Strategic Importance of Attacking the Tullys for the Lannisters: A Closer Look at Season 6

Before delving into the strategic importance of attacking the Tullys, it is essential to provide context. In the popular TV series Game of Thrones, season 6 marked a significant shift in plot direction, aligning more closely with the books from which it is based. Starting from season 5, the producers began to deviate from the source material due to the lack of action and the added complexity of the books. However, season 6 seemed to accelerate the plot in preparation for the climactic final season.

Background and Context

In the books, Jaime Lannister's mission to Dorne was not solely driven by saving Margaery Tyrell. Instead, he was sent to recapture Riverrun, as someone identified as 'Blackfish' had reclaimed it. This mission was critical because Catelyn Tully, Jaime's sister and the wife of Lord Hoster Tully, had her aspirations of peace disrupted by the reemergence of Blackfish, her uncle who commanded significant support for House Stark.

Strategic Importance of Riverrun

Riverrun, the seat of House Tully, was more than just a strategic location; it was a symbol of the Tully family's power. The Tullys' home was crucial because it was the largest and most fortified castle in the Riverlands, a province that was vital to the Lannisters' control. By attacking Riverrun, the Lannisters aimed to neutralize the Tullys' influence, both politically and militarily. Catelyn Tully's capture of Tyrion Lannister served a dual purpose: she weakened the Lannister family and prevented them from directly attacking the North through the Neck, a narrow strip of land guarded by the Tullys.

Complexity and Storytelling

However, the introduction of Blackfish into the plot in season 6 felt like a sudden and potentially jarring change. Rather than the gradual and nuanced approach seen in the books, the series brought back the Tullys quickly and without much context. This abrupt return to the Tully storyline seemed somewhat disordered and out of place, as if the showrunners were hurriedly trying to set up the plot for the final season.

Long-Term Strategic Implications

From a strategic standpoint, the Lannisters' attack on Riverrun was pivotal. Capturing and controlling Riverrun would have long-term implications for the Lannisters' rule. Riverrun's location near Casterly Rock, the seat of House Lannister, made it a critical strategic asset. By securing Riverrun, the Lannisters could potentially isolate the Tullys from the rest of the Riverlands, thus weakening their influence and reducing the risk of a rebellion in the future.

Concluding Thoughts

While the sudden introduction of Blackfish felt like an extraneous plot point, the strategic importance of Riverrun and the Tullys cannot be understated. The capture of Riverrun by the Lannisters set the stage for future conflicts and power struggles in Westeros. The immediate threat of Blackfish and his support for House Stark meant that the Lannisters had to maintain tight control of Riverrun to prevent any resurgence of rebellion.

In summary, the strategic importance of attacking the Tullys is multifaceted. It weakened their political and military influence, prevented them from supporting the North, and set the stage for future power dynamics in the series.