Lysa's Unresolved Issues and Her Father's Impact on Her Life

Lysa Tarrell, the Lady of the Eyrie, had a complex relationship with her father, Lord Hoster Tully. Her bitterness and resentment towards him are deeply rooted in a tragic incident that occurred long before he died at Riverrun.

Tragedy and Betrayal

Lysa's relationship with her father was fundamentally tarnished when he tricked her into drinking Tansy, a prominent ingredient in moon tea, which led to the forced abortion of her unborn child with Petyr Baelish. This tragic event not only ended her potential happiness but also forced her into an unwanted marriage to Jon Arryn, a man she did not love.

The Tragedy of Lysa's Pregnancy and Marriage

(...) Before she even wed Jon Arryn, Lysa was already pregnant with Petyr Baelish's child. Jon's marriage to Lysa was expedient, driven by political necessity. In the wake of the death of his heir, Denys, at the Battle of Stoney Sept, Jon had to hastily marry a young woman known to be fertile in order to secure an heir. Lysa fit this description perfectly.

For fifteen years, Lysa harbored a bitter grudge against her father. The forced abortion and the subsequent marriage to Jon Arryn were orchestrated by her father, further deepening her resentment. During this time, she refused to communicate with him, not even responding to his deathbed plea for reconciliation. Her silence is a testament to the profound impact of the betrayal.

Fear and Paranoia

Fearing capture and the revelation of her involvement in Jon Arryn's death, Lysa remained at the Eyrie for a long time. The Eyrie's almost impregnable structure provided her with a false sense of security against both threats. However, her paranoia also made her wary of leaving, especially after the fall of Robert's rebellion. The thought of being separated from her son, Sweetrobin, and the potential for him to be seized further anchored her to the Eyrie.

Only the promise of Baelish's wealth and resources, often described as "sweet Baelish booty," finally convinced her to leave the Eyrie and join Littlefinger's side. Lysa's decision was driven more by pragmatism than affection for Littlefinger; the future of her and her son's rule was at stake.

End of a Relationship

Following the rebellion, Lysa never saw her father again. Her last encounter with him was likely arranged to prevent her from re-entering the Vale by force, given the political implications of her position as Sansa Stark's mother. This final separation was by design, cementing her resolve never to return.

From a strategic standpoint, Littlefinger had advised Lysa to remain in the Vale to secure her fledgling rule and avoid internal threats. Should she have chosen to visit her father, it would have opened the door for political maneuvering that could have undermined her authority.

These circumstances have left a lasting impact on Lysa, overshadowing her personal desires and forcing her into a series of difficult decisions. Her relationship with her father remained one of unspoken hatred and unresolved grievances, continuing to shape her life and the politics of Westeros.