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Ironborn: The Ruthless Warriors (2)
Power is not inherited. It is taken.
Power is not inherited. It is taken. This belief defines the Ironborn, shaping their rulers, traditions, and way of life. Unlike the noble houses of Westeros, who pass down crowns like family heirlooms, the Ironborn follow a different path — one where strength, not bloodline, determines leadership.
In this article, we explore the Kingsmoot, a rare example of a quasi-democratic monarchy, and how it sets the Ironborn apart from the rest of Westeros. We also examine the brutal philosophy behind the Iron Price, the unique role of Salt Wives, and the contrasting fates of Balon and Theon Greyjoy. And at the heart of it all, one question remains: Can the Ironborn survive in a world that is changing around them? And if I don’t answer this question today, I will certainly answer it in the next two articles in the series.
The Kingsmoot: A Monarchy with a Democratic Twist
The Ironborn do not follow the rigid hereditary monarchy of the Seven Kingdoms. Instead, they have a system that blends monarchy with tribal democracy — a unique form of rule centered around the Kingsmoot (a gathering where chieftains and captains elect their king rather than simply accepting a royal bloodline).
