Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Kolen Greyjoy (科伦) 2 |
| Alias(es) | King of the Sea Stones 17 29 |
| Affiliation | House Greyjoy; Iron Islands 2 19 |
| Occupation/Role | Ruler of the Iron Islands 10 19 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 2 (mentioned); Chapter 3 (appears) 2 3 |
Background and History
Kolen lost three sons by his first wife, Meryl of House Stonestreet: Halon died of greyscale, Quenton died in infancy, and Donal died at birth alongside Meryl. He later married Sansa and cherished their surviving sons 5 29.
Seeking to move the Iron Islands away from plunder, Kolen proposed trading iron ore and salt fish for grain and building merchant ships instead of longships. His plans also included opening trade ports and allowing the Faith of the Seven to preach. His eldest son and several island lords resisted the reforms 2 3.
When his sons returned from an unauthorized raid, Kolen judged the danger to the Iron Islands more important than their spoils. He confined them for a month, assigned the elder son the hazardous task of clearing barnacles from Howling Cape, and ordered Yulon to copy religious, historical, and legal texts. He directed that part of House Greyjoy’s share of the spoils be exchanged for grain and defensive timber 10.
Yulon later persuaded Kolen to consider gradual reform rather than confronting every tradition at once. At a council meeting, Kolen permitted raids outside the Seven Kingdoms under restrictions, protected the Faith’s preachers, and arranged trade for winter supplies 16 19 20. After Yulon developed refined salt called Platinum Sand, Kolen kept its production method under Greyjoy control and introduced supply quotas tied to each island’s loyalty and contributions 25 26.
Appearance
Kolen is tall and broad-shouldered, with black hair streaked with silver, a weathered face, and scars from sea battles 3 10.
- Eyes — Sharp, frequently described as falcon-like 10 12.
- Council attire — Kraken-emblazoned leather armor 19.
Personality
Kolen is stern with his sons and unwilling to let profitable actions excuse risks to the islands. He values preparation, intelligence, and responsibility over reckless displays of Ironborn strength 10 12. Although committed to change, he is willing to compromise when resistance makes his original approach impractical 16 20.
He also recognizes Yulon’s political ability. Kolen brings him into the council hall, approves his plan to develop an informant in Pentos, and tests his judgment when lords propose changing the succession 17 23 29.
Relationships
- Meryl Stonestreet — First wife; died giving birth to their son Donal 5.
- Sansa Greyjoy — Second wife and mother of his surviving sons 5 29.
- Yulon Greyjoy — Younger son and increasingly trusted political adviser; Kolen supports his salt and intelligence projects 16 23 25.
- Baron Greyjoy — Eldest surviving son and designated heir; their relationship is strained by Baron’s recklessness and opposition to reform 3 10 29.
- Vickon Greyjoy — Younger brother and High Priest of the Drowned God 26.
- Balf Greyjoy — Younger brother and master-at-arms 29.
- Daggmo — Pirate captain whom Kolen assigns as Yulon’s guard and assistant 23.
Notable Quotes
“Learn to think with a quill, not an axe!” 3
“Every piece of gold you brought back might have to be paid for with Ironborn blood!” 10