Ironborn or Reek? This Game of Thrones character is fascinating.
If there’s one thing that Game of Thrones has taught us, it’s that everyone has their personal scars- both literally and emotionally.
Cersei and Jaime Lannister have lost her children and father. The Starks have endured more misery than any other House in Westeros and as for Theon Greyjoy, well, his journey has arguably been the most psychologically traumatic one in the show’s history.
It’s clear that Balon Greyjoy’s son is still suffering from a severe case of PTSD – a point that Game of Thrones showrunner D.B Weiss discussed – but as Euron sails to King’s Landing with his wedding gift for Cersei, where’s Theon’s head at right now?
Will the ‘Reek’ persona continue to traumatise, haunt and emasculate Theon, or will he somehow manage to rekindle the spirit, strength and stubbornness that defies House Greyjoy?
Regarding that superb scene as Euron savages and massacres Yara’s Iron Fleet, Alfie Allen (Theon) has explained his character’s decision to flee rather than fight.
“There’s conflicting emotions for him, because he’s sort of back in battle mode, which he hasn’t been in for a long, long time. The sight of blood is going to remind him of physical pain or mental torment. It brings him back to that place, and he’s torn as to what to do. The reptilian part of his brain just takes over,” he said to HBO.
We’ve already outlined why Theon’s decision could prove to be the right one, but the actor has admitted that Ramsay Bolton’s abuse have taken its toll on the youngest son of Lord Balon and Lady Alannys Greyjoy.
“Going back to the imagery of what he saw back then, and allowing that to flood back in. Also, as an actor, having to delve back into something that was so long ago in his arc is pretty crazy. But it’s always been there throughout; it’s just gauging what brings him back, how much is created in his own head, and how much is an effective threat. I would say he’s in a better place, but he’s still definitely harkening back to those memories,” he said.
To this we say, what is dead may never die.
