[ASOIAF] A ghost needs a home: Throbb Manifesto [1/2]
A GHOST NEEDS A HOME
A THEON GREYJOY/ROBB STARK MANIFESTO
EDIT 26/11/12 : this piece was originally posted on my dreamwidth account. However, since most of the people who send me feedback were LJ-users, I felt like I should post it here aswell. No other changes were made. Again, thanks to everyone who gave me constructive criticism and compliments, it is very much appreciated :)
A few months ago, I was asked why I love Theon and Robb’s relationship so much.
I wanted to answer right away, so I began to write a few lines about their beautiful story… and thought that I should maybe give more depth to my answer. I suppose I could have written a short answer but it wouldn’t have been honest. These characters are literally haunting me since I’ve read A Dance with Dragons, even though they both were my favorite characters since I read A Game of Thrones.
I purposely named the following essay a ‘ship manifesto’ even though I’m aware it doesn’t respect all the rules of a real manifesto. I chose not to introduce the characters because it would have been too long and tedious. I presuppose that, reading this, you already know A Song of Ice and Fire, Theon Greyjoy, Robb Stark and their respective stories.
If you don’t, nothing prevents you from reading this; it will give you an overview of the plot and the relationship between Robb and Theon but be warned: there will be massive spoilers.
Also, I should tell you that my manifesto does focus very heavily on the books. The TV series is excellent on some aspects, nevertheless I despise the way they handled Robb’s storyline, even if it doesn’t affect his relationship with Theon at all. On the contrary, their bond was surprisingly well respected. However, I strongly disagree with Robb’s characterization in the end of season 2, but I won’t dwell on that, that’s not the point here.
Enough babbling already. Let’s take a deep look into one of the most bittersweet, tragic story I’ve ever read.
One of the main problems people often have with Throbb is that it ends with a betrayal.
While it's perfectly normal to resent Theon for that, I don't think we should see the tragedy that happened as a demonstration of Theon's disloyalty because, really, it’s not. Nor it is, for that matter, a fatal blow to the ship.
Actually, the series of events that led to the unfortunate betrayal could have been easily avoided. It’s even suggested, in a Dance with Dragons, that it shouldn’t have gone this way.
If not for the war, Theon would have stayed at Robb’s side. Old families’quarrels and war separated them, and that’s what makes their relationship so important throughout the whole series. Their bond is connected to almost every core theme of A Song of Ice and Fire
So, as far as we know, these two weren’t as doomed as we often deem them to be.
The unexpected friendship.
"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and be my friend."
- Albert Camus
As we all know, Theon was nothing more than a hostage to the Stark family. He and Robb were not exactly supposed to be friends.
I’d go as far as to say that Theon could have easily hated the son of Eddard Stark, one of the men who destroyed his home and killed a large part of his people. As for Robb, he could have treated Theon as the stranger he was. He could have showed him nothing but disdain or, at best, vague respect.
Still, against all expectations, the two boys got along very well. While the entirety of the Stark family seems to consider Theon as a potential threat (which was quite understandable considering the Greyjoy’s rebellious tendency), Robb becomes fond of their hostage.
The Starks and Theon :
“And from this day on, I want a careful watch kept over Theon Greyjoy. If there is war, we shall have sore need of his father’s fleet.”
“War?” The fear was plain on Catelyn’s face.
“It will not come to that,” Ned promised her, praying it was true.
Robb and Theon (according to Bran) :
“Even when he was home at Winterfell, Robb the Lord seemed to have more time for Hallis Mollen and Theon Greyjoy than he ever did for his brothers.”
He probably tried not to, because he knew his father might have to kill him one day but if he did try, then he completely failed. And there got to be a reason why Robb is the only one who failed.
“Robb's curses rang through the yard. (…) Theon Greyjoy seized Robb's arm to keep him away from the prince. (…) Theon kept Robb locked in an iron grip until the princes and their party were safely away”
In one of his very first scenes, Theon is seen protecting Robb which contrast greatly with his general attitude. Most people in Westeros would tell you Theon is nothing more than a shallow young man whose nonchalant attitude is almost as irritating as his permanent sly smile. However, with Robb, Theon proves he can be protective and caring. His attitude is drastically different when it comes to Robb.
They had the kind of connection nobody would have expected them to have. I’ve always loved how Theon seems to be a person more pleasant to be with when he’s with Robb.
It is quite obvious that his nonchalant demeanor and his arrogant smiles were merely his defense mechanisms. He used to be a shy and quiet child but had to put a mask to hide his fear of the North, of Eddard Stark and his blade, etc. Most people didn’t look past his attitude - and to be honest, you cannot blame them. After all, in the eyes of every single person in the north, Theon was the son of a traitor and for that reason alone, could not be trusted. Sure, Theon doesn’t seem to care about that. He always acts like nothing gets to him anyway.
Robb was probably the first and only person who ever considered Theon not like the son of Balon Greyjoy, a stranger, an ironborn but rather like a human being, who was constantly remained that he didn’t belong there and wouldn’t ever be part of the Stark family. Theon only opened himself with Robb, which is why he’s the only one to truly love him.
Robb silenced him with a look. “Euron Greyjoy is no man’s notion of a king, if half of what Theon said of him was true. Theon is the rightful heir, unless he’s dead … but Victarion commands the Iron Fleet. I can’t believe he would remain at Moat Cailin while Euron Crow’s Eye holds the Seastone Chair. He has to go back. (A Storm of Swords)
This quote is interesting on two levels:
Firstly, the reader learns that Robb trusted Theon and even used to ask him for advice. He probably did that often, so often that even after Theon’s betrayal, he still quotes Theon as though he was a reliable source of information. It means Robb still believes Theon and what he told him about his personal life, despite the betrayal.
And they used to have secrets. The letter Theon brings with him when he returns to Pyke is only one of them according to the following quote :
“No one knew of his letter but Robb Stark; they were no fools, to entrust their secrets to a bird.” (A Clash of Kings)
Also, Theon trusted Robb enough to tell him about his family. He wasn’t treated like a Stark, he wasn’t even accepted by the Northmen. Yet, he confided in Robb on this most critical issue of his existence. Sadly - I will never say this enough it seems - we do not have Robb’s POV. If we had at least one, maybe we would have known what exactly Theon had told him.
Still, we know for sure that he told Robb things about Euron, and I suppose it wasn’t a pleasant memory; which means that Theon did not talk to Robb only to brag. Their conversations were far from superficial : with him, he could talk without being judged; he didn’t have to put on a mask.
Robb seemed to admire Theon and enjoy his company, but Bran had never warmed to his father’s ward.
(A Game of Thrones)
Robb’s admiration for Theon always fascinated me. I mean, it’s easy to understand why he could have become attached to him; Theon was always there for him, he was laughing with him, playing with him, he was honest with him, he even told him about his family and there are obviously other things we don’t know about since we don’t get Robb’s POV before Theon leaves.
So, the reasons why Robb loved him and warmed to him are not difficult to imagine. But why did he admire him?
Don’t get me wrong, Theon’s my favourite character, but even if his life story is likely to arouse compassion, he certainly doesn’t inspire instant admiration to others (which will be a problem for him later).
Given his social status and his higher position, Robb was more likely to take pity on him. His education certainly didn’t help him to have admiration for Theon, since he was Ironborn.
Cruel places breed cruel peoples, Bran, remember that as you deal with these ironmen. Your lord father did what he could to gentle Theon, but I fear it was too little and too late.
(A Clash of Kings)
According to the northmen, the Greyjoys and the Ironborn in general were more or less savages who needed to be tamed. Theon was seen as such when he first arrived at Winterfell and it has probably not changed much with the passing years, since he did his best to behave like the typical ironborn and presumably live up to his father’s expectations.
Not only Robb was the only person who truly loved Theon, knowing who he really was, but he has been, without a doubt, the only one to ever admire him.
And I have NO explanation for that. The reasons of Robb’s admiration are up to the reader's imagination, which leaves plenty of room for speculation.
The 'Bran Stark incident'
It has been said that time heals all wounds. I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue, and the pain lessens, but it is never gone
Rose Kennedy
Especially after his father’s imprisonment at King’s Landing, Robb had always been willing to do everything right. He wanted to listen to everyone and yet, Bran suggested that he listened to Theon a little bit more.
“What will you do?” he asked as Theon Greyjoy reined in beside them.
“Theon thinks I should call the banners,” Robb said.
“Blood for blood.” For once Greyjoy did not smile. His lean, dark face had a hungry look to it, and black hair fell down across his eyes.
“Only the lord can call the banners,” Bran said as the snow drifted down around them.
“If your father dies,” Theon said, “Robb will be Lord of Winterfell.”
[…] “Does Maester Luwin say to call the banners too?”
“The maester is timid as an old woman,” said Theon.
“Father always listened to his counsel,” Bran reminded his brother. “Mother too.”
“I listen to him,” Robb insisted. “I listen to everyone.”
(A Game of Thrones)
This conversation is tremendously important. It is a turning point in Theon’s characterization (notice how he seems serious all of a sudden and stops smiling - he does take some things seriously: advising Robb and the perspective of going to war) but it’s also the moment that pretty much led to the turning-point of their story.
Sometime after this, Bran’s life is put in danger by a bunch of wildlings. Robb tries to save him but can’t do much, since the wildling who is holding Bran is clearly in a position of strength. Fortunately for the young boy, Theon, coming from behind, strikes the man with an arrow and saves Bran’s life.
However, Robb doesn’t thank him and instead reproaches him for putting Bran’s life in danger. While Robb’s criticism is understandable (it’s true that, given his position, Theon could have missed the man and hit Bran instead), it’s certainly not fair and it’s obvious from Theon’s reaction that such ingratitude wasn’t to be expected from Robb.
“Theon Greyjoy stood beside a sentinel tree, his bow in hand. He was smiling. Ever smiling. A half-dozen arrows were thrust into the soft ground at his feet, but it had taken only one.
“A dead enemy is a thing of beauty,” he announced.
“Jon always said you were an ass, Greyjoy,” Robb said loudly. “I ought to chain you up in the yard and let Bran take a few practice shots at you.”
“You should be thanking me for saving your brother’s life.”
“What if you had missed the shot?” Robb said. “What if you’d only wounded him? What if you had made his hand jump, or hit Bran instead? For all you knew, the man might have been wearing a breastplate, all you could see was the back of his cloak. What would have happened to my brother then? Did you ever think of that, Greyjoy ? ”
Theon’s smile was gone. He gave a sullen shrug and began to pull his arrows from the ground”
Fear could explain why Robb lose his temper: he feared for his brother’s life, especially having recently heard about his father’s imprisonment and reacted on the heat of the moment, without thinking of the impact his words would have on Theon. Theon who only wants to garner smiles and respect, Theon who thought the only one in the world who had ever made him feel worthy and needed was Robb.
More importantly, remember what happened just before: Bran was suggesting that Robb didn’t listen to everyone equally and probably that he relied on Theon too much.
Well, Robb seemed obviously unsettled by that. Given the circumstances, it’s rather likely that he felt guilty about it, thinking that he shouldn’t listen to a man who is, in truth, a hostage in Winterfell; who is the rightful heir of a house that has never been on the side of his own family to say the least (notice how he calls him “Greyjoy” and not Theon), and so on.
Even if it seems quite insignificant, this event really is the first turning-point of Robb and Theon’s relationship. From this moment on, the idea that he may not belong at Robb’s side is planted on Theon’s mind. He will remember it when he will have to choose between his family and Robb. He will remember it and use it to justify his final choice.
It would be exaggerated to say that Theon’s betrayal has everything to do with this argument though. There are many other factors that played a role on his choice but remember that even if he doesn’t choose to stay by his side, Robb indirectly guided Theon’s final choice. It shows how important Robb was for Theon: if he had just smiled at him, maybe he wouldn’t have tried so hard to please his father.
So, we were saying that, at this moment, Robb felt guilty towards his family. He thought that he may be relying on Theon too much. The fact that Theon was a hostage and a Greyjoy made the guilt worse and that alone could explain Robb’s unusual behavior.
Another thing that is particularly interesting is that Theon goes through the same kind of guilt when he comes back to Pyke - he feels like a traitor to his family because of this relationship with Robb Stark, Eddard Stark’s heir and feels the need to prove himself as a Greyjoy because of that… but it’s a little bit too soon to discuss this particular issue! I’ll get back to Theon’s problems later, I promise. But note that GRMM has purposely drawn parallels between the two characters.
Two boys at war
Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Even if he was crowned King in the North, Robb is still a young boy who had never had to take on so many responsibilities. He suddenly became lord of Winterfell and then King and had no idea how to rule and no father figure to guide him. He was willing to be as respected as his father and could only rely on the two closest people he has: his mother and Theon Greyjoy. It’s one of the main themes of Robb’s storyline: he was a great leader, undoubtedly, but only when he could rely on these two. As soon as they were gone, Robb was lost, and he became a young boy again, desperately needing love, guidance, approval and comfort which partially led to his death.
“Robb glanced from her [Catelyn] to Greyjoy, searching for an answer and finding none. For a moment he looked even younger than his fifteen years “ (A Game of Thrones)
Besides, before Theon leaves, they are never seen far from each other. Theon is pretty much always seen with Robb in AGOT. He’s laughing with him, he gives him advice, and he comforts him when Robb learns about his father. They seem to be always together and they showed that aspect quite well in the TV series.
I would speak with my son alone. I know you will forgive me, my lords." [Catelyn] gave them no choice; led by the ever-obliging Lord Hornwood, the bannermen bowed and took their leave. "And you, Theon," she added when Greyjoy lingered. He smiled and left them. (A Game of Thrones)
It’s worth mentioning, I think, that Robb was taking a risk by doing that. We don’t have Robb POV but I’m quite sure that listening to a hostage (a Greyjoy, what’s more!) and allowing said hostage, son of an enemy, to sit next to the King and SPEAK WITH him during meetings with his war council wasn’t well accepted by everyone. I mean, if I was a Karstark or a Bolton, I wouldn’t have been so happy to see a potential threat, a hostage, treated the same way I was.
Once, a boy called Theon Greyjoy had enjoyed tweaking Bolton as they sat at council with Robb Stark, mocking his soft voice and making japes about leeches. He must have been mad. This is no man to jape with.
(A Dance with Dragons)
This is a very interesting quote. Can you imagine the situation? You’re a lord, sitting a war counsel. At your left, a respected man is talking and everyone is listening to him silently except a boy of fifteen who happens to be the King and his hostage, a Greyjoy of Pyke, sitting besides him and laughing with him, mocking the respectable lords sitting around the table. Not only Robb dared to let Theon sit with him like the other lords of the North but he was openly joking with him and making fun of his own allies during the counsels.
Robb may have been honorable and brave; he wasn’t that mature when it came to Theon Greyjoy. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have mocked a man like Roose Bolton in front of him. Plus, Robb and Theon were always hanging out together; there is not one moment in A Game of Thrones where Theon is mentionned without Robb being there or somewhere close to him. Imagine the rumours. And if Robb hasn’t been confronted by his bannermen on his relationship with the heir of Balon Greyjoy, it’s only because he was respected and feared. Otherwise, no doubt it would have been a problem.
Now, I agree, there is no way to prove they’ve been involved in any kind of physical/sexual relationship; although I find it hard to deny the romantic implications between them. Still, saying that there could have experienced some kind of sexual relationship together isn’t absurd at all.
Firstly, we know they were very close; they trusted each other, admired each other and had a connection not all friends could pretend to share.
There is also the fact that Robb seemed to enjoy listening to Theon’s sexual experiences (he asks Theon not to talk about that in front of Bran but doesn’t say he doesn’t want to hear it later). It wouldn’t be that surprising if Theon didn’t seem to sleep with women with the sole purpose of being admired.
Robb’s sexuality will always be a mystery to us for he was too young to be sure of it anyway. He was attracted by Jeyne, but it’s implied that she is the one who took the initiative (“she comforted me”) and their active sexual activity was motivated by the need to have an heir and above all, to be reassured by someone who loved him. It doesn’t seem like Robb was disgusted by their sexual encounters. It’s hard, however, in a such a repressive society, to know for sure whether people are truly attracted by the opposite sex or if they conform to the norm.
I think Robb was more or less in need of a mother figure, a woman who could give him back the confidence he had lost. Jeyne’s character comes when Catelyn is away, and Cat notices some similarities between her and Jeyne. First and foremost, they both care about Robb, who is literally surrounded by enemies.
He had been betrayed by a man he trusted and if she had been there, it’s obvious that his mother would have been the one to comfort him. (not in the same way of course). Symbolically, it had to be a woman.
I think that giving Robb a fixed sexuality would be hasty. He hadn’t had the time to really figure out who he really was and I think, at the time, he just needed people he could truly rely on.
Theon’s sexuality seems very clear at first glance. It is mentionned repeteadly that he was quite a hit with the ladies and they clearly seemed to enjoy his company. But obviously, given Theon’s complexity and backstory, it couldn’t be that simple.
First and foremost, Theon does not idealise women and feminity like any self-respecting lady-killer. He’s not a lover. For him, sex is merely a way to prove that he can be respected and admired; that he is a man, not a prisoner, not the weak, scared little boy they took away from his home anymore. It is overall a defense mechanism, a part of the mask he constructed himself.
Theon’s behaviour with women is completely linked to his Ironborn heritage and the culture he lives in. I think he admired the Stark so much as a child he probably felt guilty about it (like it’s often the case in this kind of situation). As a poor attempt to ‘make it up’ to his family, he did everything he could to act like the typical Ironborn man. It’s fairly obvious that, in the Ironborn culture, femininity is considered as degrading (Asha is respected and admired by her crew because she is seen as ‘masculine’).
I’d say that Theon issue isn’t with women themselves. He does think, like most people in Westeros, that they aren’t as strong or intelligent as men but he does not insult or physically hurt them (except maybe that one time in Winterfell with Kyra, but precisely, it shows how much he’s changed). He can even behave in a surprisingly gallant way with Catelyn in AGOT. Women wouldn’t have been ‘longing for his touch’ if he had been violent.
However, I think he has a serious problem with the concept of femininity. A woman isn’t necessary feminine - just look at Arya or Brienne - and a man can be feminine too. In Westeros, femininity is not considered as something you should be proud of. Even by women themselves. Think of Cersei, of Arya.
When he returns to Pyke, he dresses well, as usual, and even wear jewellery in order to impress his father. But he’s been far from his home too long to remember that such things are not appreciated by the Ironborns. Also, it’s worth underlining that Asha seems to have taken the place of Balon’s last son (she even sits at the prince’s place, Theon’s place, during the feast) while Theon is compared to a girl by his own father.
Although his behaviour towards women is not to be excused, it can be easily explained. By his culture, his desperate attempts to belong, to be admired, and so on. Notice that he tends to see women as nothing more than sexual objects (they seem to have no distinct personalities in his eyes) until he meets Asha as ‘Esgred’. What makes her different from the captain’s daughter or all the other women? It’s her ‘masculinity’ (as viewed by Westerosi, once again): her boldness, her self-confidence, her strength etc.
“Now, would I be behind you, or in front?”
“You would be wherever you liked.”
“I like to be on top.”
Where has this wench been all my life ?
(A Clash of Kings)
By many aspects, Theon is much more “feminine” than Asha. According to the Ironborn way of living, anyway. He’s one of the rare male characters who pay such attention to the way he dresses ; he wears velvet and silk as it’s repeatedly mentionned ; he was a shy, reserved child unlike his brothers ; his weapon of choice is a bow while Asha’s is an axe etc. Even when he was still at Pyke and not yet an hostage, he didn’t live up to his father’s expectation. He’s also far weaker that he wants to admit and weakness was sadly seen as feminine.
For all these reasons, I find hard to believe that Theon was truly attracted by women. In his mind, sleeping with women seems to be a duty, something he had to do in order to honor his ironborn heritage. He tells Aeron that he slept with many women as to prove him he is worth something, as if it was an achievement.
“Even to me?” Theon’s anger flared. He’d led men in war, hunted with a king, won honor in tourney melees, ridden with Brynden Blackfish and Greatjon Umber, fought in the Whispering Wood, bedded more girls than he could name, and yet this uncle was treating him as though he were still a child of ten.
(A Clash of Kings)
When he’s in Winterfell, he takes his frustration out on poor Kyra who is reduced to nothing more than an object. The only women he considered as human beings he could respect are the ones he never, ever slept with: Catelyn whom he seemed to truly respect (Robb’s mother), probably Sansa (he thought of being married to her but this is linked to his desperate wanting of being part of the Stark family and not really to Sansa herself) and Arya. As for Jeyne Poole, well, their sexual intercourse was forced by someone else, and he certainly didn’t take pride on it. His relationship with Asha is much more complicated, he’s too bitter to truly respect her. He envies her.
Theon seems unable of think highly of any woman he slept with, he’s not capable of having any long-term relationship with them, thinks of them as sexual objects (they have no distinct identity in his mind, the only exception being “Esgred” who was notably masculine). All these characteristics have something in common: they are often seen as hints of a repressed homosexuality.
I don’t know if Martin purposedly wrote Theon’s character thinking of that, but his whole vision of sexuality can easily be interpreted, given the pressure of both the Westerosi society and the Ironborn culture, as a repressed homosexual’s one.
Of course, I’m not saying it’s obvious and undeniable but I do think it could only add depth and conflict to Theon’s character and it wouldn’t be uncompatible with his storyline, on the contrary.
Besides, it’s easy to draw a parallel between the comfort Jeyne offered Robb after he learned about his brothers’ death and the comfort Robb took in Theon after his father was executed. The two situations bear strange simililarities: in both of them, Robb needs to be comforted because he lost a member of his family in a particularly horryfing way (Eddard and supposedly Bran and Rickon), and, since his mother isn’t there, is reassured by someone else. Also, each time Catelyn arrives after Robb has been “conforted” and she doesn’t seem too happy about that.
"I do not see Robb."
"He went with Greyjoy to the hall, I believe."
(…) Theon Greyjoy was seated on a bench in Riverrun's Great Hall, enjoying a horn of ale and regaling her father's garrison with an account of the slaughter in the Whispering Wood. (…) "Theon," she interrupted, "where might I find my son?" "Lord Robb went to visit the godswood, my lady.,,”
(A Game of Thrones)
Sadly, but interestingly enough we do not see how exactly Theon reassured him. Still, I can’t help but notice the similitude between this situation and the “Jeyne case”.
Later, Catelyn will be slightly reassured in a time of great despair when she notices that Robb seems to feel like the boy he was before the war in the company of the Westerlings. But we’re not in a fairytale, and even if Robb liked them both, they couldn’t erase all the pain he was going through. Still, they made him laugh, and they comforted him. Why would Robb desperately need it? Because the one person that used to do all these things for him was gone (and Catelyn admits it herself: she is not able to cheer him up anymore.)
As for Theon, he could have followed Robb reluctantly to war, thinking that his place wasn’t at his side, or that he shouldn’t be fighting for the North since nobody considered him as Northman anyway. But on the contrary, he’s one of Robb’s most enthusiastic follower, and his closest one.
“Kneel before the king, Lannister!” Theon Greyjoy shouted.
(A Game of Thrones)
Theon was obviously proud of being Robb Stark’s closest friend to the point of using it as a proof of his value when he confronts his father in Pyke.
As for Robb, he didn’t hesitate to defend Theon even against his mother whom we all know he thought very highly of.
“Theon’s fought bravely for us. I told you how he saved Bran from those wildlings in the wolfswood. If the Lannisters won’t make peace, I’ll have need of Lord Greyjoy’s longships.”
“You’ll have them sooner if you keep his son as hostage.”
“He’s been a hostage half his life.”
“For good reason,” Catelyn said. “Balon Greyjoy is not a man to be trusted. He wore a crown himself, remember, if only for a season. He may aspire to wear one again.”
Robb stood. “(…) I’ll give him a crown gladly, so long as he helps us bring down the Lannisters.”
“Robb-”
“I’m sending Theon. Good day, Mother. Grey Wind, come.” Robb walked off briskly, the direwolf padding beside him.
(A Clash of Kings)
This is worth underlining: Robb is a Tully as much as a Stark and rarely contradicts his family, especially his lady mother. Yet one of their first arguments is about Theon. Robb trusts him, Catelyn doesn’t. He should have listened to her for sending Theon back to his home really couldn’t have been a great idea. Robb thought Theon’s loyalty to him was more important than his attachment to a father who gave him away. And he was right, since Theon does not think of betraying him while sailing to Pyke. He does not imagine that for one second.
Now let’s back down a minute. Robb decides to send Theon back home in order to convince his father to accept to combine forces with the heir of Eddard Stark. One of the men who destroyed his fleet killed half his people and condemned them to starve. I mean, you don’t have to take a side to realize it seems like a bad idea.
Robb probably wanted to send Theon to the Iron Island to prove him he really did trust him; as a way to apologize for the “Bran Incident” we’ve discussed earlier. But still! Theon could have resented him for that; he basically asked him to betray his family for his sake and even made him travel with the man who murdered one of his brothers…
The thing is, it was more or less Theon’s plan. I’ll get to that later, but I find it incredibly interesting. Theon wanted his family to regain their lost glory along with the Stark. He never intended to avenge his family although he could have. And Robb is the main reason why he wanted that. He did that plan for him, to begin with.
PART II HERE.