The Greyjoys, Stannis Baratheon, and the Potential for an Allieship

In the tumultuous times of the War of the Five Kings, many alliances were formed and shattered, each decision shaping the eventual outcome of the conflict. One intriguing scenario often pondered is what would have transpired if the Greyjoys had sided with Stannis Baratheon during the war. This essay delves into the potential alliances and consequences of such a move, examining the motivations of key figures and the strategic implications for the conflict.

Stannis' Indifference to Alliance

Stannis Baratheon was a man of principle and unwavering loyalty to his cause. Unlike Balon Greyjoy's immediate desire for control and power, Stannis was focused on reclaiming the Iron Throne for what he believed was his rightful claim. This singular-mindedness played a pivotal role in his reluctance to form alliances with those who merely sought personal gain. For instance, when Robb Stark proposed an alliance, Stannis's primary concern was to consolidate his own claim and restore order under a legitimate ruler, rather than supporting an illegitimate one. This made an alliance between Stannis and Robb unlikely.

Balon's Unwillingness to Pay the Iron Price

While Balon Greyjoy was the first among his sisters to consider an alliance with Stannis, his primary motivation was not to unite against their enemies but to secure their own sovereignty. Balon's disdain for "paying the iron price" reflected a pragmatic view where he sought to maximize his own interests rather than engage in a long and costly war. Most significantly, he failed to take his rebellion seriously until it was too late, which ultimately led to his downfall and the loss of two-thirds of his sons. This stark outcome reinforced his belief in pragmatism over ideologies, making an alliance with Robb nor Stannis implausible.

Asha's Potential for Alliance

While Balon's motive was clear, his sister Asha seemed more amenable to the possibility of an alliance with Stannis. Asha's character, being more strategic and less tied to the rigid principles that defined Balon and Stannis, would potentially have been more open to negotiations. However, the timing and practicality of such an alliance must be scrutinized. An agreement would need to be reached before the pivotal Battle of Blackwater, requiring Balon to liberate the Iron Islands earlier in the narrative. With additional naval support, Stannis could have bolstered his own forces, potentially allowing him to siege King's Landing more effectively. The sacrifices of the Blackwater campaign, where the bulk of Stannis's fleet was destroyed, would have been avoided, or at least significantly mitigated.

Consequences of a Greyjoy-Stannis Alliance

Should this alliance have occurred, numerous significant ramifications would have unfolded. Firstly, the elimination of the Stark threat through an alliance with the Lannisters would have been negated, leaving Robb Stark in a much stronger position. Robb could have relied on the support of the Greyjoys to fortify his position and counter the combined forces of the Lannisters and Tyrells. Additionally, with the Bolton threat neutralized, Robb could have consolidated his control over the north. The Greyjoys' formidable naval capabilities would have been a game-changer, facilitating the siege of King's Landing and potentially altering the course of events during the Red Wedding. This hypothetical scenario holds fascinating implications, such as a different outcome for the Red Wedding and the survival of Robb Stark.

Strategic Considerations for the Bolton Alliance

While the Greyjoys and Stannis might have had different motivations, they both shared a common enemy in the Lannisters. However, it's crucial to remember that the Bolton's forces were formidable, both in numbers and strategy, having the shoreside advantages and the formidable fortified Winterfell. Their strategic choices during the Battle of Winterfell demonstrated their ability to withstand and counter large forces. In contrast, the Greyjoys, being more focused on naval and raiding tactics, lacked the necessary land forces to launch a sustained land assault with the same level of effectiveness as the Bolton's stronghold.

A direct comparison between the Greyjoy and Bolton forces reveals why an alliance might not have been in their best interests. Winterfell, with its extensive defenses and the tactical advantage of holding the ground, would have provided a strong base from which the Lannisters could operate effectively. The Greyjoys, lacking a large on-land army, would not have been able to contribute meaningfully to a long-term siege without losing their naval superiority. This suggests that any alliance involving the Bolton's would have ended up with the Greyjoys contributing minimally, and the Lannisters pursuing their goals without significant naval interference.

Conclusion

The hypothetical alignment between the Greyjoys and Stannis Baratheon offers a compelling narrative exploration of the complex political landscape of the War of the Five Kings. While Stannis's ethical stance and Balon's pragmatic approach would likely have made a direct alliance improbable, the strategic potential of Asha's sisterhood raises questions about whether a more nuanced and earlier alliance with Stannis could have shifted the balance of power. Ultimately, the intricate web of alliances and counter-alliances further illustrates the tenuous nature of the political and strategic relationships in Westeros.