Understanding House Martell in Game of Thrones
Explaining House Martell in Game of Thrones
Heading 3: The Rise of House Martell in Dorne
House Martell, the noble house in charge of Dorne, is often overlooked in discussions about Game of Thrones. However, their history and rise to power is worth examining. Dorne, the first part of Westeros to be inhabited by humans, is a harsh land covered primarily by desert. It was divided between petty kings who constantly fought over territory for centuries. Everything changed when the Rhoynar people, fleeing conquest by the Valyrians, arrived on Dorne’s shores. Led by the warrior princess Nymeria, they were initially turned away by the petty kings until Mors Martell fell in love with Nymeria and proposed marriage. Together, they established House Martell and dominated Dorne using the power of Nymeria’s Rhoynar army.
Heading 3: The Rule of House Martell in Dorne
Dorne, under the rule of House Martell, stands apart from the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. Influenced by Nymeria’s Rhoynar heritage, Dornish culture is more socially liberal and less bound by traditional taboos. Rulers of Dorne are called princes and princesses, and the throne is passed to the eldest son or daughter. House Martell exemplifies the passion and cleverness of the Dornish people. They understand that some battles can only be won through diplomacy and wordplay.
Heading 3: House Martell’s Resistance and Legacy
Unlike other kingdoms, Dorne was never conquered by Aegon Targaryen during his bloody conquest. Their geographical hostility and guerrilla tactics forced him to retreat, and subsequent attempts by the Targaryens to conquer Dorne were also repelled. House Martell’s resistance earned them the words “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken.” Throughout their history, House Martell maintained their power and created an isolationist nation in a continent filled with conflict.
Heading 3: House Martell’s Moment of Loss and Return
While there was a period in the show where a Martell did not sit upon the throne of Dorne, it was short-lived and ultimately led to another Martell reclaiming the throne. Oberyn Martell’s death in a trial by combat sparked a desire for vengeance in his wife, Ellaria Sand, and the Sand Snakes. They assassinated Oberyn’s brother, Prince Doran, and took the throne before pledging allegiance to Daenerys Targaryen. By the end of the series, an unnamed Martell is back on the throne of Dorne.
Heading 3: House Martell’s Victorious Legacy
House Martell’s history is filled with victories and few tarnished legacies. From their rise to power through the strength of love to their rule as unconquered heroes, House Martell embodies their tagline “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken.” Their story is often overshadowed by the misery and betrayals that dominate Game of Thrones, but their presence brings a refreshing and morally upright perspective to the narrative.