The Great Houses of Game of Thrones
By rowankaiser
House Greyjoy
House Words: “We Do Not Sow”
House Sigil: The kraken
Location: Pyke, in the Iron Islands, located to the west of the Neck that divides the North from the Riverlands.
Status at the start of Season 5: The Greyjoys have launched their invasion of the North, but this has been stalled and they’ve lost the fortress at Moat Cailin. Theon Greyjoy is under Ramsay Bolton’s complete control.
Role in the War of the Five Kings: Balon Greyjoy takes advantage of the chaos to declare independence again. He attempts to earn it by sending his raiders to take Stark holdings in the North, damaging Robb Stark’s war effort. This is compounded by a brave/foolish raid by Theon Greyjoy against Winterfell.
Theon apparently murders Bran and Rickon Stark (though the real boys escape). A force led by Ramsay Snow retakes Winterfell, but they brutally sack it and capture Theon. Theon is tortured and mutilated and finally converted to Ramsay’s side, even helping the Boltons retake the strategically critical fort of Moat Cailin from his countrymen.
Role in Robert’s Rebellion: The Ironborn joined the war late, on Robert’s side. A few years later, they rebelled for independence, but were defeated by Robert’s forces and Balon Greyjoy’s surviving son, Theon, was taken as a ward and hostage to be raised by Ned Stark.
History: House Greyjoy was one of a few notable rulers of the Iron Islands historically, but the throne was held by House Hoare at the time of Aegon’s Conquest. The Ironborn also ruled the Riverlands at this point, placing them directly in the Targaryen warpath. Following Hoare’s destruction at Harrenhal, the Greyjoys eventually took control of the Iron Islands, under the Iron Throne.
Profile: The Greyjoys rule over the Ironborn, a culture of Viking-like reavers who worship the Drowned God.
House Lord: Balon Greyjoy
Heir: Theon Greyjoy (technically—his castration and capture may render him unsuitable)
Family Members: Balon Greyjoy, Theon Greyjoy, Yara Greyjoy (Asha in the novels), Aeron Greyjoy, Euron Greyjoy, Victarion Greyjoy (the previous three are Balon’s brothers, who may or may not appear in the show at some point)
Retainers: Dagmer Cleftjaw
Notable Vassals: House Harlaw