House Arryn

House Arryn is one of the Great Houses of Westeros, ruling the mountainous region of the Vale from the formidable fortress of the Eyrie. During the tumultuous War of the Five Kings, the Arryns famously took no part, a policy of neutrality that persisted even after the death of Lady Lysa Arryn and the rise of Petyr Baelish as Lord Protector of the Vale. The house is defined by its ancient lineage, its impregnable mountain seat, and its words, "As High as Honor."

Identity and History

House Arryn claims descent from the Kings of Mountain and Vale, a line that ruled the region for thousands of years before the Targaryen Conquest. Their sigil is a white moon-and-falcon upon a sky blue field, a symbol of their dominion over the peaks and valleys of the eastern realm. The Eyrie, their principal seat, is a castle carved into the side of a mountain, considered one of the most defensible in all of Westeros. The house's words, "As High as Honor," reflect their self-perception as a noble and principled house, though their actions during the recent wars have been characterized more by cautious isolationism than by active chivalry.

Role in the War of the Five Kings and Aftermath

Under Lord Jon Arryn, the Vale was a staunch supporter of Robert Baratheon's rebellion. After Jon's death, his widow, Lysa Arryn, withdrew the Vale from the affairs of the Seven Kingdoms, refusing to commit its considerable military strength to any of the five kings who claimed the Iron Throne. This policy of neutrality continued after Lysa's death, when Petyr Baelish, Lord of Harrenhal and Lord Paramount of the Trident, assumed the role of Lord Protector of the Vale for her young son, Lord Robert Arryn. The Vale's armies remained mustered but unused, a potential force that could tip the balance of power in the realm. The Sunderlands, who rule the Three Sisters, are sworn to the Eyrie, though their loyalty is tenuous, as Lord Godric Borrell of Sweetsister notes when he considers whether to hand Davos Seaworth over to the Lannisters or to Lady Arryn.

Key Members and the Court

The current head of House Arryn is Lord Robert Arryn, a sickly boy of eight years, often called Sweetrobin. His mother, Lysa Arryn, was pushed to her death from the Moon Door of the Eyrie. The true power in the Vale is wielded by his guardian, Petyr Baelish, who serves as Lord Protector. Baelish's court includes his supposed natural daughter, Alayne Stone, who is actually Sansa Stark in disguise. Key bannermen include Yohn Royce, called Bronze Yohn, Lord of Runestone, and Nestor Royce, the High Steward of the Vale and castellan of the Gates of the Moon. The mountain clans of the Vale, such as the Stone Crows led by Shagga son of Dolf and the Burned Men led by Timett son of Timett, are also sworn to the Eyrie, though they often operate independently, with some bands raiding in the kingswood.

Narrative Significance

House Arryn's neutrality has made it a wild card in the game of thrones. Its vast, untapped military strength represents a potential game-changer for any faction that can secure its allegiance. Petyr Baelish's control over the Vale and its young lord gives him a significant power base, which he uses to further his own ambitious schemes. The Vale's isolation also serves as a refuge for characters like Sansa Stark, who hides there under a false identity. The house's future is tied to the fragile health of Lord Robert and the machinations of those who surround him, making it a simmering source of potential conflict in the wars to come.