The Strategic Absurdity of Sansa Stark’s Marriage to Ramsay Bolton

The marriage of Sansa Stark and Ramsay Bolton in the Game of Thrones TV series was a pivotal but strategically poorly executed move. A key question arises: if Sansa is no longer on the run, why would she marry Ramsay Bolton, considering the potential repercussions?

Expected Announcement of the Marriage

The primary concern is that an event as significant as a royal marriage would be announced, given the strategic importance of uniting the Bolton and Stark factions. In the show, Bolton supporters fully expect the news of the marriage to spread, validating their claim to Winterfell. Roose Bolton, in particular, openly declares his rebellion against the Crown. It is plausible that the Lannisters would learn about the marriage, given the current political climate and the dependence of Bolton power on Lannister support.

Rebellion Over Blood Claim

Ironically, Roose Bolton prioritizes his blood claim over Lannister influence in the North. This underscores the strategic miscalculation in the marriage. In a context where Tywin Lannister played a crucial role in establishing the Lannister-Bolton alliance, a marriage confined only to Ramsay seems illogical and shortsighted. The Boltons, despite their rebellion, might not have the backing to counter the formidable forces of the North, especially with Stannis Baratheon's army amassing and the Lannisters preoccupied with their own threats.

Challenges and Flaws

Several challenges and flaws highlight the absurdity of this marriage:

Ryan's Dumb Strategy: In Game of Thrones, the series made several questionable decisions in Season 5, including Sansa Stark's marriage to Ramsay Bolton. The decision defies logic as the Lannisters should be mobilizing forces against her, and she would face numerous assassination attempts. Collective Confusion: Just before the marriage, Tywin Lannister is reportedly dead, making the marriage strike against the Lannisters appear even more irrational, considering the Lannisters' ongoing efforts to regain the North. Bolton Dependence on Lannisters: Bolton power relies heavily on Lannister support. A marriage confined to bringing Ramsay into the fold simply indicates a lack of long-term strategy, cutting off a potential ally during a critical time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the marriage of Sansa Stark to Ramsay Bolton, though serving as a significant development, falls short in strategic foresight. The Lannisters, with their substantial resources and military might, always had a valid reason to remain on high alert. The Bolton marriage to Sansa, therefore, appears as a poorly executed and strategically confusing move, reflective of the chaotic nature of Game of Thrones.