Urek Greyiron

Urek Greyiron was an Ironborn King of the Iron Islands from House Greyiron. He began his reign in 79 A.I., inheriting the kingship from his father, Urron Greyiron. He was succeeded in his reign in 86 A.I. by Cragorn Greyjoy, as Urek's sudden death without a strong heir created the need for a return to the practice of the Kingsmoot.

Appearance

Much like his father, Urek had black hair and blue eyes. However, unlike his father he was quite short, standing only a few inches over five feet tall. He kept a bushy beard.

History

Early Life

Urek was born in 35 A.I. to his parents, Urron Greyiron and Nessa Goodbrother. Although he had many siblings, Urek was notably the only rock son born to Urron Redhand, which put him higher in the succession than his older salt brothers such as Urzen and Aeron.

Like most young Ironborn men, he was an oarboy as a young man aboard his father's longship, Grey King. After he reached adulthood, he participated on raids as a full reaver, though never became the captain of his own ship.

He was wed shortly after reaching adulthood to Gwin Volmark, who was herself a well-known axe-wife. The two of them were inseparable, and with only a few exceptions, Gwin was present on every raid that Urek was on. Tragically, she passed away during the birth of their third child, and Urek would remain unmarried until his father died.

Kingship

Urek's kingship was plagued with issues. Shortly after his coronation, the Arbor declared independence. Though the Ironborn attempted twice to bring them back into the realm, both times they were turned back by an alliance of the Redwynes and Hightowers. The Giant's Fist also stopped paying tribute to their overlord in the home isles, and Bear Island would eventually also declare independence after the death of Lodos Drumm, who had been the man originally responsible for bringing the Bearmen into submission.

There were also positive aspects to Urek's rule, though they are overshadowed by his failures. Recognizing the Coming of the Andals as one of the greatest threats to Ironborn supremacy, he ordered the blacksmiths of Orkmont to begin studying recovered steel Andal weaponry and armor, to see whether they could learn new metal-working techniques. He was responsible for building up the infrastructure of Orkmont.

Death and Legacy

Although Urek had ambitious plans for the remainder of his rule, his life was cut short prematurely. During a council meeting in the year 86 A.I., he tripped and snapped his neck, dying instantly. His eldest son, Regnar, chose to abdicate, recognizing that he did not possess the political power to claim the Kingship and keep it. He joined the Night's Watch, leaving his younger brother, Erich Greyiron, to rule the isle of Orkmont.

A [[Kingsmoot] was eventually held, and Cragorn Greyjoy was elected as the new King, ending the short-lived dynastic rule which Urron Greyiron had fought so hard to ensure.

Issue

Shera Greyiron - Daughter born in 52 A.I.
Shaella Greyiron - Daughter born in 58 A.I., second wife of Abelar Redwyne
Addila Greyiron - Daughter born in 66 A.I.
Regnar Greyiron - Son born in 67 A.I.
Erich Greyiron - Son born in 68 A.I.
Sigfry Greyiron - Son born in 82 A.I.
Grisella Greyiron - Daughter born in 85 A.I.
Loron Greyiron - Son born in 86 A.I.

Quotes

“You’d throw yourself off the Wall after a fortnight to relieve the pain of your pent-up sack.” ― Urek at age 16 to his salt brother Harlon

“The gateway to the Reach's heartlands belongs to us; I would have us slide an iron dagger into that heart, and bring home Gardener salt wives to warm our beds.” ― King Urek Greyiron to his council, shortly before dying