The Legacy of Power: Targaryens vs. Starks

When it comes to the Power Struggle on the Thrones in Game of Thrones, the question arises: who is genuinely stronger - the Targaryens or the Starks? While both houses have left indelible marks on the Seven Kingdoms, their paths to power and the perception of their strength differ greatly.

Legacy and Popularity

House Stark is beloved across the region, a truth testified by the old Northron proverb
"Who is not of Winterfell is not of the North", highlighting their long-standing dominance and adherence to honour and tradition. Despite occasional political and personal grievances, the Starks hold a place of reverence and devotion in the North, even from noble houses like the Manderles, Dam Mountains, and Barrowtons.

Conversely, the legacy of House Targaryen is largely fraught with forgetfulness. By the end of their reign, most of the other houses had all but forgotten them. This is understandable, given that the death of Aerys II marked the end of their rule and the subsequent chaos was as much about them as it was about the Fall of the Targaryens. People either cheered their downfall or, in many cases, couldn't care less.

Strength Through Dragons

With dragons, the Targaryens were an invincible force. Their lineup of formidable bloodriders - from Rhella Maekor to Daemon and Aemon - consolidated their power over the Seven Kingdoms. However, despite their formidable dragons, the Targaryens faced one of their most formidable opponents in the Dornish, who managed to check their dominance.

When dragons were no longer a factor, the Targaryens were still formidable, but the Strategic Position of the Starks was crucial. It took a coalition of almost half the Seven Kingdoms to defeat them, whereas the honour and loyalty of the Starks alone would not have been capable of such a feat. The intelligent and politically astute Starks outmaneuvered the Targaryens, culminating in the knelling of King Torrhen Stark before Aegon I.

Physical and Political Strength

Admittedly, in terms of physique, Starks were on average stronger than Targaryens. Their northern heritage instilled in them an innate strength and resilience, often seen in the brawn of the northern battalions. However, when it came to the art of dueling, there was a balance - not every house was a match for each other in such matters.

Politically, the Starks possessed an unyielding backbone.

For 300 years, the Targaryens were their liege lords, but one misstep could revert that allegiance quickly. Popular unity, combined with a political acumen in preparing for succession, meant that when the Targaryens faltered, the Starks were ready to rise.

Key Considerations

While the Targaryens had a few notable fighters, the strength of the Starks lay in their bannermen, allies, and regional power. Houses like the Umbers, Manderles, and the Northern Mountain Clans have a storied history of loyalty to the Starks, especially those in the North. The Bloodraven's cursed lineage stirred disputes, turning Targaryen loyalists against one another, such as during the Blackfyre Rebellions. The Karstarks, known for their loyalty to the Starks, broke ranks after an emotional decision but still retained a sense of political savviness.

Historically, it is rare to find such devoted allegiance to the Starks as loyalty to them has often been built through power-solidified relationships. Lord Harrion Karstark, Lord Eddard Karstark, and Lord Torrhen Karstark were the pillars of the Karstark legacy, who, despite personal hardships, remained loyal. Even the partially executed Lord Rickard Karstark ultimately fought for the Seven Kingdoms, a testament to their fealty.

In contrast, navigating the turbulent political landscape and dealing with the succession crises of the Targaryens required immense political acumen and foresight. This is exemplified by the succession battle between Aegon IV, who ensured his younger son Daeron II as heir, and the more powerful Daemon Blackfyre. The struggle underscored the complex political maneuvers necessary to secure and maintain power.

A Universal Symbol of Loyalty

In conclusion, the Targaryens, with their dragons, represented unwavering power, but the Starks achieved their immense influence through strategic political alliances and the unwavering devotion of their followers. While both houses fought valiantly and have left indelible marks on the history of Westeros, the strength of the Starks lies in their loyal bannermen, who have historically fought for their houses, even when the odds were not in their favor.

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