An Analysis of the High Sparrow’s Arrest of Margery and Loras Tyrell: A Case for Injustice

In the world of Game of Thrones, the elaborate political maneuvers and betrayals continue to captivate audiences. One prolonged subplot that has generated significant discussion is the arrest of Margery and Loras Tyrell. In the books, these events unfold within a detailed narrative that illustrates the cunning and hypocrisy of Cersei Lannister. However, the TV show's portrayal of these events takes a contrasting and sometimes puzzling turn, leading to a more questionable set of circumstances. This article delves into the discrepancies between the books and the show, and questions the logic and fairness of the High Sparrow’s actions.

Why Cersei Schemed Against Margery and Loras Tyrell

In A Feast for Crows, Cersei Lannister’s motivations for accusing Margaery Tyrell and her kin of adultery are clear. This sub-plot highlights Cersei’s extreme hypocrisy, cognitive dissonance, and her willingness to go to great lengths to eliminate anyone who threatens her rule. Her irrationality and mistrust of nearly everyone make her a formidable and complex antagonist, and her scheme demonstrates a deep-seated envy and desire to undermine the strength and influence of those around her.

The Show’s Counter-Point: The Arrests of Loras and Margery Tyrell

However, in the TV adaptation, the High Sparrow’s actions regarding Loras and Margery take on a different and more contentious form. Loras Tyrell is arrested on the grounds of homosexuality, and Margery follows suit on the pretense of complicity. This storyline is puzzling because it lacks the same level of detail and plausibility that the book provides for Cersei’s accusations. In the show, the reason for Loras’s arrest is rooted in a weak piece of evidence involving a squire named Olyvar.

The Weak Case Against Loras Tyrell

The case against Loras Tyrell is fundamentally weak: a squire named Olyvar claims that he slept with Loras. In the world of Westeros, this testimony alone is not sufficient to convince a judge. Loras, as the heir to Highgarden and a renowned knight, would almost certainly be believed. Moreover, the evidence provided to support this claim is laughable. Olyvar, a mere squire, testifies that Loras has a birthmark that looks like Dorne and that they talked about it. The relevance of such information is questionable at best, considering Olyvar's position as a squire and the fact that examining Loras’ body would be a routine part of his role.

Loras’s Defense and the Absence of Evidence

Furthermore, the High Sparrow’s charges against Loras are based on assumptions rather than concrete evidence. Loras is a respected knight, and the idea that a squire would have detailed knowledge of his private life is highly improbable. The lack of additional evidence and the sheer absurdity of the birthmark claim highlight the inanity of the High Sparrow’s prosecution. The modern day equivalent would be a coroner accusing a coroner of being a vigilante without any concrete evidence. Loras's case, much like the evidence presented, is absurd.

Margaery’s Complicity and the Lack of Evidence

Margaery Tyrell’s arrest on the grounds of complicity is even more illogical. If there was no concrete evidence against Loras, there cannot be any logical basis for Margaery’s arrest. The show suggests that Margaery’s complicity is based on the assumption that she was aware of Loras’s homosexuality, but there is no evidence to support this. The arrest of Margaery is not only absurd but also problematic as it lacks any logical foundation. Margaery, with her diplomatic skills and strategic moves, would likely have the means to handle any situation but the show fails to depict any actions that would warrant her arrest.

Conclusion: A Call for Fairness and Reason

In conclusion, the High Sparrow’s arrest of Loras and Margery Tyrell in the TV adaptation of Game of Thrones raises serious questions about the fairness and logic of the storyline. The weak evidence, the conflicting narrative, and the lack of concrete proof make these arrests appear more like a manifestation of the High Sparrow's personal vendetta rather than a fair and just legal process. The discrepancy between the books and the show suggests that in the realm of Westeros, justice may be as arbitrary and unjust as the characters plotting and scheming for power.