Understanding the Fates of Lysa and Edmure

In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, the complex relationships and political maneuverings are as intricate as the fates themselves. Central to these tales are the Stark family in Winterfell, led by Eddard (Ned) Stark, and their journey to King's Landing. However, what might not be as well-known is the separate fates of Catelyn Stark's siblings, Lysa Arryn and Edmure Tully. This article aims to clarify the backgrounds and lived experiences of these significant characters, focusing on their roles during and beyond the events centered around Catelyn and her children.

The Non-Firstborn Siblings' Roles and Plots

Lysa Arryn, the youngest of Jon Arryn's daughters and a sister to Cersei Lannister through their father, was not part of Catelyn's group moving to King's Landing. Lysa and her husband, Jon Arryn, were drama queens from the start. They both prioritized their own individual crises, personal issues, and immediate concerns rather than joining the larger narrative of the Starks.

Jon Arryn, later known as the "Hand of the King," was no longer in Place when Catelyn Stark left for King's Landing, and Lysa remained in the Vale with his son, Robin Arryn, who assumed the role of Lord of the Vale after his father's death. Lysa, who married a political marriage in desperation and for power, was not in King's Landing when Ned Stark arrived. Lysa's decisions and urgencies were her own, leading her to return to the Vale before Ned Stark's arrival.

Edmure Tully, Catelyn's younger brother and the youngest son of Lord Hoster Tully, had a more direct presence in the narrative. He remained at Riverrun, the seat of House Tully, as the rightful heir to the Tully lands. Edmure, known for his lack of strategic insight and reckless nature, was often being put into tough decisions and dangerous situations, such as the Red Wedding. With Hoster Tully becoming ill, it was Edmure who carried the burden of leading Riverrun, not directly involved in the affairs of King's Landing during the crucial times.

The Stark Children's Move to King's Landing

It is important to note that when Catelyn left for King's Landing, she was not accompanied by her siblings, Lysa and Edmure. The Stark children, Sansa and Arya, had already been dispatched to King's Landing with their father, Lady Catelyn staying behind in Winterfell. Robb, Bran, and Rickon, the younger Stark children, remained in Winterfell, with Robb stepping up to become the acting Lord and lead their house during Ned Stark's absence. Robb, a more mature and capable leader than his younger siblings, played a crucial role in the subsequent events of the War of the Five Kings.

Conclusion: Beyond the Stark Family

The fates of Lysa Arryn and Edmure Tully, while often overshadowed by the epic storylines of the Starks, played their own significant roles in the narrative of Westeros. Their choices and actions may have been less impactful on the grand wars of the Seven Kingdoms, but they provided their unique contributions to the history of the world of Westeros. Understanding their individual stories offers a deeper insight into the complex interplay of politics and personal lives in this vast and enthralling universe.