The Tullys and House Frey: A Marriage Forbidden by Honor, Trust, and Strategy

The dynamics between the Tully family and House Frey in A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones are complex and multifaceted. The Tullys, particularly Lord Hoster Tully, exhibited a keen and cautious approach to alliances, especially when it came to potentially marrying a Tully child into House Frey. This article delves into the reasons behind the Tullys' decision, drawing on both the rich narrative of the books and the visual storytelling of the show.

Reasons for Avoiding Alliances with House Frey

The Reputation and Character of Walder Frey

Walder Frey is widely considered untrustworthy and opportunistic. His reputation as a manipulator and his history of shifting alliances and multiple marriages paint a picture of someone who cannot be easily or safely relied upon. Lord Hoster Tully, known for his astute political instincts, would have had significant reservations about aligning with a house perceived as unreliable.

The Political Calculations

The Tullys were more inclined to forge alliances with houses that possessed greater prestige and power, such as the House Stark of Winterfell. Marrying into House Frey would have been seen as a politically advantageous match, but it would have come with significant risks. The Starks, with their vast lands and influential position, were a far more attractive prospect for a marriage alliance.

Focus on Stronger Alliances

Hoster Tully prioritized marriages that would strengthen his family's position in the realm. His children, especially Catelyn, were married into houses that were politically advantageous, such as House Stark and House Lannister. Marrying into House Frey would not have offered the same strategic benefits.

Personal Values

The Tullys valued honor and loyalty, principles that ran counter to the more mercenary behavior exhibited by the Freys. This moral stance influenced their marriage decisions. The Freys' reputation for opportunism, lack of honor, and willingness to sell out their own would have made them an undesirable match for the Tullys.

The Complexity of Westerosi Politics

Westerosi politics are inherently complex and often lead to a web of motivations rather than clear-cut decisions. The Riverlands, especially, have a history of neighboring lords hating each other, making it even more critical for the Tullys to form careful marriage alliances. If the Tullys married a Blackwood, for example, they would need to marry a Bracken to ensure loyalty and prevent internal conflicts.

When marrying into the Riverlands, the Tullys had to be extremely selective. They needed to consider the ongoing conflicts, personal ethics, and the stability of the House in question. House Frey's checkered past, characterized by suspicions, wealth-grabbing, and opportunistic behavior, made them a highly unsuitable match for the Tullys.

What Tullys Get from a Frey Marriage?

Considering the complex nature of a marriage, especially one that could turn business-oriented, the Tullys would seek significant benefits. However, without trust, a marriage that turns into a business merger when the Freys are in a weaker position can be disastrous. Trust is the foundation of any successful alliance, and House Frey's history of betrayal and manipulation makes them an untrustworthy partner.

Conclusion

The Tullys' decision to avoid marrying any of their children into House Frey was based on a combination of political savvy, personal values, and pragmatic considerations. The Freys' reputation for unreliability, opportunism, and wealth-grabbing made them a less favorable match for the Tullys. The complex nature of Westerosi politics further reinforces the importance of careful alliance-making, underscoring the Tullys' wisdom in remaining wary of the Freys.

Trusting the wrong partner can lead to dire consequences, as seen throughout the events of A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones. The Tullys' keen understanding of these dynamics helped them navigate the treacherous waters of Westerosian politics, ensuring the stability and future of their house.