House Greyjoy

House Greyjoy of Pyke is one of the Great Houses of Westeros and the ruling family of the Iron Islands, a harsh and rocky archipelago in the western sea. Their sigil is a golden kraken on a black field, and their words are "We Do Not Sow." They rule from Pyke, a crumbling castle built on weathered stacks and a headland above the crashing waves.

The ironborn live by the Old Way, reaving and raiding the coasts of the mainland, taking gold, captives, and salt wives by force of arms. To pay the iron price -- to win wealth in battle rather than buy it -- is held the only honorable course; goods bought with coin are scorned as the gold price. The Greyjoys claim descent from the Grey King of legend, who is said to have ruled the sea itself and taken a mermaid to wife.

History

In ancient days the ironborn chose their rulers in a kingsmoot, raising the Driftwood Throne over conquered coasts. The Greyjoys were named Lords of the Iron Islands by Aegon the Conqueror after he allowed the ironborn to choose their own overlord. Generations later, Balon Greyjoy crowned himself King of the Iron Islands and rose in revolt against Robert Baratheon. The rebellion was crushed, Pyke stormed, and Balon's surviving son Theon taken to Winterfell as a hostage and ward of Eddard Stark.

During the War of the Five Kings Balon declared himself king once more, sending his fleets against the unguarded North.

Notable Members

• Balon Greyjoy, Lord Reaper of Pyke, self-proclaimed king
• Theon Greyjoy, his son, raised among the Starks
• Asha Greyjoy, his daughter, a hardened captain in her own right
• Euron Greyjoy, called Crow's Eye, Balon's dread brother
• Victarion Greyjoy, another brother, lord captain of the Iron Fleet

Significance

The Greyjoys turn the chaos of the war to their advantage, falling upon the North while the Starks campaign in the south. Theon's seizure of Winterfell -- and his later torment at the hands of House Bolton -- mark a low point for the House and for the North alike.