Understanding Edmure’s Strategic Mishap in Game of Thrones: A Comprehensive Analysis

Is it just you, or do Robb and the Blackfish seem a bit misinformed for not telling Edmure their strategic plan? Many fans argue that the situation appeared overly risky for Edmure to not be privy to the plan. Let's delve into the nuances of their decision and explore two potential explanations.

The Strategic Mishap and Its Consequences

The situation described is a key moment in Game of Thrones, where Edmure Tully, son of the commander of the Riverrun, is accused of not following orders to defend Robb Stark’s rear. This creates a significant problem, especially when Tywin Lannister decides to attack Robb’s position from the west. It's a critical juncture that tests the leadership and strategic acumen of both Edmure and Robb.

Possible Explanations for the Strategy

There are two interpretations of Robb and Brynden's (the Blackfish) decision not to inform Edmure:

Explanation 1: Genuine Strategy

The first explanation suggests that luring Tywin’s army to the Westerlands was indeed a genuine strategy planned by Robb and Brynden. They believed that Edmure, upon understanding, would recognize it as the right move. If Tywin moved west, he would be cut off from King's Landing, where he would likely face either Renly or Stannis, putting a significant blow to Robb’s primary enemy. This would result in a direct strategic advantage for Robb’s forces. The plan was so obvious that it assumed Edmure would see it clearly without explicit instructions.

Moreover, by holding Riverrun according to his orders, Edmure could still fulfill his role without actively opposing Tywin’s advance, thus adhering to the broader strategic goals. The failure to communicate that underlying strategy may have been due to the assumption that Edmure would intuitively grasp the importance of the objective.

Explanation 2: Guilt-Trip Strategy

The second explanation proposes that the accusation was manipulated to guilt-trip Edmure into accepting the Frey marriage. Robb, in his moment of vulnerability, had agreed to marry Jeyne Westerling, much to the dismay of the Freys, who withdrew their support. This move by the Freys was a significant setback for the Northern campaign. To regain the Freys' support, Robb and Brynden created the accusation to push Edmure towards the Frey marriage. This would mitigate the Freys' concerns and ensure their continued support, which was crucial for any further northern conquests.

By stressing that Edmure botched his strategy, the House Lannister indirectly pressured Robb into accepting the Frey marriage as a pragmatic solution. Without this, Edmure could have justifiably refused the marriage, leading to potential conflict or uncertainty within Robb’s ranks.

Conclusion

The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. Edmure did make a strategic mistake, but perhaps it was a product of the political and social pressures of the time. The decision to ambush Tywin may have been a grand strategic move, but the explicit instructions to hold Riverrun could have been more amenable to Edmure's understanding of the situation. In essence, the blame for the situation is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the broader political and personal struggles of the North during the war.

In conclusion, the strategic mishap involving Edmure and Robb’s forces is a critical point in Game of Thrones that tests the limits of effective communication and strategic foresight. Whether it was a genuine blunder or a strategic tool, it provides valuable insight into the complex nature of political and military strategy in the series.