#iron islands
Thechaoskampf is a feature in many European and West Asian religions, where a god who symbolizes order fights and defeats a god or demon who symbolizes chaos. Most often, the chaos god is depicted as a serpent or a dragon and is often associated with salt water and the abyss. On the other hand, the god of order is most often associated with storms and fresh water. At best, the chaos god is simply amoral; at worst, the chaos god is pure evil.
Examples:
- Babylonian: Marduk vs. Tiamat
- Bhagavata: Krishna vs. Kaliya
- Caananite: Baal vs. Yam-Nahar
- Egyptian: Ra vs. Apep
- Greek: Cronus vs. Ophion, Zeus vs. Typhon
- Hittite: Tarhunt vs. Illuyanka
- Jewish: YHWH vs. Leviathan
- Norse: Thor vs. Jörmungandr
- Rigveda: Indra vs. Vritra
- Slavic: Perun vs. Veles
- Zoroastrian: Fereydun vs. Zahhak
It is also worth mentioning that the storm god is often (though not always) depicted as younger than the chaos god. Therefore, the chaoskampf can also symbolize the triumph of a new order over an old one. During the rise of Christianity, the chaoskampf was often used to symbolize Christianity triumphing over paganism (for example, Saint George and the Dragon.)
All of these things are interesting when considering the Ironborn and their native religion in A Song of Ice and Fire. The Ironborn, contrary to most real world cultures, appear to align themselves with the chaos god in this equation. Furthermore, many of the Ironborn are rigid believers in “The Old Way” and cannot abide the thought of living any other way.
The books aren’t finished yet, but some readers have come to the conclusion that Asha and/or Theon Greyjoy are the best hope for their people and that their uncles’ rigid commitment to tradition will bring about their deaths.
I have no idea if George R. R. Martin was aware of the chaoskampf motif when he created the Ironborn. But even if it wasn’t, I’d say it’s a still a fascinating coincidence.
