The Mysterious Fate of the Blackfish: Surviving the Red Wedding

In the tumultuous events surrounding the Red Wedding in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and the TV adaptation Game of Thrones, one character's fate remains shrouded in mystery: the notorious Blackfish, Catelyn Stark's uncle Brynden Tully.

Brynden Tully, also known as the Blackfish, did indeed survive the Red Wedding. Following the massacre, he managed to escape from the Twins and find safety in the Riverlands, where he continued to resist the Lannister forces and support the Stark cause. However, his exact whereabouts during the subsequent events are not clearly defined in the books, making his story a subject of much speculation and debate among fans.

After the Red Wedding - A Life in the Shadows

In the books, Brynden Tully is mentioned in later chapters, suggesting that he was still active in the struggle against the Lannisters and Freys. It is implied that he worked with the Lady Stoneheart-led Brotherhood Without Banners, a group dedicated to continuing the fight against the dominant families. One popular theory among fans is that the Blackfish and the Brotherhood Without Banners plan to stage another massacre, this time targeting the Freys. Another theory posits that the Blackfish would seize Jeyne Westerling, Robb Stark's wife, from the Lannisters, thus dealing a further blow to their influence.

Escaping the Lannisters

After the Red Wedding, when Jaime Lannister sends Edmure Tully and his forces to seize Riverrun, the Blackfish remains steadfast and refuses to open the castle gates. However, Edmure eventually succumbs to the pressure and convinces Brynden Tully to open the gates. This decision could have led to the Blackfish's immediate execution. To save his life and the life of the brilliant and formidable Jonos Brune, Edmure Tully secretly raises the drawbridge and allows Brynden to escape. Jaime Lannister leads search parties to capture the Blackfish, but to no avail.

Despite these dramatic events, the TV adaptation does not provide a clear resolution to the Blackfish's fate. After the Red Wedding, he does not appear in the series, leaving viewers wondering about his subsequent actions and whereabouts.

Missing from the Show

The story of the Blackfish in the TV adaptation is notably sparse, with his significance diminished. His escape and subsequent activities are not fully explored. Instead, the show focuses on more sensationalist storylines, such as Jaime's trip to Dorne, which was criticized by many fans for its lack of substance and relevance to the ongoing conflict. The decision to bring Jaime to Dorne rather than exploring the fate of the Blackfish and the broader struggle in the Riverlands is often seen as a missed opportunity to enhance the narrative depth of the series.

As of the last episodes of the TV series, no further mention of the Blackfish is made. Fans are left to speculate about his future and the impact of his actions on the overarching plot of the series.

Conclusion

While the books and the TV adaptation provide some insight into the Blackfish's fate, there are still many questions unanswered. The mystery of what happened to Brynden Tully after the Red Wedding, and his activities in the Riverlands, continues to intrigue fans and contribute to the rich tapestry of the Game of Thrones universe. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the books or the series, the Blackfish's story remains a fascinating element of the complex and enduring narrative.

Keywords: Blackfish, Red Wedding, Game of Thrones