Rodrik Harlaw

Rodrik Harlaw is the Lord of Harlaw, Lord of the Ten Towers, and Head of House Harlaw. Harlaw is not the largest of the Iron Islands but the richest and most populous. He is known as Rodrik the Reader because of his interest in reading, especially significant as Ironborn culture despises literacy. Rodrik's eldest sister Gwynesse believes she should have had Harlaw as she is seven years elder then Rodrik. His other sister Alannys married Balon Greyjoy, ruler of the Iron Islands, and had three sons, Rodrik, Maron and Theon, and a daughter, Asha. When Balon Greyjoy rebelled against Robert Baratheon he lost his two eldest sons, Rodrik and Maron, and his only surviving son was sent to be a ward of Eddard Stark. Rodrik's two sons died at the Battle of Fair Isle. Rodrik's various relatives are vying to become his heir. Rodrik's chosen heir is his cousin Harras "the Knight" Harlaw, whose mother was a Serrett.

After Robert's death Balon rebels again, attacking the North. Theon betrays his foster-family and attacks Winterfell. However the Ironborn invasion begins faltering, the North is too large and the Ironborn are not capable at land warfare. Theon is captured by the monstrous Ramsay Snow and tortured. Balon Greyjoy dies, apparently falling from a bridge during a storm. The day after his death, Balon's eldest brother Euron Greyjoy, who Balon exiled years ago, returns and claims the Seastone Chair.