Alternative Marriages for Lysa Tully: The Political Strategist
The world of ldquo;A Storm of Swordsrdquo; in A Song of Ice and Fire is replete with political intricacies and strategic marriages. The fate of Lysa Tully, the daughter of Commander Jon Arryn, is a perfect illustration of these dynamics. If Jon Arryn had not agreed to marry Lysa, who would she have ended up with? This article delves into the possibilities based on the political landscape of Westeros.
Arranged Marriages Among the Nobility
In Westeros, the concept of arranged marriages is not only about love or personal bonds; it is a means to cement political alliances and ensure the stability of noble houses. Given Lysa Tully's status as the eldest daughter of House Tully and her potential for strengthening political ties, she would likely have been matched with another prominent house for strategic reasons.
One of the most likely candidates would have been House Baratheon. The Tullys and Baratheons wielded significant power in the North, and a marriage alliance between them could have offered mutual benefits. Alternatively, a marriage to a House Stark would have been considered, as both houses shared a strong northern influence and could have forged an alliance that would counterbalance the Lannisters.
Other Potential Suitors
Several other noble houses could have been considered as potential suitors for Lysa Tully, depending on the shifting alliances in Westeros at the time:
Edwyn Frey: As the eventual heir to the Twins, Edwyn Frey would have been a suitable match, helping to avoid a Frey-Tully rift. This would have also strengthened the Tullys' ties with one of their vassal houses. Johonos Bracken: His marital status at the time is unknown, but he would have made an adequate match for Lysa, allowing her to become Lady of Stone Hedge. This would have helped repair any insults from Brynden Tully's refusal to marry one of Lord Bracken's daughters. Karyl Vance: He would have bound a powerful Riverlands house to the Tullys, ensuring their loyalty during times of conflict. Marq Piper: Similar to Karyl Vance, Marq Piper would have served the same purpose, consolidating the Tullys' power in the Riverlands.The Untimely Fates
However, considering the untimely deaths of those involved, the situation becomes more complex:
Elbert Arryn: If Elbert Arryn had lived, Lysa would have likely been wed to him instead of Jon. This would have maintained the political alliance between House Arryn and House Tully.
Denys Arryn: If Denys Arryn survived and was already married, the situation would then shift to which potential husband Lysa could marry. Given the uncertainty of her age, the most likely scenario would be that she would have married a prominent Riverlander house, possibly Edwyn Frey or Jonos Bracken, to strengthen the Tully family’s ties.
The Unlikely Altar
Among the less likely candidates, Bobby B (Bobby Barnes) presents an interesting scenario. While not a perfect match from Bobby's perspective, the marriage would allow him to be related to Ned Stark, his powerful relative. As Ned and Lysa would become brother-in-laws, this unlikely alliance could have had its own strategic benefits.
In conclusion, Lysa Tully's potential marriages mirror the complex political landscape of Westeros. Each scenario reflects the deep strategic thinking employed by noble houses to maintain and strengthen their power. Whether she would have married Jon Arryn, another member of House Tully, or one of the various noble houses presented, each choice would have had profound implications for the narrative of ldquo;A Storm of Swordsrdquo;.