The Richest and Most Powerful Houses in Westeros

Westeros, the epic setting of A Song of Ice and Fire and its television adaptation Game of Thrones, is a land where wealth and power are fiercely contested. Many houses vie for dominance, each with its own unique history and resources. In this article, we aim to explore which houses are considered the wealthiest and most powerful in Westeros, drawing insights from both the books and the show.

The Lannisters - The Gold Touched by Fate

Undoubtedly, the House Lannister stands at the pinnacle of wealth in Westeros. Their native lands, Casterly Rock, house vast gold mines, a source of unparalleled riches. The House's financial acumen and tyrannical rule have made them the wealthiest house in the realm. Tywin Lannister, known as the 'Goldentooth,' has earned his nickname for his immense wealth and ruthlessness.

Highgarden and the Tyrells

However, the wealth of the Lannisters is not unmatched. The House Tyrell, with its lands in Highgarden, is a formidable rival. Highgarden is known for its fertile lands and abundant harvests, making the Tyrells rich and powerful in their own right. While the Tyrells lack the gold mines of the Lannisters, their wealth from agriculture is substantial. They control the kingdom of the Reach and have a massive army of 100,000, second only to the Lannisters.

Ancient Power and Dragons: The Targaryens

Before the Dance (the Mad King's reign), the House Targaryen was undoubtedly the most powerful house in Westeros. Their control over dragons and their ironclad kingdom of the Dragonstone gave them unique strength and influence. Even without their dragons, the Targaryens' legacy of tyranny and military prowess made them feared and respected across the lands. Their wealth, while rich, was not as immense as the Lannisters, but their power was unmatched.

The Unmatched Velaryons: Where Wealth and Power Meld Together

During the reign of Viserys I Targaryen, the House Velaryon became the richest house in the kingdom. With their control over three dragons and a fleet of ships, the Velaryons were not only the wealthiest but also the most powerful. Their combined wealth and military might made them a force to be reckoned with, even surpassing the Targaryens who had only two dragons at their disposal.

Prevalent Ranking: Wealth, Influence, and Military Might

Based on wealth, influence, military might, and overall power, here is my top five ranking of the wealthiest and most powerful houses in Westeros:

House Lannister Military: Massive 60,000-strong army. Wealth: Unmatched in wealth and influence. Power: Ruling as Kings of Westeros, feared by all. House Tyrell Military: Huge 100,000-strong army. Wealth: As rich as the Lannisters, with fertile lands. Power: Rulers of the Seven Kingdoms, less feared than the Lannisters. House Hightower Military: Strong 25,000-35,000 army. Wealth: Rich, comparable to the Lannisters. Power: Wealthy banner men to Highgarden. House Arryn Military: 35,000-strong army, renowned for excellent fighters. Wealth: Robust but not as rich as the top three. Power: Respected by all, not overly active in warfare. House Frey and House Martell Military: Small in numbers, around 20,000 each. Wealth: Not particularly rich. Power: Little influence compared to the major houses.

It's important to note that the wealth and power of houses often fluctuate over time. With the Targaryens' dragons gone and the Lannisters' recent ascension, the balance of power has shifted. Nevertheless, these houses have historically held significant influence over the lands of Westeros.