Your Game Of Thrones House Based On Your Zodiac Sign
In George R. R. Martin's fictional fantasy universe, birth is everything. Whether you come into this world a Targaryen, a Lannister, a Stark, or a Flea Bottom peasant matters. So does your gender, not to mention whether you're first, second, or 10th in the line of succession to your father's throne. Royal bastards are famously given surnames like Sand, Snow, Flowers, and Rivers. Even the season of your birth can have an effect on your identity. The accident of birth might not be fair, but it determines much about the course of any given character's life.
Though we don't dwell in castles and fiefdoms or mark our possessions with family crests today, we do have our own ways of assigning meaning to the cosmic luck of our birthdays. For thousands of years, people have believed that the zodiac can influence our personality traits and our destinies. The 12 constellations that can be made out in that belt of stars work sort of like coats of arms. They're not just patterns in the black of night; they represent strengths, weaknesses, and inclinations. Interestingly, the signs of the zodiac and the Great Houses of Westeros overlap somewhat when it comes to their symbolism and inferred meaning. If you've ever wondered whether you'd be a Lord of Storm's End, a Lady of the Vale, or the ruler of King's Landing, you can use your own zodiac sign to determine your "Game of Thrones" House allegiance.
Aries: House Targaryen
There isn't a constellation of a dragon in our zodiac, but there are fire signs. The vanguard of the zodiac, Aries (March 21 – April 19), is one of them. Aries are represented by the color red and the ram (but hey, some dragons have horns). These natural-born leaders are fearless and passionate, but above all else, they have an unwavering belief in themselves. They're usually attractive, energetic, and capable of more than the average human, which feeds their inflated sense of self (which can lead to irrational decision-making). Aries have an optimistic and well-meaning worldview and they put stock in the power of unity and teamwork. Impressive physical specimens, Aries also easily give into the "pleasures of the flesh." Though they're warm-hearted, the bonds they forge aren't always much more than skin deep.
If that sounds like a Targaryen to you, you're not wrong. Aegon the Conqueror used his charm and might to conquer the Seven Kingdoms, or bring them together if you want to be more generous. Like true Aries, Daemon, Rhaenyra, and Daenerys all have fairly liberated attitudes about sex and view themselves as worthy of leadership. The notion that every time a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air to see if they're mad, great, or both, fits with Aries' penchant for boldness and risk-taking. If you're an Aries, we don't know which way the coin has landed for you, but it's likely you belong in the House of the Dragon.
Taurus: House Tyrell
Taurus (April 20 – May 20) is an earth sign, which means people born during this month-long stretch enjoy their relationship with Mother Earth and what she provides. It also means they're relatively stable and grounded. Tauruses like excess and luxury, but they prefer natural beauty. They have a taste for hearty food and wine, a feel for sumptuous clothing and furnishings, and they're most at home in a lovely, well-manicured garden. They're gracious hosts who are happy to share their bounty. Like a rare bloom, these kind souls appear to be gentle, patient, and passive, but their roots are planted deeper and sturdier than they might look. When confronted with an enemy, they'll see victory through to the end, no matter how long it takes. While Tauruses make reliable friends, lovers, and allies, if you cross them, they are not likely to forgive.
House Tyrell calls Highgarden its home. The castle is one of the most beautiful in the Seven Kingdoms with white spires and stained-glass windows, covered with ivy, grapes, and roses. The family takes as its sigil the golden rose and the house words are "Growing Strong," which is a perfect metaphor for the resilient stem that these innocent-seeming flowers actually possess. If you're a Taurus, you're probably gracious and popular with your people like Queen Margaery or Lady Oleanna. You're predictable but never boring. Your friends and acquaintances know you to be approachable and trustworthy, but your foes overlook your cleverness and resolve at their peril.
Gemini: House Velaryon
Geminis (May 21 – June 30) are hard to pin down, and that's probably the most consistent thing about them. Represented by the twins, Geminis have an innate duality to their personalities, as if they're always in conversation with themselves, and an uncanny ability to see everything from all sides. This unique perspective makes them insatiably curious and restless. Geminis don't necessarily want to conquer the world; they want to experience as much of it as possible before their time is up. They're always collecting new ideas, friends, and trinkets from their travels. Geminis are gifted communicators who tend to think more than feel. They're open-minded in their personal and professional affairs.
Though Gemini is an air sign and the Velaryons are synonymous with the sea, the Lords and Ladies of Driftmark still fit with the twins, and not just because of Baela and Rhaena. The Velaryons might've made their fortune thanks to their ships, but it was really their wanderlust that led them to explore, trade, and turn their castle, High Tide, into a museum of their accomplishments. And speaking of air, they're one of the very few families in Westeros who can take to it with dragons. It's hard to think of someone with more zest for life than Corlys Velaryon, who's seen more of Martin's known world than any other character. Like their father, Laena and Laenor are multilingual, intelligent, and brave. The Velaryons are progressive in their relationships and their politics, which has helped the House rise.
Cancer: House Hightower
Cancers (June 21 – July 22) are the caretakers of the zodiac. Like the Faith of the Seven's Mother, their sense of identity tends to come from the family and the home they've built around themselves. At their best, Cancers are empathetic, loyal, steadfast, and emotionally intelligent. But they can also be controlling and fiercely protective of those they love, especially their children. At their worst, they're suspicious, vindictive, and will not only take sides but faction others into them for the sake of their own place in the hierarchy. Cancers lean conservative and like tradition, but toxic people and wrongheaded ideas can easily lead them astray.
The Hightowers of Oldtown embody the mindset of a Cancer, for good and ill. Otto uses his insightfulness to manipulate the King for his own family's advancement. Though Alicent marries into the Targaryen dynasty, she remains a Hightower first and foremost, loyal to her father more than her husband and King, and committed most of all to the birthright of her children, Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond. Early on in "House of the Dragon," we see that she's a good friend to Rhaenyra, but the seed that Otto plants once her son is born is enough to cause an irreparable rift. Alicent systemically de-Targaryen-ed the Red Keep in favor of the Seven and Hightower green, and of course, she and her Targaryen children famously wear her own House's colors. The Green Queen isn't inherently evil; she's just a victim of her own devotion.
Leo: House Lannister
If you're a Leo (July 23 – August 22), chances are you act like a king or queen — no crown required. You have an ego, but you know how to use it. In social settings, you might hold court and tell tales of your epic-worthy exploits because you like being the center of attention and people are generally willing to give it to you. Leos don't need the affirmation and approval of others, but it makes them happy. It also makes them vulnerable to flattery. More is more to a Leo, whether it's fame, money, or power. And only the best will do. Your home, your clothes, and the parties you throw don't keep up with the Joneses, they make them jealous. Just watch you don't get yourself into debt.
House Lannister is a perfect fit for Leos. After all, they emblazon their family sigil, the golden lion, just about everywhere they can, and their House words are, "Hear me roar!" Even after Aegon conquered the Seven Kingdoms, they systematically used war, marriage, and money to elevate their status. They're said to be among the most attractive of the great families. Like Jaime, they're usually tall and fit with comely faces and golden blonde hair. Whether it's swordplay, foreplay, or wordplay, the Lannisters like to show off their skill. They display their conspicuous wealth and power with ornate armor and Casterly Rock, their colossal gilded castle. However, their vanity and hubris lead to their undoing.
Virgo: House Stark
Virgos (August 23 – September 22) are the workaholics of the zodiac. They're stoic and self-sacrificing, believing in duty and the greater good above leisure and their own happiness. Humility, honesty, perseverance, and strength of character are virtues of a Virgo. These extremely down-to-earth folks are great to have on your side ... just don't expect much in the way of positive feedback. Virgos are quick to point out what others are doing wrong, but they don't always see the point in praising people for what they do right. That's because they tend to hold everyone to their impossibly high standards. Because of those high standards, Virgos can be too hard on themselves, and they're terrible at asking for help. Though they can come off as cold and practical, they're deeply caring and altruistic, with a particular soft spot for animals.
House Stark fits the description of a Virgo. Over the centuries, the Starks have had to contend with the harsh climate in Winterfell and the prophesized threat from North of the Wall. They keep to themselves and keep out of the drama closer to King's Landing because they have to worry about their people's survival. Like Ned, Virgos are true to their word and do the right thing, though it may come at a great personal cost. Even a spirited Virgo, like Arya, is able to persist because of her methodical mind, her grit, and her coolness under pressure.
Libra: House Strong
Libra (September 23 – October 22) is the zodiac sign symbolized by the scales. These folks are always seeking balance, in their own lives and in the world around them. Nobody loves love more than a Libra. Because they see themselves as only one half of the equation that is their existence, they make for doting partners. Libras also have a finely tuned sense of fairness and justice. They're effective diplomats who prefer to avoid conflict whenever possible, and their counsel is usually wise and worth listening to. But, as they're better advisors than leaders, they don't like to be the ones responsible for making decisions and taking action.
House Strong acts like a typical Libra, particularly in their tendency to offer others their support. Ser Osmand Strong was a longtime Hand to Aegon the Conqueror and Lord Lyonel Strong was an impartial Hand to King Viserys. Both were pleased to play second banana to their ruler for the strength of the realm. Ser Harwin Strong understood Princess Rhaenyra's predicament and stepped in to be her man when Ser Criston Cole's self-righteousness meant he could not. For 10 years, he was a loving husband in all but name and father to their three children ... the very definition of secure masculinity, allowing the powerful woman in his life to shine. Jace and Luke inherited the Strong's knack for civility and diplomacy. Even villainous Larys has a symbiotic relationship with Alicent and prefers to operate behind the scenes.
Scorpio: House Greyjoy
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) is a water sign represented by the scorpion. Like their constellation, their personalities can come across as salty and stinging. A Scorpio just wants to get things done and doesn't put up with any nonsense. They need neither comfort nor luxury and pride themselves on their ability to withstand and endure. But the one thing they can't endure is frivolity; they have such a low tolerance smooth talkers, charmers, and pretenders that they often find themselves isolated. As such, Scorpios tend to become lone warriors and see themselves as guardians of the truth and what is real. Though they might accept religion or mysticism, they have little regard for social norms and a dark streak.
House Greyjoy of Pyke fits the bill when it comes to Scorpio. The rulers of the Iron Islands count among their titles "King of Salt and Rock," and the family uses a kraken against a black field as its crest. Life is difficult in Pyke — their domain isn't much more than some eroding rocky cliff faces connected by dilapidating bridges — but that seems to suit the Greyjoys, whose family motto is, "We do not sow." Though he's not always a heroic or even likable character, no one can doubt Theon Greyjoy's fortitude. He lived as a ward in Winterfell, then made it through Ramsay Bolton's prolonged torture, and finally gave his life defending Bran, the greenseer.
Sagittarius: House Martell
Fiery Sagittarians (November 22 – December 21) are the extroverts of the astrological calendar. These people see no point in playing by the rules. They say what they want and do what they want, and they usually get away with it because of their affable sense of humor. But there's a fine line between being delightful and being insufferable, and a Sagittarius will sometimes cross it without knowing any better. People born under this sun sign are a blast to hang out with, but — because they can be careless and get themselves in over their heads — things can go awry quickly. Sagittarians are independent thinkers with a wild side. They tend to be sexually adventurous and hesitant to commit to just one partner.
Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne is a classic Sagittarius. He's one of "Game of Thrones'" most charismatic characters, and he brings the party with him when he comes to Westeros in Season 4. Oberyn has a longtime lover in Ellaria Sand with whom he has several daughters, but they have an open relationship that allows them both to experiment with paramours of any gender and number. Tragically, Oberyn bites off more than he can chew when he challenges the Mountain to a fight to the death; his passion and arrogance get the better of him. Even if you, Sagittarius, aren't quite as free-spirited as Oberyn, unruly Dorne and House Martell — whose words are "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken" — are still your best match.
Capricorn: House Baratheon
Capricorns (December 22 – January 19) are the goat and the G.O.A.T. of the zodiac. These alphas know what it takes to win, and they have the smarts, strength, and stick-to-it-iveness to make it happen. They aspire to leadership — not because they covet power, fame, or glory, but because they genuinely believe they'll do a better job than anyone else. Capricorns excel at managing projects and people, and are themselves incredibly productive. In their own minds, they're reasonable, fair, and honest. To others, they can seem self-serious, condescending, and downright angry. A Capricorn will prioritize the law, customs, and the state above what's right and wrong. Capricorns aren't always the best romantic partners. They can be dismissive of others' needs. They are, however, dependable friends once their trust has been earned.
House Baratheon shares many traits of a Capricorn. The rulers of Storm's End are known for their stormy tempers and their military might. The Baratheons were valued supporters of House Targaryen, but they were always conscious of their proximity to the Iron Throne. The family took it personally when Prince Duncan broke off his betrothal to marry a peasant, then Robert Baratheon was crowned King after he orchestrated a successful rebellion against Aerys II Targaryen. King Robert could cut loose, but he was a traditional man at heart who got on well with his friend Ned and poorly with his wife Cersei. Stern-browed Stannis is even more of a Capricorn. His preoccupation with his birthright and Cersei's children's legitimacy cost him his own daughter and eventually his life.
Aquarius: House Arryn
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) is an air sign, which makes sense, since Aquarians tend to have their heads in the clouds. They can get caught up in that which interests them to the detriment of what they ought to be doing. These abstract thinkers often seem mysterious and eccentric to outside observers, and they usually exist on the fringes of society, since they sometimes have trouble knowing how to behave and fit in. Aquarians are usually well-intended and willing to fight for a cause, though they might look to the skies to guide them. They enjoy company but need time alone to center themselves.
House Arryn rules over the Vale from their literal castle in the sky, the Eyrie, where they toss those who threaten them through the moon door, thousands of feet below. That's certainly an eccentric way to get rid of an enemy. They live in the remote Mountains of the Moon, where their sigil is a falcon and crescent moon, and tend to isolate themselves politically and militarily since they're so well defended by their location. The Arryns have aligned themselves with the Targaryens, the Starks, and other noble families throughout the generations, but like Petyr Baelish, their motives can be impossible to decipher. Lysa and her son, Robin Arryn, are among the oddest characters on "Game of Thrones." They claim to uphold honor (their House words are, "As high as honor"), but flighty Lysa loses the moral high ground. Thankfully, a matured Robin reclaims it.
Pisces: House Tully
Pisces (February 19 – March 20) — a water sign symbolized by the fish — completes the cycle of the zodiac. That's fitting since Pisces are aware of their place in the world and in their history. Their feelings run deep, making them more intuitive than the average person. Seeing themselves as one small part of larger humanity, Pisces are equally empathetic to their closest kin and total strangers. They're willing to give more than they get in their relationships, but that emotional labor can make a Pisces feel as though the weight of the world is on them. They find peace in the water, where they can let their fears float away, and they tend to worry about what the past means for the future.
House Tully's sigil is a silver trout, and their words are, "Family. Duty. Honor." The Lords and Ladies of the Trident live at Riverrun in the Riverlands, and access to waterways is a source of their House's power. An early ally of Aegon the Conqueror, the Tullys foresaw what was to come in Westeros. Lord Hoster Tully showed similar acumen in marrying his daughters Lysa and Catelyn to the Arryns and Starks amidst Robert's Rebellion. Catelyn is a model Pisces. As sympathetic and tolerant a wife and mother as anyone could ever hope for, Catelyn supported Ned even when she believed he'd sired a child outside of their marriage, and did the same for her son Robb when he married Talisa instead of a Frey girl. Though Ned and Rob's past choices did come back to haunt Catelyn, Edmure Tully and the family name survived.