If Edmure Tully and His Children Do Not Survive, Who Will Rule the Riverlands?

In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, and its adaptation Game of Thrones, the fate of the Riverlands is a crucial aspect of the ongoing power struggles. The current ruler, Edmure Tully, faces numerous challenges, including potential defeat at the hands of the Lannisters. If Edmure and his children do not survive the series, the succession of the Riverlands becomes an intriguing and complex question. Let's explore this scenario in detail.

Options for Succession

The determination of the new ruler of the Riverlands will depend on who occupies the Iron Throne. Historically, when the Tully family, who were deposed by the Lannisters, regained power, Lord Tully was appointed lord paramount of the Riverlands by Aegon the Conqueror. In this hypothetical scenario, the Westerosi king or queen will have several options for succession:

Place a Relation of the Tullys in Their Place: The king or queen may consider placing a Tully relation in the role. This could be a Tully sibling or a cousin, ensuring continuity and loyalty. Elevate the Freys: If the Freys were to gain favor, they could be elevated to rule the Riverlands, especially since Edmure Tully’s son with Roslin Frey is the trueborn heir to Riverrun. Divide or Allocate the Riverlands: The Riverlands could be divided among other claimants. This could include areas such as the North, Vale, or Westerlands, depending on the available claimants and their strengths. Elevating a New House: The possibility of a new house arising to take control of the Riverlands is always present, as it happened when Aegon the Conqueror made the Tullys the lords over the region.

Current Heir Prospects

Currently, there are several potential heirs for the Tully line, with Bran the Three-Eyed Raven being the eldest living nephew and deemed ineligible for the role. The future of the Riverlands hinges on the surviving Tully heirs, as well:

Brandon Stark: Edmure Tully’s oldest living nephew, who has renounced his right to Winterfell and is unlikely to claim Riverrun. Rickon Stark: Edmure Tully’s next eldest nephew, and Bran’s heir, making him the next logical successor. Sansa Stark: With her strong leadership and position as the oldest living female Stark descendant, she would be a strong contender despite not being a Tully directly. Arya Stark: As the youngest and most competent female Tully descendant, she remains a potential but unlikely heir.

Potential for Agnatic Succession

However, the line of succession is not as straightforward as one might think. According to the rules of succession in Westeros, male primogeniture typically prevails, but there is an alternative form of agnatic succession:

Agnatic Succession: This form of succession gives precedence to male relatives, including uncles and cousins, before female relatives. This means that if Brynden Tully (known as the Blackfish) were still alive, he would technically be the next in line, despite his age and possible unwillingness to take the throne.

Given the complexity and the potential for a female ruler to be given multiple roles across different regions, it is likely that the king or queen will appoint a new ruler to the Riverlands, similar to how Aegon the Conqueror placed the Tullys in power 300 years ago. This move would ensure stability and loyalty within Westeros.