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This is a listing of houses in the Vale that appear in A Song of Ice and Fire that do not have enough members or tropes to justify their own page (yet).

For the main character index, see here

The Vale of Arryn

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/vale.png

"It stretched before them to the misty east, a tranquil land of rich black soil, wide slow-moving rivers, and hundreds of small lakes that shown like mirrors in the sun, protected on all sides by its sheltering peaks."
Catelyn Stark's thoughts upon seeing the Vale

Located to the north of the Crownlands and east of the Riverlands, the Vale of Arryn is a mountainous region dotted with many lakes and rivers. Ruled by House Arryn from the Eyrie, situated at the Mountain of the Moon and extending several thousand feet into the air, it is commonly said to be impregnable to assault. Gulltown, one of the five cities of Westeros, is also located in the Vale, on its southeastern coast. It is a major port city that is controlled by House Grafton and keeps the region supplied when land travel is too difficult. Winter is harsh in the Vale, with snows that make travelling most mountain passes impossible. Savage mountain clans also raid the roads of the Vale, making travel even during the summer difficult except for the heavily armed or those who go by sea. Bastards in the Vale are given the surname "Stone".

The Vale came into possession by the Arryns during the Andal Invasion, deposing the Royces, the Shetts and the Griffin King of the Mountain (according to legend). The Vale fell to the Targaryens during Aegon's Conquest when Visenya bloodlessly demonstrated that dragons could simply fly over the mountains; it was the first region to raise in rebellion against Aerys II and more recently, it has been the only region of Westeros apart from Dorne to abstain from participating in the War of the Five Kings.


    open/close all folders 

    Tropes applying to most Valemen 
  • Demoted to Dragon: The Graftons, Royces, Shetts and Upcliffs were reduced to vassals during the Andal conquest. The Targaryens then reduced the Arryns to Wardens of the East.
  • Distinguishing Mark: Sistermen can be identified for the most part because of the webbing between their fingers and their toes. This is referred to as the Mark.
  • Foil:
    • Like Northmen, Valemen live in a seemingly inhospitable region which makes them overconfident in the face of invasion. Unlike Northmen, they don't get along with their mountain clans.
    • Reachmen are mostly associated with the practice of tourneys and jousting related to knighthood, while Valemen are more associated with the ceremonial and traditional practice of knighthood.
  • Honor Before Reason: There are exceptions, but the Valemen are known for being honorable.
  • Knight in Shining Armor: The Vale is the Kingdom with perhaps the greatest connection to Knighthood. Appropriate since the Andals first landed in the Vale. The army of the Vale is called the Knights of the Vale.
  • The Missing Faction: The Vale is the only one of the Seven Kingdoms without a POV character hailing from there.
  • Nobility Marries Money: The Corbrays and the Arryns of Gulltown are resorting to this. According to the Pride entry, as this attitude has done them no favor in finances and gene pool. Ensues the need to fresh blood and plump dowries to save their households.
  • Opt Out: Most houses of the Vale wanted to participate in the War of the Five Kings, mainly in honor of the memory of Jon Arryn, but Lysa Arryn refused to take arms against anyone. As such, some lesser lords and knights joined the cause of Renly Baratheon, but most stayed put.
  • Posthumous Character: Houses Brightstone and Shell were betrayed and exterminated possibly by the founder of House Corbray.
  • Pride: They are renowed for being a particularly snobbish and close-knit community who rarely truly accepts outsiders such Littlefinger. This is also their problem since such way of thinking leaves their community a Tangled Family Tree with frequent Succession Crisis and Impoverished Patrician(s). Petyr Baelish knows this and exploits it to his advantage loaning money for favors, but still they pride themselves above from people like him.
  • Pyrrhic Victory: The Great Offscreen War for possession of the Three Sisters Islands called the War across the Water between the Vale and the North is also called the Worthless War because it cost so many lives and much material but yielded little reward.
  • Real Men Love Jesus: They're steeped in worship of the Seven.
  • Small Town Boredom: Along with the Switzerland fashion (see below), it's the most quiet of the Seven Kingdoms because it's surrounded by high mountains. It's the kind of thing that makes some people like Sansa Stark comfortable with living there, while others like Petyr Baelish or Prince Daemon Targaryen find it unbearably dull.
  • Team Switzerland: In the current war they didn't side with anyone, making them the only neutral party (Dorne didn't join the fight but virtually married the Lannisters' cause with a marriage pact or so it seems. Bonus for having the Vale being a Fantasy Counterpart Culture to real medieval Switzerland and the Alps in general.
  • Undying Loyalty: To House Arryn.
  • Upper-Class Twit: The Vale lords tend to be unusually snobbish even among other Westerosi High Lords.

Great House

    House Arryn 

House Arryn of The Eyrie

"As High as Honor"
House Arryn words

House Arryn of the Eyrie is one of the Great Houses of Westeros, and is the principal noble house in the Vale of Arryn. Their main seat is the Eyrie, which is considered impregnable, but they have many other holdings, including their winter castle at the Gates of the Moon, which was once their main seat. Both of these fortifications sit astride the Giant's Lance, the tallest mountain in the Vale, the Gates of the Moon at its foot, the Eyrie at its top.

The Arryn sigil is a sky-blue falcon soaring against a white moon on a sky-blue field. Usually marrying other Andal nobles, House Arryn has the oldest and purest line of Andal nobility. The Arryn kings proudly traced their lineage to Andalos, with some claiming descent from Hugor of the Hill.

See the House Arryn page.

Noble Houses

    House Arryn of Gulltown 

House Arryn of Gulltown

A cadet branch of House Arryn that split during the reign of Jaehaerys I Targaryen.


Isembard Arryn

The Gilded Falcon

Head of House Arryn of Gulltown during the reign of Aegon III Targaryen. After the death of Jeyne Arryn and the succession dispute between Joffrey and Arnold Arryn, he pressed his own claim. He was imprisoned by Ser Corwyn Corbray and forced to accept Joffrey as the rightful ruler of the Vale.


  • Heel–Face Turn: Eventually accepted the claim of Joffrey Arryn and supported Alyn Velaryon when he tried to join the Small Council
  • In-Series Nickname: The Gilded Falcon, because of his vast wealth.
  • Screw the Rules, I Have Money!: Tried to win support for his claim by bribing various Lords and sellswords.
  • The Usurper: Though from an Arryn branch more distant then the one Jeyne named as heir tried to gain control of the Eyrie.

    House Baelish 

House Baelish of The Fingers

House Baelish of the Fingers is a noble house from the Vale. The seat of House Baelish is an unnamed, old flint tower which commands no more than a few stony acres on the smallest of the Fingers. House Baelish's smallfolk consists of a village of a dozen families in huts of piled stone beside a peat bog.

The current lord, Petyr Baelish, is only the second generation of the landed family. His grandfather had been a landless hedge knight and his father the smallest of lords.

See the House Baelish page.

    House Belmore 

House Belmore of Strongsong

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A noble house of First Men descent seated at Strongsong, located to the northeast of the Eyrie. They are one of the more powerful noble houses sworn to House Arryn. Their arms are six silver bells on purple, 3-2-1. Their words do not appear in the books.


  • No Name Given: The late and unnamed wife of Ser Ronnel Arryn and mother of Elbert Arryn was a Belmore Lady.

Lord Benedar Belmore

Head of House Belmore and Lord of Strongsong. He is a member of the Lords Declarant, who are opposed to Lord Petyr Baelish's regency over the Vale.


  • Adipose Rex: He is a very fat lord.
  • Alliterative Name: Benedar Belmore.
  • Big Eater: He eats a ton.
  • Fat Bastard: Possibly: Littlefinger claims he is corrupt and can be bought to side with him. Considering that Benedar later attended a wedding that the other Lords Declarant who still opposed Littlefinger boycotted, it seems he succeeded. Downplayed, seeing as he doesn't really do anything particularly evil or villainous- rather he just seems to be looking out for himself far more than anyone else, hardly a rarity considering the setting.
  • Fat Slob: He is a rather sloppy eater.
  • Hazy-Feel Turn: Changes sides from the Lords Declarant to becoming one of Littlefinger's Lords, thanks to Petyr's bribes.
  • Token Evil Teammate: Of the Lords Declarant. Not only is Littlefinger easily able to bribe him, but he's notably the only one not to express disgust at Lyn Corbray's threats.
  • Unwitting Pawn: To Littlefinger along with the rest of the Lords Declarant, playing right into his hands by agreeing to give him a year as Lord Protector of the Vale to set things straight from Lysa Arryn's misrule.
  • War Hawk: He is one of the Lords of the Vale who wants Lysa to join the war against the Lannisters.

Ser Marwyn Belmore

Ser Ding-Dong

Captain of the Guard for Lord Nestor Royce.


  • The Captain: Served as Captain of the Guard for the Eyrie after Ser Vardis Egen was killed, but was dismissed by Lord Petyr Baelish and now serves in that position for Lord Nestor.
  • Embarrassing Nickname: He is dubbed "Ser Ding-Dong" by Marillion due to his houses' sigil.
  • Number Two: To Lord Nestor.

    House Corbray 

House Corbray of Heart's Home

House Corbray of Heart's Home is a noble house from Heart's Home in the Vale of Arryn. It is an old but poor house. The ancestral Valyrian steel sword of the Corbrays is Lady Forlorn.

They blazon their arms with three black ravens in flight holding three red hearts, on white. Their words do not appear in the books.

See the House Corbray page.

    House Egen 

House Egen

"By day or night"
House Egen words

One of the principal houses sworn to House Arryn. According to semi-canon sources, they blazon their arms with a yellow sun, white crescent moon, and silver star on blue chief above white.

Tropes related to House Egen:

  • Minor Major Character: Despite being one of the most powerful and important noble houses in the Vale, relatively little is known about House Egen, including its seat and current lord.

Ser Vardis Egen

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"Ser Vardis Egen, you were ever my lord husband’s good right hand. You shall be our champion."
Lady Lysa Arryn

A knight of House Egen and Captain of Lord Jon Arryn's guard.


  • Armor Is Useless: Wears a full suit of armor in his duel against Bronn, who wears simple leather armor and mail. Vardis loses because Bronn moves much quicker than him and he tires easily in the heavy plate.
  • The Captain: For Jon Arryn's guard in King's Landing, and then for the Eyrie's garrison.
  • The Champion: For Lysa Arryn during Tyrion's trial by combat.
  • Character Death: Killed dueling Bronn during Tyrion's trial by combat.
  • Duel to the Death: With Bronn, which he loses.
  • Everyone Has Standards: He does not volunteer to be Lysa's champion during the trial by combat because he thinks it would be unfair for a knight to fight a dwarf, and only accepts once Bronn becomes Tyrion's champion.
  • Mauve Shirt: He appears in a few scenes which establish his personality before getting killed by Bronn.
  • No Sense of Humor: Refused point blank to find any amusement in Tyrion's hilarious self-defense. Despite almost everybody else battling to keep their laughter to a minimum in front of Lysa.
  • Old Soldier: Part of his problem facing Bronn: he is set in his ways and not quite as spry as he used to be, although he'd never be described as anything less than a fighting knight.
  • Perpetual Frowner: Not in Tywin's league for glowers, but far from sunny.

    House Grafton 

House Grafton of Gulltown

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A powerful noble house of Andal descent which controls the port city of Gulltown. They ruled as kings before the Vale was united by King Artys Arryn, the Falcon Knight.

They blazon their arms with a burning tower in yellow, within a black pile, upon flaming red. Their words do not appear in the books.

Tropes related to House Grafton:

  • Alliterative Name: Gyles Grafton
  • Posthumous Character: Marq Grafton, who remained loyal to the Iron Throne during Robert's Rebellion in defiance of his liege lord Jon Arryn. He was killed by Robert Baratheon when Gulltown was taken by the Vale forces loyal to House Arryn.
  • The Squire: Lord Gerold's son, Gyles, is serving as one of Robert Arryn's squires.

Lord Gerold Grafton

The head of House Grafton and Lord of Gulltown. He is a loyal supporter of Petyr Baelish.


  • Alliterative Name: Gerold Grafton
  • The Ghost: He is only mentioned in A Feast for Crows, but appears in The Winds of Winter.
  • Minor Major Character: Despite controlling the only city in the Vale and being one of the most powerful lords in the region, he has only appeared once in a very brief conversation with Littlefinger.
  • Named After Somebody Famous: Likely named after the founder of his house.

Historical Graftons

King Gerold Grafton

An Andal knight hired by King Osgood III Shett to defeat his enemy, King Yorwyck VI Royce, and to cement the alliance they married each other's daughters and Osgood's son married another of Gerold's daughters. Gerold instead usurped House Shett after defeating King Yorwyck and declared himself king.


  • The Dragon: To Osgood III Shett.
  • Hidden Depths: Maester Yandel notes that, oddly enough, King Gerold turned out to be a wise and capable leader who led Gulltown to great prosperity, and that under his rule and that of his successors it grew into the first and only city in the Vale.
  • The Starscream: To King Osgood. He made good on his deal to win him the war, he just didn't let Osgood survive it.
  • Tyrant Takes the Helm: After taking over Gulltown, he brutally put down several rebellions.
  • Would Hit a Girl: Many woman and children (mostly First Men) were slaughtered when he put down revolts against him.
  • You Have Outlived Your Usefulness: Implied to have killed Osgood's son after the latter had impregnated Gerold's daughter, cementing Grafton rule over Gulltown.

    House Hunter 

House Hunter of Longbow Hall

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A noble house of First Men origin, House Hunter are one of the principal bannermen sworn to House Arryn. Their seat is Longbow Hall in the eastern Vale.

They blazon their arms with five silver arrows, fanned, on brown. Their motto does not appear in the books.

Tropes related to House Hunter:

  • Famous Ancestor: Teora Hunter, who gave King Roland Arryn the idea to build the Eyrie at the highest point beyond the Gates of the Moon and later married him.
    • Lord Alec Hunter, one of many Lords who attended the wedding of Robar Baratheon and Alyssa Velaryon.
  • The Ghost: Ser Eustace Hunter, Lord Eon's second son and Lord Gilwood's heir, has yet to appear in the novels. Same with Janyce Hunter, the wife of Edwyn Frey and mother of their only child, Walda.

Lord Eon Hunter

Head of House Hunter and Lord of Longbow Hall. Older than Jon Arryn and half-crippled by gout, he ruled for nearly sixty years until his sudden death.


  • Long-Lived: He is over eighty and has been ruling over House Hunter for decades.
  • Old Soldier: He was a knight in his younger days.
  • Revenge: Volunteers to be Lysa's champion in Tyrion Lannister's trial-by-combat in order to get vengeance on Jon Arryn's accused murderer.
  • Surprisingly Sudden Death: Despite his age and ailing health, his extremely sudden death leads some to believe his son Gilwood murdered him. They were right to name it murder, but the murderer was Lord Eon's youngest son, Harlan.
  • Unwanted Harem: He is part of the group of lords who vie for Lysa's hand after Lord Arryn dies, seeking to gain claim to her control over the Vale.

Lord Gilwood Hunter

Young Lord Hunter

"Lysa Tully was never truly of the Vale, nor had she the right to dispose of us."

Lord Eon's firstborn son and heir. As the new Lord of Longbow Hall, he joins the Lords Declarant to oppose Petyr Baelish's rule over the Vale.


  • The Alcoholic: Sansa has to refill his cup often when Littlefinger hosts the Lords Declarant at The Vale, and she notes his red cheeks and nose indicate a fondness for the "grape".
  • I Need a Freaking Drink: After Ser Lyn Corbray draws his sword during the parlay between the Lords Declarant and Littlefinger, he drowns his drink in one gulp before going immediately for another refill.
  • In-Series Nickname: Despite being middle-aged, he is known as "Young Lord Hunter" due to his father's great age at the time of his passing.
  • Oh, Crap!: Freaks out when Littlefinger declares that he would be within his rights to arrest all the Lords Declarant after Ser Lyn draws his sword, drunkenly lurching up to his feet and protesting that they were given safe conduct.
  • Unwitting Pawn: To Littlefinger along with the rest of the Lords Declarant, playing right into his hands by agreeing to give him a year as Lord Protector of the Vale to set things straight from Lysa Arryn's misrule.
  • You Are in Command Now: Became the Lord of Longbow Hall rather suddenly when his father died. The circumstances make many believe he is behind his father's death, but it is actually the work of his youngest brother.

Ser Harlan Hunter

Lord Eon's youngest son.


    House Moore 

House Moore

House Moore is a noble house of the Vale of Arryn. According to semi-canon sources, they blazon their arms with three bronze spearheads on white, a bronze border embattled. Their words are unknown.


  • Out of Focus: Ser Mandon Moore and his ancestors Maladon and Perianne are the only known members.

Ser Mandon Moore

See the Kingsguard page.

Historical Moores

Ser Maladon Moore

See the Historical Kingsguard page.

Lady Perianne Mooton née Moore

Pretty Peri

A close companion of Princess Saera Targaryen alongside Alys Turnberry, Jonah Mooton, Red Roy Connington and Braxton "Stinger" Beesbury. After the scandal of Alys' pregnancy, Queen Alysanne quickly arranged for her to marry Jonah Mooton, becoming Lady of Maidenpool.

    House Redfort 

House Redfort of Redfort

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"As strong as stone"
House Redfort words

A old noble house seated at Redfort, located to the southeast of the Eyrie. They have the blood of the First Men in their veins. House Redfort is one of House Arryn's most important bannermen.

They blazon their arms with a red castle on a white field within a red embattled border.

Lord Horton Redfort

Head of House Redfort and Lord of Redfort. He is a member of the Lords Declarant, who oppose Lord Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish's position of Lord Protector of the Vale. He has four sons, Jasper, Creighton, Jon, and Mychel.


  • Lord Country: His house and holdings have the same name.
  • Love-Obstructing Parents: Refuses to let his son Mychel marry Mya Stone due to her being a bastard, and forces him to marry Ysilla Royce.
  • Pet the Dog: Gave Domeric Bolton a lot of praise.
  • Unwanted Harem: He is part of the group of lords who vie for Lysa's hand after Lord Arryn dies, seeking to gain claim to her control over the Vale.
  • Unwitting Instigator of Doom: Horton taking Domeric Bolton as his squire and fostering Domeric with his own sons led to the latter longing for a fraternal connection of his own, prompting him to seek out his half brother Ramsay, who promptly murdered Domeric to replace him as Roose Bolton's heir.
  • Unwitting Pawn: To Littlefinger along with the rest of the Lords Declarant, playing right into his hands by agreeing to give him a year as Lord Protector of the Vale to set things straight from Lysa Arryn's misrule.
  • War Hawk: He is one of the Lords of the Vale who wanted to join the war against the Lannisters in the War of the Five Kings.

Ser Mychel Redfort

The youngest son of Lord Horton Redfort and former squire to Ser Lyn Corbray.


  • Arranged Marriage: Forced to marry Ysilla Royce by his father, despite his wishes to marry Mya Stone.
  • The Ghost: He has yet to appear in the books, but has been frequently mentioned. He finally appears in The Winds of Winter.
  • Knight in Shining Armor: He is described as being very gallant and brave by those who have met him.
  • Master Swordsman: Reported to be one of the best swordsmen in the Vale despite his youth.
  • Star-Crossed Lovers: With Mya Stone.
  • The Squire: Squired for Ser Lyn Corbray.

Historical Redforts

Ser Adrian Redfort

See the Rhaenyra's Court page.

Lady Jessamyn Redfort

A lady of House Redfort and a close companion of Lady Jeyne Arryn, possibly more than that.

    House Royce 

House Royce

"We Remember"
House Royce words

House Royce of Runestone is an old and powerful noble house of the Vale, sworn to House Arryn. Their seat is the ancestral castle Runestone, located on the coast of the narrow sea north of Gulltown. There is a cadet branch occupying the non-hereditary seat of the Gates of the Moon, located on the path that leads to the Eyrie. The Royces of Runestone blazon their arms with black iron studs on bronze, bordered with runes

See the House Royce page.

    House Sunderland 

House Sunderland of The Three Sisters

The rulers of the Three Sisters, House Sunderland reside in Sisterton, although their castle has not been mentioned. The Sunderlands are sworn to House Arryn of the Eyrie.House Sunderland blazons their arms with three women's heads, white with black hair, on barry wavy blue and green. Their motto does not appear in the books.
See the Three Sister Houses page.

    House Waynwood 

House Waynwood of Ironoaks

House Waynwood of Ironoaks is a noble house from Ironoaks in the Vale. They are one of the great noble families sworn to House Arryn. They are known for their insistence on ceremony. They blazon their arms with a black broken wheel on green. Their words do not appear in the books.

See the House Waynwood page.

Vassals of other Houses

    House Coldwater 

House Coldwater is a noble house from the Vale of Arryn, its seat Coldwater Burn. They are sworn to House Royce.

Tropes related to House Coldwater:

  • Ascended Extra: Ser Ben Coldwater is mentioned once offhandedly in A Feast For Crows, before actually getting some screen time in The Winds of Winter.
  • Bit Character: Ben Coldwater dances with Sansa in the Vale... and not much else.
  • The Ghost: Lord Royce Coldwater.
  • Nice Guy: Sansa describes Ben as such.
  • Professional Butt-Kisser: Presumably Royce's parents, or why else would they name their son after their liege lord?
  • The Watson: Ben doesn't really do much other than ask about the arrangements regarding the music, allowing Sansa to say how Robert can't tolerate them following Marillion's supposed murder of his mother.

    House Hardyng 

House Hardyng

House Hardyng is a noble house from the Vale of Arryn. They blazon their arms with a field of red and white diamonds.

The House is sworn to the Waynwoods.

Tropes related to House Hardyng:

  • Alliterative Name: Both known male members' names begin with H's.
  • The Ghost: Alys Stone, Harrold's bastard daughter. The same with Deana Hardyng, the wife of Walton Frey and mother of Steffon, Fair Walda and Bryan Frey.

Ser Harrold Hardyng

Harry the Heir, Harry the Arse, The Young Falcon

The teenaged cousin of Robert Arryn and heir to the position of Lord of the Vale. He is a ward of Lady Anya Waynwood. His grandmother was Jon Arryn's sister Alys, and should Robert die, Ser Harrold will become Lord Arryn and the new Defender of the Vale and Warden of the East.


  • Animal Theme Naming: With Robert and Alayne in the Vale plotline. House Arryn's sigil is a proud falcon, and cousins Robert and Harry, the two prospective heirs, are different types of birds: Robert is nicknamed Sweetrobin, referencing the small harmless robin in nature to reinforce that sickly Spoiled Brat Robert would be an Inadequate Inheritor to House Arryn as-is. Harry Hardyng's name is close to harrier, a type of hawk; not quite a falcon but better than a robin, showing that, for all his flaws and failure to be truly honorable and chivalrous (fathering bastards, being rude to Alayne, neither of which a true knight should be), he is at least closer to a proper Arryn heir as a handsome and skilled knight. The Winds of Winter also sets up both cousins being attracted to Alayne, who was nicknamed "little bird" by Sandor Clegane as Sansa Stark long before she came to the Vale as Alayne Stone. More worryingly, Littlefinger's manipulations and grooming Sansa to become a darker character have her positioned to become a brood parasite, a type of parasitism most famous with birds. Sansa was brought to the Eyrie under a false identity to be sheltered and protected, and Littlefinger is working to kill the rightful heir and manipulate the new one into marrying Sansa so that she will benefit at the expense of her 'host family'.
  • Arranged Marriage: To Alayne Stone, aka Sansa Stark, for Sansa to gain the allegiance of the Vale.
  • Beauty Is Bad: He's quite easy on the eyes, as Alayne/Sansa notes fondly. However she quickly reminds herself that Joffrey was handsome as well and this reflection about not judging one about his looks comes handy as soon as Harry speaks.
  • Chick Magnet: Half of the girls in the Vale swoon over him or hope to marry him, even worldly and snarky Myranda Royce. Alayne Stone a.k.a. Sansa Stark decides not to fall for it and has quickly him around her little finger.
  • Dance of Romance: Downplayed. He dances with his betrothed Alayne Stone because he's expected to do, and unexpectedly fall for her charms while dancing and chatting.
  • Foil: To his cousin Sweetrobin. He's everything Robert Arryn is not: handsome, strong, healthy...and expected to live longer than him. Robin knows it and therefore doesn't like having him around at all.
  • History Repeats: Like her Aunt Lyanna, Sansa is another Stark engaged to a Jerk Jock who has fathered bastards in the Vale.
  • Hypocrite: He is appalled about having to marry a 'bastard' despite fathering several bastards and admitting it quite freely.
  • In-Series Nickname: "Harry the Heir" and the Young Falcon. Lothor Brune calls him "Harry the Arse" after witnessing his behavior.
  • Jerk Jock: His behavior reminisces this trope. "Justified" because he's handsome and badass Royal Brat in a setting that nurtures this kind of behavior. Although even if his displeasure for a match shoved onto his throat is somewhat understandable, callous comments about the mother of one of his bastards indicate he indeed is a Jerkass at heart.
  • Kick the Dog: When Alayne offers to escort him to his chambers, he looks at her coldly and says, "Why should it please me to be escorted anywhere by Littlefinger's bastard?"
  • Missing Mom: His mother died shortly after giving birth to him.
  • Really Gets Around: Despite being only a teenager, he has already fathered a bastard daughter on a serving wench and has another one, from the daughter of a rich spice merchant, on the way.
  • Shed the Family Name: There is the possibility that if he comes to gain the seat of the Vale, he will change his last name to Arryn because of tradition, Jon Arryn's original plans for his heirs to carry the family name, and his Hardyng last name being from a considerably lower berth than the Arryns. Harry happens to be an Arryn from his mother's side.
  • Unexpected Successor: He is shaping to be one. He's the descendant of a poor marriage by an Arryn woman who unexpectedly is the only extant relative of House Arryn left after little Robert.
  • Uptown Guy: Played with several twists.
    • Played straight when he's not thrilled to be engaged to Alayne Stone, Littlefinger's bastard daughter. He's highborn and the most likely heir to the Vale, while she's illegitimate and her father is very recent nobility.
    • But subverted as his and his guardian household are currently struggling with making money. Littlefinger on the other side is a Nouveau Riche that has promised a very consistent dowry to his daughter.
    • Subverted as hell as Alayne Stone is Sansa Stark in disguise. Littlefinger has arranged the marriage to gain control of both the Vale and the North. The guy isn't hella aware how high his marriage prospects are.

Historical Hardyngs

Ser Humfrey Hardyng

"The debt is Aerion's, and we mean to collect it."

Ser Humfrey Hardyng was a tourney knight of renown during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen.


  • Bash Brothers: With his brother in-law Humfrey Beesbury.
  • It's Personal: Aerion the Monstrous killed his horse and injured him during their joust so he joins the side of Dunk during the Trial of Seven.
  • Revenge Before Reason: Wanted to get even with Aerion so he fought with a broken leg and got killed.

    House Tollett 

House Tollett of the Grey Glen

"When All is Darkest"
House Tollett words

A minor noble house of Andal descent seated at Grey Glen. They are sworn to the Royces from Runestone.

Tropes related to House Tollett:

  • Bit Character: Andrew Tollett, who dances with Sansa in the Winds of Winter. Unlike some of the other dances, he isn't even described.
  • Famous Ancestor: Ser Jon Tollett, a member of the Kingsguard who served Maegor I Targaryen. He chose to take the black after the king's death.
  • The Ghost: Uthor Tollett, Lord of the Grey Glen.
  • Impoverished Patrician: At least some of the Tollett's are implied to be fairly poor.
    Dolorous Edd (looking at a random Wildling hut): I grew up in a house like this. Those were my golden years. Later, we fell on hard times.
  • Reassigned to Antarctica: Ser Jon Tollett was one of the members of Maegor I's Kingsguard who remained loyal to the Cruel, and was sent to the Wall as punishment.

Eddison Tollett

Historical Tolletts

Torgold Tollett

Torgold the Grim

A mighty Andal warrior and giant of a man who fought at the Battle of Seven Stars, the final confrontation between the Andals and First Men which established House Arryn as the rulers of the Vale.


  • Alliterative Name: Torgold Tollett.
  • Blood Knight: He would go into battle laughing.
  • Die Laughing: When King Robar II Royce faced him, Torgold laughed as Robar swung Lady Forlorn at his head and attempted to catch the blade with his hands. Unfortunately for him, that was a Valyrian steel blade, and it cut through his hands and into his skull. Torgold died choking on his last laugh.
  • Dual Wielding: He would go into battle with an axe in each hand.
  • Famous Ancestor: His role in the Battle of Seven Stars is well-known.
  • Ironic Nickname: Although he was called Torgold the Grim he was anything but. In fact, he would go into battle laughing his head off.
  • Religious Bruiser: He is described as a giant man who went into battle with a seven-pointed star cut onto his chest. He definitely counts.
  • Walking Shirtless Scene: He entered battle without wearing anything above his waist, even armor. Instead he simply carved a seven-pointed star into his chest.

Landed Knights

    House Shett 

House Shett of Gulltown

A noble house from Gulltown, the Shetts once ruled the city as kings but are now only a knightly house sworn to House Royce. According to semi-canon sources they blazon their arms with nine white seagulls on a field of brown.

Tropes related to House Shett of Gulltown:

  • The Clan: One branch is a knightly house sworn to House Royce while other branch remains in Gulltown.
  • Demoted to Dragon: They were once kings of Gulltown, but were overthrown during the Andal invasion and eventually reduced to vassals.
  • The Ghost: Ser Damon Shett, the current head of House Shett and Knight of Gull Tower.

Ser Uther Shett

A young knight of House Shett of Gulltown and a participant in the Tourney at the Gates of Moon, seeking to get a spot in Robert Arryn's Brotherhood of Winged Knights.


  • Abhorrent Admirer: Myranda Royce and Alayne Stone (Sansa) consider him one because of his lean appearance and zit-covered face, which he tries (and fails) to cover with a beard.
  • Distracted by the Sexy: He spends his entire conversation with Myranda and Alayne staring at their breasts.
  • Fat and Skinny: Alongside Ser Ossifer Lipps during the Tourney at the Gates of the Moon.

Historical Shetts

King Osgood Shett, the Third of His Name

Head of House Shett and ruler of Gulltown, he claimed the supposedly ancient title of King of the True Men. He was the last king of House Shett.


  • Bodyguard Betrayal: He died in the final battle of his war against King Yorwyck VI Royce. Rumors suggested that he died not die fighting the Royces, but was instead betrayed and killed during the battle by Ser Gerold Grafton.
  • Too Dumb to Live: Invited an Andal knight named Ser Gerold Grafton to aid him in his war against King Yorwyck VI Royce, despite Kings Dywen Shell and Jon Brightstone having done the same a short time before and being killed by the Andals they hired. To be fair, he tried to avoid this by marrying his son and heir to Ser Gerold's daughter, marrying another daughter, and having Gerold marry his daughter, but House Shett still lost everything to Ser Gerold's plotting.

    House Templeton 

House Templeton of Ninestars

https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/6af9513de4b9483e63687b484f886c68.jpg

A knightly house of Andal descent seated at Ninestars. They are one of the great knightly houses sworn to House Arryn. The head of the House is given the title of 'Knight of Ninestars'.

Although they are a knightly house, they are very powerful, and their strength and influence are comparable to many lords. It is said they can easily raise a thousand men. The current generation House Templeton may be related to the Starks of Winterfell through the female line.

They blazon their arms with nine stars, one of 7 points and eight of 6 points, upon a gold saltire on black. Their motto does not appear in the books.

Tropes related to House Templeton:

  • Famous Ancestor: Ser Luceon Templeton, the Knight of Ninestars during the Battle of Seven Stars, and one of the men who may have killed High King Robar II Royce during the battle.
    • Lady Jennis Templeton, who had her marriage arranged by Queen Alysanne Targaryen to Lord Mullendore.
    • Gerold Templeton, one of the four squires sent to court princess Daella Targaryen.
  • No Name Given: The unnamed Knight of Ninestars who fought under Lord Donnel Arryn during the Battle of Redgrass Field, where he was slain by Daemon Blackfyre.

Ser Symond Templeton

The Knight of Ninestars and head of House Templeton. He is a member of the Lords Declarant.


  • Animal Motifs: Sansa Stark thinks that his eyes and "beak of a nose" make him look like an elegant bird of prey.
  • Brutal Honesty: Doesn't mince words with Littlefinger and straight up tells him that he wants him gone from The Vale.
  • Everyone Has Standards: He's horrified by Lyn Corbray's threats to kill Littlefinger and break Sacred Hospitality.
  • Icy Blue Eyes: Attention is drawn to them several times and the cool stare that it gives him.
  • Unwitting Pawn: To Littlefinger along with the rest of the Lords Declarant, playing right into his hands by agreeing to give him a year as Lord Protector of the Vale to set things straight from Lysa Arryn's misrule.
  • War Hawk: He is one of the Lords of the Vale who who wanted to join the war against the Lannisters in the War of the Five Kings.

Other Houses

    House Upcliff 

House Upcliff of Witch Isle

A noble house from the Vale whose history goes back to the Age of Heroes. Their seat is located at Witch Isle. According to semi-canon sources it blazon its arms with a cresting wave, sea green on black. Its words are not known.

Tropes related to House Upcliff:

Ursula Upcliff

Bride of the Merling King

Ursula Upcliff was a reputed sorceress during the Andal invasion. She allied with High King Robar II Royce to drive the Andals from the Vale.



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