Difference between revisions of "A Clash of Kings-Chapter 11"

From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
Jump to: navigation, search
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Infobox Chapter ACfK
 
{{Infobox Chapter ACfK
 
| pov = [[Theon Greyjoy]]
 
| pov = [[Theon Greyjoy]]
| place        = Aboard the ''[[Myraham]]'' - [[Lordsport]] - [[Pyke]]
+
| place        = Aboard the ''[[Myraham]]'', [[Lordsport]] and [[Pyke]]
 
| title = Theon I
 
| title = Theon I
 
| page = 121
 
| page = 121
Line 11: Line 11:
 
}}
 
}}
  
[[Theon Greyjoy]] arrives at [[Lordsport]] with none of the fanfare he expected. His pious uncle [[Aeron Greyjoy|Aeron]] escorts him to [[Pyke]], where his father Lord [[Balon Greyjoy]] greets him coldly and derides his clothing. After reading the proposed alliance with [[Robb Stark]], Balon throws it in the fire and insists he will pay the [[Old Way|iron price]] and carve out a kingdom of his own.
+
After an absence of ten years, [[Theon Greyjoy]] arrives back home on the island [[Pyke (island)|Pyke]] aboard the ''[[Myraham]]''. He docks at [[Lordsport]] and is disappointed to discover that his father, Lord [[Balon Greyjoy]], has send only Theon’s uncle [[Aeron Greyjoy|Aeron]], a priest of the [[Drowned God]], to escort him to [[Pyke|Balon’s castle]]. At Pyke, Theon is greeted coldly by his father, after which he presents Balon with [[Robb Stark]]’s letter. Balon rejects the proposed alliance with Robb, instead insisting that he will [[Old Way|pay the iron price]] and carve out a kingdom of his own.
  
 
==Synopsis==
 
==Synopsis==
 +
[[Theon Greyjoy]] is aboard the ''[[Myraham]]'', which is taking him to [[Balon Greyjoy|his father's]] [[Pyke|castle]] on [[Pyke (island)|Pyke]]. Although there is no safe anchorage, Theon insists the ''Myraham'' pass by the castle so he can watch his home rise just as it dwindled when he was taken away as a ward of [[Eddard Stark]] ten years before. Theon is unable to make out the banner above the [[Sea Tower]], but he knows it is the golden kraken of [[House Greyjoy]]. In the sky beyond the castle, the [[red comet]] is still visible. Theon decides it is his comet, sliding a hand to the letter from [[Robb Stark]] that he considers as good as a crown. The [[Daughter of the captain of the Myraham|captain's daughter]] asks Theon if the castle is as he remembers it and he confesses it looks smaller. He then gives the captain permission to make for port at [[Lordsport]] and takes the girl below deck, where he has her satisfy him orally. The girl asks to come ashore with him, to be his [[salt wife]], but Theon rebuffs her, explaining that the days of the [[Old Way]] are gone and that her place is on the ''Myraham'', despite her protests that her father will hit her for having slept with Theon.
  
[[File:Pyke by Feliche.jpg|thumb|400px|left|Pyke, the seat of House Greyjoy - Feliche©]]
+
In the harbor of Lordsport, Theon notices at least fifty or sixty longships including those of Houses [[House Goodbrother|Goodbrother]], [[House Wynch|Wynch]], and [[House Harlaw|Harlaw]]. Theon considers why his father has called the banners, wondering whether it is because of caution, or whether Lord Balon had anticipated as to why Theon was finally coming home after all these years. From aboard the ship, Theon discovers there is no honor guard to escort him to Pyke. As they make port the captain of the Myraham announces him, but the waiting merchants are unimpressed and do not recognize him. He orders a horse from an innkeeper, but their conversation is interrupted by a priest of the [[Drowned God]], who says he will escort his nephew to Balon's castle. Theon does not recognize the grim, bearded priest until he remembers his father writing that his uncle [[Aeron Greyjoy]] had gone down in a storm and turned holy after the near-death experience. Theon finds that Aeron's cold manners are totally unlike the amiable man he remembers from his youth. Abruptly, Aeron asks if Theon prays to the [[House Stark|Stark]] [[old gods|gods]] now, and Theon (who seldom prays at all) says no. Aeron commands him to kneel in the mud and drenches his head with seawater from a waterskin, reconsecrating him to the Drowned God.
  
There is no safe anchorage at [[Pyke]], but [[Theon Greyjoy]] insists the ''[[Myraham]]'' pass by so he can watch his home rise just as it dwindled when he was taken away as a ward of [[Eddard Stark]]. Theon cannot make out the banner above the [[Pyke#Sea Tower|Sea Tower]], but he knows it is the golden kraken of [[House Greyjoy]]. In the sky beyond the castle, the [[red comet]] is still visible. Theon decides it is his comet, sliding a hand to the letter from [[Robb Stark]] that he considers as good as a crown.
+
Aeron informs Theon that his [[Alannys Harlaw|mother]] now lives on [[Harlaw]] because of her health and his sister [[Asha Greyjoy|Asha]] has taken her ship, ''[[Black Wind]]'', to [[Great Wyk]] with messages from her father. Theon asks why his father has assembled his forces, but Aeron insists Balon commanded secrecy. When Theon protests, stating he has a right to know as Balon's heir, Aeron replies "''we shall see''" to that, stating that, although Balon has no other sons but Theon, he does have a daughter. When Theon furiously replies that he will not allow himself to be cheated out of his birthright by a woman, Aeron comments that Theon is a fool if he believes that Balon will ever hand over the [[Iron Islands]] to a Stark, making Theon realize that, although he was never truly accepted by the Starks, he is now neither truly accepted by his own family, either.
  
The [[Daughter of the captain of the Myraham|captain's daughter]], Theon's lover during the voyage, asks if the castle is as he remembers it. Theon confesses it looks smaller, and explains the hard life of the Iron Islanders to her. The girl asks to come ashore with him, but Theon rebuffs her, explaining that the days are gone when the ironborn could take [[salt wives]] they captured on raids. She insists that she could be his salt wife, but Theon says her place is on the ''Myraham''.
+
They reach Pyke at sunset, from where Aeron departs immediately. Theon is brought to his chambers by [[Helya]], who informs him that Balon awaits him atop the Sea Tower. Theon dresses richly before leaving to meet his father. Balon is smaller, gaunter, and greyer than Theon remembers him. Balon asks what Theon is now, and Theon replies he is a man and Balon's heir. Balon only says they will see. Balon criticizes Theon's clothing and asks if the gold chain around his neck was bought with iron or gold. Theon, recalling that the [[Old Way]] stipulates a warrior may only wear jewelry taken from enemies he has slain, has to admit the chain was bought with [[currency|gold]]. Balon yanks the chain off Theon's neck, declaring that [[Asha Greyjoy|his daughter]] has taken an axe for a lover and that he will not have his son dress like a whore. Balon accuses Theon of having grown weak due to the green lands and decides the Starks have made Theon theirs, calling Theon [[Robb Stark]]'s envoy. Theon claims the letter of Robb he carries was based on Theon's own counsel, which amuses Balon. However, when Theon tells Balon that Robb looks upon him "as an older brother", Balon grows angry.
  
[[File:Balon Greyjoy.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Balon Greyjoy, Lord Reaper of Pyke - Amok©]]
+
Theon hands his father the letter, but it fails to impress Balon. In the letter, Robb offers Balon a crown in return for having the ironborn attacking the [[westerlands]], specifically [[Lannisport]] and [[Casterly Rock]]. Theon tells Balon the proposed plan is his own and asks for his reward Casterly Rock as his own seat. Balon scoffs at the notion of receiving such handsome reward for "a notion and a few lines of scribbling" and shows his dislike for the notion that Robb will give him a crown, as "what is given can be taken away". Balon burns the letter and backhands Theon when he protests. Balon declares that he will pay the iron price for his crown and take it by conquest as [[Urron Redhand]] did five thousand years before. However, Balon feels Casterly Rock to be too strongly defended and Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] to be too cunning by half. Theon asks what kingdom Balon means to carve out instead, but realizes he already knows [[north|the answer]].
  
In the harbor of Lordsport, Theon notices at least fifty or sixty longships including those of Houses [[House Goodbrother|Goodbrother]], [[House Wynch|Wynch]], and [[House Harlaw|Harlaw]]. He cannot see his uncle [[Euron Greyjoy|Euron]]'s ''[[Silence]]'', but he does spy his father's ''[[Great Kraken]]''. It is obvious the longships are hosting, and Theon wonders if his father anticipated his message and called his banners.
+
==Characters==
 
+
{| class="wikitable" width="80%"
There is no honor guard to escort Theon, and the waiting merchants are unimpressed when the captain announces him. He orders a horse from an innkeeper, who does not recognize his importance. The transaction is interrupted by a priest of the [[Drowned God]], who says he will escort his nephew. Theon does not recognize the grim, bearded priest until he remembers his father writing that his uncle [[Aeron Greyjoy]] sank in a storm and turning holy when he washed up.
+
|- valign="top"
 
+
| style="width:40%" |
Hurrying after his uncle, Theon finds that the priest's cold manner is totally unlike the amiable man Theon remembers. Abruptly, Aeron asks if Theon prays to the [[House Stark|Stark]] [[old gods|gods]] now, and Theon (who seldom prays at all) says no. Aeron commands Theon to kneel in the mud. Deciding he may need his uncle's help later, Theon acquiesces. Aeron drenches his head with seawater from a waterskin, reconsecrating him to the Drowned God.
+
'''Appearing:'''
 
+
*[[Aeron Greyjoy]]
Aeron informs Theon that his [[Alannys Harlaw|mother]] now lives on [[Harlaw]] because of her health and his sister [[Asha Greyjoy|Asha]] has taken ''[[Black Wind]]'' to [[Great Wyk]] with a message. Theon asks why his father has assembled his forces, but Aeron insists Balon commanded secrecy.
+
*[[Balon Greyjoy]]
 
+
*[[Theon Greyjoy]]
They reach Pyke at sunset, and Theon climbs to the solar where his father waits. Lord Balon is smaller, gaunter, and greyer than Theon remembers him. Balon asks what Theon is now, and Theon replies he is a man and Balon's heir. Balon only says they will see.
+
*[[Captain of the Myraham]]
 +
*[[Daughter of the captain of the Myraham]]
 +
*[[Helya]]
 +
| style="width:60%" |
 +
'''Mentioned:'''
 +
{{Columns|3|
 +
*[[Aegon I Targaryen]]
 +
*[[Alannys Harlaw]]
 +
*[[Asha Greyjoy]]
 +
*[[Bernarr II Justman]]
 +
*[[Brynden Tully]]
 +
*Lady [[Catelyn Stark]]
 +
*[[Dagmer Cleftjaw]]
 +
*[[Eddard Stark]]
 +
*[[Euron Greyjoy]]
 +
*[[Grey Wind]]
 +
*Lord [[Gorold Goodbrother]]
 +
*[[Harren Hoare]]
 +
*Ser [[Jaime Lannister]]
 +
*Lord [[Jason Mallister]]
 +
*[[Joffrey Baratheon]]
 +
*[[Jon Snow]]
 +
*Lord [[Jon Umber]]
 +
*[[Maron Greyjoy]]
 +
*Ser [[Patrek Mallister]]
 +
*Maester [[Qalen]]
 +
*[[Robb Stark]]
 +
*King [[Robert I Baratheon]]
 +
*[[Rodrik Greyjoy]]
 +
*Lord [[Sawane Botley]]
 +
*[[Sylas]]
 +
*Ser [[Stafford Lannister]]
 +
*Lord [[Tywin Lannister]]
 +
*King [[Urron Redhand]]
 +
*[[Victarion Greyjoy]]
 +
*Maester [[Wendamyr]]
 +
}}
 +
|}
  
Balon accuses Theon of dressing like a woman in velvets and silks, and asks if the gold chain around his neck was bought with iron or gold. Theon only then remembers that the Old Way stipulates a warrior may only wear jewelry taken from enemies he has slain. Theon blushes and his father yanks the chain off, declaring that his daughter has taken an axe for a lover, and he will not have his son dressed like a whore. Balon decides the Starks have made Theon theirs.
+
==Places and terms mentioned==
 +
{| class="wikitable" width="80%"
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| style="width:20%;" |
 +
'''Places:'''
 +
*[[Arbor]]
 +
*[[Casterly Rock]]
 +
*[[Golden Tooth]]
 +
*[[Great Wyk]]
 +
*[[Harrenhal]]
 +
*[[Ibben]]
 +
*[[Iron Islands]]
 +
*[[Lannisport]]
 +
*[[Lordsport]]
 +
**Botley's castle
 +
*[[Myr]]
 +
*[[Old Wyk]]
 +
*[[Oldtown]]
 +
*[[Otter Gimpknee's inn]]
 +
*[[Pyke (island)]]
 +
*[[Pyke]]
 +
**Bloody Keep of Pyke
 +
**Great Keep of Pyke
 +
**Kitchen Keep of Pyke
 +
**Sea Tower of Pyke
 +
*[[Riverrun]]
 +
*[[Seagard]]
 +
**Booming Tower of Seaguard
 +
*[[Summer Isles]]
 +
*[[Tyrosh]]
 +
*[[Whispering Wood]]
 +
*[[Winterfell]]
 +
| style="width:20%;" |
 +
'''Houses:'''
 +
*[[House Drumm]]
 +
*[[House Greyjoy]]
 +
*[[House Harlaw]]
 +
*[[House Lannister]]
 +
*[[House Mallister]]
 +
*[[House Stark]]
 +
*[[House Stonehouse]]
 +
*[[House Wynch]]
 +
| style="width:20%;" |
 +
'''Ships:'''
 +
*''[[Black Wind]]''
 +
*''[[Great Kraken]]''
 +
*''[[Iron Fleet]]''
 +
*''[[Myraham]]''
 +
*Robert Baratheon's war galley<ref group="N">Possibly ''[[King Robert's Hammer]]'', the flagship of the royal fleet.</ref>
 +
*''[[Silence]]''
 +
| style="width:20%;" |
 +
'''Terms:'''
 +
*[[Bastard]]
 +
*[[Battle of the Whispering Wood]]
 +
*[[Direwolf]]
 +
*The [[Drowned God]]
 +
*Green lands
 +
*[[Greyjoy's Rebellion]]
 +
*[[Heraldry]]
 +
*[[Ironborn]]
 +
*[[Iron Throne]]
 +
*[[Melee]]
 +
*[[New gods]]
 +
*[[Ravens]]
 +
*[[Red comet]]
 +
*[[Riverlands|Rivermen]]
 +
*[[Sept]]
 +
*[[Smallfolk]]
 +
*[[Tourney]]
 +
*[[Old gods]] <small>("the wolf gods")</small>
 +
*The [[Old Way]]
 +
**"pay the iron price"
 +
**[[rock wife]]
 +
**[[salt wife]]
 +
*[[Ward]]
 +
| style="width:20%;" |
 +
'''Nicknames and titles:'''
 +
*[[Brynden Tully|Brynden Blackfish]]
 +
*the Cleftjaw
 +
*[[Damphair]]
 +
*[[Jon Umber|Greatjon Umber]]
 +
*King of Salt and Rock
 +
*[[King in the North]]
 +
*[[King of the Iron Islands]]
 +
*Kingslayer
 +
*[[Lord of Winterfell]]
 +
*[[Lord Reaper of Pyke]]
 +
*[[King of the Trident|River King]]
 +
*Robb the Boy
 +
*Son of the Sea Wind
 +
*the Greyjoy
 +
*Your Grace
 +
|}
  
The letter fails to impress Balon; he summarizes it as being given a crown for destroying Robb's enemies. Theon attempts to explain, but his father insists that what is meant is what is said, and what is given can be taken away. Balon throws the letter into the fire and backhands Theon when he protests. He declares no man gives him a crown, and he will pay the iron price and take his crown by conquest as [[Urron Redhand]] did 5,000 years ago.
+
==Notes==
 +
{{Notes}}
  
==References and Notes==
+
==External links==
{{References|2}}
 
===See also===
 
 
* [http://slynt.blogspot.com/2011/06/re-read-theon-i-homecoming-queen.html Review of the chapter] in the course of a tenth reread.  
 
* [http://slynt.blogspot.com/2011/06/re-read-theon-i-homecoming-queen.html Review of the chapter] in the course of a tenth reread.  
*[http://blogoficeandfire.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html Humorous review and summary of the chapter] by Jason. 
+
*[http://blogoficeandfire.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html Humorous review and summary of the chapter] by Jason.  
 
*[http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/02/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-clash-of-kings-part-6 Review and summary] by Leigh Butler.
 
*[http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/02/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-clash-of-kings-part-6 Review and summary] by Leigh Butler.
  

Revision as of 14:31, 3 April 2018

Theon I
A Clash of Kings chapter
AClashOfKings.jpg
POV Theon Greyjoy
Place Aboard the Myraham, Lordsport and Pyke
Page 121 UK HC (Other versions)
Chapter chronology (All)
Davos I  ← Theon I →  Daenerys I

Theon II

After an absence of ten years, Theon Greyjoy arrives back home on the island Pyke aboard the Myraham. He docks at Lordsport and is disappointed to discover that his father, Lord Balon Greyjoy, has send only Theon’s uncle Aeron, a priest of the Drowned God, to escort him to Balon’s castle. At Pyke, Theon is greeted coldly by his father, after which he presents Balon with Robb Stark’s letter. Balon rejects the proposed alliance with Robb, instead insisting that he will pay the iron price and carve out a kingdom of his own.

Synopsis

Theon Greyjoy is aboard the Myraham, which is taking him to his father's castle on Pyke. Although there is no safe anchorage, Theon insists the Myraham pass by the castle so he can watch his home rise just as it dwindled when he was taken away as a ward of Eddard Stark ten years before. Theon is unable to make out the banner above the Sea Tower, but he knows it is the golden kraken of House Greyjoy. In the sky beyond the castle, the red comet is still visible. Theon decides it is his comet, sliding a hand to the letter from Robb Stark that he considers as good as a crown. The captain's daughter asks Theon if the castle is as he remembers it and he confesses it looks smaller. He then gives the captain permission to make for port at Lordsport and takes the girl below deck, where he has her satisfy him orally. The girl asks to come ashore with him, to be his salt wife, but Theon rebuffs her, explaining that the days of the Old Way are gone and that her place is on the Myraham, despite her protests that her father will hit her for having slept with Theon.

In the harbor of Lordsport, Theon notices at least fifty or sixty longships including those of Houses Goodbrother, Wynch, and Harlaw. Theon considers why his father has called the banners, wondering whether it is because of caution, or whether Lord Balon had anticipated as to why Theon was finally coming home after all these years. From aboard the ship, Theon discovers there is no honor guard to escort him to Pyke. As they make port the captain of the Myraham announces him, but the waiting merchants are unimpressed and do not recognize him. He orders a horse from an innkeeper, but their conversation is interrupted by a priest of the Drowned God, who says he will escort his nephew to Balon's castle. Theon does not recognize the grim, bearded priest until he remembers his father writing that his uncle Aeron Greyjoy had gone down in a storm and turned holy after the near-death experience. Theon finds that Aeron's cold manners are totally unlike the amiable man he remembers from his youth. Abruptly, Aeron asks if Theon prays to the Stark gods now, and Theon (who seldom prays at all) says no. Aeron commands him to kneel in the mud and drenches his head with seawater from a waterskin, reconsecrating him to the Drowned God.

Aeron informs Theon that his mother now lives on Harlaw because of her health and his sister Asha has taken her ship, Black Wind, to Great Wyk with messages from her father. Theon asks why his father has assembled his forces, but Aeron insists Balon commanded secrecy. When Theon protests, stating he has a right to know as Balon's heir, Aeron replies "we shall see" to that, stating that, although Balon has no other sons but Theon, he does have a daughter. When Theon furiously replies that he will not allow himself to be cheated out of his birthright by a woman, Aeron comments that Theon is a fool if he believes that Balon will ever hand over the Iron Islands to a Stark, making Theon realize that, although he was never truly accepted by the Starks, he is now neither truly accepted by his own family, either.

They reach Pyke at sunset, from where Aeron departs immediately. Theon is brought to his chambers by Helya, who informs him that Balon awaits him atop the Sea Tower. Theon dresses richly before leaving to meet his father. Balon is smaller, gaunter, and greyer than Theon remembers him. Balon asks what Theon is now, and Theon replies he is a man and Balon's heir. Balon only says they will see. Balon criticizes Theon's clothing and asks if the gold chain around his neck was bought with iron or gold. Theon, recalling that the Old Way stipulates a warrior may only wear jewelry taken from enemies he has slain, has to admit the chain was bought with gold. Balon yanks the chain off Theon's neck, declaring that his daughter has taken an axe for a lover and that he will not have his son dress like a whore. Balon accuses Theon of having grown weak due to the green lands and decides the Starks have made Theon theirs, calling Theon Robb Stark's envoy. Theon claims the letter of Robb he carries was based on Theon's own counsel, which amuses Balon. However, when Theon tells Balon that Robb looks upon him "as an older brother", Balon grows angry.

Theon hands his father the letter, but it fails to impress Balon. In the letter, Robb offers Balon a crown in return for having the ironborn attacking the westerlands, specifically Lannisport and Casterly Rock. Theon tells Balon the proposed plan is his own and asks for his reward Casterly Rock as his own seat. Balon scoffs at the notion of receiving such handsome reward for "a notion and a few lines of scribbling" and shows his dislike for the notion that Robb will give him a crown, as "what is given can be taken away". Balon burns the letter and backhands Theon when he protests. Balon declares that he will pay the iron price for his crown and take it by conquest as Urron Redhand did five thousand years before. However, Balon feels Casterly Rock to be too strongly defended and Lord Tywin Lannister to be too cunning by half. Theon asks what kingdom Balon means to carve out instead, but realizes he already knows the answer.

Characters

Appearing:

Mentioned:

Places and terms mentioned

Places:

Houses:

Ships:

Terms:

Nicknames and titles:

Notes

  1. Possibly King Robert's Hammer, the flagship of the royal fleet.

External links