The Loyalists or the Opportunists? Walder Frey and Roose Bolton in Robb Stark’s War

The War of the Five Kings was a tumultuous period in Westeros, filled with shifting alliances and cynical motives. Among the most intriguing players were Walder Frey and Roose Bolton, who initially appeared to side with Robb Stark, the King in the North. However, their allegiances proved to be far more complex and self-serving than their initial support might have suggested. This article delves into the true nature of their loyalties, underlining the strategic and opportunistic nature of their decisions.

Walder Frey: The Lord of the Twins

Walder Frey was the Lord of the Twins, a strategically significant position in the Riverlands. His initial support for Robb Stark was driven by a combination of strategic advantage and personal grievances. After Robb's victory at the Battle of the Whispering Wood, Frey felt ostracized when Robb chose to break off an engagement with one of Frey’s daughters, opting instead for an alliance with House Tyrell. This act of betrayal sparked Frey’s own ambitions, culminating in the infamous Red Wedding.

The Red Wedding

During this notorious event, Frey orchestrated a massacre that left Robb Stark, his wife, and numerous bannermen dead. His actions were a direct result of his dissatisfaction with Robb’s decision-making and his desire for power. The pivotal moment when Frey turned against Robb was not a sudden shift but a calculated move born from years of simmering resentment and opportunistic ambitions.

Frey’s betrayal was not just a matter of personal gain; it was a calculated political maneuver. By securing the favor of the Lannisters, he ensured his survival and the continued power of the House Frey. This is evident in the deal he made with Catelyn Tully, whose imprisonment and execution were ultimately leveraged to strengthen his position.

Roose Bolton: The Pragmatic Overlord

Roose Bolton, as the head of House Bolton, was a figure known for his pragmatism and ruthlessness. His initial pledge of loyalty to Robb Stark was driven by the hope of gaining further power and glory for himself and his house. Bolton's nature was marked by a deep ambition to restore the Bolton name, a legacy tarnished by the Battle of the Restaurants.

Shifts in Loyalty

The turning point for Roose Bolton came after the fall of Winterfell and the Battle of the Blackwater. These events shattered his belief in Robb Stark's ability to defeat the Lannisters and claim the Iron Throne. With this doubt, Bolton saw an opportunity to weaken the Starks and align himself with the rising power of the Lannisters.

Frey and Bolton's shift in allegiance was a result of a combination of personal ambition and strategic necessity. They did not abandon their previous allies out of sheer malice but rather due to the changing geopolitical landscape and the desire for personal power.

The True Nature of Their Allegiances

In summary, both Walder Frey and Roose Bolton were never truly on Robb Stark's side. Their initial support was more a matter of personal gain and opportunism than genuine loyalty. Their betrayals at the Red Wedding were calculated to enhance their power and status in Westeros. This article highlights the opportunistic nature of their decisions, underlining that in the complex world of emGame of Thrones/em, true loyalty is a rarity, and ambitious self-interest often drives the most significant decisions.

So, while Frey and Bolton may have appeared to side with Robb Stark, their true intentions were rooted in power and personal gain. The events of the Red Wedding serve as a stark reminder of the ruthless pragmatism that defines the world of Westeros.