Understanding Sansa's Encounter with Ramsay's Hounds in Game of Thrones

The scene where Sansa Stark encounters Ramsay's hounds is one of the most suspenseful moments in the popular TV series, Game of Thrones. Many viewers have questioned how Sansa managed to release the hounds safely without putting herself in immediate danger. However, a closer analysis of the scene reveals a strategic and logical approach by Sansa.

Did Sansa Really Release the Hounds?

Some viewers speculate that Sansa released the hounds by inventing a special device to control them remotely. However, this idea is inconsistent with both the text of the show and the on-screen action. As she enters the kennels, Sansa is clearly not equipped with any such technology, which makes her sudden ability to control the hounds less plausible.

Furthermore, it's important to understand the context of the scene. Sansa is in the kennels, but with the hounds locked up. Ramsay is their master, and even in captivity, Theon Greyjoy slept with the hounds. The hounds were not dangerous when kept in their kennels, as they were not free to roam and attack.

The Immediate Threat

Later, the hounds are set loose upon Ramsay, showing how poorly trained and hungry they had become. They attack him, which is a logical response to both their condition and their training. Ramsay had treated them viciously, starving them and training them to hunt and eat men. Therefore, it's reasonable to believe that an animal in such a state would act unpredictably and attack the closest living target, especially when they are weak, as Ramsay had become.

Common Animal Behavior

Animals typically prey on weakness. A dog might not attack a person who has just tripped and fallen, but under different circumstances, it could. For instance, bears, which are omnivores, can be unpredictable assailants. In the case of a brown bear, the common practice is to play dead, as they are more likely to lose interest if the target does not move. However, in the case of a black bear, the target may be eaten alive due to the bear's less effective hunting tools.

Bears do not have the same predatory structure as big cats like lions. When a bear attacks and eats an animal, it typically holds it down and begins to eat it alive. This predatory behavior extends to other common predators, who may attack a disturbed target more out of instinct than calculated strategy. Therefore, it's not unreasonable to believe that the hounds, under the conditions they were in, would attack the closest living entity, which in this case was Ramsay.

The Plot Device

It is also possible that there was a mechanical latch or switch that opens all the kennels at once. The narrative often favors dramatic and compelling storytelling, so it's plausible that the dogs waited for their cue to jump out, adding to the tension and excitement of the scene.

Understanding these factors helps viewers appreciate the strategic elements of the show and its complex characters. Sansa's encounter with Ramsay's hounds is not just a random event but a carefully crafted moment that reflects the characters' backstories and the show's overall narrative structure.