Littlefinger as King: A Path to Power in Westeros

In a hypothetical scenario where Littlefinger, the iconic manipulator from A Song of Ice and Fire, secures the Iron Throne, the path to his rule is fraught with complexities and betrayal. This article explores how Littlefinger might navigate his ambitious goals, from marriage to Sansa Stark to eventual coronation as king.

Initial Steps to Victory

Littlefinger's primary goals include marrying Sansa Stark and ascending to the Iron Throne. If he must, he would not hesitate to eliminate obstacles using any means necessary. Here is a detailed analysis of his first steps:

Step 1: Sansa's Love and the Vale's Support

The first crucial step for Littlefinger would be to engineer Sansa's love for him, setting the stage in the Vale, far from the complex political maneuverings occurring in King's Landing. He must ensure that Sansa does not marry Ramsay Bolton during this time. By gaining the support of two powerful factions - the Vale and the North - Littlefinger can secure a formidable base of power.

Step 2: Mengering the North and South

With support from the Vale armies, Littlefinger and Sansa would navigate to Winterfell, installing Sansa as the Queen in the North. He would then direct his forces to march south, deposing Cersei Lannister and asserting his authority in the rubble of King's Landing. He could choose between Sansa or himself to perform the act of deposition, depending on which option gives him the best chance of winning public support.

Claiming the Throne: The Great Council and Beyond

Assuming the Vale and North reach King's Landing before Daenerys Targaryen, Littlefinger would face a crucial decision. He could convene a Great Council to select him as king. The likelihood of this is somewhat diminished, as smaller factions may vie for power. Instead, Littlefinger may have to act with more decisiveness by assassinating Sansa after she gives birth to an infant, securing his claim on Daenerys Targaryen. This move would rely on Daenerys having no advisors like Tyrion Lannister and Varys to warn her.

Marriage and Political Marriage

Under this scenario, Littlefinger would marry Daenerys to become king by marriage, ostensibly as the lord of many powerful places. Holding this union, he could later assassinate Daenerys, leveraging his claim to the throne and his loyalists, including his control over Mace Tyrell, as Hand of the King. Littlefinger, known for his cunning and ambition, would aim to solidify his hold on power by reshaping Westeros according to his own image.

Revenge and Power Consolidation

Littlefinger's thirst for vengeance plays a significant role in his strategy. He would target houses like the Freys for their role in Catelyn Stark's death and would consider poisoning Edmure Tully. His desire for ultimate power and control implies that he would not be satisfied with mere kingship. Instead, he might seek to become a god-like figure, with ultimate authority over Westeros. However, his pursuit of such power is doomed, driven by sociopathy and ambition that will eventually lead to his downfall.

The Unpredictable Path to the Throne

Though Littlefinger's path might seem clear, it is riddled with uncertainty. His ambition and sociopathy ensure that any move he makes could have unforeseen consequences. Furthermore, the lack of true loyalist support makes maintaining power unlikely. A scenario where he both rules and marries Sansa is improbable, as it hinges on Sansa's death, leaving room for his marriage to Daenerys, who has a legitimate claim to the throne.

In conclusion, while Littlefinger's potential reign could be marked by brilliant political maneuvering and alliances, it is ultimately fraught with instability and the likelihood of his undoing. His pursuit of ultimate power, driven by his sociopathic nature and ambition, makes him a formidable yet ultimately vulnerable figure in Westeros.

Keywords

Littlefinger

Iron Throne

Sansa Stark

Cersei Lannister

Great Council