Robert’s Rebellion was one of the most consequential events in Game of Thrones. After centuries of Targaryen rule, Lord Robert Baratheon and his heroic allies overthrew the dynasty. The first book and episode begin only fifteen years after that momentous occasion. That gap allowed Robert a chance to strengthen his hold over the Seven Kingdoms. Six years after Robert won the war, Balon Greyjoy tried to test the new king. He quickly discovered that not all rebellions are created equal.
The Iron Islands are one of the most interesting regions of the Seven Kingdoms, but they rarely earn the same level of focus as their neighbors. The North, Crownlands, and even the world beyond the Wall enjoy long stretches of unbroken screen time. The Iron Islands always feel like bit players in the larger war for the Iron Throne. Perhaps their awkward sidelining predicts the fate of their military efforts. Protagonists and point-of-view characters often succeed in the things they try to do.
How did Greyjoy’s Rebellion begin?
House Greyjoy took the Iron Islands shortly after Aegon’s Conquest. The family remained allies of House Targaryen for several generations. They frequently fought the North and other territories for land and prestige. During Robert’s Rebellion, Quellon Greyjoy led the Iron Islands with relatively neutral feelings toward the civil war. Quellon eventually decided to support Robert, aiming to mend fences with the rest of the Seven Kingdoms by helping them ditch the Mad King. This worked out well enough for the realm, but Quellon died during one of the war’s last battles. Quellon’s successor, Balon, saw opportunity in the victorious rebellion. While the Ironborn backed the right horse, they also waited long enough to avoid suffering too many casualties. Still strong and ambitious, Balon ordered the construction of a new Iron Fleet. It took five years, but it left Balon feeling invincible. Against the advice of Rodrik Harlaw, his most well-read ally, Balon declared himself King of the Iron Islands and declared war against the Seven Kingdoms.
Balon and his brothers, Euron and Victarion, kick off Greyjoy’s Rebellion by burning the Lannister fleet in the Westerlands. This served the dual purpose of weakening Robert’s allies and providing a distraction. Balon seized the moment to send his eldest son to attack the riverlands. This offensive ended in disaster as the region’s regent killed Balon’s boy and forced the remaining vessels to retreat. The rewards of House Greyjoy’s bold approach quickly yield to the risks. Robert’s brother, Stannis Baratheon, led a massive fleet to intercept Victarion’s ships on the open sea. Balon’s brother was unprepared, allowing Stannis to smash his sizable naval force and take several prisoners. With Victarion temporarily out of the picture, Stannis opens a path to storm the Iron Islands. This spelled the beginning of the end for Greyjoy’s Rebellion.
How did Greyjoy’s Rebellion end?
Robert Baratheon had powerful allies. His ability to marshal such impressive forces might have been less guaranteed if Balon hadn’t established so many enemies. Robert charged onto the islands with the help of Eddard Stark, Tywin Lannister, and several living legends among the invading force. Robert had Ser Barristan Selmy, Gregor Clegane, Jorah Mormont, and even Thoros of Myr on the team. Short of Aegon the Conqueror’s dragons, there are few worse historical military forces to face. Stannis seized Great Wyk first. Barristan Selmy claimed Old Wyk, partially redeeming himself after saving the Mad King long ago. Robert, Eddard, and their forces took House Greyjoy’s castle with siege engines. Several great warriors attained knighthood in the battle. Dragged before King Robert and Lord Eddard in chains, Balon finally bent the knee and admitted defeat.
What was the impact of Greyjoy’s Rebellion?
Greyjoy’s Rebellion was, in many ways, the defining moment of House Greyjoy and the Iron Islands under the new Seven Kingdoms. Balon Greyjoy swore fealty to the Iron Throne. Robert became known for his forgiveness, offering a hand to all those who rose against him. Greyjoy’s Rebellion could hardly have gone better for him. Robert’s reign was new, untested, and open to challenge. The new king’s response to the first attempt to unseat him would be critical to his reception as a ruler. He demonstrated unrelenting force against a widely-despised heel and still extended wise and gentle forgiveness after the dust settled. After Greyjoy’s Rebellion, Robert Baratheon became one of the most popular kings of the era. Robert took Balon’s last remaining son as collateral to assure a peaceful future, handing young Theon to Eddard Stark, who would raise the boy as his own. Cersei Lannister saw Robert’s kindness towards the Greyjoys as a moral failure. The books share this private thought of hers:
Robert should have scoured the isles after Balon Greyjoy rose against him … He smashed their fleet, burned their towns and broke their castles, but when he had them on their knees, he let them up again. He should have made another island of their skulls.
Greyjoy’s Rebellion is a great example of the tides of history turning on a single event. Balon Greyjoy watched his father give his life to help Robert take the throne and thought he saw a perfect moment. His tremendous misjudgment cost him his sons, his castle, and his hopes of finding independence. That same awful decision cemented Robert’s position on the Iron Throne. Game of Thrones is full of powerful people making bad calls, but few have this much impact with this little forethought.
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