House Stark

House Stark of Winterfell is one of the Great Houses of Westeros and the principal noble house of the north. In days of old they ruled as Kings of Winter, but since Aegon's Conquest they have been Wardens of the North and ruled as Lords of Winterfell. Their seat, Winterfell, is an ancient castle renowned for its strength.

Their sigil is a grey direwolf racing across a field of white. Their words are "Winter is Coming", one of only a few house mottoes to be a warning rather than a boast.

The Starks are an ancient house of First Men descent. House Stark is said to be founded by the legendary Brandon the Builder. The Starks claim that they were Kings of Winter in the north for eight thousand years since the Age of Heroes, and have boasted many other legendary heroes since.

Duke Rickard Stark took the throne at Winterfell in the first year of the twelve year winter, at the tender age of 8. He is said to have a wisdom well beyond his years.

Though the Starks did not send an army across the sea, the numerous Stark bannermen were essential to the defense of the eastern shore. When Essos sellsword companies, they were often battered with blinding blizzards and vicious guerilla strikes. Young Lord Stark earned a reputation as a strong general.