Game Of Thrones’ Most Devastating Episode Is Less Surprising After 1 Details Of Robert’s Rebellion

Game of ThronesThe most devastating episode came as a shock to many viewers, but ‘The Rains of Castamere’ Isn’t Surprising After Robert’s Rebellion. Robert’s Rebellion precedes the events of Game of Thrones, but in many ways it is responsible for them. Robert Baratheon’s war against the Targaryens leads to many of the alliances and enmities seen in the HBO series, setting Daenerys on her path to claiming the Iron Throne. In addition to initiating such events, this uprising also reveals a lot about the characters present in it.

And looking at the twists and turns of Robert’s Rebellion, it’s not surprising that Robb Stark and his allies would meet such gruesome ends at the hands of the Lannisters. While they don’t anticipate getting slaughtered at a wedding, Ned Stark would likely have warned them to keep their guard up. In the end, Tywin Lannister is no longer honorable when he helps Robert dethrone the Mad King. The Lannisters don’t follow the rules, and that’s obvious long before Game of Thrones.

Tywin Lannister’s ruthless tactics predate Game Of Thrones’ Red Wedding

He is equally conniving during Robert’s Rebellion

Tywin Lannister’s ruthless approach to securing power predates Game of Thrones, and it is clearer than ever during Robert’s rebellion. Tywin initially serves as Hand of the King to Aerys II Targaryen, although he steps aside from the role after the Mad King appoints Jaime to the Kingsguard. Despite this insult, Tywin does not immediately join Robert’s Rebellion. He waits until he knows who will win the war before choosing a side, a clear sign that loyalty has no value to him. And when Tywin finally comes to Robert’s aid, it’s in the most deceitful way possible.

After Rhaegar Targaryen falls in the Battle of the Trident, Tywin heads to King’s Landing. There, he feigns loyalty to King Aerys II Targaryen, convincing him to open the gates to his army. Once the Mad King does this, Tywin betrays him and sacks the city. It is a testament to Tywin’s ruthless nature that he is willing to deceive his friend and king to gain Robert’s trust. This becomes the priority when he realizes that Robert can win the Iron Throne – and benefit the Lannister family through an alliance.

Robert’s Rebellion Makes the Lannisters’ Red Wedding Plan Much Less Surprising

Tywin doesn’t care about a fair fight as long as he wins

Seeing how methodically Tywin approaches Robert’s Rebellion – and how brutally he deceives an unexpected King Aerys II Targaryen – It’s not really shocking that he lays the groundwork for the Red Wedding. One of Game of Thrones best episodes, ‘The Rains of Castamere’ shows the Freys and Boltons betraying the Starks after siding with the Lannisters. They do this in the cruelest way possible, inviting Robb, Catelyn, and the rest of their allies to witness the union of Edmure Tully and one of the Freys before killing them.

The Freys breaking bread with the Starks before massacring their forces is taboo, even in Westeros, and adds to the shock value of “The Rains of Castamere.” Robb and Catelyn were certainly caught off guard by the incident, which ultimately led to their deaths. However, the Red Wedding is predictable once you realize that Tywin has committed similar atrocities before. He may not kill the Starks right away, but it’s like him to stage an attack during an event that’s supposed to be peaceful and joyful. He doesn’t care about a fair fight, just as he doesn’t care about deceiving King Aerys II.

Underestimating the Lannisters led to Robb Stark’s downfall in Game Of Thrones

Robb and Catelyn don’t realize how far they will go

While Ned Stark gets a glimpse of Tywin’s callous and deceitful behavior during Robert’s Rebellion, Catelyn and Robb Stark don’t seem to realize what the Lannisters are capable of in Game of Thrones. Underestimating his enemies is why Robb Stark dies during Season 3. Although Robb is able to secure victory on the battlefield, The Red Wedding is a direct result of your inability to predict your opponents’ next move. That’s why he doesn’t see Walder Frey’s betrayal coming, despite knowing he’s mad at him. This is also why he underestimates Tywin Lannister.

Created by the honorable Ned Stark, Robb doesn’t consider how far the Lannisters could go to win the war – or how easily his allies can be convinced to turn against him. Robb believes he is winning and is doing it in the expected and fair way. Unfortunately for him, the Lannisters don’t care about justice in Game of Thrones; your only concern is winning.