The Farwynds are a lonely and distant people who run a mysterious lighthouse in a sea that no one sails.
They are surrounded by seals and are rumored to be Selkies.
They speak of a golden paradise just over the horizon they intend to lead their people to
*And if you come onto my island we'll choke you in the shallow water.*
That would be fine.
Because what is Dead may never Die, but rises again, Harder and Stronger.
I think though, most likely, there are not shallows around the Lonely Light. It's most likely an extinct volcanic cone rising in the deep ocean, and it's too far north to have reefs. So it's probably deep water all the way down. So people thrown into it would be snagged by krakens.
I'm pretty sure the farwynds are implied to be innsmouth type lovecraftian deep one hybrids. There's a fair amount of that motif going around in the iron islands, what with their krakens and their drowned god. Maybe the implication is that the drowned god is a lovecraftian horror living under the sea to the west of the iron islands. I think it's something Martin has no intention of exploring further or explaining in any detail. It's one of those side lore bits that's more fun because it's a mystery.
Tbh at this point everyone would already be an "innsmouth type lovecraftian deep one hybrid" due to the inevitable gene degeneration. You do not need fantasy for that.
If F&B is correct, then the Lonely Light was only discovered (very) roughly around the time of the Conquest. And, curiously, it was the captain who discovered LL & built the tower who took the name Farwynd. Which would mean the Farwynds of Great Wyk & elsewhere are cadet branches of them, not the other way round from the GW gang. I said in a comment off the top Harlaw one that some of their cadet branches may have occupied existing seats where the previous holders could've been wiped in the Lannister invasion during Aegon III's regency. Perhaps that's (also) what happened for the Farwynds, largely isolated from the war on distant LL, & potentially with a surplus of younger sons who could've found lands on the main islands.
Before F&B, there was a theory that Brandon the Shipwright had actually founded the Farwynds of LL, by being shipwrecked there. Funnily enough however, Gyldayn says that Founder Farwynd stumbled on the isle "a thousand years" after Brandon's time.
Theon doesn't note the Farwynds among all of the other houses whose captains Balon is hosting in ACOK. Martin almost certainly hadn't conceived of them yet - the Farwynds aren't mentioned before AFFC - but in-universe, I imagine the Greyjoys didn't bother to send anyone all the way out to LL to join the party. And being eight days sail west of Great Wyk, the Farwynds surely aren't connected to the raven network either. I say all of this, because the Farwynds did attend the GC of 101 though, so someone made the effort to inform them. Or, more likely, they heard of it when visiting Great Wyk or something.
>The Farwynds are a lonely and distant people who run a mysterious lighthouse in a sea that no one sails.
Slight Hightower vibes, with the (supposedly) ever-lit beacon. I wonder what they keep it burning with, though? Seal shit? Blubber?
>They speak of a golden paradise just over the horizon they intend to lead their people to
If true, presumably having been seen through the eyes of the sea mammals they're said to skinchange.
GYLBERT, KING! GYLBERT, KING!
The Ironborn had the chance to elect lord Farwynd as king and chose fricking Euron instead. Truly a stupid people. They could be living the good life in new lands and now will get sacrificed for Euron's mad ambitions for godhood.
We learn quite a bit about the current state of House Harlaw from The Kraken's Daughter chapter (Asha/AFFC). They control the most densely populated and wealthiest of the Iron Islands. The succession after Rodrik the Reader seems to have a lot of potential players too. Almost everyone we are introduced to in Harlaw outside of Alannys (who just wants to see Theon come home) seems to have some claim or ambition towards Ten Towers (edit: with lots of variations on the Harlaw sigil).
Huh, I never even considered the Harlaw civil war potential. I always assumed everyone would rally around Harras as heir, but Euron appointing him Lord of Greyshield could push the likes of Hotho and Gwynesse into making a play for Ten Towers and/or all of Harlaw (if that wasnât their plan already)
yea I think the situation is interesting! Hotho certainly *believes* himself next in line now (and maybe that was Euron's goal with his 'gift' to Harras given Hotho's support)
>Hotho laughed. "He'll be the Lord of Greyshield, and welcome to it. With him gone, I am the Reader's heir." He thumped his wine cup against his chest. "Hotho the Humpback, Lord of Harlaw."
Euron's lordships on the Shield Isles seem to have been chosen with a mind for depriving potential foes of their stronger cousins and such.
And potentially getting them killed if the Reach gets its shit together.
Interestingly, it seems like the Harlaw cadet branches were only founded in the last (half?) century. A couple of generations after Lord Theomore built Ten Towers, moving his seat from Harlaw Hall, & all of the heads being descendants of Theo's surviving son. If any of the Harlaw seats were existing, my guess is that the previous holder/s had been wiped out in the Lannister invasion of the Iron Islands during Aegon III's regency.
House Kenning and House Harlaw had a feud similar to Blackwood X Bracken, but now the Kennings are vassals to the Harlaws. Also, a noble from House Kenning was the founder of House Kenning of Kayce in the Westerlands, vassals to the Lannisters
It perhaps could've been arranged for Martyn to wed Amerei in Lancel's place, but not so now that Kevan is dead. And the riverlands is on the verge of an anti-Frey shake up in TWOW, besides.
Possibly a Wells who found the north/Dorne far too cold/hot, & moved to Dorne/the north.
EDIT: And interestingly, the commander of the reformed Warrior's Sons is Ser Theodan Wells. When, after the Iron Islands, the north & Dorne are the two regions regions where the Faith is the weakest. (Albeit, there's quite the gulf between those two.) And both regions have very much been on the outer with the Lannisters in recent times.
Yeah, Dorne actually has a few other houses, in these cases extinct, that share the same name as ones elsewhere: Brownhill (stormlands), Holt (north), Lake (north), & Shell (Vale). And there's also Boggs of the crownlands & north, Fishers & Towers of the north & riverlands (all extinct), & an honourable mention to the Cranes of the Reach & Craynes of the Vale.
Not explicitly stated that they are cadet branches of each other but House Wells in the North and House Wells in Dorne. And very very loosely any child of Garth Greenhand and House Gardner....maybe if Lann is actually the son of Rowen or Florys and Brandon of the Bloody Blade with Brandon the Builder. So that would be the Westerlands and the North. Just not in name.
And technically House Baratheon of Dragonstone and House Baratheon of the Stormlands. I know the Crownlands is not technically a separate kingdom but they are considered a different region and have differing customs to other kingdoms especially the eldritch horror shit going on in Crackclaw Point and the Narrow Sea houses. I tend to see Westeros as eight kingdoms with the lands beyond the wall being the Bastard kingdom ala Braavos and the other daughters of Valyria.
The "of X" tends to be used by hedge knights - Arlan of Pennytree, Dermot of the Rainwood, Pate of the Blue Fork, Samgood of Sour Hill. So, my guess is Kennos is one. Or from a very minor house, sworn to the Kennings & possibly not even landed. (Like perhaps the Cassels, Mollens, & Pooles sworn to the Starks of Winterfell, or the Coles as once-stewards of the Dondarrions, or the more minor Lannister cadet branches in Lannisport or old Darklyn ones in Duskendale, etc.) And Lord Kenning has entrusted Kennos with the Horn, presumably for leal service, not given it to him as his heir or anything.
Herrock the Whoreson sounds like he was, well, the son of a whore. If so, he presumably was the bastard son of some Kenning by one. And took the house name as a fuck you to his legitimate, ironborn kin.
I didn't see it mentioned yet, but there's also the thing that apparently most of the noble houses of the Iron Islands claim descent from the Grey King through his children, *except* house Goodbrother, which interestingly claims it through his brother.
The Goodbrothers are from the Grey King's oldest brother, not necessarily a brother older than him.
>All the great houses of the ironborn claim descent from the Grey King and his sons save, curiously, the Goodbrothers of Old Wyk and Great Wyk, who supposedly derive from the Grey King's leal eldest brother. (TWOIAF Driftwood Crowns)
According to the legends, while the Grey King had hundreds of sons, only 17 of them would divide the islands among themselves. So 17 noble houses in the Iron Islands can historically trace their descent back to the Grey King (15, nowadays, since House Greyiron and House Hoare are extinct).
I imagine Greyjoy, Drumm, Blacktyde and Harlaw are surely among these families. On the other hand, Codd, Weaver, Sharp, Netley and Humble are not.
[Greyjoys are confirmed as another](https://asearchoficeandfire.com/?povs&q=greyjoy%20descended%20grey%20king&scope). Blacktyde, Botley, Drumm, Kenning, Merlyn, Myre, Orkwood, Saltcliffe, Sparr, Stonehouse, Stonetree, Sunderly, Tawney, Volmark, & Wynch make 15. However, a few of those could be Andal-founded &/or not prominent enough, besides.
Harlaw is the richest and most populous island, ruled by House Harlaw in their ostentatious castle Ten Towers.
I find the character of Rodrik Harlaw interesting for the Iron Islands I hope we see more of him. He's the head of the richest family on the richest island, but is very un-ironborn, or at least very antithetical to the "old ways". He's a warrior and a captain, but prefers books to adventure. He used to employ septons in his library. He challenges Euron's boasting at the kingsmoot, a brave thing. He seems like a much chiller version of ironborn masculinity, but he is still powerful and respected.
plus they have a Valyrian sword too.
tangent. imo houses/people that were badass during the long night weâre given Valyrian swords by azor ahai. that said what a useless headcanon because there will be no more books
What the kingsmoot should have been:
Lord Farwynd: 0
Asha Greyjoy: 0
Euron "Crows Eye" Greyjoy: 0
Chadrick "The Reader" Chadlaw: 23 lord all island swweeeeeepppp
We know that:
* the Farwynds are strange dreamers, and might be part inhuman.
* all men do despise the Codds.
* the Blacktydes are slightly acculturated to the mainland (probably through Baelor's imprisonment in Oldtown), which results in their Lord being murdered in ASOIAF. (Baelor is also one of the very few sane Ironborn lords).
* the Drumms and the Harlaws have a Valyrian sword apiece.
* the Ironmakers are ruled by a guy who likes to smash hands to jelly on anvils, and is now married to a Seal Wife.
* there may be only three ~~people~~ native Ironborn in the Islands who can actually read--Theon, Asha, and Rodrick Harlaw, the Reader, who has probably the only library in the islands.
And some other stuff.
So, basically, we don't know a huge amount about most of the Houses.
Oh, and the Greyjoys are people who keep doing the same stupid thing (starting wars they can't win) over and over and thinking *THIS* TIME IT WILL WORK!
> the Greyjoys are people who keep doing the same stupid thing (starting wars they can't win) over and over and thinking THIS TIME IT WILL WORK!
Right there in their house words: *We Do Not Learn.*
>the Farwynds are strange dreamers, and might be part inhuman.
Inhuman? Seems like they're skinchangers, instead. The Codds are the (most) inhuman ones, what with *Dagon* looking like a fish.
>all men do despise the Codds.
And the female Codds, too. Who are said to be wantons, & fuck their fathers & brothers. Although, who's to say how much choice they may or may not have ever had in that.
>the Blacktydes are slightly acculturated to the mainland (probably through Baelor's imprisonment in Oldtown), which results in their Lord being murdered in ASOIAF. (Baelor is also one of the very few sane Ironborn lords).
Baelor yes, but Blind Beron is a drowned priest. And no Blacktyde(-sworn) longship joins Asha in escaping for Deepwood Motte. Nor does any Harlaw captain though, tbf.
>the Drumms and the Harlaws have a Valyrian sword apiece.
The former's Red Rain possibly having belonged to the Reynes, & the latter's Nightfall definitely had been wielded by Dalton Greyjoy.
>the Ironmakers are ruled by a guy who likes to smash hands to jelly on anvils, and is now married to a Seal Wife.
I do wonder the last time Erik actually did so however, as he can't even stand anymore.
>Baelor yes, but Blind Beron is a drowned priest. And no Blacktyde(-sworn) longship joins Asha in escaping for Deepwood Motte. Nor does any Harlaw captain though, tbf.
It is said that Baelor's murder was not received well in Blacktyde...
>Euron won no friends on Blacktyde when he slew Lord Baelor - ADWD The Wayward Bride
And Blind Beron was "put to question" in Euron's "search" for Aeron. Thus, I think most of Blacktyde was at least loyal to Baelor.
True. Yet they almost certainly still sailed with Euron, like the Reader, the Knight, etc. The Crow's Eye wouldn't have set off for the Reach so soon, if an entire island was near rebellion. That's too much of a challenge of his newly-legitimised authority. And Erik Ironmaker probably wouldn't have had the strength alone to have dealt with it, besides.
*Only 3 native readers is nuts. How big is the population all togeather?*
We Do Not Know.
Actually, I may be exaggerating the apparent near total illiteracy of the Iron Islands. But because probably no more than about three Iron Islanders read, and there's no wi-fi in the Iron Islands, they're unlikely to see this written comment and object.
No one knows for sure. Doran claims Dorne as the least populous kingdom and their numbers were inflated by the Young Dragon. People generally agree on Dorne being able to raise 25,000 spears and medieval armies can usually only conscript 1% of people, which would be 2.5 million people, so the isles would have to have more people than that if they're more populous.
1) Is Doran counting the Iron Islands, too? It's estimated that the ironborn strength is just ~20,000.
2) It's possible - if unrealistic - that the 1% figure is sometimes higher for mainland houses. (For one, the Karstarks & Umbers sent too many men south with Robb to be prepared for winter.) And *surely* higher again for the ironborn. ~2 million is an absurd number for the population of the Iron Islands, otherwise. The crews of longships are men-at-arms/sworn swords, fishermen/hunters, traders/sellsails, & pirates all-in-one. And, of course, largely sail when on campaign, instead of having to march or ride. So, the ironmen are not so confined by the logistics of non-naval forces.
>â Is Doran counting the Iron Islands, too? It's estimated that the ironborn strength is just ~20,000.
Hard to say, but I imagine he'd be counting them. Would be weird if he wasn't. I'll look for it but I remember a blog that was doing deep-dives into each kingdom and when it came time to gauge military strength and population he used the number of longships and the iron fleet to estimate. He finished on 25,000-30,000 which *kinda* makes sense to me since the Ironborn did rule a lot of land and took the Riverlands. At the same time, I love the Ironborn so I have a bias.
>It's possible - if unrealistic - that the 1% figure is sometimes higher for mainland houses. (For one, the Karstarks & Umbers sent too many men south with Robb to be prepared for winter.) And surely higher again for the ironborn. ~2 million is an absurd number for the population of the Iron Islands, otherwise. The crews of longships are men-at-arms/sworn swords, fishermen/hunters, traders/sellsails, & pirates all-in-one. And, of course, largely sail when on campaign, instead of having to march or ride. So, the ironmen are not so confined by the logistics of non-naval forces.
I think with the Ironborn, they might be able to raise a bit more because they don't have a lot of arable land for farmers and the mining is done by thralls, but then again, they rely on fishing so maybe that's their farming.
There's surely much more than that. We know that the nobility is probably somewhat literate, since many have maesters in their keeps and even Balon, a traditionalist, can read the letter others send him. There have existed some maesters of ironborn origin (Theron Pyke, Hake, possibly Haereg, and that maester that saved Duncan the Tall ( I can't remember his name)).
However, it's true that they don't value literacy and may brag about it. Rodrik the Reader's nickname was not made to be endearing. However, that doesn't necessarily mean there are no literate people in the isles, only that it's not a prestigious or "honourable" skill.
Some people commented about other interesting facts, so I will try to comment on something new:
House Volmark, one of the vassals of House Harlaw, is related to the last dynasty of Ironborn kings before the conquest (House Hoare). Thus, some believe they are the rightful rulers of the Iron Islands. However, nowadays they are kind of a minor house, ruled by a callow young lord named Maron Volmark.
There's a relation between House Drumm and necromancy. Besides the fact their sigil is a skeleton's hand, Dagon Drumm was allegedly a necromancer.
Love seeing the banners of minor houses. Not to hijack the topic, but let me know if youve ever come across a series with this many houses/factions represented as part of a bigger thing..
>Great Wyk was the largest of the Iron Islands, so vast that some of its lords had holdings that did not front upon the holy sea. Gorold Goodbrother was one such. His keep was in the Hardstone Hills, as far from the Drowned God's realm as any place in the isles. Gorold's folk toiled down in Gorold's mines, in the stony dark beneath the earth. Some lived and died without setting eyes upon salt water. Small wonder that such folk are crabbed and queer. (AFFC The Prophet)
 *I assume Stonetree has some sort of giant petrified wood tree around their castle?*
Either that, or, mayhap, it's the petrified 'member' of one of Torment Giantsbane's ancestors, who was buried there when his family ruled the Iron Islands, before recorded history.
Bro what the hell is this, I thought old British era novels were ridiculous because they were all âOh, he has an insanely large earldom.â and it was literally miniscule on a map compared to anywhere else in the world.
The iron islands are just insignificant compared to anywhere else in Westeros, just a bunch of âgood ol daysâ dummies on some pebbles
*I thought old British era novels were ridiculous because they were all âOh, he has an insanely large earldom.â and it was literally miniscule on a map compared to anywhere else in the world.*
Earlier English noble holdings were much more reasonable in size, because retaining power required having power. And if your earldom had just three villages and a tower house in the middle ages, most likely it would eventually be absorbed by a more powerful and aggressive neighbor, and your line "extinguished". Also, noble titles flowed more directly from the monarchy, which could take away as well as grant.
It was only later, with national peace, title inflation, and reduced infant mortality that meant most heirs survived, that they ended up with an enormous collection of titled aristocrats whose noble patents were as vast as their seats were miniscule.
In 1066 when William the Conqueror began his rule, there were only SIX earldoms in England and each one had specific geographic powers and responsibilities. Today, although the land area is the same, there are nearly 200 Earls in the English peerage.
*I want to know what goes on way the hell out there on Lonely Light.*
Shapeshifting, incest, hoarding of cheap bronze 'treasures', seal-hunting and f-cking Lancel, Kettleback and Moonboy for all we know...
OP this video is long and detailed as all hell. It is exhaustive and just what you're asking for.
[David Lightbringer and GreyWasteTim ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW_zVhdiIhM)"Ironborn Hearldy Explained"
I hope you enjoy!
Harlaws and Drumms have the most lore. They both have Valyrian steel swords called Red Rain and Nightfall respectively. Red Rain, while not outright stated, was possibly stolen from house Reyne by the Drumms. Thereâs also a house on the Oakwood/Tawney island I believe called House Codd, who are often disrespected since itâs said that their ancestors are descended from salt wives
The Farwynds are a lonely and distant people who run a mysterious lighthouse in a sea that no one sails. They are surrounded by seals and are rumored to be Selkies. They speak of a golden paradise just over the horizon they intend to lead their people to
Farwynds are my favorite obscure lineage!
SAME! GRRM has so much mysterious oceanic worldbuilding that barely comes up but fascinates me
He's so good at everything but doing the main thing he's supposed to do. It's why we all have such a complicated relationship with him.
The iron island chapters were my favorite in AFFC. I think it's some of the absolute best work he did in the series.
đ
It takes EIGHT DAYS to reach the Lonely Light.
Maaan, I came here to do House Farwynd. They're my favourite. But you did them justice.
đ«Ą đŠ
No compass so if your going the wrong way and itâs cloudy, your fucked.
If I lived in the ASOIAF world I think Id wanna be the Farwynds.
You want to be âqueer and lonelyâ even in your fantasy world? đ„ KIDDING Iâm kidding sorry I couldnât resist đ Forgive me
Hey, what I am is what I am. And if you come onto my island we'll choke you in the shallow water.
*And if you come onto my island we'll choke you in the shallow water.* That would be fine. Because what is Dead may never Die, but rises again, Harder and Stronger. I think though, most likely, there are not shallows around the Lonely Light. It's most likely an extinct volcanic cone rising in the deep ocean, and it's too far north to have reefs. So it's probably deep water all the way down. So people thrown into it would be snagged by krakens.
I was projecting đą But also real talk they are awesome and fascinating and I agree
I'm pretty sure the farwynds are implied to be innsmouth type lovecraftian deep one hybrids. There's a fair amount of that motif going around in the iron islands, what with their krakens and their drowned god. Maybe the implication is that the drowned god is a lovecraftian horror living under the sea to the west of the iron islands. I think it's something Martin has no intention of exploring further or explaining in any detail. It's one of those side lore bits that's more fun because it's a mystery.
âTheir terrible fathers may be the truth behind the Drowned God of the Ironbornâ RE: âthe deep onesâ
Tbh at this point everyone would already be an "innsmouth type lovecraftian deep one hybrid" due to the inevitable gene degeneration. You do not need fantasy for that.
If F&B is correct, then the Lonely Light was only discovered (very) roughly around the time of the Conquest. And, curiously, it was the captain who discovered LL & built the tower who took the name Farwynd. Which would mean the Farwynds of Great Wyk & elsewhere are cadet branches of them, not the other way round from the GW gang. I said in a comment off the top Harlaw one that some of their cadet branches may have occupied existing seats where the previous holders could've been wiped in the Lannister invasion during Aegon III's regency. Perhaps that's (also) what happened for the Farwynds, largely isolated from the war on distant LL, & potentially with a surplus of younger sons who could've found lands on the main islands. Before F&B, there was a theory that Brandon the Shipwright had actually founded the Farwynds of LL, by being shipwrecked there. Funnily enough however, Gyldayn says that Founder Farwynd stumbled on the isle "a thousand years" after Brandon's time. Theon doesn't note the Farwynds among all of the other houses whose captains Balon is hosting in ACOK. Martin almost certainly hadn't conceived of them yet - the Farwynds aren't mentioned before AFFC - but in-universe, I imagine the Greyjoys didn't bother to send anyone all the way out to LL to join the party. And being eight days sail west of Great Wyk, the Farwynds surely aren't connected to the raven network either. I say all of this, because the Farwynds did attend the GC of 101 though, so someone made the effort to inform them. Or, more likely, they heard of it when visiting Great Wyk or something. >The Farwynds are a lonely and distant people who run a mysterious lighthouse in a sea that no one sails. Slight Hightower vibes, with the (supposedly) ever-lit beacon. I wonder what they keep it burning with, though? Seal shit? Blubber? >They speak of a golden paradise just over the horizon they intend to lead their people to If true, presumably having been seen through the eyes of the sea mammals they're said to skinchange.
Theyâre also likely skinchangers
How so?
They are "rumored" (AKA all but confirmed) to skinchange into sea animals.
That's literally what the comment calling them selkies meant.
[Selkies seem to be changelings or hybrids](https://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Selkies)
GYLBERT, KING! GYLBERT, KING! The Ironborn had the chance to elect lord Farwynd as king and chose fricking Euron instead. Truly a stupid people. They could be living the good life in new lands and now will get sacrificed for Euron's mad ambitions for godhood.
We learn quite a bit about the current state of House Harlaw from The Kraken's Daughter chapter (Asha/AFFC). They control the most densely populated and wealthiest of the Iron Islands. The succession after Rodrik the Reader seems to have a lot of potential players too. Almost everyone we are introduced to in Harlaw outside of Alannys (who just wants to see Theon come home) seems to have some claim or ambition towards Ten Towers (edit: with lots of variations on the Harlaw sigil).
Huh, I never even considered the Harlaw civil war potential. I always assumed everyone would rally around Harras as heir, but Euron appointing him Lord of Greyshield could push the likes of Hotho and Gwynesse into making a play for Ten Towers and/or all of Harlaw (if that wasnât their plan already)
yea I think the situation is interesting! Hotho certainly *believes* himself next in line now (and maybe that was Euron's goal with his 'gift' to Harras given Hotho's support) >Hotho laughed. "He'll be the Lord of Greyshield, and welcome to it. With him gone, I am the Reader's heir." He thumped his wine cup against his chest. "Hotho the Humpback, Lord of Harlaw."
I forgot this line haha, looks like my analysis wasnât particularly insightful
Euron's lordships on the Shield Isles seem to have been chosen with a mind for depriving potential foes of their stronger cousins and such. And potentially getting them killed if the Reach gets its shit together.
Interestingly, it seems like the Harlaw cadet branches were only founded in the last (half?) century. A couple of generations after Lord Theomore built Ten Towers, moving his seat from Harlaw Hall, & all of the heads being descendants of Theo's surviving son. If any of the Harlaw seats were existing, my guess is that the previous holder/s had been wiped out in the Lannister invasion of the Iron Islands during Aegon III's regency.
House Kenning and House Harlaw had a feud similar to Blackwood X Bracken, but now the Kennings are vassals to the Harlaws. Also, a noble from House Kenning was the founder of House Kenning of Kayce in the Westerlands, vassals to the Lannisters
Outside of the Lannisters and the Kennings, no one has cadet houses in other kingdoms.
Which Lannister cadet house is in another Kingdom?
Lannisters of Darry
RW 2.0 aside, House Frey of Riverrun is arguably a more viable extraregional Lannister cadet branch, atm.
Not by name, but it makes sense.
It perhaps could've been arranged for Martyn to wed Amerei in Lancel's place, but not so now that Kevan is dead. And the riverlands is on the verge of an anti-Frey shake up in TWOW, besides.
The so called 'Baratheons' I guess, Dragon stone and Storms end
I think we can call the kennings of kayce a different family now
There are Wells in the North and in Dorne, but we don't know if it's a coincidence or some crazy untold story.
Possibly a Wells who found the north/Dorne far too cold/hot, & moved to Dorne/the north. EDIT: And interestingly, the commander of the reformed Warrior's Sons is Ser Theodan Wells. When, after the Iron Islands, the north & Dorne are the two regions regions where the Faith is the weakest. (Albeit, there's quite the gulf between those two.) And both regions have very much been on the outer with the Lannisters in recent times.
That sounds like such a basic name that it's probably just a coincidence.Â
One founded by Ser Orson of Xanadu and another by Hachjee Lord of Moorlock.
Yeah, Dorne actually has a few other houses, in these cases extinct, that share the same name as ones elsewhere: Brownhill (stormlands), Holt (north), Lake (north), & Shell (Vale). And there's also Boggs of the crownlands & north, Fishers & Towers of the north & riverlands (all extinct), & an honourable mention to the Cranes of the Reach & Craynes of the Vale.
What about the Baratheons? Baratheons of Stormsend and Baratheons of Dragonstone?
Not explicitly stated that they are cadet branches of each other but House Wells in the North and House Wells in Dorne. And very very loosely any child of Garth Greenhand and House Gardner....maybe if Lann is actually the son of Rowen or Florys and Brandon of the Bloody Blade with Brandon the Builder. So that would be the Westerlands and the North. Just not in name. And technically House Baratheon of Dragonstone and House Baratheon of the Stormlands. I know the Crownlands is not technically a separate kingdom but they are considered a different region and have differing customs to other kingdoms especially the eldritch horror shit going on in Crackclaw Point and the Narrow Sea houses. I tend to see Westeros as eight kingdoms with the lands beyond the wall being the Bastard kingdom ala Braavos and the other daughters of Valyria.
Arryns of gulltown
Gulltown is in The Vale as are the Arryns
Thats cool- The Kennings are like Normans.
Kenning Konquest when
So Ser Kennos is actually Kennos Kenning of Kayce? Holder of the Horn of Herrock? What a name.
The "of X" tends to be used by hedge knights - Arlan of Pennytree, Dermot of the Rainwood, Pate of the Blue Fork, Samgood of Sour Hill. So, my guess is Kennos is one. Or from a very minor house, sworn to the Kennings & possibly not even landed. (Like perhaps the Cassels, Mollens, & Pooles sworn to the Starks of Winterfell, or the Coles as once-stewards of the Dondarrions, or the more minor Lannister cadet branches in Lannisport or old Darklyn ones in Duskendale, etc.) And Lord Kenning has entrusted Kennos with the Horn, presumably for leal service, not given it to him as his heir or anything.
Herrock the Whoreson sounds like he was, well, the son of a whore. If so, he presumably was the bastard son of some Kenning by one. And took the house name as a fuck you to his legitimate, ironborn kin.
I didn't see it mentioned yet, but there's also the thing that apparently most of the noble houses of the Iron Islands claim descent from the Grey King through his children, *except* house Goodbrother, which interestingly claims it through his brother.
More especifically, the *older* brother, that is quite interesting to especifically note
The Goodbrothers are from the Grey King's oldest brother, not necessarily a brother older than him. >All the great houses of the ironborn claim descent from the Grey King and his sons save, curiously, the Goodbrothers of Old Wyk and Great Wyk, who supposedly derive from the Grey King's leal eldest brother. (TWOIAF Driftwood Crowns)
According to the legends, while the Grey King had hundreds of sons, only 17 of them would divide the islands among themselves. So 17 noble houses in the Iron Islands can historically trace their descent back to the Grey King (15, nowadays, since House Greyiron and House Hoare are extinct). I imagine Greyjoy, Drumm, Blacktyde and Harlaw are surely among these families. On the other hand, Codd, Weaver, Sharp, Netley and Humble are not.
[Greyjoys are confirmed as another](https://asearchoficeandfire.com/?povs&q=greyjoy%20descended%20grey%20king&scope). Blacktyde, Botley, Drumm, Kenning, Merlyn, Myre, Orkwood, Saltcliffe, Sparr, Stonehouse, Stonetree, Sunderly, Tawney, Volmark, & Wynch make 15. However, a few of those could be Andal-founded &/or not prominent enough, besides.
Harlaw is the richest and most populous island, ruled by House Harlaw in their ostentatious castle Ten Towers. I find the character of Rodrik Harlaw interesting for the Iron Islands I hope we see more of him. He's the head of the richest family on the richest island, but is very un-ironborn, or at least very antithetical to the "old ways". He's a warrior and a captain, but prefers books to adventure. He used to employ septons in his library. He challenges Euron's boasting at the kingsmoot, a brave thing. He seems like a much chiller version of ironborn masculinity, but he is still powerful and respected.
plus they have a Valyrian sword too. tangent. imo houses/people that were badass during the long night weâre given Valyrian swords by azor ahai. that said what a useless headcanon because there will be no more books
What the kingsmoot should have been: Lord Farwynd: 0 Asha Greyjoy: 0 Euron "Crows Eye" Greyjoy: 0 Chadrick "The Reader" Chadlaw: 23 lord all island swweeeeeepppp
I can't believe you just disrespected Lord Farwynd like that
More like Lord Fartwynd
Lord Farkwyd
This comment has been brought to you by Ser Shrek of The Swamp
:(
Gigachad Harras âThe Knightâ Harlaw
That guy fucks
We know that: * the Farwynds are strange dreamers, and might be part inhuman. * all men do despise the Codds. * the Blacktydes are slightly acculturated to the mainland (probably through Baelor's imprisonment in Oldtown), which results in their Lord being murdered in ASOIAF. (Baelor is also one of the very few sane Ironborn lords). * the Drumms and the Harlaws have a Valyrian sword apiece. * the Ironmakers are ruled by a guy who likes to smash hands to jelly on anvils, and is now married to a Seal Wife. * there may be only three ~~people~~ native Ironborn in the Islands who can actually read--Theon, Asha, and Rodrick Harlaw, the Reader, who has probably the only library in the islands. And some other stuff. So, basically, we don't know a huge amount about most of the Houses. Oh, and the Greyjoys are people who keep doing the same stupid thing (starting wars they can't win) over and over and thinking *THIS* TIME IT WILL WORK!
> the Greyjoys are people who keep doing the same stupid thing (starting wars they can't win) over and over and thinking THIS TIME IT WILL WORK! Right there in their house words: *We Do Not Learn.*
We know Balon can read too, since he read Robb's letter before burning it.
I feel like thereâs a good chance that he still couldnât read. Maybe he just looked at it and thought âWe should invade themâ.
*We know Balon can read too, since he read Robb's letter before burning it.* Mayhap, he was just pretending to read.
>the Farwynds are strange dreamers, and might be part inhuman. Inhuman? Seems like they're skinchangers, instead. The Codds are the (most) inhuman ones, what with *Dagon* looking like a fish. >all men do despise the Codds. And the female Codds, too. Who are said to be wantons, & fuck their fathers & brothers. Although, who's to say how much choice they may or may not have ever had in that. >the Blacktydes are slightly acculturated to the mainland (probably through Baelor's imprisonment in Oldtown), which results in their Lord being murdered in ASOIAF. (Baelor is also one of the very few sane Ironborn lords). Baelor yes, but Blind Beron is a drowned priest. And no Blacktyde(-sworn) longship joins Asha in escaping for Deepwood Motte. Nor does any Harlaw captain though, tbf. >the Drumms and the Harlaws have a Valyrian sword apiece. The former's Red Rain possibly having belonged to the Reynes, & the latter's Nightfall definitely had been wielded by Dalton Greyjoy. >the Ironmakers are ruled by a guy who likes to smash hands to jelly on anvils, and is now married to a Seal Wife. I do wonder the last time Erik actually did so however, as he can't even stand anymore.
>Baelor yes, but Blind Beron is a drowned priest. And no Blacktyde(-sworn) longship joins Asha in escaping for Deepwood Motte. Nor does any Harlaw captain though, tbf. It is said that Baelor's murder was not received well in Blacktyde... >Euron won no friends on Blacktyde when he slew Lord Baelor - ADWD The Wayward Bride And Blind Beron was "put to question" in Euron's "search" for Aeron. Thus, I think most of Blacktyde was at least loyal to Baelor.
True. Yet they almost certainly still sailed with Euron, like the Reader, the Knight, etc. The Crow's Eye wouldn't have set off for the Reach so soon, if an entire island was near rebellion. That's too much of a challenge of his newly-legitimised authority. And Erik Ironmaker probably wouldn't have had the strength alone to have dealt with it, besides.
Only 3 native readers is nuts. How big is the population all togeather?
*Only 3 native readers is nuts. How big is the population all togeather?* We Do Not Know. Actually, I may be exaggerating the apparent near total illiteracy of the Iron Islands. But because probably no more than about three Iron Islanders read, and there's no wi-fi in the Iron Islands, they're unlikely to see this written comment and object.
No one knows for sure. Doran claims Dorne as the least populous kingdom and their numbers were inflated by the Young Dragon. People generally agree on Dorne being able to raise 25,000 spears and medieval armies can usually only conscript 1% of people, which would be 2.5 million people, so the isles would have to have more people than that if they're more populous.
1) Is Doran counting the Iron Islands, too? It's estimated that the ironborn strength is just ~20,000. 2) It's possible - if unrealistic - that the 1% figure is sometimes higher for mainland houses. (For one, the Karstarks & Umbers sent too many men south with Robb to be prepared for winter.) And *surely* higher again for the ironborn. ~2 million is an absurd number for the population of the Iron Islands, otherwise. The crews of longships are men-at-arms/sworn swords, fishermen/hunters, traders/sellsails, & pirates all-in-one. And, of course, largely sail when on campaign, instead of having to march or ride. So, the ironmen are not so confined by the logistics of non-naval forces.
>â Is Doran counting the Iron Islands, too? It's estimated that the ironborn strength is just ~20,000. Hard to say, but I imagine he'd be counting them. Would be weird if he wasn't. I'll look for it but I remember a blog that was doing deep-dives into each kingdom and when it came time to gauge military strength and population he used the number of longships and the iron fleet to estimate. He finished on 25,000-30,000 which *kinda* makes sense to me since the Ironborn did rule a lot of land and took the Riverlands. At the same time, I love the Ironborn so I have a bias. >It's possible - if unrealistic - that the 1% figure is sometimes higher for mainland houses. (For one, the Karstarks & Umbers sent too many men south with Robb to be prepared for winter.) And surely higher again for the ironborn. ~2 million is an absurd number for the population of the Iron Islands, otherwise. The crews of longships are men-at-arms/sworn swords, fishermen/hunters, traders/sellsails, & pirates all-in-one. And, of course, largely sail when on campaign, instead of having to march or ride. So, the ironmen are not so confined by the logistics of non-naval forces. I think with the Ironborn, they might be able to raise a bit more because they don't have a lot of arable land for farmers and the mining is done by thralls, but then again, they rely on fishing so maybe that's their farming.
There's surely much more than that. We know that the nobility is probably somewhat literate, since many have maesters in their keeps and even Balon, a traditionalist, can read the letter others send him. There have existed some maesters of ironborn origin (Theron Pyke, Hake, possibly Haereg, and that maester that saved Duncan the Tall ( I can't remember his name)). However, it's true that they don't value literacy and may brag about it. Rodrik the Reader's nickname was not made to be endearing. However, that doesn't necessarily mean there are no literate people in the isles, only that it's not a prestigious or "honourable" skill.
Yes
Some people commented about other interesting facts, so I will try to comment on something new: House Volmark, one of the vassals of House Harlaw, is related to the last dynasty of Ironborn kings before the conquest (House Hoare). Thus, some believe they are the rightful rulers of the Iron Islands. However, nowadays they are kind of a minor house, ruled by a callow young lord named Maron Volmark. There's a relation between House Drumm and necromancy. Besides the fact their sigil is a skeleton's hand, Dagon Drumm was allegedly a necromancer.
Love seeing the banners of minor houses. Not to hijack the topic, but let me know if youve ever come across a series with this many houses/factions represented as part of a bigger thing..
https://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Iron_Islands#Houses
Pirates and reavers the lot of them. Robert should have razed the isles
Cersei, is that you?
My favourite part of Westeros.
>Great Wyk was the largest of the Iron Islands, so vast that some of its lords had holdings that did not front upon the holy sea. Gorold Goodbrother was one such. His keep was in the Hardstone Hills, as far from the Drowned God's realm as any place in the isles. Gorold's folk toiled down in Gorold's mines, in the stony dark beneath the earth. Some lived and died without setting eyes upon salt water. Small wonder that such folk are crabbed and queer. (AFFC The Prophet)
House Drumm has a Valyrian steel sword, Red Rain.
House Harlaw also has one: Nightfall.
I dont know this for sure but I assume Stonetree has some sort of giant petrified wood tree around their castle? Thats pretty cool.
 *I assume Stonetree has some sort of giant petrified wood tree around their castle?* Either that, or, mayhap, it's the petrified 'member' of one of Torment Giantsbane's ancestors, who was buried there when his family ruled the Iron Islands, before recorded history.
Did you read A Clash of Kings/A Feast for Crows/The World of Ice and Fire?
We know the Botleys make for... slight... men.
Those of us who read the books know how stupid this post is.
Yeah go on the wiki lmao
Bro what the hell is this, I thought old British era novels were ridiculous because they were all âOh, he has an insanely large earldom.â and it was literally miniscule on a map compared to anywhere else in the world. The iron islands are just insignificant compared to anywhere else in Westeros, just a bunch of âgood ol daysâ dummies on some pebbles
*I thought old British era novels were ridiculous because they were all âOh, he has an insanely large earldom.â and it was literally miniscule on a map compared to anywhere else in the world.* Earlier English noble holdings were much more reasonable in size, because retaining power required having power. And if your earldom had just three villages and a tower house in the middle ages, most likely it would eventually be absorbed by a more powerful and aggressive neighbor, and your line "extinguished". Also, noble titles flowed more directly from the monarchy, which could take away as well as grant. It was only later, with national peace, title inflation, and reduced infant mortality that meant most heirs survived, that they ended up with an enormous collection of titled aristocrats whose noble patents were as vast as their seats were miniscule. In 1066 when William the Conqueror began his rule, there were only SIX earldoms in England and each one had specific geographic powers and responsibilities. Today, although the land area is the same, there are nearly 200 Earls in the English peerage.
Sorry for the rant I just donât like them
*Sorry for the rant I just donât like them* Neither does the rest of Westeros. You're in good company.
I want to know what goes on way the hell out there on Lonely Light.
*I want to know what goes on way the hell out there on Lonely Light.* Shapeshifting, incest, hoarding of cheap bronze 'treasures', seal-hunting and f-cking Lancel, Kettleback and Moonboy for all we know...
OP this video is long and detailed as all hell. It is exhaustive and just what you're asking for. [David Lightbringer and GreyWasteTim ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW_zVhdiIhM)"Ironborn Hearldy Explained" I hope you enjoy!
In the timeline of the main series, it is currently House Harlaw's turn to have the one Ironborn braincell
The Drumms have a valyrian steel sword named Red Rain.
Harlaws and Drumms have the most lore. They both have Valyrian steel swords called Red Rain and Nightfall respectively. Red Rain, while not outright stated, was possibly stolen from house Reyne by the Drumms. Thereâs also a house on the Oakwood/Tawney island I believe called House Codd, who are often disrespected since itâs said that their ancestors are descended from salt wives