The Complex Factors in Edmure Tully's Clash with the Mountain in the Riverlands: A Reevaluation

The situation regarding Edmure Tully's hasty attack against the Mountain (Gregor Clegane) in the Riverlands is a nuanced one and was influenced by a combination of strategic decisions and miscommunications. Let us delve into the complex factors that contributed to this event.

Edmure Tully's Rashness

Edmure Tully's decision to attack the Mountain's forces at the river crossing was impulsive and poorly planned. His eagerness to regain honor for House Tully led him to make a hasty decision without sufficient intelligence about the situation and a proper assessment of the strength of Clegane's forces. This rush to prove himself ultimately led to a devastating outcome.

Sir Robb Stark's Communication

While Edmure's actions were rash, Sir Robb Stark's failure to effectively communicate his strategy and intentions played a role in the situation. Robb was preoccupied with multiple fronts in the war and did not provide clear guidance to Edmure. Without a full understanding of the broader military context, Edmure was left to make a critical decision, leading to the hasty attack.

Jaime Lannister's Strategic Position

Jaime Lannister was not the instigator of Edmure's hasty attack. He was attempting to create a strategic diversion and was aware of the potential for conflict. His presence and the threat of his forces influenced the situation but did not directly cause the hasty attack. Instead, it was a case of miscommunication and misjudgment.

Before Tywin's March: The Impact of Famine and Panic

Before Tywin Lannister marched into the Riverlands with his full force, the mountain and his followers had completely destroyed the crops and killed thousands of civilians. Robb Stark initially instructed Edmure to hold Riverrun, but the orders were vague and left Edmure to fend for himself. Had Robb given more specific instructions, Edmure might not have made such a hasty decision.

Sir Edmure Tully's actions should be viewed in the context of his only incompetence: missing his father's canoe while hungover and terribly distraught. This incident, however, is not the same as his decision to attack the Mountain. By allowing Edmure to make autonomous decisions without clear direction, Robb Stark bears a significant portion of the blame for the outcome.

Conclusion

While Edmure Tully's rashness was a significant factor in the outcome, Sir Robb Stark's failure to communicate effectively also contributed to the situation. It was a combination of both elements rather than a single person's fault. Robb Stark owned this mistake 100 percent for failing to provide clear and strategic guidance to Edmure.

Final Thoughts

The clash between Edmure Tully and the Mountain in the Riverlands highlights the importance of clear communication in wartime. Both personal bravery and strategic foresight are necessary, but the latter cannot be overlooked. Robb Stark's failure to provide clear and precise guidance to Edmure was a critical flaw in their overall strategy, and this perspective should be widely recognized.