House Lannister is one of the most important families in Game of Thrones. They are known for being one of the most powerful houses in all of Westeros. In addition, certain Lannisters are also some of the cruelest and most despicable characters in the entirety of the A Song of Ice and Fire franchise.
Prior to the lives of characters like Tyrion, Cersei, or Jaime, House Lannister had a long road ahead. Their lineage dates back to early Westeros history, and their control of the Westerlands has been won through bloodshed and conquest. These facts about the Lannisters may surprise even hardcore Game of Thrones fanatics.
10 House Lannister Was Founded In The Age Of Heroes
The origins of House Lannister begin during the time of the First Men. During the Age of Heroes, the house was formed by Lann the Clever, a legendary hero. Lann the Clever's most notorious feat was taking Casterly Rock from the Casterly family by either making them believe the castle was haunted or filling it with vermin.
Because of this, Casterly Rock became the seat of House Lannister for thousands of years. The Lannisters even denoted themselves Kings of the Rock, becoming one of the seven separate kingdoms in early Westeros. However, it's debated whether the first King of the Rock was Lann the Clever or his descendant, Loreon I.
9 They Fought During The Andal Invasion
A major event in early Westeros history is the migration of Andals from Essos to Westeros. The Andal invasion marked a dramatic change in Westeros' demographics, pushing the children of the forest further north and eliminating several kingdoms. However, the Lannisters used this as a strategic political move.
While King Tybolt Lannister initially battled Andal warlords, future Lannister kings sought to ingratiate Andals into Westeros' society. The Lannisters even began to arrange marriages between First Men and Andals. It is believed that the modern-day Lannisters have more Andal blood in them than First Man, despite keeping the name.
8 The Lannisters Allied With The Gardeners
The Andals wouldn't be the only group to invade Westeros. The Targaryen dynasty would later do the same, led by Aegon I Targaryen and his dragons. As Aegon slowly conquered Westeros, the Lannisters strategically allied with House Gardener, who at the time were known as the Kings of the Reach.
Even though the Lannisters and Gardeners combined totaled over 55,000 men, the Targaryens made up for their lack of soldiers with dragons. In a battle called the Field of Fire, Aegon and his sisters scorched thousands of Lannisters and Gardeners. As a result, King Loren I Lannister bent the knee and rose as the first Warden of the West.
7 Lyman Lannister Extends A Hand To Prince Aegon
When the Targaryens first began ruling in Westeros, the Lannisters had few political ties as their former enemies. However, during the Faith Militant uprising, opportunities for the Lannisters to prove themselves arose. Lord Lyman Lannister, trying to gain Targaryen favor, offered refuge to Prince Aegon and his sister-wife.
When Aegon decided to rebel against his uncle, King Maegor I, Lyman Lannister's bastard Tyler Hill led an army to join them. This was another strategic move by Lyman, who was able to deny involvement in supporting the uncrowned Aegon. Unfortunately, Aegon was killed in battle by Maegar a year into the war.
6 The Targaryens Ignored Lyman Lannister
Lord Lyman's role in the Faith Militant uprising was not his only attempt at earning favor from the Targaryens. Lyman would later be present at King's Landing to attend the Golden Wedding. This event was to celebrate the union of Alyssa Velaryon and Rogar Baratheon, but to Lyman, it was a valuable networking opportunity.
Later, Lyman hosted Rhaena Targaryen again, though the widowed princess later left when Lannisters coveted her dragon eggs. King Jaehaerys then lost trust in Lyman, seeing him for his political aspirations. In the coming years, Lannisters continued to be ignored for valuable positions such as Hand of the King or Master of Coin.
5 Lannisters Attended The Great Council At Harrenhal
In 101 AC, a Great Council was convened by the aging King Jaehaerys. Following the death of Jaehaerys' son and heir, Baelon, the lords of Westeros were to decide upon the next person to inherit the throne. Present at this occasion was Lord Tymond Lannister, appearing after a generation of neglect from the Targaryens.
Despite the bad blood Tymond arrived with, his vote was surprising. The overwhelming majority of lords, including him, voted for Jaehaerys's grandson Viserys over his grandson Laenor. This was likely due to Viserys having male proximity inheritance over Laenor, as well as being the King's preferred choice.
4 A Lannister Makes It Onto The Small Council
Eventually, the Lannisters' obsession with appealing to the Targaryens paid off. During the lead-up to the infamous Dance of the Dragons, the Lannisters allied themselves with House Hightower. When Otto Hightower was promoted to Hand of the King, he filled the small council with their loyalists, which included a Lannister.
As a result, Tyland Lannister was selected to be King Viserys' Master of Ships. As the Targaryen civil war began, Tyland later seized control of Aegon II's treasury by being promoted to Master of Coin. Eventually, all of Aegon II's small council were executed, except for Tyland, who was tortured for refusing to reveal where he hid the money.
3 Tywin Lannister Inspired "The Rains Of Castamere"
The song "The Rains of Castamere" is infamous in the story of Game of Thrones, as it is played as a cue to start the Red Wedding. While many fans may know the version sung by The National lead singer Matt Berninger, the song has a dark history. It recounts House Reyne's failed rebellion against their lord, Tytos Lannister.
Tytos, fortunately for Westeros' songwriters, sent his son Tywin to march against the Reynes. During the ensuing conflict, Tywin flooded the castle of Castamere and slaughtered all of House Reyne. This moment was pivotal in cementing Tywin's reputation as a ruthless military leader, and the song only further immortalizes him.
2 Tywin Lannister Betrays The Mad King
Robert Rebellion is perhaps one of the most important historical conflicts to influence the events of Game of Thrones. The war neared its end as the future king Robert Baratheon slew Prince Rhaegar on the battlefield. Having stayed neutral the entire war, Tywin finally commanded an army to march on King's Landing.
Upon arriving, Tywin swore loyalty to House Targaryen, convincing King Aerys II to open the gates. Once the Lannisters were inside, they proceeded to sack the city, resulting in the Mountain slaughtering the wife and children of Rhaegar. As King Aerys ordered to have the city burned, Tywin's son Jaime murdered him.
1 The Greyjoys Rebel Against The Lannisters
Following Robert Baratheon's assumption of the Iron Throne, Westeros saw many years of peace. That is until Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands attempted to secede from Westeros through rebellion. Under his command, Balon's brothers Euron and Victarion made a surprise attack on Lannisport, burning the Lannister fleet.
The rebellion was short-lived following this devastating slight against the Lannisters. Tywin, alongside King Robert and Eddard Stark, the Warden of the North, invaded the Iron Islands and easily suppressed the rebellion. As a result, Robert threw a victory celebration at Lannisport, complete with a tourney won by Jorah Mormont.
