Theon

Biodata

Background and History

Raised at Winterfell as Eddard Stark’s foster son, Theon is close to Robb but initially acts more recklessly than him. He supports Robb’s early campaigns, carries out his orders after the defeat of Bolton deserters, and becomes one of six squad captains in Robb’s guard 1 6 9 12.

When Robb sends him after Lady and Nymeria, Theon works with Blood Wind and other guards to recover both direwolves. Robb later gives him and Owen Norrey command of the archer infantry, the first military authority of that scale Theon has held at Winterfell 20 21 23.

During the campaign against House Bolton, Theon helps occupy Ironstone Town. His troops confiscate its supplies and wealth without devastating the town, and he incorporates roughly 1,500 Bolton prisoners into the army 35 40. He subsequently accompanies Robb’s campaigns against the Ironborn and Lannisters 108 114.

Abilities and Skills

Archery

• Robb considers Theon an outstanding archer 6.
• During the capture of Casterly Rock, Theon shoots Staffer Lannister through the mouth before Staffer can raise an alarm 117.

Command and Fieldwork

• Leads small-scale operations and serves as a squad captain before receiving joint command of Winterfell’s archer infantry 6 9 23.
• Uses concealment and timing to recover Nymeria and Lady near the Crossroads Inn 21.
• Maintains discipline while occupying Ironstone Town and integrates captured soldiers into Robb’s forces 40.

Rule of the Iron Islands

Theon asks Robb for a chance to persuade his father, Balon Greyjoy, to surrender rather than continue an unwinnable war. Balon instead imprisons him and proposes trading him for Arya. After Balon’s death, Theon is released and crowned King of the Iron Islands with Robb’s support. He conscripts Ironborn ships and fighters for the campaign in the Westerlands 108 109 110.

Following that campaign, Theon prohibits attacks on merchant ships trading at the Pike Island port identified as King’s Landing. He assigns the Iron Fleet to protect nearby waters and reorganizes the port into expanding functional zones 153. Later, he spends more time seeking pleasure and leaves much political work to Quenton Greyjoy and Ramsay Bolton. Their competing followings divide influence across the islands 153 155.

Euron Greyjoy challenges the legitimacy of Theon’s coronation and demands another kingsmoot. Ramsay’s captains join Euron’s supporters, giving Euron a majority before Theon can make his case 245 246. Theon then works with Robb on an operation against Euron’s fleet. Although Euron escapes, Robb gains control of the Iron Islands, and Theon captures Ramsay after his ship is damaged 248.

Relationships

• Robb Stark — Foster-brother figure, commander and political ally. Robb advances Theon’s military career, supports his coronation, and later helps him confront Euron 6 23 110 248.
• Balon Greyjoy — Father. Balon rejects Theon’s loyalty to the Starks, imprisons him, and dismisses his plea to surrender 109.
• Quenton Greyjoy — Cousin. Quenton releases Theon after Balon’s death and pledges allegiance to him, but later builds a powerful faction of his own 109 110 155.
• Ramsay Bolton — Subordinate who gains Theon’s trust and influence among Ironborn captains, then backs Euron at the kingsmoot. Theon captures him during the subsequent fleet operation 153 155 246 248.
• Euron Greyjoy — Uncle and rival for the Seastone Chair; defeats Theon at the new kingsmoot 245 246.

Notable Quotes

“Surrendering and allying with Robb to raid the South and get rich, isn’t that a better choice?” 109

“How ridiculous! Are my qualifications something you can question? You want a new kingsmoot? Tell me first, on what grounds!” 245