Who Claims the Dreadfort After the Boltons' Fall?

The fate of the Dreadfort remains uncertain after the Boltons' fall from power. The focal point of House Bolton's domain, the Dreadfort, has been without a proper lord since Ramsay Bolton's untimely demise. This has left Westerosi watchers speculating on who will end up in charge of this notoriously feared stronghold.

Current Control: Bolton Family Residual

It is widely implied that the Dreadfort will still be under the loose control of the Bolton family, though likely with lesser members or retainers managing it. This situation is not explicitly detailed within the show's canon, but it fits logically within the series' framework. In the absence of Ramsay Bolton, it is reasonable to assume that other family members or retainers would continue to oversee the castle in their stead.

Traditional Succession in Westeros

In the absence of a direct claimant, the traditional rules of succession in Westeros would come into play. House Stark, with Sansa Stark now the interim ruler, would have the option to reclaim the Dreadfort. Strictly speaking, Westerosi law would dictate that after the fall of a hostile or treacherous house like the Boltons, the lands are often returned to their rightful owners, such as House Stark, the Starks being the original lords of the North.

Furthermore, historical precedence in Westeros suggests that when a loyal house loses its lands, those lands are often restored to a loyal house from the south. For instance, when Stannis Baratheon briefly became Lord of the Stormlands and gave an empty holdfast to Davos Seaworth, who had redeemed himself through loyalty and service. Similarly, the secession of House Greyjoy from the Iron Throne could have led to Harrenhal being similarly redistributed.

Given the diminished population of loyal nobility in the North due to the Long Night, it is less a priority for new lords to be assigned to castles with a poor reputation. Therefore, it is less likely that the Dreadfort would be given to a new lord due to the potential concerns it may bring. This serves as a deterrent against any potential reassigned lord, making the current state of limbo in the Dreadfort all the more plausible.

Several Possibilities for the Pendragon

Despite the unresolved state of the Dreadfort, there are multiple possible outcomes:

Sansa and/or Jon Snow: After learning of the Boltons' demise, Sansa Stark and Jon Snow (now Lord of the North) might assign the Dreadfort to a loyal ally. This decision would be made based on the alliance’s loyalty and the ability to fulfill the responsibilities of a new lord. Maester or Castellan: If no immediate action is taken by the lords, the current maester or castellan of the Dreadfort might assume the responsibility, carefully leading the castle until a new lord is identified. Surviving Frey: The Frey family, specifically through Fat Walda and her baby son, Kibble Bolton, could lay claim to the Dreadfort. However, proving claims of kinship and convincing others to support such a claim would be particularly challenging, given the Frey family's recent bad reputation and the simultaneousrawn support. Reed of Howland: The Reed of Howland can potentially send a holding party to the Dreadfort to ensure that it is properly secured and monitored until a definitive solution can be reached, utilizing their magical abilities through the sight. Ignored for Now: It is also possible that the Dreadfort remains unmentioned, and the scenario is left to be forgotten, as the show focuses on more critical narratives. The North will likely deal with the Dreadfort's future in due time, addressing the challenge of reclaiming or reassigning the castle.

The Dreadfort's future remains a point of contention and intrigue, with all parties waiting for a clear solution. The choices made in Westeros are often influenced by political alliances, historical precedence, and the current socio-political climate, making the fate of the Dreadfort an exciting point of speculation for fans of the series.