Ward

A ward is a member of a noble house who has been taken in by another family to be raised for a time. The practice varies, with sometimes the practice being undertaken voluntarily (to help prospective heirs learn the customs of other parts of Westeros as part of their education, for example) but also involuntarily, with the 'ward' actually being a hostage for his family's good behaviour.

Season 1
Petyr Baelish reminisces with Eddard Stark about how the latter's brother injured him in a duel fought for the honor of Catelyn Tully whilst he was a ward of Catelyn's father.

Theon Greyjoy is a notable example of the hostage type of ward, having been given up by his father and surrendered to the custody of Lord Eddard Stark following his failed rebellion. Although Theon was raised and educated by the Starks and treated well, he was nevertheless a captive, something that rankles with him when Tyrion Lannister taunts him over the matter.

In the books
In the Song of Ice and Fire novels, wardship or fostering is seen as an honorable, normal tradition. The ward is an honorary member of the house for the duration of his or her stay, including having a raised social status if he or she is from a lesser house. Fostering frequently results in close ties and sometimes alliances being formed between houses from different sides of the continent. Most notably, Eddard Stark first met Robert Baratheon when they were both wards of Lord Jon Arryn of the Eyrie, leading to their lifelong friendship and an alliance between their houses.

Other notable examples of wardship include:


 * Prince Oberyn Martell being a ward of Lord Qorgyle at Sandstone.
 * Prince Quentyn Martell being a ward of Lord Yronwood at Yronwood.
 * Ser Loras Tyrell being a ward of Lord Renly Baratheon at Storm's End.
 * Ser Jaime Lannister being a ward and squire of Lord Sumner Crakehall at Crakehall.