The Iron Islands are an archipelago in the west of Westeros and are home to many great Houses. These islands are famous for their rich marine resources. House Greyjoy is the leader of all the islands of the Iron Islands. Ironborn is the term for those born on the land of the Iron Islands. They are known as tough and gloomy figures, as well as the most feared pirates in the seas.
Starting with Robert’s Rebellion, House Greyjoy chose to be neutral in the rebellion so they didn’t lose many troops. Balon Greyjoy saw an opportunity during the reign of Robert Baratheon, because at that time it was still difficult for Robert to gain full support big houses in the Seven Kingdoms. Balon felt that with the new movement, he could be para big houses those who do not support Robert will support him.
Greyjoy Attacks Lannisport
6 years after Robert’s Rebellion, Balon Greyjoy declared himself king of the Iron Islands. He wears a wooden crown and clearly states that the Iron Islands are independent from the Seven Kingdoms. He and most of the Ironborn wanted to return to their ancient traditions which were more of an “Old Way” lifestyle. A traditional way of life that justifies the culture of raiding and ruling the land like pirates.
The Ironborn with their Iron Fleet sailed south. The Iron Fleet is one of the largest ships in the Seven Kingdoms, along with the Royal Fleet of the Crownlands and the Redwyne Fleet of the Arbor. The Iron Fleet could contain many troops, and at that time, the Iron Fleet numbered in the hundreds. Led by Victarion Greyjoy and Euron Greyjoy with hundreds of ships full of troops, they attacked Lannisport – a major port in the Seven Kingdoms, located near Castely Rock.
They attacked the port, burned all the ships there, killed the Lannister troops. Lord Tywin was careless in this attack, losing many troops. Tywin was also captured and survived at Castley Rock. And with the destruction of Lannisport, the Ironborn people were able to control the Sunset Sea so they could strengthen their defenses in the southern sea area. They settled and made a defense on Fair Isle.
Ned Stark Joins the Fight against the Ironborn
King Robert heard this news, so he sent word to all the Seven Kingdoms to join him in the fight against the Ironborn people. The news reached the ears of Ned Stark in Winterfell. Ned was also asked by King Robert to fight with him as before, like when he overthrows the Targaryens.
At that time, Ned Stark, who served as Warden of the North, felt uneasy. He wanted to go help King Robert, but his wife Catelyn Stark wouldn’t let him. Catelyn was not happy with this war, because the last time he fought for Robert, Ned came home with a baby boy (Jon Snow), who he admitted was an illegitimate child. Catelyn could actually understand if Ned had one bastardhowever, what angered him at that moment was Ned’s silent attitude when asked about the illegitimate child. In addition, Catelyn also feared that Ned would have another son after this war.
In the end, Ned Stark still went to help Robert. He marched south with many troops behind him, including the troops of House Tully. Meanwhile, King Robert sent Stannis Baratheon to help Tywin. Stannis leads the army with King Robert’s banner on his ship.
Stannis goes to the Iron Islands with King Robert and Tywin. Stannis managed to set a trap on Fair Isle – the first island he passed before he left for Pyke. It was on this island that the Iron Fleet settled after burning Lannisport.
As sailors, perhaps the Ironborn were invincible. However, they are not soldiers who have strategy and discipline. They were hit by Stannis, then King Robert and his troops managed to destroy the Iron Fleet.
The power of the Ironborn was centered in the Iron Fleet, so with the collapse of the Iron Fleet, King Robert’s troops led by Stannis could march directly to Pyke. Stannis believes victory is already within his grasp.
Victarion Greyjon, Balon Greyjoy’s brother was killed. Meanwhile, Euron Greyjoy flees into exile. It is said that due to this defeat, Euron became a bit crazy, and thus he could become the most feared pirate in the Old City to the Jade Sea. Euron was once tied to the mast of a ship by his crew because when a storm came, he wanted to jump into the open sea. Then after the storm ended, Euron cut out the tongues of the ship’s crew that tied him up. Why? Euron says he needs silence.
They attack the Iron Islands
Returning to war, Ned Stark leads an army that sails from Seagard to Pyke. Rodrik Greyjoy, the eldest son of Balon, put up quite a strong resistance to Ned’s troops. Rodrik was eventually killed by Jason Mallister, a Lord of Seagard loyal to House Tully. Ned Stark successfully sails to Pyke.
Ned Stark meets King Robert who is already there. They split the squad into three. Stannis leads an attack on Great Wyk, the largest of the Iron Islands. Meanwhile one of the Kingsguard, Ser Barristan Selmy led troops to Old Wyk. Stannis in an instant managed to control Great Wyk, as did SerBarristanKing Robert Ned Stark sent him to the main army to attack PykeMajriduks the troop’StannisSerBarristan to help and because of the war King Robert makes him understand better with Ned (Robert Baratheon and Ned Starkkienuvolutifi cold war Read here)[amelSerBarristanIr-ReRobertuNedStarkwasslulill-armataewlenijabiextattakkalilPykeMajriduxlit-truppita’StannisuSerBarristanjgħinugħaxir-ReRobertiridlidinil-gwerrajġiegħlujifhemaħjarma’Ned(RobertBaratheonuNedStarkkienuinvolutifigwerrabierdaAqrahawn)
All day they fought together, burned the city of Lordsport and then reached the castle of Pyke. Balon Greyjoy and his family were angry about this, they fought back. Thoros of Myr with his flaming sword held off Greyjoy’s resistance. He was assisted by Jorah Mormont, one of the Houses loyal to House Stark. Because he fought so hard, Jorah Mormont later received the title of knight.
Ned Stark with his ancestral sword named Ice, while King Robert does warhammer which he used to kill Rhaegar Targaryen, they managed to surround the entire city of Pyke. Marlon Greyjoy, one of Balon Greyjoy’s sons died in this siege. They penetrated wall after wall, destroying almost all of the Ironborn using axes. At this point, King Robert and Ned Stark went to where Balon and his family were.
Balon Greyjoy Surrender
King Robert arrives at Balon Greyjoy’s chamber. Balon immediately fell to his knees admitting his defeat. There, was also his younger son, Theon Greyjoy, heir to the Iron Islands. Theon saw his father bend the knee that day before King Robert and Ned Stark.
King Robert forgives Balon’s mistakes. He felt that this war would actually make the major houses believe in him. Balon is still trusted to regain his throne as leader of the Iron Islands, on one condition. His son had to be taken prisoner so that in the future he would not grow up like his father and carry out a rebellion. Ned Stark proposes that he will take Theon to Winterfell. King Robert agreed to this.
On the other hand, Stannis is angry with Robert’s decision. He felt this was unfair. The price the rebel had to pay was that his neck was cut. But King Robert didn’t care, he stuck to his decision to give Theon to Ned Stark to take him to Winterfell.
Balon was left with his last child, a woman named Yara Greyjo. Balon was sad, he had tremendous anger and deep grudges against King Robert and Ned Stark. However, he could do nothing, he could only let Theon be taken by Ned Stark.
Before leaving, Balon said something to Theon. That no one dies because they bend the knee. Those who bend their knees will one day rise again with sword in hand. Meanwhile, those who do not kneel will surely die
Then what Catelyn feared happened, Ned Stark returned to Winterfell bringing a son (again). In Winterfell itself, Theon was never treated as a prisoner by Ned. Theon was allowed to play with the Stark children, be fed, and trained together. Ned Stark believes that Theon is nothing like his father. Theon can later grow into a good and honorable person, which can later strengthen the alliance between Winterfell and the Iron Islands.
Theon was eventually appointed as Ned’s personal bodyguard. He was also allowed to follow his own religion, the religion of the Ironborn. Theon is also considered his own child even though he is not related by blood. As with the other Stark children, Theon is considered a brother and a guest.
Until then, the kindness of the Stark family was betrayed by Theon himself. When Robb Stark fought in the south, Theon attacked Winterfell and killed many people who had been good to him until now.
(This article is excerpted from various sources on Westeros.org)
*Written by Prabowo Hadi / @oboow_
