Mysteries Unraveled: The Impact of Arya Naming Gregor Clegane and Joffrey as Their Killers

In 'Game of Thrones', the fate of key characters can dramatically alter the course of the narrative. What if Arya Stark, after the death of The Tickler, named two significant figures as her kills? How would these scenarios impact the story? Let's delve into two pivotal moments: the death of Gregor Clegane and Joffrey Baratheon.

The Death of Gregor Clegane

Imagining a scenario where Gregor Clegane dies, one can easily envision a chaotic aftermath. If Gregor's demise leads to a scramble to identify his killer, Arya Stark, who has been hunting for such individuals, would find herself under intense scrutiny. This would likely result in her being placed under strict lockdown, significantly hampering her opportunity to escape from Harrenhal. Such a development would undoubtedly change the dynamics in her quest for freedom.

Given that there would be lesser suspicion on Tyrion Lannister due to the absence of poison missing from Pycelle's stores, the option of Oberyn Martell fighting a trial by combat would still stand. With Loras Tyrell chosen as the champion of the Crown, Oberyn's victory would likely result in clarity of innocence, thus leaving Joffrey's killer unidentified. It is worth noting that Cersei Lannister would still desire Tywin Lannister's demise for this incident.

The Death of Joffrey Baratheon

Considering Joffrey Baratheon's demise to occur around late Season 2/early Season 3, specifically after the battle of Blackwater Bay, the narrative would take a fascinating turn. Under this scenario, Arya Stark would not have the luxury of using her remaining deaths to escape Harrenhal. Instead, she would be found out and captured, altering the later aspects of the story involving the Others and the war for the living against the dead.

Assuming Joffrey's death, the political landscape would shift dramatically. The poison dart incident would make it more plausible that suspicion would fall on Tyrion. However, in the absence of missing poisons from Pycelle's stores, Oberyn Martell would still have to face his own trial by combat against the champion of the Crown, Loras Tyrell. While Loras faces some challenges, Oberyn's probable victory would cement his innocence, leaving Joffrey's killer a mystery for now.

The Aftermath of These Deaths

If Tywin Lannister remains alive, the Purple Wedding would not occur. Instead, Tommen Baratheon ascends the throne, marries Margaery Tyrell, and Cersei is married to Ramsay Bolton. This scenario would see Loras Tyrell deceased, and Petyr Baelish not being influential enough to change the course of events. Myrcella Baratheon remains alive, as does Doran Martell.

Having Sansa and Arya as captive Lannister brides would lead to their forced marriages, with Sansa marrying Tyrion and Arya marrying Lancel, possibly leading to the Boltons' increased power but on the edge of a thin blade. The murder of Jon and Rickon by the Boltons would also factor into this new storyline.

Under Tommen's rule, until Daenerys Targaryen's invasion, the realm would experience relative peace. However, the absence of Tyrion might result in Daenerys' demise at the hands of the Sons of the Harpy. In this alternate timeline, the Wall would not fall, and Tommen's rule would continue unopposed until Daenerys invades.

Should Arya escape Casterly Rock and rally the North for her claim, her armies would then need to march south to face off against Tommen's forces. This would create a complex political situation, with potential solutions such as Tywin's initial plan of gifting the North to Sansa's son once he reaches maturity.

Conclusion

These hypothetical scenarios showcase the intricate interplay of characters and their fates in 'Game of Thrones'. The death of Gregor Clegane and Joffrey each bring about a cascade of events that profoundly alter the story's trajectory. Whether Arya escapes and becomes the Queen of the North or Tywin's plan materializes, these scenarios highlight the significant impact a single event can have on the narrative of Westeros.