Bear Island

Bear Island is a remote island in the North of Westeros, and home to House Mormont, vassals of House Stark of Wintefell. It lies within the Bay of Ice on the western coast of the North. Rodrik Stark is alleged to have won control of the region in a wrestling match.

Lord Commander Jeor Mormont of the Night's Watch was born on Bear Island, as was his disgraced son, Jorah.

In the books
According to legend, in ancient times, Bear Island was ruled by House Woodfort, who were wiped out when the ironborn conquered the island. The King in the North then won Bear Island as a reward for triumphing in a wrestling match with an ironborn king. He then gave the island to House Mormont to rule.

Bear Island is somewhat poor, home mostly to woodsmen, crofters and fisherfolk, as well as the bears that give the island its name. The seat of the Mormonts is a huge wooden hall, defended by an earthern palisade. There is a warrior woman tradition on Bear Island, for the women who defend their children and homes from wildling raiders from the Frozen Shore (and in past times the ironborn) whilst their husbands and fathers are away on fishing boats or working the fields.