40K: Which GoT House Each Primarch Would Be In, Part 1

Just for fun, let’s take a look at the Primarchs and which Game of Thrones House they would belong in.

With Game of Thrones wrapping up earlier this year I’ve been going back to the books and giving them a good rereading. Now, like many good nerds, there’s nothing I like better than a bit of what-if/cross over speculation. You’ve got classics like “who would win,” or “which universe is stronger.” As a huge 40K and GoT/Asoiaf fan, I thought it would be fun to look at each Primarch and figure out which house they would best belong in. Let’s dig in.

Lion El’Jonson: The Night’s Watch

I think it would be easy to look at Lion El’Jonson, and say off the cuff that he belongs in House Lannister thanks to the lion motif. However looking at it more, I think the Night’s Watch fits him, and his Legion, really well (and yes I know they are not technically a house). The Dark Angels and the Lion got their start as a knightly order, traveling into the dark forests of their homeworld to fight monsters and ward the normal humans.

That sounds a lot like Night’s Watch ranging into the land beyond the wall to fight the Others. You’ve also got the fact the Dark Angels originally wore black, just like the Night’s Watch. Add to that the fact that if the Lion were to come back, he would in effect command a bunch of “fallen men” seeking to atone for past misdeeds (or the past misdeeds of their chapter), and that like to hunt deserters and its a nice match.

Fulgrim: House Targaryen

Pride and madness go hand in hand among House Targaryen, which makes them a fitting house for Fulgrim. Not only does he share the silver/white hair of the house, but his pride and arrogance match some of the famous Targaryens. Like a Targaryen, he and his children, consider themselves above other men, a hubris that often leads to excess.

Considering the Targaryen association with madness, a history of having deformed children born with scales, and even trying to transform into a dragon, its no wonder that Fulgrim as a Demon prince would take on dragon wings and a serpentine, or draconic body. Nor should it surprise us that, like a certain Targaryen, the man who was once a hero turns into a mass murderer.

Perturabo: House Arryn 

Ok, I had to think about this one a bit, but I think Perturabo is a good fit for House Arryn. As a child, Perturabo was found at the bottom of a mountain that his adopted family lived on top of. Likewise the seat of House Arryn, the Eyrie sits atop a mountain. Perturabo was known as the most technically proficient Primarch. He was a great builder, though it said he lacked in fact. The Arryn’s are likewise great builders, having built the Eyrie and the other impressive defenses of the Vale. They do not seem to be a particularly religious household, though littler mention is made one way or another.

Key to the match, however, is the fact that Perturabo is a master of siege warfare, and known for building and defending impregnable fortresses. This is a very House Arryn trait, as the Eyrie is known as the most impregnable castle in the world, and the Vale is guarded by the Blood Gate, against which dozens of armies have dashed themselves to bloody bits. That alone would make this a great fit.

Jaghatai Khan: Dothraki 

Alright, again I know this isn’t technically a house, but come on.  I think there is really little to be said; it’s pretty obvious why Jaghatai Khan would be one of the Dothraki. Coming from a fantasy pseudo- Mongol/Hun culture, where else would the Khan end up than with the fantasy pseudo-Mongol/Hun culture.

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Khal Jaghatai would be as at home on horseback in the Dothraki sea as he ever was side a jetbike in the Great Crusade. He’s even got the Long hair part down. This is a match made in heaven.

Leman Russ: House Stark 

Wolves, winter, ice, feasting, wearing leathers, unnatural psychic connections to wolves. These are just a few of the things that make Leman Russ, and his sons, perfect fit for House Stark. I think again this is a pretty clear fit; Leman Russ is the classic Northerner, ready to fight, but full of honor and a great comrade to have. He’s loyal to a fault and all about that wolf pack life. Add to that the wolf connection, which of course can’t just be with normal wolves, but has to be with super wolves and it really fits in. 

You’ve also got the fact that like the Starks, Russ and the Fenrisians, “worship” a bit different from the comrades. Russ and his sons don’t use pykers, they use Wolf Priests, and the Starks don’t follow the Seven, they follow the old gods. Now, Russ’ Viking inspired part is a little off form the Starks to be sure, but I just take it Russ fitting in more with the historical Starks, of say the Age of Heroes, rather than the current day civilized Starks. Heck, maybe Russ is the Last Hero himself.

Rogal Dorn: House Lannister 

Rogal Dorn clad in ornate golden army and a large red cloak is the very image of a Lannister Lord. Looks aside, I just get a very Tywin Lannister vibe from Dorn, he’s got that stern, pragmatic and brilliant feel to him, but also an edge of ruthlessness. Rogal Dorn of course, like Perturabo, is a master of siege warfare and a building of great defenses, likewise the Lannisters are known for Casterly Rock, their great fortress (though they did not build it.)

Dorn was of course put in charge of the defenses of Terra during the Heresy, and acted as almost a regent, in organizing the defense of the capital. Likewise, several recent Lannisters have found themselves acting as Hands of the King and defending the capital against attack. Often the attackers are followers of some new strange religion…

Konrad Curze: House Bolton

Konrad Curze was a master of terror tactics and trickery, known for his brutal style and attacks. House Bolton meanwhile, are known for being masters of terror tactics and trickery, are known for their brutal style. It’s a match made in the Seven Hells. I think we can all see Curze taking part in some flaying.

Like the Boltons, Curze is at first able to fit in with the good guys and seems loyal. However, when he changes sides and betrays his rightful lord, I think anyone was really surprised. We probably should have guessed that the mass-murdering psycho and the guys with flayed people on their flags might not have been good inside.

Alright, folks, that’s it for this time, join us in part 2 where we finish off putting all the Primarchs in their houses! 

Let us know what house you think each Primarch belongs in, down in the comments! 

Author: Abe Apfel

Abe is that rare thing, an Austin local born and raised here. Though he keeps on moving around, DC, Japan, ETC., he always seems to find his way back eventually. Abe has decades of experience with a wide range of tabletop and RPG games, from historicals, to Star Wars to D&D and 40K. He has been contributing to BOLS since almost the start, back when he worked at and then owned a local gaming store. He used to be big into the competitive Warhammer tournament scene but age has mellowed him and he now appreciates a good casual match. He currently covers 40K tactics and lore, as well as all things Star Wars, with occasional dabbling in other topics. Abe remains in mourning over the loss of WFB to this day.