MBTI Type: ESTJ

When Theon returns home expecting a warm reception from his father after a many year absence, Balon treats him with indifference, even resentment and disgust that his son has departed so severely from his upbringing. He shames his son for wearing a pin from a man he did not “kill,” claiming that the Iron Born pay for everything in blood. He scorns his son for not being what he expected from him – detached, efficient, tactical. Balon is a rigid traditionalist. He does not like his son adapting to his new home with the Starks or changing to reflect the environment; rather, he admires his daughter Yara for taking their traditional views (strength, fortitude, aggression) to heart and proving herself in battle. He trusts her because she has proven her superior battle techniques. Balon holds tightly onto past resentments and refuses to move past them. He is open to new ways of doing things, only in so far as they accomplish something tangible (Ne in submission to Te). He prefers his daughter, Yara, to Theon, because she has proven herself in battle. His inferior Fi is very poor – he values strength and determination, but shows little to no regard for his son’s feelings of abandonment, and shames him for calling Robb a “brother” despite the Starks having killed Theon’s brothers.

Enneagram: 6w5 sp/so

Balon is ruthlessly logical. He is also distrustful, paranoid, and a little suspicious. He doesn’t like his son “betraying” them by becoming a friend to the Starks – their enemies. He had to give up Theon, after all, as a prisoner to ensure his continued loyalty. If a choice does not keep them safe or further their cause in some way, as inhabitants of the Iron Islands, he isn’t interested. He won’t even rescue his son, since Theon is now “worthless” to him – he’s not worth the loss of life and ships. He shows fear on the bridge in the storm, leading Euron to find him no longer a capable ruler, which leads to his death. His 5 wing is further withdrawn and logical.