Who is Reek Game of Thrones?
Reek, also known as Theon Greyjoy, is a complex and multifaceted character in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. Created by George R.R. Martin, Reek is a significant character in the world of Westeros, and his story arc is crucial to the overall plot of the series. In this article, we’ll delve into who Reek is, his background, and his significance in the world of Game of Thrones.
Who is Reek?
Reek, or Theon Greyjoy, was a main character in the first two seasons of Game of Thrones. Born into the noble House Greyjoy, Theon was the youngest son of Balon Greyjoy and Queen Alannys Harlaw. He was a ward of Winterfell, the seat of the Stark family, after his father’s rebellion against the Iron Throne was put down. Theon was raised alongside Robb Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, and Bran Stark, and was considered a close friend to the Stark siblings.
However, in the second season, Theon’s obsession with proving himself and earning respect led him to betray his hosts and friends. He sailed away from Winterfell with 2,000 wildlings and 300 of the Iron Islands’ men, determined to assert his own claim to the Iron Throne.
The Torture of the Mill
After Theon’s attempted rebellion, he was captured by Ramsay Snow (later revealed as the trueborn son of Roose Bolton) and his men. In the infamous "Torture of the Mill", Ramsay subjected Theon to gruesome and sadistic abuse, mentally and physically breaking him down.
During this period, Theon’s mental state deteriorated dramatically, and he became known as Reek, a broken and submissive persona designed to please his captor, Ramsay. Reek lost all sense of his former identity, "Theon Greyjoy", and became a mere shell of his former self.
The Return of the Iron Islands
In Season 3, Theon’s mother, Balon Greyjoy, the ruling lord of the Iron Islands, launched an invasion of the North, hoping to claim Winterfell and the Iron Throne for the Greyjoys. Reek, still under Ramsay’s control, was forced to lead the assault, but ultimately failed in his mission.
The Fall of Ramsay
In Season 6, Sansa Stark, with the help of Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger), manipulated events to lead to Ramsay’s downfall. In a brutal and savage fight, Ramsay was killed by his own hounds, allowing Sansa to finally gain the revenge she had sought for so long.
Reek’s Redemption
Following Ramsay’s death, Reek was freed from his mental and physical shackles, allowing him to slowly begin rebuilding his shattered identity. With the help of Sansa Stark and Ygritte, he gradually regained his sense of self, shedding his former persona as Reek and returning to his true identity as Theon Greyjoy.
The Aftermath
In the final season, Theon returned to his childhood home, Winterfell, to support Jon Snow and the Stark family against the Night King. During the battle at Winterfell, Theon, with his newfound courage, helped Bran Stark escape the clutches of the Night King, sacrificing his own life to protect his friend.
In Memoriam
Theon’s tragic storyline serves as a powerful commentary on the nature of identity, trauma, and redemption. "Reek", in particular, has become a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing the horrors that can be inflicted upon individuals when subjected to psychological and physical abuse.
Trivia
- Theon Greyjoy was played by Alan Payne in the pilot episode before the role was recast with Alfie Allen.
- Reek’s storyline was influenced by Hamlet, with both characters experiencing a descent into madness.
- The character of Reek is inspired by George R.R. Martin’s own experiences, as he was once kidnapped and held captive by pirates for several months.
Key Characters in Reek’s Story
- Theon Greyjoy/Reek: The protagonist of our story, a complex and multifaceted character whose journey is central to Game of Thrones.
- Ramsay Snow: The ruthless and sadistic captor who mentally and physically breaks Theon, reducing him to the persona of Reek.
- Sansa Stark: A crucial figure in Theon’s story, helping him to regain his sense of identity and ultimately leading to Ramsay’s downfall.
- Ygritte: A member of the Free Folk who befriends Theon and helps him on his path to redemption.
Table: Key Moments in Reek’s Story
| Moment | Description |
|---|---|
| Capture by Ramsay | Theon is captured by Ramsay and begins his descent into madness and terror. |
| Torture at the Mill | Ramsay subjects Theon to gruesome and sadistic abuse, breaking him down mentally and physically. |
| Fall of Ramsay | Sansa’s manipulation leads to Ramsay’s downfall, and Theon is finally freed from his grasp. |
| Redemption | Theon returns to his true identity as Theon Greyjoy, with the help of Sansa and Ygritte, and plays a crucial role in the final battle against the Night King. |
Conclusion
The story of Reek is a poignant and powerful exploration of the human condition. From his descent into madness to his slow and painful journey towards redemption, Theon Greyjoy/Reek is a testament to the complexities and nuances of human identity. "Reek", a once-notorious character, has become a symbol of trauma, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.