Why Didn't Randyll Tarly Encourage Sam to Join the Maesters Instead of Taking the Black?
When analyzing the strategic decisions in Westeros, it is crucial to consider the underlying motivations of the characters. One such instance is Randyll Tarly's choice to have his son Sam take the Black rather than join the Order of Maesters. This decision raises several questions and provides insights into the values and perceptions of the characters and their social roles.
The Night's Watch and the Maesters: Contrasting Orders
The Night's Watch, also known as the Black Brothers, and the Order of Maesters are two distinct institutions with different roles and missions. The Night's Watch can be seen as a more militant order, taking on the responsibility of defending the realm against the Others. In a historical context, it resembles the concept of a royal regiment, similar to the Black Watch Royal Regiment of Scotland. Members of the Night's Watch often face life-and-death situations and have the opportunity to advance through ranks, gaining recognition and respect within the nobility.
On the other hand, the Maesters serve as advisors and scholars to the nobles. Their roles are more often related to scholarly pursuits, health, and counsel. Unlike the Night's Watch, which is officially sanctioned and has a clear purpose, the Maesters are volunteers who can join at any time and are not necessarily tied to a specific house. Their legacy lies more in the realms of academia and medicine.
Randyll Tarly's Allegiances and Ambitions
Randyll Tarly, effectively a member of the aristocracy, values tradition and honor. His son's decision to take the Black aligns with the expectations of the upper echelons of society, particularly within his own house. Randyll would likely view his son joining the Night's Watch as an honorable and selfless act, possibly citing it as a means to defend the realm and secure his own legacy. Conversely, suggesting that Sam join the Order of Maesters might be perceived as a waste of his potential to serve the realm directly in a more traditional military role.
Randyll despises the idea of the Maesters being seen as "sheep" or weak. This perception is deeply rooted in his belief that Tarleys must prove their worth through action and honor, rather than through intellectual pursuits. The Night's Watch, with its emphasis on fighting and sacrifice, aligns more closely with Randyll's ideal of manhood and duty.
The Practical Aspects of House Tarly's Calculations
The idea of Sam joining the Citadel (the seat of the Maesters) is seen by Randyll as a mere scholar of leeches and books, ultimately advancing no one's family honor. In feudal societies like Westeros, inheritance and succession are tightly controlled, and the transfer of rights and duties is often fixed through strict laws of inheritance. Therefore, deviating from this system through a trade or intellectual pursuit is often discouraged.
In Randyll's mind, Sam taking the Black positions him as a direct combatant and protector of the realm, rather than as an academic serving a minor house. This choice is seen as a means to advance both Sam's duty and Tarly's family honor. Additionally, this decision aligns with Randyll's desire to raise a son who is prepared for the challenges of the Wildling threat, rather than one who might be perceived as a bookish Matt Damon.
Personal Beliefs and Views on Leadership
Randyll's views on leadership and masculinity are firmly rooted in a specific set of values. He likely sees his peers as figures like Tywin Lannister, a man of action and strategy, or Ned Stark, a noble and honorable leader. The Maesters, with their focus on scholarship and academic pursuits, are a stark contrast to these ideals. Figures like Pycelle and Aemon Targaryen are seen as weak or less effective leaders in Randyll's eyes because of their intellectual pursuits.
Ultimately, Randyll's decision to encourage Sam to take the Black reflects a broader conflict between practicality, honor, and personal beliefs. While Sam's choice to join the Maesters would have allowed for a different path in life, Randyll's perception of what makes a Tarly proper and honorable leads him to view his son's decision as a betrayal of these values.