Game of Thrones‘ 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 predates the events of Game of Thrones, but in many ways, it’s 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 claim the Iron Throne. In addition to setting such events in motion, this uprising also reveals a lot about the characters who are present for it.
And looking at the twists and turns of Robert’s Rebellion, it’s not surprising that Robb Stark and his allies meet such gruesome ends at the hands of the Lannisters. While they don’t foresee being slaughtered at a wedding, Ned Stark would likely have warned them to keep their guard up. After all, Tywin Lannister is no more honorable when he helps Robert dethrone the Mad King. The Lannisters don’t play by the rules, and that much is obvious well before Game of Thrones.
Tywin Lannister’s Ruthless Tactics Predate Game Of Thrones’ Red Wedding
He’s Just As Conniving During Robert’s Rebellion
Tywin Lannister’s ruthless approach to securing power predates Game of Thrones, and it’s clearer than ever during Robert’s Rebellion. Tywin initially serves as Hand of the King to Aerys II Targaryen, though he steps away from the role after the Mad King appoints Jaime to the Kingsguard. Despite this insult, Tywin doesn’t immediately join Robert’s Rebellion. He waits until he knows who will win the war to choose a side, a sure sign that loyalty isn’t of value to him. And when Tywin does finally come to Robert’s aid, it’s in the most deceptive possible way.
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After Rhaegar Targaryen falls at the Battle of the Trident, Tywin heads to King’s Landing. There, he feigns allegiance to King Aerys II Targaryen, convincing him to open the gates for his army. Once the Mad King does this, Tywin betrays him and sacks the city. It’s a testament to Tywin’s ruthless nature that he’s willing to deceive his friend and king in order to gain Robert’s trust. That becomes the priority once he realizes Robert can win the Iron Throne — and benefit the Lannister family through an alliance.
Robert’s Rebellion Makes The Lannisters’ Red Wedding Plan Way 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 unexpecting 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” sees the Freys and Boltons betraying the Starks after allying with the Lannisters. They do this in the most ruthless possible way, 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 Red Wedding is predictable once you realize Tywin has committed similar atrocities before.
The Freys breaking bread with the Starks before slaughtering their forces is taboo, even in Westeros, and it adds to the shock value of “The Rains of Castamere.” Robb and Catelyn are certainly caught off guard by the incident, which ultimately leads to their deaths. However, the Red Wedding is predictable once you realize Tywin has committed similar atrocities before. He may not kill the Starks outright, but it’s just like him to arrange an attack during an event that should be peaceful and joyous. He doesn’t care about a fair fight, just as he doesn’t mind deceiving King Aerys II.
Underestimating The Lannisters Led To Robb Stark’s Downfall In Game Of Thrones
Robb & Catelyn Don’t Realize How Far They’ll Go
While Ned Stark gets a glimpse of Tywin’s callous and deceptive 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 their enemies is why Robb Stark perishes during season 3. Although Robb is able to secure victory on the battlefield, the Red Wedding is a direct result of his inability to predict his opponents’ next move. This is why he doesn’t see Walder Frey’s betrayal coming, despite knowing he’s angry with him. It’s also why he underestimates Tywin Lannister.
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Raised by the honorable Ned Stark, Robb doesn’t consider how far the Lannisters might go to win the war — or how easily his allies can be convinced to turn on him. Robb believes he’s winning, and he’s doing it the expected and fair way. Unfortunately for him, the Lannisters don’t care about fairness in Game of Thrones; their only concern is winning.
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Based on George R.R. Martin’s novels, this fantasy series follows the power struggles among noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The series is known for its complex characters, political intrigue, and unexpected plot twists.
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Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is a multimedia franchise created by George R.R. Martin. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire is the basis for the award-winning HBO series Game of Thrones, which lasted for eight seasons. After the incredibly divisive final season of Game of Thrones, the series was followed up by the prequel series House of the Dragon, which also received critical acclaim.
