Why the Robb Tully Hypothesis is Unlikely to Exist in Future Game of Thrones Novels
When discussing theories and hypotheses regarding the world of A Song of Ice and Fire and its television adaptation, Game of Thrones, one theory often comes up: the Robb Tully hypothesis. This theory posits that Robb Stark and Catelyn Tully might have had an affair during their youth. However, the evidence supporting this theory is practically non-existent, rendering it highly unlikely that any future novels will provide any substantiation. Let#39;s delve deeper into why this hypothesis is a dead end.
Why There Isn't Evidence to Begin With
The primary reason why the Robb Tully hypothesis is unlikely to be supported by future Game of Thrones novels is that there is no evidence to start with. In fact, there are several points that argue against the possibility, such as the age gap and the dynamics between Catelyn and Edmure Tully.
Edmure Tully was only a child when Robb Stark was conceived. As such, the idea of a romantic relationship between them is highly improbable. Over the years, the Tully and Stark families have developed a relationship built on mutual respect and familial ties. Catelyn and Edmure have never displayed any romantic inclination towards each other. Instead, their interactions are marked by sibling-like affection, exasperation, and annoyance#8212;none of which suggest a potential romantic relationship.
Counter-arguments and Criticism of the Theory
Some proponents of the Robb Tully hypothesis argue that a single line in future books could be blown out of proportion by theory enthusiasts. However, this is a flawed approach for several reasons:
The Lack of Relevance: With the primary figures involved, such as Robb, Catelyn, and Edmure, no longer alive or relevant, the theory serves no purpose. Pervasive Irrelevance: Even if Edmure were to receive a new perspective in a future novel, the lack of relevant characters makes it extremely unlikely that any evidence could be corroborated. Stagnation of a Falsified Theory: The theory has been widely criticized, and involving it in future stories would only perpetuate falsehood and misinformation.Theological and Logical Arguments against the Hypothesis
The Robb Tully hypothesis is not just unsupported; it is also fundamentally flawed from a logical and theological standpoint. The timeframes for such an affair to have any impact on the plot have long since passed. Consider the following:
Character Mortality: Key figures who could have either confirmed or disproven the hypothesis, such as Robb, Catelyn, and Edmure, are deceased or have moved on (such as Lysa Tully with her new marriage). Inactive World Continuity: Without the ability for future books to impact the current storylines, any evidence provided would be irrelevant. Non-Existence of Evidence in Previous Novels: Even during the initial publication of the series, no evidence was added to support the hypothesis. If GRRM didn't deem it important then, why would he include such information now?Conclusion
In conclusion, the Robb Tully hypothesis is not only unlikely to appear in future Game of Thrones novels but is also a rehashed idea with no substantial basis. The theory, fueled by the lack of concrete evidence and the death or irrelevance of involved characters, only serves to sow confusion and misinformation among fans. It is crucial for readers to critically evaluate such hypotheses and avoid theories that lack verifiable evidence and relevance to the series' current narrative.