Eight years after King Robert Baratheon wrestled the Iron Throne from the Targaryens, Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands initiated his own rebellion and declared his independence from the Seven Kingdoms. The war was initiated with a series of actions against the the Western powers, more specifically the burning of the Lannister fleet at Lannisport.

Following this victory the Ironmen decided to make landfall at Seagard, the main port of The Riverlands. In the largest battle of the war thusfar, Rodrick Greyjoy the heir to the Iron Islands was slain in single combat by Jason Mallister, the Lord of Seagard. His death forced a retreat by the Ironmen, and marked the beginning of the end of the rebellion. Lord Stannis Baratheon followed up this victory with a decisive defeat of the Greyjoy fleet off of Fair Island, making way for the main invastion of the Iron Islands.

The Ironborn were dealt another blow when the Crown's forces, including Ned Stark, Barristan Selmy, Jorah Mormont and the King himself, launched a siege against Pyke. Balon's second son was killed during this attack, and after his family stronghold was devastated, the Lord of the Iron Islands bent the knee to Robert. As punishment and to ensure there would be no other uprisings, Lord Greyjoy was forced to surrender his only surviving son, Theon (then 8), for Ned Stark to raise as his ward at Winterfell. Other major families of the Iron Islands were forced to grant hostages, ensuring that the Ironmen would never rise again.