The Alternate Reality: Ned Stark Sends Loras Tyrell to Take Down the Mountain

Imagine a different outcome in A Song of Ice and Fire, where Ned Stark, the Hand of the King, decides to send Loras Tyrell, the Knight of the Flowers, to battle against the notorious Gregor Clegane, better known as the Mountain. This is a scenario that would undoubtedly shake the very foundations of the series, reshaping the narrative in fascinating ways.

The Challenges of Sending Loras Tyrell

There are several reasons why sending Loras Tyrell to take down the Mountain would be a highly unwise decision. Loras, renowned for his skill in the tournaments, is an adept fighter, perfectly suited to the contests required to win the Quest for Flowers. However, the real battlefield of Westeros is a stark contrast to the arena. There are no rules, and every combatant is out to kill their opponent.

Moreover, Loras lacks the skills of an assassin. He is a showman, skilled in drawing attention and extracting the most from the crowd, but not in the silent, deadly arts that are required to take down an enemy like Gregor Clegane. As the story unfolds, we see Loras so focused on his reputation and the crowd's adulation that he barely notices the deadly sword swing from the Mountain. It is only the intervention of The Hound that saves his life.

Alternative Outcomes of Loras Tyrell's Mission

Considering that Loras does not die in this scenario, there are several potential paths the story could take. For instance, if the Mountain is defeated, the Tyrells might now see the Starks in a different light. Ned might have inadvertently forged an alliance between House Tyrell and House Stark, a move that would have significant implications for both houses' standing in the ongoing war.

However, if Loras were to die, the consequences could be equally drastic. Olenna Tyrell, the Sweet Lady, would not stand idly by while they wrongfully took the life of a potential heir to Highgarden. This could lead to a rift between the Tyrells and the Lannisters, potentially shifting the balance of power in the region.

Alternate Events and Impacts

Assuming Loras Tyrell does not die, the sequence of events might evolve differently:

If Loras and Renly Team Up: With Loras adept at martial skill and Renly capable of rallying support in Renly's cause, the chances of taking on the Mountain might increase significantly. Edric Storm, the true heir to Storm's End, might not come into the picture, leading to less conflict for Stannis and fewer political complications. Loss of the Brotherhood Without Banners: Thoros of Myr might still found the Brotherhood without Banners, but it is unclear if he can do so without his resurrection abilities. The Brotherhood Taking Shelter under Thoros might not form if Loras is alive, changing the dynamics of the narrative in Westeros. Arya’s Destiny: Arya's journey to Riverrun might still evolve, but with the Brotherhood left unchanged, there is less chance of her seeking refuge with the Brotherhood. This could lead to her marrying Ramsay Bolton, a dire outcome for the Stark family and further complicating the Northern landscape.

Conclusion: The Plausibility of the Scenario

While the idea of Loras Tyrell taking on the Mountain is entertaining, it is also highly unrealistic given his background and the harsh realities of Westeros. The story, however, might explore this intriguing possibility and its far-reaching effects on the narrative. Understanding the complexities of the Westerosi world and the potential impact of such events enriches our appreciation of the rich and layered story that George R.R. Martin has crafted.