King of the Iron Islands

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Driftwood Crown by Jen Zee©

King of the Iron Islands is the title claimed by the rulers of the Iron Islands, when they have historically been independent. The monarch of the ironborn has also been known as the High King, the King of the Isles, and the iron king.

About

Initially, the ancient title of High King of the Isles was selected at Nagga's hill from among the minor salt kings and rock kings from individual islands.[1] However, this tradition ended thousands of years ago when King Urron Greyiron murdered the other candidates and made the throne hereditary. House Greyiron ruled the Iron Islands for a thousand years until being defeated by the Andals.[2]

During the reign of King Qhored Hoare, the ironborn held the western shore of Westeros along the Sunset Sea. Over the centuries Qhored's descendants lost the Arbor, Bear Island, and much of the western shore.

King Harwyn Hoare extended the ironborn rule over the Riverlands by taking the Trident from Arrec the Storm King.[1] His grandson, King Harren Hoare, known as Harren the Black, ruled all the lands between the mountains from the Neck to the Blackwater Rush. Harren the Black was the last King of the Iron Islands, dying during the War of Conquest in Harrenhal when Aegon the Conquerer unleashed his dragons upon the castle.

Centuries later Balon Greyjoy declared himself King of the Iron Islands, in what was later called the Greyjoy Rebellion. However, Balon was defeated by King Robert Baratheon and the ironborn were again subjected to the Seven Kingdoms.

Recent Events

A Clash of Kings

During the War of the Five Kings, Lord Balon Greyjoy recrowns himself King of the Iron Islands and also claims the North.[3][4] Balon styles himself the Ninth of His Name Since the Grey King, King of the Iron Islands and the North, King of Salt and Rock, Son of the Sea Wind, and Lord Reaper of Pyke.[5]

A Storm of Swords

King Balon is reported to have fallen to his death at Pyke during a storm.[6]

A Feast for Crows

Balon's brother, Aeron Greyjoy, calls a kingsmoot to select Balon's successor.[7] This leads to the crowning of another brother, Euron Greyjoy, at Nagga's hill on Old Wyk. Euron intends to conquer all of Westeros with Daenerys Targaryen's dragons.[8]

Historical Iron Kings

References and Notes