House Martell

Defenders of the Red Sands, masters of an independent kingdom within Westeros.

House Martell is the noble family that rules over Dorne from their seat at Sunspear. During the era of the Dance of the Dragons, they hold a unique position as the sovereign rulers of an independent kingdom rather than vassals to the Iron Throne. Their lands lie in the far south, separated by geography and culture from the rest of Westeros. While other great houses fight for control of King's Landing, Dorne stays outside the Iron Throne's rule, having been the only realm to resist Aegon Targaryen's conquest. They are known for their distinct traditions regarding inheritance and marriage, which set them apart from northern customs. Their eventual peaceful integration into the realm would not occur until after this civil war concludes.

Quick Facts

Seat: Sunspear
Region: Dorne
Sigil description: Gold spear piercing a red sun on an orange field

Lore & Background

The Martells of Sunspear, along with Dorne, were the only realm to resist Aegon Targaryen's conquest. In the years before the Dance of the Dragons, independent Dorne allied with the Triarchy against Daemon Targaryen's kingdom in the Stepstones. Their culture incorporates elements from ancient Rhoynar bloodlines, creating a unique society within the continent. Unlike the feudal lords of the Reach or Stormlands, Dornish law allows for equal inheritance regardless of gender. This tradition strengthens House Martell by ensuring capable leadership rather than strict primogeniture. The family's resilience is legendary; they are often described as unbowed and unbroken in spirit, a reputation that precedes them even before their formal peace treaty with the Targaryens.

Reader's Guide

House Martell serves as the sovereign rulers of Dorne, a region that remains independent during the Dance of the Dragons. Unlike other great houses in Westeros, they do not answer to the Iron Throne at this time, making them a neutral power outside the civil war between Rhaenyra and Aegon II. Their seat is Sunspear, located along the southern coast, where the red sands meet the sea. The Dornish are descended from the Rhoynar, which sets their culture apart from the rest of Westeros.

They are known for their refusal to submit to conquest: Dorne remained independent until it was absorbed under the Iron Throne through a marriage alliance by King Daeron II in 187 AC. While they possess no dragons during this conflict, their strategic location makes them a potential ally or obstacle for any future expansion southward. Members of House Martell typically hold the title Prince or Princess regardless of gender, reflecting their unique succession laws. This independence defines their legacy within the broader history of the realm.

Did You Know?

House Martell's seat is Sunspear, located along the southern coast of Dorne.
House Martell's eventual peaceful integration into the realm occurs after the Dance of the Dragons concludes.