If you’ve ever watched Game of Thrones and thought, “These families have issues!” you’re not on your own. From dragons and arranged marriages to secret siblings and betrayal, the show’s families are jam-packed with drama, deceit and passion, but at the same time, surprisingly close to people who really existed.
Whether you love them or love to hate them, the families in this hugely popular TV show have become true cultural icons. From the silver-haired Targaryens to the fiercely loyal Starks, these clans have sparked endless debates and even inspired baby names for real-world fans.
In this article, we explore three of the most famous houses in Westeros, showing how you can trace similar historical lineages (minus the dragons, of course) using MyHeritage’s collections and records.
House Targaryen: Fire, Blood, and Keeping It in the Family
So, let’s start with the Targaryens — the silver-haired dragonriders who ruled Westeros for centuries. Their family tree is full of twists and taboos, with siblings marrying siblings, surprise heirs, and a long history of trying to keep their “pure” Valyrian bloodline intact.
This way of living might sound wild by today’s standards, but it’s not unheard of, looking back through history. For instance, the Ptolemaic dynasty of ancient Egypt did exactly the same thing, as Cleopatra VII married two of her brothers during her reign. Her family politics were just as fiery.
House Lannister: Rich, Powerful, and Always Scheming
Next, we have the Lannisters, who are all about money, influence, and secrets — and they’re not afraid to bend the rules to stay on top. Between Cersei and Jaime’s relationship and Tyrion’s outsider status, there’s never a dull moment.
Their real-world counterparts? Try the Borgia family of Renaissance Italy. The Borgias were rich, ruthless, and tangled up in religion and politics, with Lucrezia Borgia often right in the middle. History’s been tough on her, but her life had as much scandal and strategy as any Lannister plotline.
House Stark: Honour, Loyalty, and Long Winters
Lastly, we have House Stark — probably the most grounded family in the series. They value tradition, duty, and protecting their people… but that doesn’t stop them from being caught in every major disaster. From Ned’s downfall to Jon’s secret birth, their family history is one long rollercoaster.
A good match in the real world? The Plantagenets — especially during the Wars of the Roses, which inspired a lot of Game of Thrones. One standout figure, Edward Plantagenet, had to fight to keep his claim to the throne and deal with plenty of betrayal along the way.
Want to Build Your Own Westeros Tree?
While the drama in Game of Thrones is fictional, the idea of family history shaping who we are is very real. That’s what makes exploring genealogy so fascinating — whether you’re tracking real ancestors or just geeking out over who Jon Snow’s great-great-grandmother might’ve been.
With MyHeritage’s Family Tree features, you can dive into historical trees like the ones we’ve talked about — or build your own fantasy one from scratch. Map out the Tullys, invent your own house, or just have fun seeing where it leads.
Because whether it’s dragons or DNA, every great story starts with family.
The post Fictional Family Trees: Game of Thrones Genealogy appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
Source: My Heritage
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