Lord Frey After the Red Wedding: The Road to Submission

Lord Frey, once a powerful and feared figure in the Seven Kingdoms, experienced a significant downfall after the Red Wedding. The cataclysmic event not only changed the political landscape of Westeros but also shifted the power dynamics within the North. In this article, we delve into how Lord Frey's influence waned after the notorious massacre, focusing on the reasons for his submission and his newfound allegiance to House Lannister.

The Preceding Events Leading to the Red Wedding

For centuries, the Frey family had wielded considerable power in the North. Lord Walder Frey, the master of the Salt Pony, had always maintained a position of influence through strategic marriages and alliances. However, the fallout from the war with the Starks and the subsequent alliances made the Red Wedding a turning point. The Stark–Tully alliance had ended, and Lord Walder Frey's relationship with House Tully had crumbled.

Providence and the Red Wedding

The fateful night of the Red Wedding was the culmination of various political missteps and the ultimate betrayal by Walder Frey and his family. The event was planned meticulously, but poorly executed, depriving the Frey family of any gains and setting in motion a chain of events that would change their position.

The Aftermath: Submission and Surrender

Following the Red Wedding, the Frey family was left with little choice but to submit. Without their heads or their banners, the Frey family's authority over House Tully territory was effectively nullified. Lord Walder Frey and his family were taken captive, and the Frey armies were left in disarray.

From Power to Powerlessness: The New Alliances and Fates

Until the Red Wedding, Lord Walder may have seen himself as a crucial player in the Seven Kingdoms. However, the event marked a definitive shift in his fortunes. With his lands and territories a battleground for various forces, it was clear that he could no longer rule in the traditional manner.

The Dwindling Authoritative Power

Walder Frey's power, once vast and uncontested, began to dwindle significantly after the Red Wedding. The lands he had ruled over became contested territories, and the Frey family no longer had the means to assert their authority. Despite the loss of his titles and lands, Walder Frey and some of his sons managed to survive, albeit as individuals without power or influence.

The New Allegiance: House Lannister

Rather than attempting to reclaim his former power, Walder Frey pragmatically allied himself with House Lannister. This decision, though driven by sheer survival, marked a significant turnaround in his political career. The Lannisters, under the guidance of Tywin Lannister (Lord Tywin) and his sons King Joffrey Baratheon and Lord Tywin, had become the dominant force in the Seven Kingdoms.

Conclusion: The Significance of the Red Wedding

The Red Wedding was a defining moment for Lord Frey and the North as a whole. It not only reshaped the political landscape but also marked the end of the Frey family's independent rule. Walder Frey's submission to House Lannister was a testament to his political acumen and his recognition that the balance of power had shifted irreversibly in favor of the Lannisters.

Understanding the historical context and the strategic decisions made in the aftermath of the Red Wedding provides insight into the complex political and social dynamics of Westeros. The Frey family's fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of political misjudgment and the resilience of powerful families in the face of adversity.