Bear Island

Bear Island is a remote, heavily forested island off the northwestern coast of the North in Westeros, the seat of House Mormont. Hard and poor, it breeds a hardy people and is famed for the toughness of its women, who are said to wield axes in defense of their homes.

Geography and People

Bear Island lies in the Bay of Ice, far from the centers of power, a cold place of pine and woods where folk live by fishing and a little farming. Its remoteness and history of raids from the Iron Islands and wildlings have made its people self-reliant and fierce. The women of Bear Island are renowned warriors, a necessity in a land so often raided while the men were away.

House Mormont

The island is held by House Mormont, a small but fiercely loyal vassal of House Stark. Its lord during the events of the series is Jeor Mormont, who left to become Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, passing the island to his sister Maege. Jeor's son, Ser Jorah Mormont, disgraced himself by selling poachers into slavery and fled into exile, later becoming a sworn companion of Daenerys Targaryen.

Loyalty to the Starks

The Mormonts of Bear Island are steadfast supporters of House Stark. The young Lyanna Mormont, in particular, becomes a memorable voice of fierce Northern loyalty. According to legend the island was given to House Mormont by King Rodrik Stark, who won it from the ironborn in a wrestling match.