The Mannish Obsession of Littlefinger: Power and Love in Game of Thrones

Throughout the arduous and twisted plot of Game of Thrones, one character stands out as a focal point of intrigue and manipulation: Littlefinger. Known for his cunning and unscrupulous nature, Littlefinger's pursuit of power and his obsession with women are central to his character. This article delves into the nature of Littlefinger's relationships with the women he marries and the power it brings him.

Marriage and Power: Lysa Arryn

Littlefinger's relationship with Lysa Arryn, while a marriage, is more of a tactical move than genuine love. He cultivated Lysa's dependency and love to achieve multiple goals. First, he orchestrated Lysa's husband, Jon Arryn's, demise, a deed that cemented Lysa's dependence on him. Second, as the murderer of Jon Arryn, he became a more significant figure in Lysa's life, leading to a more potent emotional investment.

By claiming Lysa's affections, Littlefinger secured his placement as Master of Coin on the Small Council, setting a significant foundation for his future escapades. Additionally, the death of Jon Arryn and Lysa's subsequent widowhood created an opening in the Vale, and marrying Lysa filled him with temporary power. He became the regent for Robert Arryn, effectively the Lord of the Vale, ensuring his position during Robert's youth.

False Love and Obsession: Catelyn Tully and Sansa Stark

Littlefinger's supposed love for Catelyn Tully, the sister of Lysa Arryn, and her betrothed Brandon Stark, showcases his manipulative nature. He was willing to challenge Brandon in a duel for Catelyn's hand, even risking his life. However, his coercion and obsession with Catelyn were merely a means to an end: to turn Catelyn's daughter, Sansa, into an obsession of her own.

From the moment he met Sansa, Littlefinger's attention shifted from Catelyn to Sansa, recognizing her as a mirror of her mother due to her young age and resemblance. His intentions were clear: to use Sansa's likeness to Catelyn to manipulate her. Even during his marriage to Lysa, Sansa was hidden as his bastard daughter, and their relationship was purely about manipulation and power, not deep, genuine affection.

The Power Play: Winterfell and Beyond

The character arc of Littlefinger in the latter part of the series underscores his ultimate goal: power. When Sansa is the only Stark left with a claim to Winterfell, Littlefinger's obsession deepens. He had a detailed plan to manage Ramsay Bolton after orchestrating Sansa's marriage to him. However, Sansa's escape and subsequent alliance with Jon Snow thwarted this plan. Instead, Littlefinger leveraged Sansa's power by positioning her as a stake to hold in Winterfell, ensuring his influence through her.

If Sansa had married him as he desired, Littlefinger would have become the new Lord of Winterfell while maintaining his roles as regent and Warden of the Vale. However, his plans went awry, with Sansa escaping and finding refuge with Jon Snow. The situation is more complex in the books, as Littlefinger is aware of Ramsay's marriage to Jeyne Poole (disguised as Arya).

Conclusion: Selfish Nature and Power

In the end, Littlefinger's character reveals a single, underlying motivation: power. Love, to him, is a tool, not an end in itself. Whether it's through manipulating Catelyn, Lysa, or Sansa, he has proven himself willing to do whatever necessary to maintain and increase his power. In the grand scheme of Game of Thrones, Littlefinger stands as a testament to the corrupting influence of power and the lengths one will go to achieve it at the expense of others.