The Feudal Succession Strategy in Game of Thrones: Robb Stark and the Royces

The Feudal Succession Strategy in Game of Thrones: Robb Stark and the Royces

Introduction

The intricate web of power and alliances in the world of Game of Thrones is a testament to the strategic acumen of its characters. One of the most intriguing and complex strategies is the concept of feudal succession, where a noble name and heir are chosen to maintain the stability and continuity of power in the face of potential threats and succession issues. In ldquo;A Storm of Swords,rdquo; the conversation between Catelyn Stark and her son Robb Stark serves as a perfect illustration of this strategy.

The Feudal Succession Strategy

Surprisingly, when Robb Stark begins to contemplate the possibility of naming a successor, his mother Catelyn proposes the distant cousins from House Templeton, Corbray, and Waynwood. This suggests a strategy to secure stability through familial ties and longstanding marriages. In Game of Thrones, the strength of bloodlines and the historical alliances formed through marriage play a crucial role in maintaining and legitimizing power.

Marrying for Power: The Stark-Royce Alliance

Catelynrsquo;s suggestion comes directly from her knowledge of the Stark-Royce alliance. The marriage of Jocelyn Stark, Ned Starkrsquo;s great-aunt, to a younger son of Lord Raymar Royce of the junior branch led to a series of daughter marriages into various Vale houses. These descendants, referred to as ldquo;the lordlingsrdquo; in the conversation, would remain alive in the Vale. The next generation of these marriages involves the Royce family, strengthening the Stark-Royce alliance and providing a viable line for succession.

ldquo;Your fatherrsquo;s father had no siblings but his father had a sister who married a younger son of Lord Raymar Royce of the junior branch. They had three daughters all of whom wed Vale lordlings. A Waynwood and a Corbray for certain. The youngest… it might have been a Templeton but…rdquo; - Catelyn Stark to Robb Stark

Why Not Robert Arryn?

Robert Arryn, who is a cousin through the Tully side, cannot be considered in this context. He is not a Stark through the bloodline, nor does he have any claim to Winterfell. The same applies to Sweet Robin, who is only six years old and too young and spoiled to be considered for such a serious position of power. The proximate Cousin from the House Royce is the logical choice, given the direct lineage and historical ties.

The Strategic Decision: Legitimizing Jon Stark

While Catelynrsquo;s suggestion highlights the strategic importance of the Feudal Succession strategy, it seems that Robb Stark ultimately chose a different path, preferring to legitimize Jon Stark and name him his heir. This decision underscores the complexities of power dynamics and the prioritization of certain heirs over others. It also reflects the immediate concerns and personal feelings involved in making such a crucial decision.

Robbrsquo;s decision, though pragmatic, demonstrates the competing forces of family loyalty, personal relationships, and the need for stability. By naming Jon, Robb Stark acknowledges the importance of the Stark bloodline and the need to ensure the continuation of their familial legacy.

Conclusion

The conversation between Catelyn Stark and Robb Stark in ldquo;A Storm of Swordsrdquo; provides a fascinating insight into the Feudal Succession strategy in the world of Game of Thrones. The intricate network of marriages, alliances, and bloodlines serves as a critical framework for understanding the political and social dynamics in the series.

The concept of marrying for power, the historical alliances, and the inheritance of titles and power through marriage all highlight the strategic importance of such decisions in maintaining control and stability. While Catelynrsquo;s suggestion of the distant Royce cousins presents a viable and logical option, Robb Starkrsquo;s ultimate decision to legitimize Jon Stark indicates the complexities of power dynamics and personal relationships in high-stakes, power-laden environments.