
They have gained control of Westeros as a result of their pragmatism and ruthlessness, in addition to an infamously villainous reputation.
Ambition Is Evil: Under Tywin's leadership, the Lannisters are determined to win the game of thrones and rise to the top of their own empire, by any means necessary. Joffrey was starting to get there as well. The Alcoholic: They seem to have a genetic predisposition, with both Tyrion and Cersei being high-functioning alcoholics. Their members are beautiful, with green eyes and blonde hair, and their sigil is a golden lion on a red field. They have a second, unofficial motto - "A Lannister always pays his debts" - which is an invitation to Good Samaritans and a warning to Bad ones. They have notable similarities to the historical Borgia dynasty, as well as drawing some inspiration from various members of the Wars of the Roses. They are effectively the royal house and become the nemesis of the Starks early on. The Lannisters are powerful and controlling, and completely merciless to those they view as weak. They are of First Men origin through the female line, though they follow neither the Old Gods nor the customs of the heritage anymore since Andal adventurers married into the family hundreds of years ago.
They control the Westerlands, with its hills and rich gold mines, and claim to descend from Lann the Clever, who is said to have stolen sunlight for his hair and winkled Casterly Rock from House Casterly using only his wits.