House Greyjoy and the Iron Islands

House Greyjoy

 

Current Leader: Balon Greyjoy

Their Title: King of the Iron Islands (formerly Lord Paramount until declaration of independence)

House Seat: Pyke

Current Family Members: Asha (Yara) Greyjoy (daughter), Theon Greyjoy (son), Euron Greyjoy (brother), Victarion Greyjoy (brother), Aeron Greyjoy (brother).
Family Traits: well built, black hair

House Words: We Do Not Sow
Region: The Iron Islands
Bastard Surname: Pyke
Geography: A group of 7 islands far to the west of the main continent.
History/Notable Events:
 -Formally controlled the area known as the Riverlands (and parts of the Crownlands) up until the coming of the Targaryens
-After the devastation at Harrenhal, The Iron Islands were granted to House Greyjoy.
-Have had many rebellions, the most recent being 6 years after Robert's Rebellion
         -Led to the death of Balon's oldest sons (Rodrik and Maron).
-Never assimilated to the Andal culture; as a result the Drowned God Religion is dominant in this region.

Notable People from Region:
Grey King: One of the legendary heroes of the past. Slayed the sea dragon Nagga and married a mermaid were he was said to rule for 1000 years.
King Harren Hoare: The last Kings of the age before the Targaryens. Was burned alive (along with his sons) from dragonfire during the conquest.

My Thoughts: This is probably my least favorite House/Family in the series. I guess they are just too harsh and too barbaric for my liking. At this point in the show, Theon is unlikeable and is to be pitied, due to his current capture and torture at the hands of Ramsay Snow. I do believe that Yara (Asha) is one of the better character as she goes beyond her bounds of what society deems for a woman. She is strong and capable and as hearty as any captain in Westeros. Right now the people of the Iron Islands seem cold and I'm not sure if it is because of the landscape/lifstyle or about the hard times they have fallen on in the last 300 years. Theon's current predicament is defintely interesting as it leaves the heir to the Iron Islands up in the air. Balon seems to be a very proud man who is trying to regain the glory days of the past of his House. He feels like now is the best time to break free from the bounds of the Iron Throne and seek their own power and control (like they once had)

What's Next: We will hopefully see what further happens with Theon/Reek in the North. We we also hopefully see some of Yara's adventures on her way to rescue her brother and if that will get resolved this season. The Reavers (Ironmen) are dealing with conflict with the Bolton men, so we can expect more of that in the story. Also if I remember correctly, Stannis/Melisandre said three names in the fire (Robb, Balon, Joffrey), so it will be interesting to see when/if/how it comes to pass and how it will affect the rest of the story going forward. The Greyjoys are set up to have a fairly interesting storyline the rest of the season, so I will be looking forward to see how it comes to pass.