The Trustworthiness of Tyrells: Unveiling Their Skepticism of Littlefinger
Throughout the grand narratives of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and the accompanying HBO series, A Song of Ice and Fire, the relationship between the Tyrells and Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger, has been intriguing. This article explores whether the Tyrells knew that Littlefinger wasn't someone they could trust, and delves into their interactions, decisions, and strategies.
Interactions with Queen Margaery Tyrell
When Littlefinger spoke to Queen Margaery Tyrell at King Renly Baratheon's camp, it was a pivotal moment. At this meeting, Margaery knew better than to inadvertently reveal her marriage to Renly, emphasizing, "My husband is my king, and my king is my husband." This statement not only showcased Margaery's cunning but also revealed her complete lack of trust in Baelish. Margaery's strategic communication with Littlefinger highlighted her careful approach to maintaining her power and influence.
Their conversational pattern illustrated that Margaery orchestrated the conversation to avoid giving Littlefinger any favors or information. She ended their meeting abruptly before he could ask intrusive questions. Moreover, the strategic alliance between Margaery and her grandmother, Lady Olenna Tyrell, further cemented the suspicion of Littlefinger, as Lady Olenna was a master strategist known as the "Queen of Thorns." Through their alliance, they planned to eliminate the threat posed by King Joffrey I Baratheon during his wedding feast.
Interactions with Lady Olenna Tyrell
Lady Olenna Tyrell's haste to eliminate King Joffrey I Baratheon also signaled her distrust of Littlefinger. Despite their initial alliance, Lady Olenna never fully trusted Baelish. Her vow to take him down alongside her if she was caught due to their plot to wed Lady Sansa Stark to Ser Loras Tyrell demonstrated her reluctance to confide in or work with Littlefinger. This distrust was further emphasized by Lady Olenna's characterization as a formidable and paranoid figure, known for her sharp intellect and calculating nature.
Ser Loras Tyrell, Lady Olenna's other grandchild and Margaery's brother, also echoed their skepticism of Littlefinger. Upon arriving at the Tyrell campsite, he accused Petyr of selling him and his sister to King Stannis Baratheon, indicating his complete lack of trust in Baelish's intentions and actions.
Queen Margaery's Approach
While Margaery Tyrell may have known that Littlefinger was untrustworthy, she was also mindful of the strategic benefits of their alliance. Queen Margaery carefully managed her relationships with those around her. She recognized the dangers posed by a powerful and manipulative figure like Littlefinger, but she also understood the necessity of working with such individuals to achieve her objectives.
Margaery's approach to cooperation with Littlefinger was a delicate balance of trust and suspicion. She meticulously guarded her information and maintained a wary stance, aligning with Littlefinger to remove the immediate threat of King Joffrey. Her apprehensive and cautious demeanor around Littlefinger, as common among all other characters, was a testament to the complexity of her strategic thinking and survival instincts.
The surviving evidence from the series suggests that Margaery knew it was both Lady Olenna and Littlefinger who killed King Joffrey. This acknowledgment came with the explicit knowledge shared by Lady Olenna after the event. However, the exact details of Margaery's awareness of the true nature of their alliance with Littlefinger are not definitively confirmed in the books, leaving room for speculation and interpretation.
Through their relationships, the Tyrells exemplify a complex interplay of trust and mistrust, highlighting the political dynamics and survival strategies present in Westeros. Their interactions with Littlefinger serve as a prime example of the intricate web of alliances and betrayals that define the world of A Song of Ice and Fire.