Everything we know about Dalton Greyjoy in House of the Dragon

As House of the Dragon expands the world of Game of Thrones, George R.R. Martin’s creation introduces us to Dalton Greyjoy, the Red Kraken. This Ironborn lord played a significant role in the Targaryen Civil War, which was known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Who is Dalton Greyjoy?

Credits: HBO

Dalton Greyjoy was the Lord of the Iron Islands during the Dance of the Dragons. He became Lord Reaper of Pyke at fifteen. Dalton was a fierce warrior and skilled sailor. He earned the name “Red Kraken” after a bloody battle in the Stepstones.

Read More: What impact did Jason Lannister have during the Dance of the Dragons?

Quick facts about Dalton Greyjoy

• Participated in his first raid at age ten (Books)
• Fought in twelve battles by age fourteen (Books)
• Obtained a Valyrian steel sword named Nightfall (Books)
• Became Lord of Pyke at fifteen (Books)
• Allied with the Blacks during the Dance of the Dragons (Books)
• Raided the Westerlands extensively (Books)

In House of the Dragon

Credits: HBO

Dalton Greyjoy has only been mentioned by name so far in House of the Dragon.

At the beginning of the Dance of the Dragons, Grand Maester Orwyle proposed offering the position of Master of Ships to Dalton Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands, to fill the vacant seat on the Small Council. This suggestion was made as King’s Landing faced significant naval challenges. The Velaryon fleet had blockaded the Gullet, leading to severe food shortages and rising public anger in the capital.

Prince Aemond Targaryen suggested forming a military alliance with the Triarchy to gain naval support and break the blockade. During this conversation, Queen Alicent inquired about the status of the letters sent to House Greyjoy, hoping for a response that might sway Dalton to their cause. However, Grand Maester Orwyle confirmed that his ravens had gone unanswered. Dalton, known for his cunning and opportunism, was believed to be biding his time, waiting for the most advantageous moment to act.

Lord Jasper Wylde, a member of the council, further speculated that Dalton’s silence was a strategic move, allowing him to assess which side of the conflict would best serve his interests. In an attempt to secure Greyjoy’s allegiance, Jasper suggested an extreme measure—offering Queen Alicent herself in a marriage alliance to tempt Dalton. However, Alicent swiftly rejected the proposal, unwilling to consider such a personal sacrifice for the sake of military advantage.

In Fire and Blood

Credits: Diego Gisbert Llorens

Rise to power and early exploits

Fire and Blood details Dalton Greyjoy’s early life and rise to power. It describes his first raid at age ten with his uncle. By fourteen, Dalton had sailed to Old Ghis and fought in twelve battles. He claimed four salt wives during these voyages. The book recounts how Dalton obtained the Valyrian steel sword Nightfall. He took it from a dead pirate’s body during one of his raids.

At fifteen, Dalton avenged his uncle’s death in a fierce battle. This event earned him the name “The Red Kraken”. The same year, Dalton became Lord of Pyke after his father’s death. As his first act, he ordered the construction of longships and forging of weapons. When questioned, Dalton cryptically stated, “The storm is coming”. Fire and Blood portrays Dalton as a prodigy in the Ironborn way of life. His early achievements set the stage for his later role in the Dance of the Dragons.

Role in the Dance of the Dragons

Fire and Blood narrates Dalton’s actions during the Targaryen civil war. It describes how both factions sought his alliance. King Aegon II offered him the position of master of ships. Queen Rhaenyra appealed to his desire for battle and plunder. Dalton chose to support the Blacks, targeting the Westerlands. The book details his attacks on Lannister territories.

Dalton burned the Lannister fleet and sacked Lannisport. He abducted women as salt wives and conquered Kayce and Faircastle. Fire and Blood depicts Dalton settling on Fair Isle after these conquests. It mentions his defiance of King Aegon’s orders to stop raiding. The book describes Lady Johanna Lannister’s attempts to counter Dalton’s attacks. It recounts how Dalton thwarted her efforts to build a new fleet. Fire and Blood portrays Dalton as a persistent threat to the Westerlands throughout the war.

Dalton’s rule and demise

Fire and Blood covers Dalton’s rule after the Dance of the Dragons. It mentions his continued control of Fair Isle and raids on the Westerlands. The book notes his consideration of offering his sister as a bride for King Aegon III. It describes Dalton’s lifestyle, including his many salt wives. Fire and Blood recounts Dalton’s death at the hands of Tess, one of his salt wives.

It details the power struggle that followed his demise. The book narrates Lady Johanna Lannister’s revenge on the Iron Islands. It mentions the fate of Dalton’s sons and his sword Nightfall. Fire and Blood portrays Dalton’s death as the end of a brief but impactful era for the Iron Islands. His legacy shapes the relationship between the Ironborn and the mainland in subsequent years.

Read More: Euron Greyjoy: Game of Thrones’ newest leading psychopath

Quotes

“The storm is coming.” – Dalton Greyjoy

“The Red Kraken waits, seeking his best advantage.” – Jasper Wylde about Dalton Greyjoy

Quick answers

Why was Dalton Greyjoy called the Red Kraken?

Dalton earned the name “Red Kraken” after avenging his uncle’s death in battle. He emerged from the fight covered in blood from multiple wounds.

What role did Dalton Greyjoy play in the Dance of the Dragons?

Dalton allied with the Blacks during the civil war. He raided the Westerlands, attacking Lannister territories and capturing Fair Isle.

How did Dalton Greyjoy die?

According to Fire and Blood, Dalton was killed by one of his salt wives named Tess. She cut his throat with his own dagger before throwing herself into the sea.

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