , etc., however their individual status is rather derived from family wealth, history, political connections and so forth. For example, there are several ‘Great Houses’ (such as the Starks and Lannisters) that have significantly higher status and wealth than the average noble family. These hold the fealty of many smaller houses who may in turn have their own ‘bannermen’ ‘landed knights’ who administer but a few smallholdings. The lesser families range from those with substantial status of their own down to others that are on the edge of penury

2 In the original books (including the prequel novellas) many coats of arms are described only vaguely, but subsequent material has tended to clarify these. This is particularly the case with supplementary publications produced in co-operation with G.R.R. Martin. For heraldry, the coats of arms published on the Citadel website (westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry (Garcia and Antonsson n.d.)) which has a co-operative relationship with G.R.R. Martin, will be taken as definitive and ‘semi-canonical’. Unless otherwise stated, all blazons described in this paper refer to that website’s versions. Similarly, Martin is an executive producer of the TV series so the representations of heraldry there (and revisions of his original ideas) can be considered to have his imprimatur. 3 The written description of a coat of arms is known as a ‘’ and the practice of describing these designs with the proper syntax and vocabulary as ‘blazonry’. 4 Tolkien, for example, makes very little use of heraldry in his works, and when such symbols are used they tend to stand for entire nations rather than individual families. For example, the tree of Gondor or the of Rohan. 5 An internet search for “Game of Thrones tattoos” or tattoos associated with some of the series’ houses (e.g., “Lannister tattoo”) will display many examples. 6 There are no ‘sub-kings’ in this system. When the smaller kingdoms were united, their rulers gave up their monarchic status and became lords. The exception is the region of Dorne, where the head of the ruling house there maintains the title of Prince. Some specific flowery titles accrue to particular houses, such as “Defender of the Dispossessed” or “Shield of Lannisport”, but these are more to do with family history than any rank structure. Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 3 of 15

Genealogy 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 15 and whose glories may have long receded. Regardless of their place in the pecking , all of these families range from those with substantial status of their own down to others that are on the edge of noble houses are armigerous. penury and whose glories may have long receded. Regardless of their place in the pecking order, all Key to the study of the heraldic practice in GoT is that the arms of the nobility are fully familial of these noble houses are armigerous. rather than primogenitive. All legitimate descendants and relatives the same undifferenced arms Key to the study of the heraldic practice in GoT is that the arms of the nobility are fully familial ofrather their noble than primogenitive. family. Moreover, All legitimate retainers anddescendants common and soldiers relatives who bear are the in same service undiffere to a housenced will arms also displayof their these noble arms family. upon Moreover, their retainers and shieldsand common as a kind soldiers of uniform. who are In in the service television to a house version, will this leadsalso to display displays these of arms visual upon consistency their clothing on the and battlefield shields as that a kind were of uniform. unknown In in the medieval television times. version, thisIn leads GoT, to the displays arms of of noble visual houses consistenc thereforey on functionthe battlefield more that like were a transmissible unknown in version medieval of a times. corporate . JustIn GoTlike, modern the arms , of noble the GoT houses armorial therefore bearings function and evenmore their like a colours transmissible are used version in all manner of a ofcorporate ways, such logo. as flags,Just like , modern decorations, logos, the GoT clothing armorial and bearings product and trademarks. even their colours Whilst thereare used may in be someall ma similaritynner of ways, to the such medieval as , practice badges, of decorations, placing devices clothing and and ‘cognizances’ product trademarks. in carvings, Whilst , there artworksmay be andsome buildings similarity to to indicate the medieval patronage practice and of social placing connection, devices and the ‘cognizances striking scale’ in withcarvings, which thistapestries, is depicted artworks in GoT and transcends buildings this to indicate historical patronage basis. Just and as social a corporate connection, uniform the striking or t-shirt scale serves with to identifywhich anthis employee is depicted in in the GoT modern transcends world, this the historical allegiance basis. of an Just individual as a corporate in GoT uniform can be or recognized t-shirt instantlyserves to by identify the arms an heemployee , noin the matter modern whether world, or the not allegiance he is the of blood an individual relative of in theGoT ‘owner’ can be of thatrecognized blazon. Whilst instantly there by isthe nothing arms he akin bears, to theno officematter of whether a or in not GoT, he is the the memorisation blood relative and of the quick identification‘owner’ of that of coatsblazon. of Whilst arms is there considered is nothing a desirable akin to the political office of skill a herald and noblein GoT, children the memorisation are schooled inand this quick and praised identification for their of heraldiccoats of recallarms is (Martin considered 2000b a ,desirab p. 519).le political skill and noble children are schooled in this and praised for their heraldic recall (Martin 2000b, p. 519). Given this desire for consistent familial branding, the act of differencing arms is limited in GoT. Given this desire for consistent familial branding, the act of differencing arms is limited in GoT. A formal system of does not exist, and all male siblings of the ruling lord and their male A formal system of cadency does not exist, and all male siblings of the ruling lord and their male relatives bear the undifferentiated arms of their house. In general practice there is, therefore, no visual relatives bear the undifferentiated arms of their house. In general practice there is, therefore, no visual heraldic difference between a first and a third cousin, leading to far fewer blazons in circulation than heraldic difference between a first and a third cousin, leading to far fewer blazons in circulation than was the case in European history.7 There are exceptions described in the books, however these are was the case in European history.7 There are exceptions described in the books, however these are usuallyusually voluntary. voluntary. For For example, example, the the armsarms ofof House Tyrell Tyrell (a (a golden golden rose on on a agreen ) field) are are adapted adapted byby Loras Loras Tyrell Tyrell to to show show three three gold gold rosesroses (see(see Figure 11),), signifying him him as as the the third third son son of of Lord Lord Tyrrell Tyrrell (Martin(Martin 1999 1999, p., p. 251). 251). This This difference difference isis relatedrelated to his his career career as as a a tourney tourney knight,, allowing allowing him him to tobe be moremore specifically specifically identified identified in in the the lists. lists.

(a) (b)

FigureFigure 1. 1.Exceptions Exceptions to to the the lacklack ofof cadency:cadency: ( a)) House House Tyrell Tyrell family family arms; arms; (b ()b Personal) Personal arms arms of ofSer Ser LorasLoras Tyrell, Tyrell, the the third third son. son.

A secondary heraldic class in the imaginary world of GoT is made up of the knights. Knighthood 7 isThe non absence-hereditary of formal and heraldic can collegesbe bestowed and professionals by any existing may itself knight be a result upon of the any relatively male (even finite number a commoner) of blazons in existence and the lack of required differencing. 7 The absence of formal heraldic colleges and professionals may itself be a result of the relatively finite number of blazons in existence and the lack of required differencing.

Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 4 of 15

A secondary heraldic class in the imaginary world of GoT is made up of the knights. Knighthood is non-hereditary and can be bestowed by any existing knight upon any male (even a commoner) after they have fulfilled satisfactory time in service as a page or squire and/or demonstrated martial prowess or some extraordinary devotion.8 As with nobles, knights range in their status from the ‘landed knights’, who may control castles and villages for a liege lord, down to the penniless mercenary ‘hedge knights’ or those who have resorted to brigandry to get by (a marked contrast with the romantic Victorian-era notion of the chivalric knight (Carroll 2018)). Upon achieving knighthood, the recipient is referred to as ‘Ser’, and if they have no previous coat of arms (through noble birth), they can choose their own new design. However, these coats of arms will not pass to their offspring. Given their multiplicity and short-lived nature, these offerings do not carry that high of a level of recognition that the designs of the noble houses attain. The coats of arms borne by these knights can be whimsical or mocking, such as the crazed white mouse with eyes borne by the diminutive but ferocious Ser Shadrich (Martin 2005a, p. 94). To close the heraldic loop, knights and others rendering significant acts of service to the or high aristocracy may themselves be ennobled. This sees them as founders of a noble house and permits them to create or change their own arms, with these subsequently becoming hereditary . The opposite can also occur, with traitors or others who fall out of favour having their noble rank stripped or downgraded, thus leading to their arms being stricken, modified or forfeited to other branches of their family tree. Therefore, despite the relative simplicity of the feudalism that informs the world of GoT, the heraldic customs in this fantasy realm have their own complexity. More than this, coats of arms form an arguably even more important identity function than they do in our world, inhabiting a space somewhere between the national flag and the corporate brand. Far from being merely ceremonial or proof of pedigree, these blazons and the power behind them are the of political power.

3. Variations of the Fields Within this feudal and knightly framework, Martin has created a solid heraldic basis for his stories with a firm grounding in traditional blazonry. At the same time, he has incorporated a number of his own ideas that extend the GoT heraldic system and provide intriguing points of difference for those who are accustomed to real-world traditions. The most obvious of these differences is in . The world of GoT has no standardized heraldic nomenclature and Martin tends to use plain language colour references when describing blazons rather than the formal, mainly French-based terminology that developed in as a sociolect for those who were professionally involved in heraldic studies and illustration. For example, Martin describes the blazon of House Cockshaw as “three feathers, red, white and gold on ” instead of “, a plume , and or”. Occasionally the blazons combine the two approaches, using modern English words for the tinctures and then heraldic vocabulary for the divisions, ordinaries, sub-ordinaries etc. For example, “Per : five black on over green and white lozengy”. (For the purposes of this paper, Martin’s approach of plain English will be used rather than ‘translating’ his blazons into conventional heraldic descriptions.) In terms of colour, we are, therefore, presented with simple terms such as red, green, and so forth without any mention of shade. However, more detailed adjectives are provided for other designs, such as burgundy, violet, bone or grey-green. In one way, this opens a very opulent palette for the audience, however it is at odds with the more rigid system that those who are interested in heraldry may be accustomed to. Nevertheless, Martin’s extrapolations may even be more appropriate than

8 The sons of the nobility may or may not decide to pursue knighthood in addition to their aristocratic status. The role of the knight in Westeros is purely martial and for those noble sons who do not intend to follow the profession of warfare, the rank of knight is redundant. For those who are gifted in the martial arts though, the knightly glories to be won on the battlefield and at tourneys can increase their renown. Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 5 of 15 expected given the roots of the art: “While the colours of heraldry are usually rich, they may vary as to shade within reasonable limits. No exact meaning attaches to the worlds gules, etc.” (Boutell and Brooke-Little 1973, p. 28). SomeGenealog ofy 2018 Martin’s, 2, x FOR inventiveness PEER REVIEW with tincture does cause ambiguity in imagining the arrangements.5 of 15 In formal blazonry, ‘argent’ is used to denote white for purposes of illustration, however as a ‘metal’, Some of Martin’s inventiveness with tincture does cause ambiguity in imagining the it is also conceivably and grey. Martin makes no such assumptions and employs all sorts of arrangements. In formal blazonry, ‘argent’ is used to denote white for purposes of illustration, vocabularyhowever to as distinguish a ‘metal’, it shades is also atconceivably this silver end of and the grey. palette, Martin even makes mixing no such them assumptions in the same and blazon (Houseemploys Stark: all a greysorts direwolfof vocabulary on white. to distinguish House Bywater:shades at this fretty pale blue end on of the white, palette, three even silver mixing fish them on a blue .)in the same and blazon gold (House are also Stark: used a grey inthis direwolf manner. on white. Martin House thus Bywater: frequently fretty breaks blue onthe white, well-known three ‘rule ofsilver tincture’ fish on where a blue a metalchief.) mayYello notw and be placedgold are on also a metal, used in nor this colour manner. on colour.Martin However,thus frequently this does permitbreaks the imagination the well-known to picture‘rule of thetincture difference’ where betweena metal may a metallic not be placed (silver) on and a metal, a solid nor (white)colour on colour in thecolour. blazon. However, Adding this to this does complexity permit the imagination are other metallic to picture tinctures the difference such asbetween iron and a metalli bronze.c (silver) However, how mightand a solid the colour(white) of colour iron in be the differentiated blazon. Adding from to grey,this complexity or bronze are from other ? metallic tinctures such as iron and bronze. However, how might the colour of iron be differentiated from grey, or bronze There are also a multitude of blazons in this imaginary world that invoke very subjective shades, from brown? even if we imagine their description to follow the heraldic concept of ‘proper’ (depicted in their natural There are also a multitude of blazons in this imaginary world that invoke very subjective shades, colour).even For if example, we imagine the their arms description chosen by to Ser follow Duncan the heraldic the Tall concept in the prequel of ‘proper stories’ (depicted to GoT in are their an elm tree onnatural a field colour). of sunset For withexample a shooting, the arms chosen above by (SerMartin Duncan 2017 the, p. Tall 50). in Whilst the prequel the elm stories tree to is GoT detailed as greenare an and elm brown tree on (or a field proper), of sunset the field with ofa shooting ‘sunset’ star is more above of (Mar a mystery.tin 2017, Is p.it 50) a. single Whilst solid the elm colour tree or a gradation?is detailed Does as itgreen imply and a brown sunset (or of proper), ? the Red?field of ? ‘sunset ?’ is more And of a mystery. what colour Is it a single is the solid shooting star?colour (see Figure or a gradation?2a). Other Does examples it implyof a sunset such interpretiveof Orange? Red? field Pink? tinctures Purple? are And ‘’, what ‘masonry’, colour is the ‘bone’ and ‘sand’.shooting star? (see Figure 2a). Other examples of such interpretive field tinctures are ‘oak’, ‘masonry’, Divisions‘bone’ and and‘sand charges’. in GoT are for the most part similar to real world heraldry, though there Divisions and charges in GoT are for the most part similar to real world heraldry, though there are some items that are specifically related to the culture and geography of the imaginary land. are some items that are specifically related to the culture and geography of the imaginary land. For For example, the main religion of Westeros is ‘The Faith of the Seven’, a septpartite pantheon of deities example, the main religion of Westeros is ‘The Faith of the Seven’, a septpartite pantheon of deities that togetherthat together embody embody facets facets of of a whole.a whole. A A seven-pointed seven-pointed star star is is used used as asa symbol a symbol of this of thisreligion religion in in muchmuch the same the same way way that that the shamrockthe shamrock has has been been used used to to symbolise symbolise the the Christian Christian trinitytrinity ( (seesee Figure Figure 2b). For this2b). reason,For this reason, stars of stars seven of seven points points are are common common heraldic heraldic charges charges in in the the stories, stories, a device a device that thatis is exceedinglyexceedingly rare rare in our in our own own world world compared compared to to the the standardstandard mullet mullet of of five five points. points.9 9

(a) (b)

FigureFigure 2. Distinctive 2. Distinctive tinctures tinctures and and charges charges in in Game Game of Thrones heraldry: heraldry: (a) ( aAn) An interpretation interpretation of Ser of Ser Duncan’sDuncan oak’s treeoak andtree shootingand shooting star star on aon sunset a sunset field field (A Wiki(A Wiki of Iceof Ice and and Fire: Fire: Dunk.png Dunk.png 2015 2015)); (;b ()b Metal) on metalMetal and on seven-pointedmetal and seven stars-pointed of Housestars of Sunglass.House Sunglass.

Fantasy flora and fauna form another source of different adornment for the arms of the stories. Beasts such as and appear as they do in our own heraldry, however there are also 9 The flags of Jordan and Australia being among the few sources of such stars. depictions of and that are native to the imagined world. These include the ‘lizard ’

9 The flags of Jordan and Australia being among the few sources of such stars.

Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 6 of 15

Fantasy flora and fauna form another source of different adornment for the arms of the stories. Beasts such as dragons and unicorns appear as they do in our own heraldry, however there are also depictions of animals and plants that are native to the imagined world. These include the ‘lizard lion’ (apparentlyGenealogy something 2018, 2, x FOR like PEER a REVIEW crocodile), the (not like our own heraldic version, however6 of 15 rather a beetle-scorpion hybrid) and the ‘weirwood tree’ (a type of ancient tree with supernatural attributes). Of(apparently considerable something difference like a withcrocodile), our own the manticore heraldic conventions(not like our own is that heraldic Martin version, offers however blazons that rather a beetle-scorpion hybrid) and the ‘weirwood tree’ (a type of ancient tree with supernatural employ charges of significant detail (see Figure3). Many of these are so complicated that they would attributes). be more akinOf considerable to the difference of with formal our heraldic own heraldic designs. conventions For example: is that Martin offers blazons that • Houseemploy Piper:charges a of pink significant dancing detail maiden (see Figure in a swirl 3). Many of white of these silk are over so complicated blue (Martin that 2000b they, would p. 886). be more akin to the supporters of formal heraldic designs. For example: • House Sunderly: a drowned man, pink and pale, floating upright in a blue-green sea, his hair streaming House upwards,Piper: a pink as dancing fish nibble maiden at his in limbsa swirl ( Garciaof white and silk Antonssonover blue (Martin n.d.). 2000b, p. 886).  • HouseHouse Umber: Sunderly: a roaring a drowned giant, man, brown-haired pink and pale, and floating wearing upright a skin, in with a blue broken-green silversea, his chains, hair on streaming upwards, as fish nibble at his limbs (Garcia and Antonsson n.d.). flame-red (Martin 1996, p. 569).  House Umber: a roaring giant, brown-haired and wearing a skin, with broken silver chains, on • Houseflame Darry:-red (Martin a black 1996 ploughman, p. 569). on brown (Martin 1999, p. 181). • House House Bolton: Darry: a flayeda black man ploughman red on on pink brown strewn (Martin with 1999 red, dropsp. 181).( Garcia and Antonsson n.d.).  House Bolton: a flayed man red on pink strewn with red drops (Garcia and Antonsson n.d.).

(a) (b)

FigureFigure 3. Examples 3. Examples of veryof very detailed detailed coats coats ofof arms:arms: ( aa)) The The dancing dancing maiden maiden swirled swirled in silk in silkof House of House PiperPiper (A Wiki (A Wiki of Ice of Ice and and Fre: Fre: House House Piper.svg Piper.svg 20182018));; ( (bb) )The The flayed flayed man man on ona field a field of blood of blood drops drops belongingbelonging to House to House Bolton Bolton (A (A Wiki Wiki of of Ice Ice and andFire: Fire: House Bolton.svg Bolton.svg 2018) 2018. ).

If weIf consider we consider the the practicalities practicalities of of these these designs, designs, they they areare curiouscurious choices choices;; e especiallyspecially given given that that in this fantasyin this fantasy world world the coats the ofcoats arms of arms tend tend to be to worn be worn as a as brand a brand on on all all household household retainers, retainers, men-at-armsmen-at- arms and equipment. How would it be possible to render such complex illustrations consistently and equipment. How would it be possible to render such complex illustrations consistently across all across all manner of shields, flags, tunics and so forth? And what would be the cost involved in mannerproducing of shields, so many flags, renditions tunics and in such so forth?detail? AndLikewise, what if wouldwe consider be the that cost the involvedbasic purpose in producing of a coat so manyof renditions arms is to disting in suchuish detail? an individual Likewise, on ifthe we battlefield consider or that at distance, the basic then purpose it is hard of to a see coat how of these arms is to distinguishminutely an detailed individual and often on the low battlefield-contrast designs or atdistance, would be thenpractical it is for hard such to purposes. see how The these artistic minutely detaileddesigners and often of the low-contrast TV series perhaps designs had would similar befeelings practical on this for last such question. purposes. In rendering The artistic the designerscoats of of the TVarms series for perhaps some houses had similar, they have feelings opted on this to create last question. new arrangements In rendering that the offer coats greater of arms visual for some houses,distinction. they have The optedbest example to create of this new appears arrangements in the shields that of offer the Boltons, greater where visual the distinction. original flayed The best exampleman ofon this pink appears with drops in the of shields blood that of the is Boltons,described where in the thebooks original has been flayed altered man to on give pink a higher with drops contrast design showing an inverted red man spread across a white on a black field. of blood that is described in the books has been altered to give a higher contrast design showing an A final curiosity of this fantasy world’s heraldry are two examples where the coats of arms inverted red man spread across a white saltire on a black field. consist only of a single colour. Neither of these are familial arms, however instead they belong to Acelibate final curiositymartial orders of this with fantasy specific world’s missions. heraldry The first are oftwo these examples is the Kingsguard, where the the coats seven of-member arms consist onlyp ofersonal a single bodyguard colour. of Neither the monarch of these of the are Seven familial Kingdoms, arms, howeverwho all carry instead a plain they white belong shield. to The celibate martialsecond orders example with specificis the Night missions.’s Watch, The a formation first of these of outcasts is the Kingsguard,and pressed criminals the seven-member who carry solid personal

Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 7 of 15 bodyguard of the monarch of the Seven Kingdoms, who all carry a plain white shield. The second example is the Night’s Watch, a formation of outcasts and pressed criminals who carry solid black shields in their duty of protecting the northern wall of the Kingdoms from foes who are both andGenealog supernatural.y 2018, 2, x FOR10 PEER REVIEW 7 of 15

4. Simpleblack shields Arms in for their Powerful duty of Peopleprotecting the northern wall of the Kingdoms from foes who are both human and supernatural.10 Within the heraldic world of Westeros, there appears to be a reverse hierarchy of simplicity, with4. Simple the most Arms important for Powerful noble People families (“The Great Houses”) possessing blazons that are bold and unclutteredWithin by the divisions heraldic orworld multiple of Westeros charges., there With appears only to two be a exceptions, reverse hierarchy the arms of simplicity, of these leading with familiesthe most all consist important of an noble undivided families field (“The with Great a single Houses .”) possessing (See Figure blazons4). Even that arethe exceptionsbold and (Tullyuncluttered and Arryn) by divisions are still straightforwardor multiple charges. and distinctive:With only two exceptions, the arms of these leading families all consist of an undivided field with a single charge. (See figure 4). Even the exceptions • House Targaryen a red of three heads on a black field; (Tully and Arryn) are still straightforward and distinctive: • House Stark a grey dire wolf running on a white field (in the TV series, it is depicted only as a  wolf’sHouse head Targaryen erased); a red dragon of three heads on a black field; •  HouseHouse Lannister Stark a grey a gold dire lion wolf on running a red field on (generallya white field depicted (in the TV as aseries lion, rampant it is depicted11); only as a wolf’s head erased); • House Baratheon a crowned black stag on a gold field;  House Lannister a gold lion on a red field (generally depicted as a lion rampant11); • House Tyrell a golden rose on a green field (generally depicted as a rose in the Tudor fashion);  House Baratheon a crowned black stag on a gold field; •  HouseHouse Martell Tyrell aa goldgolden spear rose piercing on a green a red field sun (generally on an orange depicted field; as a rose in the Tudor fashion); •  HouseHouse Greyjoy Martell a a golden gold spear kraken piercing on a blacka red sun field; on an orange field; •  HouseHouse Arryn Greyjoy a blue a golden falcon kraken on a white on a black moon field; on a blue field (generally depicted as blue, upon a  whiteHouse plate Arryn a falcon a blue soaring falcon ofon the a white field). moon on a blue field (generally depicted as blue, upon a • Housewhite Tully plate aa silverfalcon troutsoaring on of a fieldthe field). of red and blue (field generally depicted either as wavy or  palyHouse wavy Tully azure a silver and gules). trout on a field of red and blue (field generally depicted either as wavy or paly wavy azure and gules).

(a) (b)

FigureFigure 4. 4Simple. Simple designs designs of of thethe GreatGreat Houses:Houses: ( (aa)) House House Stark; Stark; (b (b) )House House Lannister. Lannister.

TheseThese minimal minimal and and classic classic heraldic heraldic arrangements arrangements make make good good sense sense in the incontext the context of the ‘branding’ of the function‘branding that’ function coats of that arms coats fulfil of in arms Martin’s fulfil world.in Martin The’s world. important The familiesimportant are families readily are identifiable readily throughidentifiable coats through of arms thatcoats are of arms not only that bold,are not however only bold, are however also easily are distinguishablealso easily distinguishable from one another.from one another. This visual identity has even transcended the fantasy world, with the arms of the central families being heavily used on merchandise and marketing material that is associated with the books and TV series.12 10 The title of this paper is inspired by part of the vow taken by the men of The Night’s Watch. 11 When ‘generally depicted’ is used in this paper, the inference should be that these canonical or semi-canonical sources are being referred to. 10 The title of this paper is inspired by part of the vow taken by the men of The Night’s Watch. 11 When ‘generally depicted’ is used in this paper, the inference should be that these canonical or semi- canonical sources are being referred to. 12 A search on amazon.com for “House Stark” alone returns over 2000 items branded with the wolf’s head blazon, from apparel to drinkware to game consoles. The same search on eBay returns nearly 10,000 products.

Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 8 of 15

This visual identity has even transcended the fantasy world, with the arms of the central families being heavily used on merchandise and marketing material that is associated with the books and TV series.12 GenealogThisy simplicity 2018, 2, x FOR and PEER ‘brand REVIEW identity’ is maintained throughout the generations because8 theof 15 use of marshalling to denote marriage alliances is extremely uncommon in the world of GoT. Marriage, This simplicity and ‘brand identity’ is maintained throughout the generations because the use even between the most powerful , generally sees the wife surrender the right to her birth of marshalling to denote marriage alliances is extremely uncommon in the world of GoT. Marriage, arms and adopt that of her husband’s . Whilst any alliance and its political implications will be even between the most powerful dynasties, generally sees the wife surrender the right to her birth knownarms to and all, adopt there that seems of her to behusband no compulsion’s line. Whilst to display any alliance thisin and an its armorial political bearing. implications In many will be ways, thisknown minimalism to all, there offers seems the opposite to be no compulsion case to the convolutedto display this heraldic in an armorial quarterings bearing. and In mergings many ways of, the highthis European minimalism aristocracy, offers the where opposite visual case representations to the convoluted of dynasticheraldic quarterings bonds and provincialand mergings unions of the were consideredhigh European desirable aristocracy, proof of bloodlinewhere visual and representations allegiance. of dynastic bonds and provincial unions wereExceptions considered to thisdesirable avoidance proof of bloodline matrimonial and marshallingallegiance. are few, however the most noteworthy exampleExceptions is that of Kingto this Joffrey avoidance Baratheon, of matrimonial who takes marshalling the impaled are few, arms however of his fatherthe most and noteworthy mother, thus signifyingexample the is that union of King of two Joffrey great Baratheon, houses however, who takes more the importantly,impaled arms the of his establishment father and mother, of a new thus royal linesignifying (see Figure the5a). union At the of othertwo great end ofhouses the prestige however spectrum,, more importantly, marshalling the is establishme occasionallynt practisedof a new by minorroyal male lineheirs (see Figureas a means 5a). At of thetrying other to endbolster of the their prestige status. spectrum, This might marshalling see them is personally occasionally adapt theirpractised inherited by family minor blazonmale heirs to include as a means the armsof trying of a to wife bolster coming their from status. a more This might prestigious see them house. personally adapt their inherited family blazon to include the arms of a wife coming from a more Examples of this occur in the fecund and disreputable Frey family, where the head of the house has prestigious house. Examples of this occur in the fecund and disreputable Frey family, where the head sired over 100 blood descendants through seven marriages. In order to differentiate themselves from of the house has sired over 100 blood descendants through seven marriages. In order to differentiate their multiple siblings and half-siblings or to try and garner greater esteem, some of the males quarter themselves from their multiple siblings and half-siblings or to try and garner greater esteem, some of theirthe paternal males quarter arms withtheir paternal those of arms their with better those bred of spousestheir better (see bred Figure spouses5b). This(see Figure is seen 5b as). This a gauche is pretenseseen as by a moregauche prominent pretense by nobles more (prominentMartin 1999 nobles, p. 181).(Martin 1999, p. 181).

(a) (b)

FigureFigure 5. Rare 5. Rare cases cases of of matrimonial matrimonial marshalling: marshalling: ( a)) The The new new royal royal line line of of Joffrey Joffrey Baratheon Baratheon impales impales thethe crowned crowned stag stag of of his his Baratheon Baratheon father father withwith the lion lion of of his his Lannister Lannister mother mother (A (WikiA Wiki of Ice of Iceand and Fire: Fire: HouseHouse Barrrratheon Barrrratheon(King’s (King’ Landings Landing).svg).svg 20182018));; ( b)) The The arms arms of of ‘Big ‘Big’’ Walder Walder Frey Frey use use the the twin twin towers towers of hisof his paternal paternal house, house, quartered quartered with with the the arms arms of of his his mother mother and and grandmother grandmother ( A(A Wiki Wiki of of Ice Ice and and Fire: BigFire: Walder Big FreyWalder coa.png Frey coa.png 2011). 2011).

BelowBelow this this pinnacle pinnacle of of the the feudal feudal treetree areare the various houses houses of of middle middle and and lower lower prestige prestige and and,, finally,finally the, the knights, knights, from from landed landed to to penniless. penniless. TheThe blazons in in these these cases cases tend tend to toget get more more complicated complicated (and in some cases ludicrous) the further down the social pecking order the bearer exists. The designs (and in some cases ludicrous) the further down the social pecking order the bearer exists. The designs present more divisions, more charges, fanciful tinctures and odd illustrations. Although some might still follow the formula of a single charge upon a solid field, one of these elements might be unusual by traditional standards (see Figure 6). For example, the field is pink or the charge is a peacock proper 12 Aor searcha white on badger. amazon.com Given for the “House fantasy Stark” world alone’s emphasis returns over on 2000 family items reputation branded with, it is the also wolf’s hard head to see blazon, how from apparel to drinkware to game consoles. The same search on eBay returns nearly 10,000 products. By contrast, eBay searches for the arms of the United Kingdom or Queen Elizabeth II return only a few dozen items.

By contrast, eBay searches for the arms of the United Kingdom or Queen Elizabeth II return only a few dozen items.

Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 9 of 15 present more divisions, more charges, fanciful tinctures and odd illustrations. Although some might still follow the formula of a single charge upon a solid field, one of these elements might be unusual by traditional standards (see Figure6). For example, the field is pink or the charge is a peacock proper or a whiteGenealog badger.y 2018, 2, x Given FOR PEER the REVIEW fantasy world’s emphasis on family reputation, it is also hard to see9 of how15 some of the charges convey this. How can, for example, a toad (House Vypern) or a vulture snatching some of the charges convey this. How can, for example, a toad (House Vypern) or a vulture snatching a babya baby (House (House Blackmont) Blackmont) express express anything virtuous?virtuous?

(a) (b)

FigureFigure 6. Curious 6. Curious charges charges of lesser of lesser houses: houses: (a) House (a) House Magnar Magnar shows shows a green a green lobster lobster holding holding a harpoon; a (b)harpoon; House Ferren (b) House has twoFerren white has two ferrets white (A Wikiferrets of (A Ice Wiki and of Fire: Ice and House Fire: Ferren.svg House Ferren.svg 2018). 2018).

UnlikeUnlike the the Great Great Houses, Houses, some some lesserlesser familiesfamilies apparently use use their their coats coats of of arms arms to toassert assert some some aspectaspect of of their their ‘story’ ‘story as’ as a a means means of of identification.identification. This may may occur occur in in several several ways, ways, such such as: as:

•  CantingCanting (House (House Ironsmith:Ironsmith: a a black black sword sword upright upright between between four fourblack blackhorseshoes horseshoes on gold, on a grey gold,- a grey-greengreen border). border).  References to a liege family (for example, fish used in the arms of some families loyal to House • References to a liege family (for example, fish used in the arms of some families loyal to Tully). House Tully).  A family quality or reputation (for example, the flayed man of the Boltons). •  AReferences family quality to some or reputation story of note (for or example, personal theachievement flayed man in ofthe the history Boltons). of the house. This may • Referencesperhaps relate to some to the story deed of that note caused or personal an ancestor to be ennobled. in the history of the house. This may perhaps relate to the deed that caused an ancestor to be ennobled. In the last case, these personal anecdotes may result in quite elaborate and absurdly complicated blazons.In the For last example, case, these House personal Wydman anecdotes was founded may result by ina knight quite elaboratewho was andennobled absurdly following complicated the blazons.defeat Forof five example, opponents House during Wydman a was founded . by a Eachknight of who the wasvictories ennobled occurred following against the defeatmembers of five of opponents significant during families. a jousting The blazon tournament. of this relatively Each of theinconsequential victories occurred house against thus seeks members to ofi significantmpart grandiosity families. by Theusing blazon broken of lances this relatively and the charges inconsequential of the defeated house houses: thus seeks“5 splintered to impart grandiositylances, 3–2, by striped using blue broken and lanceswhite with and theblue charges , of on the yellow, defeated beneath houses: a white “5 splintered chief bearing lances, a red 3–2, stripedcastle, blue a green and white viper, with a black blue broken pennons, wheel, on yellow,a purple beneath a and white a chiefgolden bearing lion” ( aGarcia red castle, and a Antonsson n.d.). green viper, a black broken wheel, a purple unicorn and a golden lion” (Garcia and Antonsson n.d.).

5.5. Heralds Do Do Not No ,t Pun, They They Cannot Cannot InIn respect respect to to canting , arms, frequent frequent useuse of this heraldic heraldic punning punning is is made made in in the the blazonry blazonry of ofGoT GoT (see Figure 7). In some cases, the descriptions are allusive to the name of the family. For example: (see Figure7). In some cases, the descriptions are allusive to the name of the family. For example:  House Webber uses a spider in a cobweb. •  HouseHouse Webber Meadows uses depicts a spider flowers in a cobweb. on a green field. •  HouseHouse Meadows Waxley has depicts six burning flowers candles. on a green field. • House Waxley has six burning candles.

Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 10 of 15 Genealogy 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 15

(a) (b)

FigureFigure 7. Canting 7. Canting arms arms are are numerous numerous inin thethe worldworld of of Westeros: Westeros: (a) ( aThe) The forged forged products products of House of House Ironsmith;Ironsmith; (b) The(b) The pitchfork pitchfork of of House House Haigh Haigh (hay).(hay).

In otherIn other examples, examples, the the arms arms areare a reference reference to to the the ancestral ancestral seat seatof the of family. the family. The rulers The of rulers the of the principalityprincipality of Dorne, the the Martells, Martells, have have their their stronghold stronghold in Sunspear.in Sunspear. Their Their blazon blazon is a literal is a literal representation of this, with a gold spear transfixing a red sun. Among numerous other examples, representation of this, with a gold spear transfixing a red sun. Among numerous other examples, House Smallwood of Hall depicts and House Ryger of Willow Wood uses the House Smallwood of Acorn Hall depicts acorns and House Ryger of Willow Wood uses the appropriate appropriate tree as their device. tree as theirCanting device. is also used to convey inside jokes to the core fantasy audience of the series. Martin has Cantingincluded isa few also houses used that to convey are allusions inside to jokes other to fantasy the core authors fantasy and audiencetheir works, of including the series. his Martin own. has includedThere a are few, for houses example that, two are houses allusions with to the other name fantasy of Vance authors (Vance and of Wayfarer their works,’s Rest including and Vance his of own. ThereAtranta). are, for This example, is a reference two houses to Jack with Vance, the a nameseminal of fantasy Vance author (Vance who of Wayfarer’s Martin has acknowledged Rest and Vance of Atranta).as a favourite. This is a referenceThe Wayfarer to Jack’s Rest Vance, branch a seminal of the fantasyfamily is author blazoned who quarterly Martin hasa black acknowledged dragon on as a favourite.white, The two Wayfarer’sgolden eyes Restin a golden branch ring of theon black. family The is blazoneddragons are quarterly an allusion a black to Vance dragon’s 1963 on novella white, two goldenThe eyes Dragon in aMasters golden. The ring eyes on black.(and the The name dragons of the arehouse an’s allusion ancestral to seat) Vance’s refer 1963to his novella story LianeThe the Dragon Wayfarer, where a rogue with a magical ring that allows him to escape to a pocket world of complete Masters. The eyes (and the name of the house’s ancestral seat) refer to his story Liane the Wayfarer, darkness has his golden eyes stolen by a (Garcia and Antonsson 2012). House Jordayne is a where a rogue with a magical ring that allows him to escape to a pocket world of complete darkness reference to prolific writer Robert Jordan and incorporates a golden quill in its coat of arms (ibid.). has hisAmong golden several eyes others stolen, there by a monsteris also a heraldic (Garcia homage and Antonsson to another 2012 influential). House fantasy Jordayne writer, is aRoger reference to prolificZelazny. writer The obviously Robert Jordan named and House incorporates Rogers uses anine golden unicorns quill around in its a coat maze of as arms its coat (ibid.). of arms, Among severalrepresenting others, there various is also features a heraldic of Zelazny homage’s work: to another a 1983 anthology influential called fantasy Unicorn writer, Variations Roger Zelazny.and the The obviouslynine princes named of Househis Chronicles Rogers of usesAmber nine series, unicorns which centres around on aa mazemystical as labyrinth its coat of (ibid.). arms, representing various features of Zelazny’s work: a 1983 anthology called Unicorn Variations and the nine princes of his Chronicles6. Gory Details of Amber andseries, Regional which Variations centres on a mystical labyrinth (ibid.). As with European heraldry, the continent of Westeros shows some regional variations in its 6. Goryconventions. Detailsand Among Regional the united Variations Seven Kingdoms that make up the lands of Westeros, some of the constituent domains display local idiosyncrasies in their coats of arms that contrast with the more As with European heraldry, the continent of Westeros shows some regional variations in its standard trends throughout the rest of the realm. conventions. Among the united Seven Kingdoms that make up the lands of Westeros, some of the The first example of this is within the Principality of Dorne. This region lies in the far south of constituentthe continent domains and the display geography local and idiosyncrasies culture of this in province their coats are based of arms upon that the contrastmedieval withCaliphate the more standardof Cordoba trends (Martin throughout 2000a) the. The rest Dornish of the realm.are therefore the of Martin’s world, complete with Theopulent first palaces example that of arethis equipped is within withthe Principality marbled fountains, of Dorne. swimming This region pools, lies citrus in the groves far south and of the continentarabesque and thefluted geography columns. The and inhabitants culture of of this Dorne province also demonstrate are based many upon of the the medieval Orientalist Caliphate clichés of Cordobaof Western (Martin literature, 2000a). The being Dornish underhanded, are therefore cruel, the emotionally Moors of Martin’s fiery, prone world, to complete using poison with and opulent palacessexually that areprofligate equipped (Hardy with 2018 marbled). fountains, swimming pools, citrus groves and arabesque fluted columns. The inhabitants of Dorne also demonstrate many of the Orientalist clichés of Western literature, being underhanded, cruel, emotionally fiery, prone to using poison and sexually profligate (Hardy 2018). Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 11 of 15 Genealogy 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 15

As with its culture, the coats of arms of Dorne are somewhat different from those of their northern As with its culture, the coats of arms of Dorne are somewhat different from those of their neighbours. The first of these is in the shape of the field. In the other six components of the kingdom, northern neighbours. The first of these is in the shape of the field. In the other six components of the the conventional heater type shield is used to display the blazons. However, in the armorial artwork kingdom, the conventional heater type shield is used to display the blazons. However, in the armorial for the heraldry of Dorne, these coats of arms are presented on circular fields (see Figure8). This is artwork for the heraldry of Dorne, these coats of arms are presented on circular fields (see Figure 8). not explicitly described in the original novels, however the practice has arisen out of supplementary This is not explicitly described in the original novels, however the practice has arisen out of material produced in co-operation with G.R.R. Martin. The definitive for GoT, Ellio supplementary material produced in co-operation with G.R.R. Martin. The definitive heraldic Garcia, has stated that this differentiation of field shape was stipulated by Martin himself: “George authority for GoT, Ellio Garcia, has stated that this differentiation of field shape was stipulated by specified that Dornish shields are depicted as round in Westeros for purposes of heraldry, so suggested Martin himself: “George specified that Dornish shields are depicted as round in Westeros for we do the same” (Garcia 2016). In the fly leaves of The World of Ice and Fire (Martin et al. 2014), a spread purposes of heraldry, so suggested we do the same” (Garcia 2016). In the fly leaves of The World of Ice of coats of arms uses the circular shield for all the Dornish examples. Purely circular (as opposed to and Fire (Martin et al. 2014), a spread of coats of arms uses the circular shield for all the Dornish oval) shield shapes are exceedingly rare in European heraldry, though Fox-Davies notes some examples examples. Purely circular (as opposed to oval) shield shapes are exceedingly rare in European belonging to, unsurprisingly, Moorish and Ottoman potentates (Fox-Davies 1904, p. 6). Mayer(1933, heraldry, though Fox-Davies notes some examples belonging to, unsurprisingly, Moorish and p. 27) explains that in the Middle East, “When blazons came to be depicted on shields, the heraldic Ottoman potentates (Fox-Davies 1904, p. 6). Mayer (1933, p. 27) explains that in the Middle East, shields were usually round, and naturally so, because the Saracenic shield, as a piece of armour, was “When blazons came to be depicted on shields, the heraldic shields were usually round, and naturally also round.” so, because the Saracenic shield, as a piece of armour, was also round.” In line with their reputation for exotic cruelty and venom, a further heraldic peculiarity with In line with their reputation for exotic cruelty and venom, a further heraldic peculiarity with Dornish arms is that some depict quite macabre charges. In a move away from the , unicorns and Dornish arms is that some depict quite macabre charges. In a move away from the lions, unicorns stars of the north, the forbidding Dornish heritage is laid out in blazons such as: and stars of the north, the forbidding Dornish heritage is laid out in blazons such as: • House Wyl: a human foot being bitten by a black adder (Garcia and Antonsson 2017).13  House Wyl: a human foot being bitten by a black adder (Garcia 2017).13 •  House Blackmont: a black vulture carrying off a pink baby in its claws ((MartinMartin 2000b2000b,, p.p. 518).518). • House Qorgyle: three black scorpions (ibid. 519) • House Manwoody: a crowned human skull (ibid.)

(a) (b)

Figure 8. Round shields and gruesome devices of Dorne: ( (aa)) House House Wyl Wyl shows an adder biting a human foot (A (A W Wikiiki of Ice and Fire: WylCOA.png n.d.);); (b) Hose Blakmont depicts a vulture carrying away a child ((AA Wiki of Icae andand Fire:Fire: BlackmontCOA.png 20132013))..

GruesomeGruesome illustrations illustrations are also are aalso distinction a distinction of the of only the only other other part part of the of Seven the Seven Kingdoms Kingdoms that isthat at heraldicis at heraldic variance variance to the to norm.the norm. Off Off the westernthe weste coastrn coast of the of the continent continent lie thelie the Iron Iron Islands, Islands, inhabited inhabited by aby Viking-type a Viking-type people people based based upon upon a martial a martial culture culture ofsea of sea raiding. raiding. The The Iron Iron Islands Islands are are ruled ruled by theby Greyjoythe Greyjoy family, family, whose whose house house words words “We do “ notWe sow” do not exhibit sow” proud exhibit delight proud in eschewing delight in agriculture eschewing andagricultur insteade and relying instead on taking relying what on istaking needed what from is needed others. Asfrom would others. be expectedAs would from be expected such a society, from thesuch coats a society of arms, the borne coats byof arms some borne of the by families some of in the families archipelago in the show archipelago a tendency show for a the tendency grisly (see for Figurethe grisly:9): •  House Tawney:Tawney: aa scourge scourge of of nettles, nettles, red red and and black, black, upon upon a white a white field field (Garcia (Garcia and and Antonsson Antonsson n.d.) n.d.)  House Drumm: A skeletal hand proper upon red (ibid.) 13 AHouse reference Myre: to Rowan 10 Atkinson’snooses blackBlackadder on whiteseries (withinGarcia and a border Antonsson of 2012blood). (ibid.)

13 A reference to Rowan Atkinson’s Blackadder series (Garcia and Antonsson 2012).

Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 12 of 15

• House Drumm: A skeletal hand proper upon red (ibid.) Genealog• Housey 2018,Myre: 2, x FOR 10 PEER nooses REVIEW black on white within a border of blood (ibid.) 12 of 15 • House Harlaw: A silver scythe on black (Martin 1999, p. 126)  House Harlaw: A silver scythe on black (Martin 1999, p. 126) • House Sunderly: The drowned man being nibbled at by fish (q.v.)  House Sunderly: The drowned man being nibbled at by fish (q.v.)

(a) (b)

Figure 9 9.. ArmsArms of of the the Iron Iron Islands Islands showing showing grim grim blazons. blazons. ( (aa)) House House Myre; Myre; ( (bb)) House House Tawney Tawney (A (A Wiki Wiki of Ice Ice and and Fire (File: Tawney Tawney.png).png) 20142014))..

Aside from from these two distinct regions regions,, there there are are some observable trends trends in in the the other other more more homogenous parts parts of of the the Seven Seven Kingdoms. Kingdoms. The The arms arms of of the the northerners, northerners, who who have have a a reputation reputation for for dour simplicity, simplicity, tend to be less less divided, divided, less less colourful colourful and and less less decorative decorative than than their their sou southernthern cousins, cousins, thoughthough this this is is not not a a hard hard and and fast fast rule. rule. While While in in the the food food basket basket region region of of the the continent, continent, known known as as The The Reach, many family coats of arms depict references to agriculture or growth.

7. Illegitimacy Illegitimacy Birth status status in in regard regard to to marriage marriage is isan animp importantortant distinction distinction for forseveral several key keycharacters characters and plot and 14 arcsplot in arcs the in story. the story.14 Jon SnowJon Snow’s’s mysterious mysterious heritage heritage is one is of one the of central the central pillars pillars of the of tale, the tale,as is as the is questionablethe questionable legitimacy legitimacy of Queen of Queen Cersei Cersei’s’s children. children. In the In back the-story back-story history history of Martin of Martin’s’s world, world, intra- dynasticintra-dynastic clashes clashes between between legitimate legitimate (‘trueborn (‘trueborn’)’) and illegitimate and illegitimate (‘natural (‘natural’)’) offspring offspring of King ofAegon King IVAegon set up IV some set up of some the political of the political schisms schisms that play that out play in the out era in theof the era main of the storyline. main storyline. Despite, or or perhaps becau becausese of the importance of of parentage, the the heraldic system of of GoT makes littlelittle accommodation accommodation for for illegitimacy. illegitimacy. Bastard Bastard sons, sons, even even of of the the nobility, nobility, do do not not have have any any automatic automatic claimclaim on on either either of of their their parents parents’’ bloodlines bloodlines (hence (hence,, even even the the application application of of a a differen differentt surname). surname). Thus Thus,, theythey have have no no right to these arms. There There is is then then no no need need for for a a system system of of differencing differencing for for bastards bastards because they they are are not armigerous to begin with, though they may may (literally) (literally) bear their their family family arms arms as as with any servant or retainer. There are are,, though though,, two possibilities that are are described in in GoT GoT where illegitimate sons may come to possess their own differenced arms. InIn the the first first case, a a natural natural son son can can be be legitimized legitimized by by his his father, father, as as with with the the case case of of Ramsay Ramsay Snow/Bolton. This This situation situation would would automatically automatically allow allow the the son son to to bear bear the the family family arms arms in in full. full. However, some some legitimized legitimized sons sons may may then then opt opt to devise to devise their their own own coat coat of arms, of arms, either either from fromtheir own their wishown wish to distinguish to distinguish themselves, themselves, or perhaps or perhaps out out of of pressure pressure from from legitimate legitimate siblings siblings wish wishinging to designate the new relative as remote from the ‘pure’ bloodline. In this case, there is no standard way

14 A curious convention of illegitimacy in Martin’s world is that all those born out of wedlock, whether of noble or common stock, are given the same surname based upon the region of their birth. In the North, all bastards bear the surname Snow. The heroic Jon Snow thus shares his last name with the detestable Ramsay Snow, who is later legitimized as Ramsay Bolton. These regional names are often derived from the local landscape, such as ‘Sand’ for those bastards conceived in the arid principality of Dorne or ‘Stone’ for the rocky Vale of Arryn. 14 A curious convention of illegitimacy in Martin’s world is that all those born out of wedlock, whether of noble or common stock, are given the same surname based upon the region of their birth. In the North, all bastards bear the surname Snow. The heroic Jon Snow thus shares his last name with the detestable Ramsay Snow, who is later legitimized as Ramsay Bolton. These regional names are often derived from the local landscape, such as ‘Sand’ for those bastards conceived in the arid principality of Dorne or ‘Stone’ for the rocky Vale of Arryn.

Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 13 of 15 designate the new relative as remote from the ‘pure’ bloodline. In this case, there is no standard way of denoting illegitimate origins in the heraldic system. There are examples of colours being reversed, bends sinister, escutcheons and even hybrid animals being used to display differenced heritage.15 A second route for illegitimate males to make use of family arms is through knighthood. As noted above, knights may choose their own arms and a knighted bastard of noble stock might then elect (or be permitted) to utilize some variation or charge belonging to his family of origin. Examples of both of these possibilities being taken together also occur, with noble bastards being knighted in the first place and then legitimized at some point (see footnote above).

8. House Words Of some importance to the families of Westeros are the that they are associated with, known as ‘house words’. These fulfil a similar function to those in real world heraldry, being either rousing battle cries or “expressing some pious, loyal or moral sentiment and often playing on the name of the bearer or alluding to the device” (Boutell and Brooke-Little 1973, p. 174). In the same way that coats of arms work as family brands in the story, these words are reputational and function in the manner of corporate slogans. Indeed, these mottos transcend the story and have been used by marketers to advertise the TV series. The words of House Stark, “Winter is Coming”16, provided the name of the very first episode of the first season and the phrase has appeared on a variety of publicity material. The contrary version, “Winter is here”, was similarly used to promote the final season of the show. There is no indication in either the books or the TV series as to how (or if) these words are incorporated into the heraldry of the fantasy world. For example, are they a formal component of a family or do they exist quite separately from any armorial bearing? The implication of a link between the coats of arms and the words is strong, since some slogans relate to the themes that are shown in the armorial designs.17 It is therefore tempting to imagine them as appearing on a scroll beneath the coat of arms on a formal illustration, however there is no canonical evidence for this. In a medievalised world where literacy is the exception, there would in any case be no rationale for this. However, the importance that is attached to these words (attested to by the frequency with which they appear in the books and the script of the series) is indelibly linked to the question of family identity, so they are worth considering as linked to the same genealogical branding function of the blazonry.

9. Conclusions The heraldry that is displayed in the GoT series is a product of some historical practices from the real world and the unique fantasy feudal system created by G.R.R. Martin. Future researchers of Martin’s work (and those of other fantasy authors) may like to explore specific fictional-historical comparison points, such as the lack of heraldic authorities in GoT, potential influences of English, Scottish or Continental heraldry or the relationship between coats of arms and family mottoes. The dynastic branding role that heraldry performs in the GoT world is much stronger than it was in European history and is aided by the generally unaltered transmission of coats of arms across all male heirs, as well as their display by retainers and men-at-arms. Aside from their key role in the social framework of the stories, the heraldic motifs in GoT have become a central pillar of the franchise’s

15 A good example is the illegitimate Aegor Rivers, who combines two generations of illegitimacy in his arms. His father, Daemon, was a bastard son of the Targaryen king, Aegon IV. Upon achieving knighthood (and recognition by his father) Daemon reversed the red three-headed dragon on black of his royal line into a black dragon on red, which became the family arms of his newly created house of Blackfyre. The subsequent product of an illegitimate union between Daemon and a noble mistress, Aegor Rivers then adopted his own arms, which combined those of his armigerous parents. The maternal red stallion on a golden on a brown field was altered to a coat of arms showing a red stallion on gold, but with the stallion having black dragon wings and snorting fire (Martin 2005b). 16 A lesson about being prepared for difficult times. 17 For example: House Cerwyn (a black battle on silver) “Honed and Ready”; House Grandison (a black sleeping lion on yellow) “Rouse Me Not”. Genealogy 2018, 2, 48 14 of 15 marketing. Just as GoT acted as a gateway to the fantasy genre for a new fan base, it has also brought heraldry from being a niche interest of an informed few to something that is appreciated by a mass audience. With a global viewership of hundreds of millions or even billions of people, several of these fantasy blazons are now arguably the most recognisable coats of arms in history.

Funding: This research received no external funding. Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.

References

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