Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Ironborn (铁种) |
| Affiliation | Iron Islands; later allied with the North under Queen Asha Greyjoy 181 |
| Occupation/Role | Sailors, raiders, and soldiers of the Iron Islands 66 92 |
| First Appearance | Mentioned in Chapter 1; first shown as a group in Chapter 64 1 64 |
History
Conflict with the North
House Glover has defended Deepwood Motte against Ironborn attacks for generations. During Balon Greyjoy's rebellion, Galbart Glover was severely wounded in the assault on Pyke; the injury eventually led to his death 2. Deepwood Motte's wooden fortifications remained practical partly because timber was plentiful and damage from repeated sieges was inexpensive to repair 50.
After Theon Greyjoy's death, Asha sent sailors into the Bay of Ice in retaliation. They killed two Mormont men on Bear Island before returning to Cape Kraken, where Garon Glover's forces attacked them. Two escaped by boat; two others were captured, questioned, and executed 65 66.
Invasion of the North
Balon launched a larger invasion while Northern forces were fighting in the south. Asha sailed toward Deepwood Motte, Euron attacked Torrhen's Square and Cerwyn, and Victarion took Moat Cailin, severing the North's southern connection 90 92 94. Euron's forces massacred people at Cerwyn and used captives to build siege equipment and shield their advance on Winterfell 99 100.
The Ironborn breached Winterfell's outer Hunter's Gate, but Garon's cavalry arrived during Euron's night attack and forced a retreat 102 104. At Oxhorn Hill, Garon killed Victarion. Ironborn on the main battlefield fled or surrendered, while Euron withdrew after his flank's morale collapsed 125.
Change of rule and alliance
Following the defeat, Euron murdered Balon and claimed the Seastone Chair, compelling the captains to accept him 138. Asha subsequently joined Garon against Euron. Their forces took Lordsport and Pyke; at Euron's trial, Garon killed him and crowned Asha Queen of the Iron Islands 157 160 163 164.
The new alliance did not erase distrust. Riverlands defenders were alarmed to see Harlaw's fleet accompanying Garon, and tensions persisted between Ironborn and Northern troops 171 173 183. Asha later led Ironborn forces against the Arbor and redirected her fleet toward Blackwater Bay after learning of Redwyne and royal naval movements 225 232. After the war, she and some Ironborn returned to the Iron Islands 238.
Warfare
- Naval strength — Longships let Ironborn forces land along the North's coast and move armies by river; Victarion used the Iron Fleet's route through the Fever River to reach Moat Cailin 71 92.
- Raiding and intimidation — Euron's forces pillaged settlements, displayed captives' severed heads, and drove prisoners ahead of the army at Winterfell 99 100.
- Siege tactics — Ironborn assaulted Winterfell with ladders and battering rams. Repeated attacks exhausted the defenders and broke the outer gate, though the inner portcullis held 102.
- Limits on land — At Oxhorn Hill, Northern infantry, cavalry, archers, and use of wooded terrain helped defeat the invading army. Victarion's death triggered a collapse in Ironborn morale 125 139.
Leadership and Allegiances
- Balon Greyjoy — Ordered the invasion of the North and sought to recover Asha after its failure 90 138.
- Asha Greyjoy — Led coastal raids and the attack on Deepwood Motte; later became queen and allied with the North against Euron 66 92 164 181.
- Victarion Greyjoy — Commanded the Iron Fleet, captured Moat Cailin, and was killed by Garon at Oxhorn Hill 92 125.
- Euron Greyjoy — Commanded attacks on Northern castles, seized the throne after killing Balon, and was executed at Pyke 92 138 164.
- Rodrik Harlaw — Swore fealty to Asha and led Harlaw's fleet alongside Garon's forces in the Riverlands 164 171 172.