A Clash of Kings, Chapter 11, Theon
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
Chapter 11, Theon
Summary
Theon arrives at the Iron Islands with offer from Robb. He’s greeted only by his uncle Aeron “Damphair”, who has become a priest of the Drowned God. Damphair escorts Theon to his father at Pyke. Balon Greyjoy is not impressed with his son, who he deems more Stark than Greyjoy and he dismisses Robb’s offer.
Quotes
He smiled crookedly, wondering what his father would say when Theon told him that he, the last-born, babe and hostage, he had succeeded where Lord Balon himself had failed.
After ten years, I thought perhaps my lord father and lady mother might come themselves, or send Dagmer with an honor guard.”
“It is not for you to question the commands of the Lord Reaper of Pyke.”
“A sign it is,” the priest agreed, “but from our god, not theirs. A burning brand it is, such as our people carried of old. It is the flame the Drowned God brought from the sea, and it proclaims a rising tide. It is time to hoist our sails and go forth into the world with fire and sword, as he did.”
Commentary
I do not like this chapter.
Not as in “it’s bad writing”, but more in “I’m disgusted with what I’m seeing”. The foolish, cocky pride of Theon, his disregard for other people’s feelings, lack of respect for anyone and everyone. I really hate him at this stage.
The whole business with captain’s daughter and the way Theon is amused by the fact that her father is afraid to oppose him adds to the whole bad taste of this chapter. I’m sure it was Martin’s goal to make readers feel certain way about Theon, which doesn’t change the fact that I simply don’t like reading it again.
This chapter brings first hints of the bad news that will pour onto the Starks. Robb probably made a mistake sending Theon as envoy to Lord Balon, but in the end I don’t think this would change much. I think that Balon already decided that Asha will be his heir and Theon is as good as dead. The fact that Balon was ready to strike before Theon arrived at Pyke says that the war was coming one way or another.
One thing that amused me in this chapter was the blind belief that everyone in Westeros holds that red comet is their omen. Everyone and their mother see it as a clear sign of their forthcoming victory. I think it’s Martin’s poke at religion in general.
Oh, and in case you didn’t notice, we have another POV character. 
