“we do not sow.”

Bit of a delay getting this piece on Tumblr thanks to a busier work week than usual, and wanting to give Asha the time necessary to really dive into her character.

Asha is yet another Martin character with an interesting relationship to gender. She fills many traditionally male rolls, both in common Westerosi culture, but also by the standards of the Ironborn. Despite, or possibly because of this, she doesn't feel the need to push herself to be more masculine. She wears provocative clothes, even casually wearing her armor half laced. At the same time, she keeps her hair short. By and large, Asha doesn't seem to chafe against her gender, but instead embrace it along with the freedoms of a man. It isn't until the King's Moot that being a woman seems to become a problem before. Of course, the King's Moot also coincides with the first chapters we get following her perspective.

Asha is part of an overall trend of women reaching for power, and having it taken away from them. Cersei, Lyana, Sansa, and so many other girls and women in aSoIaF, would be rulers if they had only been born men. Even Brienne thought she had achieved her dream of knighthood when she defeated Rorge, but had it ripped away by Biter, and even Lady Stoneheart. However, Westeros has a big chance in status quo coming.

While Daenerys' conquest; and hopeful ascent to some throne, will be the impetus of this change, it is my hope that Asha will be essential in Westeros accepting it. The Mormonts have already adjusted people somewhat to a powerful Lady in power instead of a Lord, but they're a fairly small house in the grand scheme of things. Asha however already has a decent following in her own small fleet, and even rivaled her uncle Victarion at the King's Moot. She's also shown herself to be practically minded, especially compared to other Ironborn. Her ability to treat with the Glovers, even after taking their seat of power, shows that she is uniquely suited to courtly pursuits.

Balon Greyjoy: Almost sounds like Balloon, this is because he is full of hot air.

Aeron "Damphair" Greyjoy: He looks the part, like Rasputin meets wet cat.

Euron "Crow's Eye" Greyjoy: Sounds like Ew-ron. This is because Euron is kind of gross. About what you expect from an occult one-eyed, blue-lipped man captaining a ship of tongueless sailors.

Victarion Greyjoy: Sounds like victory. This is because he never loses. Except his crew's loyalty, his hand, and his bid for the throne at the Kingsmoot. But don't worry about the hand, it got better.

Asha Greyjoy: She's a woman.

Theon Greyjoy doll now comes with a Greyjoy banner, archery set and accessories for Smiler 🐴💛