Was Brandon the Builder the First King in the North?

In the complex and often disputed history of Westeros, the title of 'First King in the North' is a topic that has been the subject of many speculations and historical inquiries. George R.R. Martin's characters and lore introduce several figures and dynasties vying for this title, with Brandon the Builder standing as a prominent figure. Yet, the question remains: was Brandon the Builder genuinely the first king to rule over the land of the North?

Historical Context of House Stark and the Barrow Kings

One of the prominent figures often mentioned in relation to the title of the 'First King in the North' is Brandon the Builder. However, this title is not as straightforward as it might seem. The North in Westeros has a long and storied history, with various dynasties claiming the title of kings over the land.

The Barrow Kings and Early Stark Lineage

One of the earliest known kings in the North were the so-called Barrow Kings, from the city of Barrowton. These kings were from House Dustin, who claim descent from the First King of the First Men. While the Barrow Kings were the first established kingdom within the North, they likely held this title during the time of the Long Night, which is believed to have occurred around 2,000 years after the Pact between the Children of the Forest and the First Men.

Early Stark Kings and Their Titles

The House Stark, from which House Baratheon later took their last name, were founded after the Long Night. According to legend, Brandon the Builder, the legendary founder of House Stark, raised the castle at Winterfell. While Brandon the Builder might not have openly styled himself as a king, he undoubtedly wielded considerable power and authority, as evidenced by his monumental accomplishments, such as building the great Wall of Winterfell.

The first chronological mention of a Stark king was King Brandon the Breaker, who ruled many years after the founding of House Stark. Brandon the Breaker is known for his significant achievements, such as allying with Joramun to defeat the Night's King. Despite these historical figures, the claim of Brandon the Builder as the 'First King in the North' lacks definitive proof.

The Identification and Conflict Between the Barrows and Starks

The first person to actually be referred to as a king in the lands beyond the Neck was during a time when the North was ruled by the Barrow Kings. These kings reached their peak during the conflicts with the Stark lineage but eventually lost their seat, and their descendants ruled from Barrowton.

Ancient and Modern Claims

While the Barrow Kings and the Starks had their conflicts, both dynasties held significant power and prestige. The Barrow Kings are often seen as powerful rivals to the Starks, but after their defeat, their seat passed to the Starks. The current title of 'Kings in the North' is often attributed to the current ruling house, despite earlier dynasties and lesser kings in the region.

Concluding Thoughts

The title of the 'First King in the North' is a title that has sparked much debate among fans and historians of George R.R. Martin's world. While Brandon the Builder undoubtedly had a significant impact on the landscape and power dynamics of the North, the title of 'First King' may not be as clear-cut as it might seem. The true identity of the very first king of the North remains an open question, with historical accounts and legends providing different perspectives and speculations.