The Aftermath of Lady Olenna's Death: The Reach and Dorne in 'The Crown'

In the sprawling world of 'Game of Thrones', the events surrounding the death of Lady Olenna Tyrell in Season 7 resonantly shift the political landscape of the Seven Kingdoms. The House Tyrell's power base, once a formidable force in the Reach, crumbled under the weight of Olenna's absence. This article delves into the aftermath of Lady Olenna's death, particularly focusing on the Reach and Dorne, examining the significance of her influence and the political ramifications of her passing.

The Decline of the Reach

With the passing of Olenna Tyrell, the political architecture of the Reach was fundamentally altered. Olenna, known for her cunning and strategic acumen, was a key figure in the intricate web of Westerosi politics. Her death marked a significant weakening of House Tyrell, leaving a power vacuum that Queen Cersei Lannister quickly filled.

The Reach swiftly became a target for Cersei's forces, leading to a swift conquest. This rapid decline in power was not only due to the internal collapse of House Tyrell but also because of the loss of Olenna's tactical brilliance. The Tyrell subservient lords, who had long relied on Olenna's guidance, abandoned their positions en masse, offering no resistance to the Lannister advance. This collapse was not just a result of the absence of leadership but also due to the sheer might of the Lannister Westlands army, which decisively crushed the Tyrell forces.

The Muted Response in Dorne

In stark contrast to the Reach, the immediate response in Dorne to the death of Ellaria Sand and her daughters was not immediate rebellion. Ellaria, despite her prominence, was a polarizing figure whose death seemed to demoralize the Dornish resistance rather than galvanize them. The announcement of the death of Prince Oberyn Martell and his sons prompted a declaration of war against Westeros, but this alliance with slavers and the subsequent death of Ellaria's successor defeated the initial momentum of Dorne's uprising.

While Dorne's response was muted in the immediate aftermath, the political landscape of Dorne remains complex. The loss of strong leadership, coupled with the strategic focus of the Lannisters, led to a relatively subdued reaction. However, the underlying tensions in Dorne have not subsided. The potential for unrest and future rebellion is palpable, hinting at the enduring significance of House Tyrell's fall on the broader political stage of Westeros.

Farmers vs. Strategists: The Role of Leadership

The debate rages on about the role of leadership in governance and strategy. The quote, 'Wardens don’t really "do" much. It’s not like farmers don’t know how to grow crops without instructions from Olenna' encapsulates the broader issue of whether strategic leaders are necessary to maintain the stability of a region. In the case of the Reach, while farmers can indeed manage day-to-day affairs, the strategic maneuvering required to counter the Lannister advance was beyond their purview. The absence of a strategic leader like Olenna left the Reach vulnerable and its subservient lords unprepared to resist.

On the other hand, the farmers metaphor highlights the fact that while Olenna was a crucial figure in politics, local governance functions without her direct intervention. This dual nature of leadership underscores the complexity of governance and the multilayered challenges faced by different regions in Westeros.

The Long-Term Implications

The consolidation of power in the Reach and the muted response in Dorne have significant long-term implications. The Reach's rapid fall has allowed Cersei to assert control over a strategically important region, potentially weakening the resistance in the south. However, the potential for unrest in Dorne remains. The underlying tensions and loss of leadership could mean that Dorne is not entirely subdued and could become a future threat to the stability of the Crown.

The story of the Reach and Dorne following Lady Olenna's death serves as a critical lesson in the importance of strategic leadership. It highlights the vulnerability of regions without strong leaders and the far-reaching consequences of political decisions on the broader geopolitical landscape.