The Blackfish and Roberts Rebellion: An Analysis

The history of the Seven Kingdoms is replete with dramatic events and complex relationships, none more so than the intricate roles played by the Tully and Arryn families. Notably, one figure stands out as a significant player in the conflict known as Roberts Rebellion: Brynden 'the Blackfish' Tully.

Brynden 'the Blackfish' Tully

Brynden 'the Blackfish' Tully, also known as Tully, was a prominent figure in the political and military landscape of Westeros. Originally, he had a strained relationship with his brother, Hoster Tully, the lord of Riverrun. However, his relationship with Hoster's children, Catelyn, Lysa, and Edmure, was considerably better. Hoster was too busy and his wife too ill to take on the responsibilities of raising his children, so Brynden stepped in to fill that void. He became known as 'the Blackfish' due to being the 'black sheep' of his family, challenging his brother's authority and advocating for the younger generation.

The Night of Rejection

One notable event that highlights Brynden's involvement and personality was the night when Catelyn Stark's betrothal to Brandon Stark was announced. Petyr Baelish, who had been in love with Catelyn, was drunk and passed out on a table. To prevent Hoster from seeing his young ward in such a state, Brynden carried Petyr away, thus becoming a protector and confidant to the Tully children.

The Lysa and Jaime Lannister Controversy

Hoster Tully and Tywin Lannister were considering a betrothal between Lysa Tully and Jaime Lannister, the heir to Casterly Rock. This potential marriage was disrupted when King Aerys II Targaryen named Jaime to his Kingsguard in 281 AC. Instead, House Lannister proposed Tyrion in lieu of Jaime, but Lord Hoster refused, stating his intent to bind House Tully to the rebel cause by marrying Lysa to Jon Arryn. This decision led to a significant personal rejection for Brynden, causing Hoster to disown him and refuse to speak his name for years to come.

The War and Beyond: Roberts Rebellion

Roberts Rebellion began in 282 AC, driven by the death of Brandon Stark and Lord Rickard Stark at the hands of King Aerys II Targaryen. Catelyn was betrothed to Brandon's younger brother, Eddard Stark, to bind House Tully to the rebel cause. During the double wedding ceremony at Riverrun, Brynden revealed his true loyalties by declaring service to Lord Arryn, setting the stage for his further involvement in the conflict.

Following the ascension of King Robert I Baratheon, Brynden's prominence only grew. He accompanied Lysa to the Vale of Arryn, where he was named Knight of the Gate, commander of the Bloody Gate by Lord Arryn. This marked the continuation of his influential role in Westerosi history, embodying both loyalty and defiance against the crown.

Conclusion

The relationship between Brynden 'the Blackfish' Tully and his involvement in Roberts Rebellion is deeply intertwined with the political and familial dynamics of the Tully and Arryn families. His actions and decisions significantly impacted the course of events during this tumultuous period in Westerosi history, making him an indispensable character to study for any interested in the nuances of this era.