Indeed, the concept of “king’s blood” carries significant weight and power within the lore of “A Song of Ice and Fire.” It’s often associated with ancient and magical properties, particularly in the context of blood magic rituals. The idea is that the blood of kings and those of royal lineage holds potent magical energy.
Victarion Greyjoy is a fascinating case when considering the concept of king’s blood. He is a member of House Greyjoy, a noble family that rules the Iron Islands. His brother, Balon Greyjoy, declared himself King of the Iron Islands (and later, King of the North and the Trident during the War of the Five Kings), in an attempt to secede from the Seven Kingdoms. This act of rebellion and self-coronation, while not recognized by the Iron Throne or most of the Seven Kingdoms, does indeed position Balon—and by extension, his family members—as having “king’s blood,” according to the traditions and beliefs of the Ironborn. His brother Euron is crowned and recognized as king by his peers as well not long after.
Victarion, being brother to both Balon and Euron, shares this bloodline. However, it’s important to consider the context and perception of “king’s blood” in the broader realm. The power and recognition of one’s kingly lineage often depend on widespread acknowledgment and the historical depth of a family’s royal status. The Greyjoys, though ancient and noble, have been Kings of the Iron Islands in the distant past, but their more recent claim to kingship, through Balon’s rebellions, lacks the same depth and acknowledgment as, say, the Targaryens, who ruled the Seven Kingdoms for nearly three centuries.
From a magical standpoint, it’s not entirely clear how the efficacy of king’s blood is gauged. Does it require recognition from others, or is there an inherent power in the blood of those who claim or are born into what they perceive as a royal lineage? The ambiguity around this concept leaves room for interpretation.
In summary, while Victarion Greyjoy does have what the Ironborn might consider “king’s blood” through his brothers Balon and Euron’s claim to kingship, the recognition and potency of that claim may vary depending on cultural, political, and magical perspectives within the world of “A Song of Ice and Fire.”
Speculating on the fates of Victarion Greyjoy and Moqorro is an intriguing endeavor, full of potential twists characteristic of George R.R. Martin’s storytelling. Let us consider the possibilities and the undercurrents of magic, prophecy, and ambition that run through “A Song of Ice and Fire.”
Moqorro, with his enigmatic prophecies and clear allegiance to the Lord of Light, views the world through a lens where every action serves the will of his god, R’hllor. The healing of Victarion’s hand, marked now with fiery tattoos, could be viewed as Moqorro binding Victarion to R’hllor’s service, whether Victarion realizes it or not. The Red Priests believe in the power of king’s blood, and Victarion, with his royal Ironborn lineage, might unknowingly be a key piece in Moqorro’s grander scheme.
Victarion’s quest to claim Daenerys Targaryen with the dragon horn, hoping to make her his bride and use her dragons to conquer Westeros, aligns with the interests of those who serve R’hllor, who seek the return of dragons and fire to the world. Moqorro’s guidance might be aimed at ensuring this outcome, but at what cost to Victarion?
One could speculate that Moqorro might indeed see Victarion as a potential sacrifice, a powerful offering to R’hllor to bring about some significant magical event, perhaps related to controlling or empowering dragons. However, Moqorro’s true intentions remain a mystery, and he might just as likely view Victarion as a crucial ally rather than a sacrificial pawn.
Yet, although Victarion is no weak man, his simplistic views make him prone for manipulation. And though his brute strength and… moderate cunning have allowed him to survive in the brutal world of the Iron Islands, a man as Moqorro might be able to push all his right buttons. His doublespeak even suggest he shall come to play a great role in things to come. But whether that role is a triumphant conqueror or a sacrificial lamb is something Victarion doesn’t really press him on. For now it seems he remains Moqorro’s useful idiot.
Though, who knows? Victarion’s own fire-from-the-hip schemes could surprise us all, possibly even turning the tables on the Red Priest or using the power of the dragon horn in ways no one, not even Moqorro, anticipates.
In the end, the dance of fate between Victarion Greyjoy and Moqorro is a certainly one that illustrates the high price of ambition. As we await the unfolding of their story in “The Winds of Winter,” we can only imagine the myriad ways their journey could impact the battle for the Iron Throne and the fate of Westeros.
