In the harsh world of Westeros, bloodlines and family names often define a person’s destiny. But what happens when someone is born outside of the noble lineages? How bastards are treated in different regions of Westeros is not just a matter of name—it’s a reflection of each region’s values, power structures, and cultural norms. From the North’s relative acceptance of Jon Snow to the harsh judgment in the Vale, the treatment of bastards varies greatly across the Seven Kingdoms. This article delves into the complexities of bastardhood, exploring how the diverse cultures of Westeros shape the lives of those born outside the traditional noble system.
The North – Bastards as “Snow”
In the North, bastards are given the surname “Snow”, a symbol of their illegitimate birth. Unlike other regions in Westeros, where bastards are often seen as lesser or stigmatized, the North has a more pragmatic attitude. While they are still marked by their birth, bastards in the North are generally treated with respect, especially if they prove themselves through strength, skill, or loyalty.
Jon Snow, perhaps the most famous bastard in the North, embodies this idea. Born to Eddard Stark, Jon is initially treated as an outsider but is accepted into the Stark family fold. His journey from being a “Snow” to becoming Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch illustrates that in the North, bastards have the potential to rise based on merit rather than birth.
While they don’t inherit land or titles, bastards in the North often find roles within the Night’s Watch, where their birth status has little bearing on their rank or respect. The culture of the North values loyalty, courage, and honor—traits that allow even those born as bastards to carve out their own legacy.
In short, how bastards are treated in the North highlights a more inclusive and pragmatic approach, where bloodlines matter less than personal valor and integrity.
The Riverlands – Bastards as “Rivers”
In the Riverlands, bastards are typically given the surname “Rivers”, signifying their illegitimacy. While not as harshly judged as in some other regions, bastards here are still seen as lesser members of society. The treatment of bastards in the Riverlands is influenced by the region’s focus on family loyalty and honor, making them somewhat marginalized but not entirely excluded.
Unlike in the North, where merit can lead to respect, bastards in the Riverlands often struggle to prove themselves in noble circles. The societal structure places great importance on bloodlines, making it harder for illegitimate children to rise above their status. However, they can find acceptance within their families if they show loyalty and service.
One example of a bastard in the Riverlands is Edmure Tully’s half-brother, who, despite his birth status, is still considered part of the family. However, he lacks the same privileges as legitimate children, showcasing the subtle but persistent divide between bastards and their noble relatives.
In the Riverlands, how bastards are treated reflects a balance of acceptance and exclusion. They are often acknowledged but are still held back by their birth status, struggling to fully integrate into the higher echelons of society.
The Vale – Bastards as “Stone”
In the Vale, bastards are given the surname “Stone”, and their treatment is generally more rigid compared to other regions. The Vale’s society is built on strict honor codes and family loyalty, which leads to a more dismissive view of illegitimate children. Bastards here are often seen as outsiders, their birth status creating a clear divide between them and legitimate heirs.
Unlike the North, where bastards can gain respect through action, the Vale’s noble families are less likely to accept illegitimate children into their ranks. The emphasis on bloodlines and noble heritage in the Vale limits opportunities for bastards to rise. They may receive limited recognition, but they are typically kept out of positions of real power.
A notable example is Nestor Royce, who acknowledges his bastard children but still treats them as secondary to his legitimate heirs. This reflects the general treatment of bastards in the Vale—they may be accepted within their families, but they are never fully integrated into the noble hierarchy.
How bastards are treated in the Vale reveals a society that values purity of blood and family honor over individual merit, leaving little room for illegitimate children to thrive. They may have a place, but it is often one of limited opportunity and respect.
The Westerlands – Bastards as “Lannister”
In the Westerlands, bastards are given the surname “Lannister”, reflecting the region’s powerful and wealthy noble house. Unlike many other areas in Westeros, bastards in the Westerlands are often treated more leniently, largely due to the influence and prestige of House Lannister.
While bastards are still technically illegitimate, their connection to one of the wealthiest and most influential families provides them with opportunities that others may not have. They may receive more respect than bastards in other regions, and their birth status doesn’t necessarily prevent them from gaining power or wealth.
Take Tyrion Lannister, for example. Despite being born as a dwarf and a bastard in some respects, his wit and intelligence make him an important figure in Westerosi politics. Although he faces disdain from some members of his family, his status as a Lannister allows him a certain level of privilege.
How bastards are treated in the Westerlands reflects a more flexible and opportunistic approach, where wealth, power, and influence allow bastards to navigate society with more ease. While they are still outside the line of succession, their connection to House Lannister can help them overcome some of the challenges faced by illegitimate children in other regions.
Dorne – Bastards as “Sand”
In Dorne, bastards are given the surname “Sand”, but their treatment is notably different from that in most other regions of Westeros. Dorne is known for its progressive and relatively egalitarian society, where bastards are not stigmatized to the same degree as in places like the Vale or the Riverlands.
Dornish culture values personal freedom and family loyalty, meaning that bastards are often treated with respect and can hold positions of power, especially if they are part of a noble family. Bastards in Dorne are more integrated into society, with their birth status rarely hindering their opportunities.
A prime example is Oberyn Martell, who, despite his illegitimate birth, became a key player in Dornish politics. His daughters, the Sand Snakes, though born as bastards, are treated with honor and even wield considerable influence within their family.
How bastards are treated in Dorne shows a more accepting and inclusive culture, where bloodlines matter less than character and ability. In this region, bastards can enjoy the same rights and respect as legitimate children, making Dorne one of the most open-minded places in Westeros for those born outside traditional noble marriages.
The Stormlands – Bastards as “Storm”
In the Stormlands, bastards are given the surname “Storm”, reflecting the rugged, warrior-driven culture of the region. The Stormlands place a high value on strength and resilience, qualities that allow bastards to find a degree of acceptance, especially if they prove themselves in battle or leadership.
Though bastards are still considered outside the line of succession, their birth status doesn’t entirely define their worth. The Stormlands’ tough, honor-bound society is more willing to accept bastards who display bravery or skill, often giving them roles within the military or in leadership positions. For example, Gendry, the bastard son of King Robert Baratheon, is a prime example of how bastards in the Stormlands can rise above their status, gaining respect for his craftsmanship and strength.
How bastards are treated in the Stormlands is a blend of respect for personal strength and family loyalty. While they may not inherit titles or land, bastards in this region have opportunities to gain honor and status through their deeds. The Stormlands provide a unique environment where the value of one’s actions outweighs the stigma of their birth.
The Reach – Bastards as “Tarly” or “Flowers”
In the Reach, bastards are given the surnames “Tarly” or “Flowers”, depending on their parentage. The Reach is known for its fertile lands, noble houses, and complex social structure. While bastards are generally considered lower in status, the Reach’s attitude toward them is somewhat more nuanced than in other regions.
Bastards born to prominent families, like those of House Tarly, may receive more respect and be given better opportunities compared to those born to less influential families. However, they still cannot inherit land or titles. The name “Flowers” is more common for those with unknown parentage, marking them as outsiders in the rigidly structured society of the Reach.
Despite their illegitimacy, bastards in the Reach can still make a name for themselves, particularly in fields like military service or administration. Garlan Tarly, a member of House Tarly, showcases how bastards with noble bloodlines can earn respect, but the opportunities for upward mobility are still limited compared to legitimate heirs.
How bastards are treated in the Reach is shaped by the region’s class distinctions and the importance of noble blood. While they may have more chances than in some other areas, their status as illegitimate children still limits their full acceptance into the highest echelons of society.
The Iron Islands – Bastards as “Pyke”
In the Iron Islands, bastards are typically given the surname “Pyke”, after the Iron Islands’ stronghold. The treatment of bastards in this region is deeply influenced by the harsh, survivalist culture that defines the Ironborn. Loyalty to the Drowned God and adherence to the ironborn code of honor are highly valued, and a bastard’s status is often linked to their ability to contribute to the strength and honor of the Iron Islands.
Bastards in the Iron Islands are not generally shunned as in other regions. Instead, they are expected to prove themselves worthy through acts of strength, combat, and leadership. The Ironborn value strength above all else, meaning that a bastard who shows courage and fighting skill can gain the respect of their people.
However, the rigid hierarchy of the Iron Islands still places bastards below legitimate heirs in terms of status. Even though they may be given opportunities to prove themselves in battle, bastards from the Iron Islands face limitations when it comes to inheriting titles or positions of power. Theon Greyjoy is a prime example—though he is a son of Balon Greyjoy, he is treated as a bastard and is forced to struggle for respect and acceptance.
How bastards are treated in the Iron Islands reflects a society that values physical strength and martial prowess. While their illegitimate status doesn’t entirely exclude them, it does place them at a disadvantage compared to legitimate heirs, and they must prove their worth through action.
Conclusion
The treatment of bastards in Westeros is as varied and complex as the regions themselves. From the relatively inclusive North, where bastards like Jon Snow can rise to prominence, to the harsh, honor-bound Vale, where bastards are often marginalized, each region in the Seven Kingdoms offers a different fate for those born outside of noble bloodlines.
While some regions, like Dorne and the Stormlands, allow for greater acceptance and opportunity, others—such as the Riverlands and the Vale—maintain strict societal structures that keep bastards at a distance. The Westerlands offer a unique example of how wealth and influence can provide bastards with more privilege, while the Iron Islands demand strength and survival as the key to earning respect.
In the end, how bastards are treated in different regions of Westeros reflects the values, traditions, and power dynamics of each place. While they may face challenges, bastards in Westeros still have the potential to make their mark, with some even finding ways to defy their status and claim power, honor, and respect. Whether through battle, loyalty, or cunning, bastards across the Seven Kingdoms carve out their own paths, shaping their destinies in a world that often sees them as lesser, but never powerless.
