In Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and the A Song of Ice and Fire books, every noble House in Westeros has a sigil, which is essentially a hereditary coat of arms passed down over centuries. These sigils are often worn proudly on the surcoats of members of these Houses and their retainers and, in times of war, soldiers will bear the image of the House on their shield while banners flutter above.
The best sigils in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon have bold colored themes that stand out on the battlefield, while emblems such as a lion or a three-headed dragon, for example, inspire awe, pride, and fear in the eye of the beholder.
6 House Stark
A Grey Direwolf’s Head On A White & Green Background
- In the books, the Stark sigil is a running grey direwolf on a white background.
The sigil of House Stark is just as recognizable as their House words and forms a huge part of their identity. For example, the emblem of a direwolf became even more significant when the direwolf cubs were found for the children of Eddard Stark. As Robb Stark rode into battle with banners flying behind him, his enemies would have been well aware that they could come face-to-face with Grey Wind.
Whether fans prefer the more stylized wolf’s head from the show, or the more simplistic running wolf from the books that is more in line with medieval heraldry, it’s safe to say that both are beautiful.
5 House Blackwood
Three Black Ravens Above A White Weirwood Tree On A Red Background
- In the books, the Blackwood sigil is a flock of ravens on red, surrounding a white weirwood tree with a black background.
The Blackwoods are a House who has featured more in House of the Dragon than Game of Thrones, with their eternal feud with House Bracken first being shown in Season 1 while men courted Rhaenyra for her hand. In Season 2, the third episode was even named “The Burning Mill” for a battle that was fought between the Blackwoods and Brackens.
The Blackwood coat of arms also happens to be one of the best, in part for one main reason; it features a weirwood tree. This symbol of the Old Gods marks out the Blackwoods as one of the few Houses south of the Neck to still worship the Old Gods rather than the Seven. Beyond the weirwood tree, the Blackwood sigil also features ravens and a bold red coloring paired with black and white.
4 House Bolton
A Red Flayed Man Hanging Upside Down On A White Cross With A Black Background
- In the books, the Bolton sigil is instead a red, flayed man on a pink background with droplets of blood.
While some fans may prefer the implicit darkness of House Bolton’s sigil in the books, where the pink background likely depicts flayed skin, their banner in the show is just as effective at reminding outsiders that the blades of House Bolton are sharp.
The upside-down flayed man on a cross certainly sends a message about this House known for skinning their enemies, and it’s unsurprising that Ramsey Snow, one of the most cruel characters in Game of Thrones, wanted to be formally acknowledged by his father as a true Bolton.
3 House Greyjoy
A Golden Kraken On Black
To spot the golden kraken on black of House Greyjoy approaching from sea would be a dire sight indeed. While the Greyjoys haven’t always ruled the Iron Islands, they certainly have one of the most intimidating and best-looking banners in Game of Thrones.
Black, often associated with death, is a natural choice for a House known for reaving and harrying the green shores of Westeros, and yet the golden kraken adds an almost regal aura. The contrast between black and gold is a big part of the beauty of this particular emblem.
2 House Lannister
A Golden Lion On A Crimson Background
In terms of beauty and power, the golden lion on a crimson background of House Lannister is hard to beat, and such symbology is instantly recognizable not only in Westeros but in our own world too.
This simple sigil is incredibly effective at portraying the aura around House Lannister. First of all, the gold can be seen to represent the wealth of the former kings of the Westerlands, with many gold mines found in the region. Secondly, the lion itself represents pride, ferocity, and power, and lastly, the blood-red background speaks for itself.
1 House Targaryen
A Red Three-Headed Dragon On Black
The banner of House Targaryen is arguably as powerful as it gets, as what can compete with a three-headed dragon? Not only does this sigil look great, especially in House of the Dragon where it features more prominently, but it also has great significance.
Before the conquest, the Targaryens did not have a sigil as this was not a custom in Old Valyria. However, upon taking the throne, Aegon the Conqueror took on a number of Westerosi customs, including the use of banners. His new battle standard represented himself and his two sisters and the three dragons they rode, making for an image that would put doubt in the minds of any would-be traitors.
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