Game of Thronesexplores the strengths and weaknesses of a feudal monarchy. Most of Westeros sits in the domain of one of several Great Houses, which claim power by genetic lottery. Fans know the big names, like Houses Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, or Targaryen. Almost every dominant family has several vassal houses pledging fealty. House Karstark is one of House Stark’s most loyal retainers, but a series of vengeful decisions led to a tragic downfall.
One of the most fascinating challenges ofGame of Thronesis keeping every minor character engaging. While everyone loves iconslike Daenerys Targaryenand Tyrion Lannister, some must make the most of a few minutes of screen time. House Karstark is an example of a meaningful group of characters that struggle to stand out beyond their brief appearances. They create an impression, even when they haven’t sounded off in years.
How did House Karstark form?
Karlon Stark founded House Karstark roughly 1,000 years before the story’s events. Karlon Stark was the young son of the King in the North, an unnamedmember of House Stark. He sat several stations down the line of succession, confident he’d never be King. Karlon established himself by defeating a rebellious lord and defending his father’s right to Winterfell. Extraneous details surrounding the show suggest that the rebel may have come from House Bolton of the Dreadfort. The King in the North rewarded Karlon with land near the Grey Cliffs. Karlon built a castle, which he uncreatively dubbed Karl’s Hold. Generations later, Karl’s Hold became Karhold, and the Starks born in Karhold became Karstarks. His descendants took a white sunburst on a black background for their coat of arms and adopted the words “The Sun of Winter.”
Despite Karlon’s children ostensibly entering the royal line of succession, Karstarks frequently married Starks. Karstark ladies, including Margaret, Alys, and Lysara, often wedStark princes and lords, like Bennard, Brandon, and Artos. Their bond held strong on and off the battlefield. Lord Rickard Karstark, Lord of Karhold, fought alongside Eddard Stark during Robert’s Rebellion. House Karstark remained integral to House Stark’s dominance of the North. Their bond seemed unbreakable for over 1,000 years. Standing side-by-side, they looked like members of the same family. However, theWar of Five Kingsled to the tragic communication breakdown between House Stark and their long-standing vassals.
Notable House Karstark members
Karlon Stark is the founding member of House Karstark. Rickard Karstark is the only representative who enjoys ample screen time. Rickard is the family’s patriarch as the show begins, having held that role for several decades at that point. Rickardfought with Eddard Starkat the Battle of the Trident, doing his part to unseat the Targaryen Dynasty. Here are some other key members of House Karstark:
What happened to House Karstark?
House Karstark turns against Robb Stark after Jamie Lannister kills one or two of Rickard’s sons. Rickard insists on vengeance while Robb needs Jamie as a prisoner. When Catelyn Stark frees Jamie to trade him for her daughters, Rickard and his men kill two captive Lannister squires. Robb executes Rickard for treason, driving a wedge between the Houses. In the show, each new member of House Karstark dies as they struggle to oppose House Stark. The Karstarks of the books scheme totrick Stannis Baratheon, but lose Alys to Jon Snow, leaving them in immense peril. TheWinds of Wintertease suggests Arnolf and his son will soon be executed, potentially burying the family name.
House Karstark devoted themselves to serving House Stark for 1,000 years, but one single-minded quest for vengeance led them to abandon their commitment. One couldargue Robb Stark’s actionswere a step too far, but House Karstark freed themselves from their bond and paid the price. They were allowed to believe they served House Stark for Winterfell’s benefit. Their unfortunate fate demonstrates how incomplete they were without their Lords.
