Family is everything inGame of Thrones. Most characters earned their most likely fate the moment they were born. Kings father kings, knights father knights, and poor smallfolk father more of the same. Some can move up through superior work, good fortune, or a sudden lack of competition. Others lose their station, though rarely for the reasons they should. House Tarly provides a seat of power in the Reach, but its patriarch selected his heir through non-traditional means.
Not every character gets a spotlight inGame of Thrones' massive ensemble cast. The Starks, Lannisters, and Baratheons enjoy hours of screentime while the less well-known families struggle to appear. This necessary sacrifice hides fascinating stories in the deeper lore of the franchise. Many fans would never know about the man who built a castle to spite the gods or the warrior who slayed the sea dragon.
How did House Tarly form?
House Tarly emerged during the legendary Age of Heroes, more than 6,000 years before the events ofGame of Thrones. The family traces its lineage back to Garth Greenhand, the man who started more than a dozen noble lines.Greenhand was the first humanto step foot on Westeros. Stories differ, as is often the case in the Age of Heroes, but he may have been a god with power over nature and fertility. Many believe he taught humanity to farm. Greenhand reportedly sired countless younglings with countless women, many of whom went on to create noble lines. Houses Gardener, Oakheart, Redwyne, Florent, Ball, Peake, Hightower, Fossoway, Bulwer, Crane, Beesbury, Rowan, and Tarly claim a direct genetic connection to Garth Greenhand. Someeven claim House Starkoriginated from Greenhand’s line.
House Tarly traces its line to Garth Greenhand’s twin sons. Harlon the Hunter and Herndon of the Horn were said to have established a castle on Horn Hill in the Reach. Many House Tarly signatures reference Harlon and Herndon. Theirbanners depict ahuntsman on a green background. Their patriarch is called the Lord of Horn Hill. House Tarly’s seat remains on Horn Hill, where the woods teem with prey for hunting parties. Harlon and Herndon are known for a legend that explained their long lives. It’s said that the twin brothers entered a shared marriage with a woods witch on Horn Hill. The beautiful medicine woman reportedly kept Harlon and Herndon from aging so long as they had sex with her each full moon. This arrangement gave the brothers over 100 years of additional life. This aspect of their legacy offers little guidance to House Tarly.
Who leads House Tarly?
Lord Randyll Tarly is the current patriarch of House Tarly. As the Lord of Horn Hill, Randyll wields the family’s Valyrian steel greatsword, Heartsbane. Randyll foughtagainst Robert’s Rebellion, claiming a victory in the name of the Mad King. His liege, Mace Tyrell, took the glory for himself. To most fans, Randyll is best known for his failures as a father. His first son was Samwell Tarly. Randyll respected nothing as much as courage and martial skill. Sam hated confrontation, preferring to spend his time studying. Randyll despised his son’s cowardice, prompting him to try increasingly absurd methods to toughen the boy. He oncehired warlocks to dunkhim in aurochs' blood but saw no effect. When Randyll’s wife gave him a second son, Dickon, he lavished the younger boy with attention. Randyll eventually gave 15-year-old Sam an ultimatum. If Sam didn’t leave for the Night’s Watch, Randyll would have him killed. Randyll remains the Lord of Horn Hill, with Dickon as his chosen heir. Kevan Lannister summed Randyll up like this:
Tarly is the real danger. A narrow man, but iron-willed and shrewd, and as good a soldier as the Reach could boast.
Where does House Tarly stand?
House Tarly’s honor is old, and their lands are rich. They have money, a great army, and the respect of their neighbors. House Tarly remains one of the most powerful families in the Reach. The Lords of Horn Hill serve House Tyrell, which places them on the Lannister side of theWar of the Five Kings. The show omits most of their story, but their presence in the books is more notable. Randyll earns a position as justiciar under King Tommen Baratheon for his loyalty. Their eventual fate seems tied to House Tyrell, but the books haven’t depicted any significant downfall.
House Tarly is a minor figure in the narrative, but its power is considerable. Sam’s cowardice lost him command over rich lands, a powerful army, and a life of luxury. While House Tarly remains a servant of House Tyrell, they have the respect of other housesacross the Seven Kingdoms. Though their origins are bizarre and magical, House Tarly remained notable for the honest application of military might. Sam may have lost his opportunity, but he likely wouldn’t have loved being in charge of Horn Hill anyway.
