Lady Yara Greyjoy (Gemma Elizabeth Whelan) is the child of Balon Greyjoy and the sister of Theon Greyjoy in George R.R. Martin’s high fantasy saga books, A Song Of Ice And Fire — commonly referred to by the first book’s name in the series, Game of Thrones.
Yara was raised in the harsh, sea-worn stronghold of Pyke on the Iron Islands. In this cutthroat world where noble families constantly schemed for dominance, Yara distinguished herself as both a warrior and a leader, commanding her longship, The Black Wind, with the same iron will that defined her house.
She is strong, confident, sarcastic, and courageous. She works hard to prove that as a woman, she can be a warrior, commander, and ruler among the Ironborn, who believe that women should not fight or command men. Through sheer skill and determination, she proved herself every bit as capable as any Ironborn man, earning the loyalty of her father’s subjects while expanding her influence in Westeros’ complex political landscape.
Her resilience is tested in Season 4 when she stages a daring raid to rescue Theon from Ramsay Bolton’s torture—only for her brother, broken beyond recognition, to reject her help. The failed mission costs her dearly, both in lives and morale, but Yara’s resolve never wavers. When Theon later returns to her side, the siblings unite to claim the Salt Throne after their father’s murder—only to be thwarted by their treacherous uncle, Euron. Forced to flee, they take refuge in the Free City of Volantis, where Yara, ever the pragmatist, seeks solace in a brothel. There, she shares an intimate night with a woman, a moment that subtly underscores her fluid sexuality without fanfare.
Her queerness is later affirmed in a flirty exchange with Ellaria Sand. Ellaria asks Yara if she has ever been to Dorne, to which Yara responds that she has been there a few times. Ellaria says that there is a boy in every port in Dorne. Yara replies, “A boy, a girl. Depends on the port.”
Despite setbacks — betrayal, captivity, and Euron’s brutal reign — Yara fights relentlessly for her birthright. By the end of the story, she emerges victorious: crowned Queen of the Iron Islands. She rules as the undisputed Lady of the Iron Islands, a title earned through blood, strategy, and an unbreakable spirit.
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