Aegon’s Conquest of the Iron Islands

This thread traces the collapse of House Hoare, the succession crisis on the islands, and the settlement that brings the ironborn under the crown.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

House Hoare Falls

An Island Dynasty Ends Harren’s Death Aegon burns Harrenhal and kills Harren Hoare and his sons. The ironborn lose their ruler in a single night. A Mainland Empire Ends House Hoare’s control of the riverlands collapses with its ruling line, leaving the Iron Islands without a settled succession.

Competing Kings

A Fragmented Succession Rivals Claim Power Qhorin Volmark, Lodos, and other claimants compete for kingship. Their followers fight across the islands and at sea. Disorder Invites Intervention The internal struggle weakens the ironborn and creates an opening for Aegon to intervene directly.

Aegon Ends the War

The King Restores Order Dragonfire and Submission Aegon arrives with fleets and Balerion. He kills Qhorin Volmark and the rival priest-king’s movement collapses. A Chosen Lord Rather than impose a mainland ruler, Aegon lets the ironborn select Vickon Greyjoy, whose homage ties the islands to the Iron Throne.

The Iron Islands Separate

A Narrow Settlement Greyjoy Authority Vickon Greyjoy rules the islands but renounces House Hoare’s claims on the mainland. A New Border Aegon gives Harrenhal to Quenton Qoherys under Edmyn Tully’s authority. The settlement separates island rule from control of the Trident.

Old Conflicts Return

The Islands Remain Restless Local Rule, Royal Oversight The Iron Islands retain their customs under a lord paramount, but royal succession and religious disputes repeatedly bring conflict back. A Fragile Arrangement The crown’s solution provides order without erasing ironborn identity. That compromise is repeatedly tested by rebellious claimants and shifting loyalties.

During the Conquest, at Harrenhal

1–2 AC, after Harren’s death

2 AC, on Aegon’s return to the islands

After 2 AC, following the settlement

After the Conquest, during later reigns