How Would Baratheon Kings and Lannisters Respond to a Wildling Invasion of the Wall?

Would King Robert Baratheon or his son Joffrey have responded to Mance Rayder and his army of Wildlings as a threat to the Wall and the Seven Kingdoms? Let's explore the potential actions taken by these legendary rulers of Westeros and the geopolitical implications.

King Robert Baratheon: A Defender of the North

During King Robert's reign, his response to such a scenario would be straightforward but decisive. As a king who sought to maintain and expand his influence, Robert would likely take a strong, proactive stance to protect the realm. He would order Lord Ned Stark, his trusted Hand of the King, to handle the situation. Given Ned's military expertise and his commitment to the northern houses, he would command an army to march north, crush the Wildlings, and ensure that the Wall remained inviolate. The conflict would not only be about protecting the North but also about reinforcing his authority over the realms south of the Wall.

Lannister Interests: A Strategy of Weakening vs. Direct Defense

In contrast, if Joffrey was in power, his priority would be different. Unlike his father, Joffrey was more concerned with consolidating his own hold on the Iron Throne and protecting his family's interests above all else. The Lannisters, being powerful House, might view the Wildlings as an opportunity rather than a threat. They might choose to let the Wildlings raid the North and weaken it, as it would serve to expand their own power and diminish that of the Starks. This strategy would align with their historical preference for keeping the North divided and weakened.

Strategic Differences Between Robert and Joffrey

King Robert would not need to personally get involved; he would delegate the task to Ned. With Robert alive, Ned would lead a formidable army to defeat the Wildlings and ensure the safety of the North. Meanwhile, Joffrey might not care if the Wildlings breached the Wall, as long as they posed no direct threat to him and his rule. His primary focus would be on maintaining his power and alliances, which might include collaborating with other houses to counter the Lannister threat.

Implications of a Wildling Invasion

Regardless of who the king is, the outcome of a Wildling invasion would have significant implications. The Night's Watch, whose primary responsibility is to protect the Wall, would suffer a devastating defeat if Mance Rayder's forces managed to breach it. This would not only weaken the North but also leave the rest of the realm vulnerable to other threats. The Night King and his undead army would be the next to move, which would require an immediate and coordinated response from all the Seven Kingdoms.

Lord Eddard (Ned) Stark: A No-Nonsense Ruler

Lord Eddard Stark would not hesitate to deal with the Wildlings decisively. As a no-nonsense and honorable leader, he would hunt down the Wildlings and their leader Mance Rayder to the last man. He might consider sparing the women and children, but he would not hesitate to defeat the men on the battlefield. Mance's head would meet the wall in what would be a fitting end to a deserter. Under Joffrey's reign, the situation would be more complex. The Wildlings would cause chaos in the North and potentially unite the realm against them, but Ned's leadership would likely ensure their defeat.

Robb Stark: A Complex Ruler with Great Potential

Robb Stark, as a young and honorable yet impulsive leader, would also take a strong stance against the Wildlings. He might give the northern houses the opportunity to prove that the threat is real but would demand their allegiance. Robb had the potential to become a great King of the North if given the time to mature and develop his leadership skills. However, his current state of mind and actions might lead to a more precarious situation for the North.

Overall, the response to a Wildling invasion of the Wall would depend on who was in power and their strategic priorities. King Robert would prioritize direct defense and maintaining northern stability, while Joffrey would focus on weakening the North to consolidate his power. Regardless, Ned Stark would lead the charge to save the North, ensuring its safety and unity.