Noble houses dominate the plot of Game of Thrones. Most of the key characters have the station, wealth, and power of a meaningful name behind them. However, not all dynasties are created equal. Houses Stark, Lannister, Targaryen, and Baratheon command the majority of the screen time. Some families have a castle, land, subjects, and resources, but very little time to explore it all. Look at House Mormont of Bear Island, a dynasty that fell apart at every stage.
Secondary characters often carry Game of Thrones. Everyone loves Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen, but they would become tiring without a healthy supporting cast. Figures like Jaqen H’ghar enjoy mere minutes of screen time, but many fans find themselves begging for more. While not everyone can get a spinoff, the massive ensemble keeps things engaging.
How did House Mormont form?
House Mormont is an old and proud family from the North. Their long history disappears into the mysterious periods before written language. They trace their lineage back to the First Men, who reached Westeros after crossing the landbridge into what would become Dorne. The North remains one of the few strongholds of the First Men in the modern era. House Mormont occupies the North, a frozen region which fought valiantly against the Andal Invasion. House Stark ruled the North from Winterfell, slaying dozens of challengers to expand their territory and claim a powerful dynasty. House Mormont became one of the principal families sworn to House Stark. King Rodrik Stark secured that bond permanently by giving House Mormont Bear Island, a land mass he won from the ironborn in a wrestling match. House Mormont built their legacy on that island, taking its namesake and most prominent predator as their banner. Their motto is “Here We Stand.”
Who leads House Mormont?
The surviving members of House Mormont are scattered across the Seven Kingdoms and beyond. Their seat of power is the Mormont Keep on Bear Island. Unfortunately, their land is limited in resources. House Mormont has honor and power, but very little money. They’re one of very few families carrying a Valyrian steel sword, but Longclaw is better known as Jon Snow’s weapon. Jeor Mormont, nicknamed the Old Bear, is the patriarch of House Mormont, but he isn’t the head. Jeor abdicated his position on Bear Island, leaving it to his son, Jorah. Jeor joined the Night’s Watch sometime before Robert’s Rebellion, allowing him to rise through the ranks and become a respected Lord Commander. He carries Longclaw as he rules the honorable Black Brotherhood atop the Wall. Jeor lost his life in the mutiny at Craster’s Keep. He gave Longclaw to his steward, Jon Snow. His final wish was for his son, Jorah, to take the black.
Jorah, conversely, left the throne in shame. He became a widower before Jeor left Bear Island, but Jorah was an eligible bachelor between his inheritance and reputation. He fought for Robert’s Rebellion and against the Greyjoy Rebellion, earning a knighthood and several marriage offers. Jorah eventually selected Lynesse Hightower, securing a shocking approval from her father and whisking her away to Bear Island. Her expensive tastes quickly bankrupted Jorah, pushing him to make terrible choices. Jorah sold three poachers into slavery for profit, breaking one of the oldest and most critical laws in Westeros. He quickly fled the Seven Kingdoms for Essos, leaving Longclaw behind. His actions brought shame upon House Mormont. He would be executed or forced to take the black if he ever returned, though he secretly feeds information to Varys, hoping to earn a royal pardon.
Without Jeor or Jorah, Maege Mormont took the throne. Maege is Jeor’s younger sister. Bear Island has a progressive culture where women are encouraged to fight while men fish. Known as the She-Bear, Maege is a stern leader, just like her brother. Maege fights in the War of the Five Kings, carrying her banner under House Stark. She has five daughters, four of whom come with her to serve in Robb’s army. Her youngest daughter, Lyanna Mormont, is the lone representative of House Mormont on Bear Island. In the books, Maege’s heir dies at the Red Wedding. The show depicts all of House Mormont’s army dying in House Frey’s betrayal, leaving Lyanna as the last Lady of Bear Island. She and Jorah fight White Walkers in the show’s Battle of Winterfell. Both die, leaving House Mormont legally extinct. Jeor had this fascinating quote that turned out more prophetic than intended:
When dead men come hunting in the night, do you think it matters who sits the Iron Throne?
House Mormont suffered several tragic fates, most of which fell from a single decision. Their family loses everything, eventually rendered extinct by the grim work of fighting the White Walkers. Jeor is one of the most decent men in Game of Thrones, while his son is a selfish fool. Maege and Lyanna stand out as fascinating leaders, but they never enjoyed the opportunity they deserved. Their story is grim, but it demonstrates the unfortunate fates that can befall the virtuous and the duplicitous alike.