Winterfell is the center of the North on the Westeros continent, relying on the southern Neck's natural barrier, a place that even the Andals couldn't conquer in their invasion.
It has become a territory mainly inhabited by the descendants of the First Men.
The Stark family are the lords of Winterfell, also known as the Kings of the North. Eight thousand years ago, it was their ancestors who built the Desolation Wall.
Thus, they hold a high prestige among the descendants of the First Men.
Even when the 'Mad King' was overthrown, Ed Stark had the chance to ascend the Iron Throne, but he yielded it to his friend Robert.
Ed Stark can be said to perfectly embody almost all positive qualities of a noble, even to the point of being somewhat pedantic. Nevertheless, this gives him high prestige across Westeros, and makes him very trustworthy.
However, recently, the whole North has been somewhat uneasy, with the Night Watcher frequently asking for aid, Ed Stark senses a looming storm...
