Unveiling the Best House Mottos in Game of Thrones
The age-old question of which house in Game of Thrones has the best motto is, of course, subjective and can often depend on personal preference. However, there are several notable house mottos that command attention and admiration. Let's delve into the intricacies and explore the best house mottos for every part of Westeros.
The North
The harsh and windswept regions of the North in Westeros are home to several interesting houses, but one that stands out with its motto is House Bolton of the Dreadfort with their phrase, "Our Blades Are Sharp."
Despite the Boltons' notorious cruelty and reputation for flaying, they are undoubtedly cunning and cold. Unlike many other houses, the Boltons truly earned their house motto. Their motto not only captures their style and governance but also conveys their relentless and unforgiving approach to justice and power. The phrase "Our Blades Are Sharp" serves as a stark reminder of their prowess in battle and the precision with which they execute their strategies against adversaries.
The Riverlands
The fertile riverlands are a fertile ground for distinct house mottos, and among them, House Mallister of Seaguard stands out with their words, "Above the Rest."
As one of the oldest and most powerful houses in the Riverlands, the Mallisters of Seaguard signify more than just their place in the river. Their eagle sigil is a fitting representation of their motto, "Above the Rest." This connection between the sigil and the words perfectly matches their noble and influential status. It's a true marvel that George R.R. Martin didn't choose "Above the Rest" for House Arryn of the Eyrie, as it would have been a perfect fit, given the similarities in the symbolism.
The Stormlands
The wild and tempestuous Stormlands are known for being fierce and unyielding, and this is embodied by the motto of House Trant of Gallowsgrey, "So End Our Foes."
While I have never been a fan of the Hanged Man of House Trant, the convergence of their motto with the skull-headed sigil creates a striking and powerful image. The phrase "So End Our Foes" not only evokes a sense of finality and determination but also matches the inherent savagery and ruthlessness associated with the Stormlands. It is a masterpiece of motto engineering, perfectly matching the house's ferocity and unrelenting nature.
The Vale
The Vale of Arryn, high and alpine, reflects the honor and nobility that House Arryn personifies, with their motto, "As High as Honour."
Given that there are only two house mottos from the Vale in canon, it's a challenge to choose the best. However, both House Arryn of the Eyrie and House Peake of Torrhen’s Square have noteworthy mottos. While House Arryn's "As High as Honour" matches their climbing eagle sigil and suits the elevation and autonomy of their territory, the distinctiveness and power of House Peake's motto, "Fiery Wrath," give it a daring and rebellious edge that resonates with the Vale’s untamed spirit.
The Reach
The pleasant and prosperous Reach hosts House Ashford of Ashford with their motto, "Our Sun Shines Bright."
Although House Ashford is not a well-known house, they have a crucial role in the history of Westeros, hosting a tournament that significantly influenced the fate of the realm long before the events of Game of Thrones. Their motto, "Our Sun Shines Bright," is a fitting phrase that reflects a house's hope, pride, and dedication to the prosperity of their region. The imagery is both captivating and inspiring, making it one of the finest house mottos in the Reach.
The Westerlands
The rich and bustling Westerlands boast several imposing houses, but House Crakehall of Crakehall holds a special place with their motto, "None So Fierce."
While I am not a fan of the Crakehall sigil, the phrase "None So Fierce" carries a sense of ferocity and dominance that is unparalleled. Although I did consider House Lannister for their roaring motto, I wanted to add some lesser-known houses to the discussion. House Crakehall's motto is a stark and powerful declaration that speaks to tenacity and courage, even if the house itself is not widely recognized.
The Dorne
The treacherous and independent realm of Dorne is home to several fascinating houses, but House Fowler of Skyreach stands out with their motto, "Let Me Soar."
I have a soft spot for House Fowler's motto, as it perfectly complements their soaring falcon sigil. The words "Let Me Soar" invoke a sense of freedom, strength, and independence, reflecting both the houses of Dorne and their character. In a region known for its defiance and unique identity, House Fowler's motto is a fitting and powerful statement that captures the spirit of Dorne.
Conclusion
While the major houses like Stark, Lannister, Targaryen, and Tyrell are often the focus of attention, it's essential to recognize the thousands of lesser-known houses with impressive mottos. The best house mottos are those that perfectly capture the essence of the house, its culture, and its place in the grand tapestry of Westeros. Each house motto contributes to the rich and nuanced world of Game of Thrones, making it a work of art in itself.
Ultimately, the motto that truly stands out to me is "The Old, The True, The Brave", especially when paired with the phrase "vibe: ancient noble powerful". These words convey a sense of time-honored tradition, unshakable truth, and unwavering courage, making it a motto worthy of admiration. It's a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the old world, a reminder of the values that have shaped the history of Westeros.