Hrothgar Ironshod was the King of the Northern Seas, and main instigator of the Third War of the Kraken. He and his sons terrorized the North for a period of nearly five years, until his death at the hands of Winterfell's heir, Eddard Stark, who slew him in single combat.
Appearance and Character[]
A tall man, broad of shoulder and deep of chest, Hrothgar was in the eyes of many exactly what one wanted in a Lord. As implacable and sometimes placid as the mountains he resembled, the Ironborn King towered over most men, and could best all in feats of strength and skill.
The Ironshod's anger was a rare thing, but when aroused he was as unyielding as the storm. Under his command rape and looting were only permitted at his word - his men were disciplined, and rarely knew hunger or want.
History[]
Born sometime in the 280s or 290s AC, Hrothgar Ironshod was a largely unknown figure until his prodigious size and strength began to win him renown. A fighter of skill and a captain worth note, his name first reached the ears of many in the Iron Islands when he fought against Euric the Dancer during the Dancer's Revolt.
Hrothgar sired three sons on an unknown wife, and brought all of them with him on his exodus from the Isles during the Winter of Wolves. Intent on carving out a new homeland for his people, his conquests would eventually lead him to settle in Sea Dragon Point.
King of the Northern Seas[]
After refurbishing an ancient First Men castle in the North, Hrothgar Ironshod declared himself King of the Northern Seas and Lord of Nagga's Point. His war would stretch on for several years, battles taking place all across the northern coast and deep within the kingswood.
Sea Dragon Point was not very thickly populated, the region too barren and inhospitable for prolonged occupation. Used to the hardship of the Iron Islands, and unwilling to bend his own back or that of his men to the labour of farming, Hrothgar made do by employing the hundreds of thralls in his command. These men and women first aided in the rebuilding of the castle that would become Hrothhall, before being bent towards harvesting and gathering food for the Ironborn warriors who ruled over them. Scores died of frost bite and other ailments, suffering greatly at the hands of their captors.
Death[]
Hrothgar Ironshod was slain in the battle known to most as the Ironshod's Anvil, when a valiant foeman bested him in combat and slew the Ironborn king. At the sight of his death many of his men sought to rout, but his son, Ulric the Warlock, managed to rally them once more, and turn their unorganized rout into a careful retreat.
When the Northmen arrived to take the castle, some of the Ironborn discussed ransoming their captives in exchange for their lives. The late King's instructions, however, had been clear.
When the castle was captured by the besieging Ironborn, the bodies of the thralls were found within.