#iyo anon

[aegor-bamfsteel]

Growing up in Oldtown with the Hightowers, would Baelor Blacktyde’s overall (including military) education have differed from the education Theon Greyjoy received growing up at Winterfell with House Stark?

Yes. Luwin is only one maester, and tells Bran that while he can teach him many subjects, “at the Citadel in Oldtown they can teach you a thousand things more” (AGOT Bran VI), so with access many maesters in Oldtown, there’s a greater depth/breadth of knowledge than at Winterfell. Then Luwin notes that Theon wasn’t a dedicated student: “…once I taught you sums and letters, history and warcraft. And might have taught you more, had you wished to learn.” (ACOK Theon VI), maybe indicating he stopped attending lessons after the basics of reading/writing/arithmetic as well as the necessary military education needed for a feudal lord (interestingly, it’s the history lessons—on the surface the “least useful” subject for daily life—that Theon remembers most from Luwin). We’re given barely any information on Baelor Blacktyde (he’s mentioned less than 10 times by name), but he does consult with Rodrik “the Reader” before the Kingsmoot, and according to Tristifer Botley compared Euron to Urron “Redhand” Greyiron (who became king 5000 years ago by assassinating the other salt and rock kings); this could indicate that he values written/more traditionally scholarly knowledge (even seemingly esoteric ancient history) that “so many ironborn found unmanly and perverse” (AFFC The Kraken’s Daughter), and might have been a more dedicated student than Theon. As for specifically warcraft, three of the four sons of Leyton Hightower are currently involved in the military defenses of Oldtown from the ironborn (with the fourth, Humfrey, on a diplomatic mission to Lys for more ships), with one (Gunthor) having studied directly at the Citadel, so it’s fair to say that having had the same maesters, Baelor would have a similar education. It’s not a stretch to suggest that Baelor Blacktyde—with access to more maesters of the Citadel, and probably with more respect for book-educated men like Rodrik Harlaw—would’ve had a more advanced education than Theon.

[aegor-bamfsteel]

In your opinion, would Edmure Tully be a good husband and/or dad? What would he be like as a partner and parent?

We do get some secondhand testimony about Edmure’s relationship with Roslin. According to her brother, Roslin is fond of Edmure and is praying for a girl since she (rightly) fears he’ll be executed otherwise. Meanwhile, Edmure defends Roslin to Jaime, saying she was forced into the Red Wedding. That those two seem to like each other despite every reason not to does point to their kind natures (even though Edmure is at least 8 years older, she’s just 16, and he thought her crying just wedding night jitters. He’s not perfect when it comes to women). That makes me want to say he wouldn’t be a bad husband, certainly not intentionally cruel, ready to see the positive qualities in his wife, though maybe inclined to see what he wants to.

As a father, again I think he wouldn’t be bad; Edmure has shown despite moments of incompetence that he is above all a kindhearted person (to the small folk), and in ASOIAF, good people make decent parents (mostly the Starks, Seaworths, and Sands). He was struggling under Hoster’s expectations (he and Lysa just couldn’t measure up to Cat) and tried to make him proud, so I could see him being more laid back because of that, and probably leave most of the disciplining to others.

[aegor-bamfsteel]

From our glimpse into the ironborn political sphere in a ACOK, ADWD and especially AFFC, other than Victarion and Aeron, which notable lords tended to come across as actual supporters of the old way philosophy?

Actual supporters of the Old Way I’m taking to mean men who view reaving as a calling and follow the drowned priests seriously, rather than just to get free stuff and kidnap women; which knocks out a lot of Euron’s immediate supporters (Houses Wynch and Orkwood come to mind) And notable lords I’m taking to mean from lordly houses; which knocks out all of the cadet branches from Goodbrother and Harlaw, plus those lesser Houses like Weaver/Humble/Codd etc. Then there’s got to be enough circumstantial evidence to indicate they’d follow the Old Way seriously rather than just showing up at the ACOK feast or voting Victarion or Euron at the Kingsmoot. That said:

Lord Gorold Goodbrother is definitely someone who takes the Drowned God seriously, sending his son Gormond (who was ritually drowned, meaning he’s religious) to tell Aeron about Balon’s death. He wanted the priest’s advice on whether he should rebel against Euron usurping the Seastone Chair, even if Aeron thinks less of him for living inland. He does switch over to Euron after supporting Victarion, but after the Shield Islands invasion he’s expressing doubt over longterm gain, so he’s clearly not a Euron supporter just in it for some quick loot.

I think Lord Sparr is a follower of the Old Way. He tells Aeron about how he was drowned along with his heir Steffarion on his nameday. He brings Aeron news of Balon’s death rather than joining up with Euron immediately like some other lords. While he doesn’t speak at the Kingsmoot, and he doesn’t join in the Shield Islands invasion, the Sparrs seem to be in Victarion’s camp, and one of them is part of his Iron Fleet, so Euron didn’t see them as reliable.

Lord Dunston Drumm probably takes the philosophy seriously. He has a proud house history that he goes on about, including taking a Valyrian sword with trickery, so reaving isn’t just for personal glory to him, but a way of life (even if the returns haven’t been that great). He supports himself over any Greyjoy and doesn’t switch sides. He, Gorold, and Rodrik all talk about how they’re worried about how little the Shields are worth compared to how the Reach will respond, so he’s not hyped up on the quick victory. His sons are likely loyal to him, since Euron names the captain Andrik over them as Lord of Southshield.

Possibly Lord Kenning of Harlaw, who doesn’t answer Rodrik’s summons to Ten Towers to support Asha. His relative Ralf was one of Victarion’s strongest supporters who urged him to press his claim

Possibly the Stonehouse of Old Wyk, even though he wasn’t seen voting at the moot. But his relative Red Ralf was one of Victarion’s champions, and Victarion was Aeron’s chosen candidate

Possibly Lord Maron Volmark, since it seems his House is traditionally friendly with the drowned priests, he’s a scion of the extinct House Hoare, plus he was one of Victarion’s supporters during the kingsmoot. However, he doesn’t have enough solid characterization to say for sure

[aegor-bamfsteel]

Other than Stannis Baratheon and maybe various Starks, are there any nobles in particular who would likewise value Davos Seaworth’s brand of council?

Well, we see Davos’ council is borne from decades of experience at sea, he’s steadfastly loyal, he’s not a flatterer, can’t read, is looked down on by many for being lowborn lacking that polish. I can see a few nobles valuing his council:

It makes a lot of sense that some of Essosi nobility, particularly those from the coastal areas, would consider him well. It’s said among the Three Daughters (Lys, Tyrosh, and Myr) that wealth is more important than birth and they all make their living through the sea. Salladhor Saan is a personal friend, and he’s from a noble Lyseni family, so he’s already got sort of an in with that area.

The Ironborn also make their living through the sea. Even men descended from thralls and salt wives can become nobles, though not as respected as the higher born. I think they’d appreciate Davos‘ sea knowledge and steadfast loyalty, while not holding his birth against him to the degree the Reachmen do

Some of the blunter, poorer Northmen like House Umber and the mountain clansmen may appreciate Davos’ bluntness, lack of frippery, and general competence in naval areas as well, considering they’ve also had dealings with the Free Folk raiding by sea

Maybe the men of the Golden Company, as they choose their officers by merit rather than birth and have a loyal reputation

Maybe some of those Tàrgs that employed men of humble birth like Jaehaerys I and Aegon V

[aegor-bamfsteel]

Do you think Theon would have gotten along well with his fellow hostage/ward Baelor Blacktyde?

From what we see of Baelor, he blames Balon for his father’s death, cautious about the kingsmoot, knows his history, takes his adopted Faith seriously, mistrusts the older Greyjoys, is somewhat dressier than other ironborn (with that sable cloak and silver star), and chooses to die rather than take Euron as his liege. There’s some things in common with Theon (like the fancier clothes/jewelry, willing to die for a lost cause, although Theon is willing to take an escape until he’s trapped), but I think on the surface that his caution and dislike of Balon/Old Way that Theon naively champions at the start of ACOK means that they’d probably be too different to be friends. However, if Theon did make a claim, I think that he’d support him over the Greyjoy uncles out of pragmatism, while trying to curb his enthusiasm for reaving.

I’m going to assume that this is the same anon who asked how I’d think an AGOT/ACOK Theon would get on with the Harlaws. If I had to guess what ironborn he might get on with, it’s Maron Volmark (naive 16 year old of prestigious lineage eager to keep warring, like a less justified Robb), all of the Botleys less Tris (since their dad Sawane was killed for supporting him, it seems he left an impression. Maybe Tris would try to befriend him for help with Asha, but that’s likely to irritate him), Lucas Codd (until he shows his true cruelty I could see them being superficial friends over women and wealth), Gormond Goodbrother (fond of horseback riding), Dagon the Drunkard Greyjoy (likes wine and fighting), the Sharps (support reaving the Mander, one stayed loyal to Theon at Winterfell), and probably others in addition to those he’s already interacted well with (Adrack Humble). Hope this helps.

[aegor-bamfsteel]

Considering noblewomen aren’t expected to cook in Westerosi society, is it therefore implied it would be embarrassing for Lord Borrell to brag about his granddaughter being a great cook if he were talking to a proper lordly lord, and not Davos of House Seaworth? Like, the equivalent of bragging that she really knows how to dig a ditch or something?

It wouldn’t be embarrassing, nor exactly the equivalent of digging a ditch, but it does mark Lord Borrell as a “country bumpkin”/“hare catcher lord” whose family has to do their own housework rather than hire servants. GRRM himself said that petty lords like Borrell stand as far below from the great lords as the nobility does from the smallfolk, in a question about whether the Stark ladies would make cheese or serve guests (they’re too high born, but ladies of lesser rank may). I don’t think the great lords would be impressed, but they wouldn’t be shocked to see Gella cooking the Sister’s stew.

[aegor-bamfsteel]

Ok so what kind of husband/dad would Theon Greyjoy be, in your view?

Scenario 1: Theon inherits Pyke in like 297-298 AC, marries a daughter of one of his vassals and they have kids.

Scenario 2: the Captain of the Myraham’s daughter shows back up with their kid and current Theon acknowledges him/her.

What you think?

AGOT!Theon is a “frat boy”, in that he’s seemingly shallow and womanizing, acts like he doesn’t care, and even when he does something heroic (saving Bran) it could’ve endangered the whole mission (Robb was right; what if Theon had missed with the arrow). And in ACOK it’s one terrible decision after another (albeit goaded into by his family and Reek). That’s to say I don’t think pre-series Theon would be a great father; not that I think he’d beat his kids (even though he was beaten for misbehaving), but his lack of responsibility probably means he wouldn’t be very close to them. I’m sure if they did something he liked—showing an interest in hawks or archery—he’d be proud of them/their achievements, but in a more distant way. I think the difficult, day-to-day aspects of parenting would be left to the mother (along with the household like maesters, stewards, serving folk, but the question was about Theon as a parent); this is probably more acceptable in Ironborn society, because a captain is expected to spend many months at sea. So I can imagine if Theon became Lord of the Iron Isles and married an ironwoman, he’d be a mostly hands-off parent, leaving her to raise the kids, while still telling others how great the kids (let’s face it, sons) are at being true ironmen.

I can’t imagine Theon ever accepting the Myraham captain’s daughter again, because she begged to come with him to Pyke as a salt wife, and he refused; even when she said she feared her father, he said the father “…should be pleased. As many times as I've fucked you, you're likely with child. It's not every man who has the honor of raising a king's bastard.” Essentially, he wants to see no more of her or any potential baby. But let’s say that he does decide to make her a salt wife and accept the kids as his. I’d imagine he’d use the sons as a mark that he’s true ironborn, since having a lot of salt wives signifies virility/high status, and the salt sons can be loyal supporters. He’d probably give them some equipment and money during their childhood, and be proud if they ever got to captain their own ship, but I think the relationship would be even more distant than with his hypothetical legitimate children.

[aegor-bamfsteel]

In your opinion, would Tyrion Lannister be a competent Lord Steward of the Nights Watch?

Tyrion is that kid in school who gets straight As in all his academics, but is constantly in detention for his lack of discipline/mouthing off to authority figures (I was the same way). If he has motivation to put the work in—be that self preservation or spiting his hated family—then he could do decently, as he did preparing KL for Stannis’ invasion. However, he didn’t do so well as Master of Coin, not being able to get any information out of Baelish’s ledgers, and if the remarks about Bowen Marsh are any indication, part of competent head stewardship is a constant count of inventory. There’s also how Tyrion desires glory/respect/honor, particularly from his family, and he’s not likely to get that in the Night’s Watch, particularly as the Stewards seem to be the least respected profession; so unless they were in imminent danger, I don’t see him putting in the work, as he has nothing to prove to the Watch. While he can be good about getting people on his side if he has something to offer them (usually money, arms, positions), he can also be petty when he dislikes someone, turning what could be valuable support against him. He wouldn’t have a lot to bargain with as a steward, but he’s with the same unpleasant people. Basically, I think he could do fine with some of the logistics of stewardship, but not so much the politics, and would probably chafe at working under someone he doesn’t respect. I can’t see him being popular with the Watch either.