What are the amazing secrets hiding behind the Crypts of Winterfell? Of all castles and structures in AWOIAF, none is more haunting and impressive than Winterfell. Built eight thousand years before the story started, Winterfell started out as a vast expanse of land with walls all around it, crypts and a tower. Brandon the Builder, the legendary Stark from the age of heroes, is told to be responsible for advising on the architecture of the seventh castle for king Durran Godsgr