Was Lord Rickard Stark Plotting Against the Iron Throne?

Lord Rickard Stark, a prominent figure in the popular saga of A Song of Ice and Fire, has long been a subject of intense scrutiny and speculation. One of the prevailing theories is whether he was setting up an alliance with Houses infamous for being Targaryen loyalists. This article explores whether Rickard's political moves were aimed at gaining a stronger position near the Iron Throne or if there was a hidden agenda involving these prominent bannermen.

Was Lord Rickard Stark Planning to Swing the Balance of Power?

Many interpretations suggest that Lord Rickard’s political maneuvers were simply aimed at increasing the power of House Stark. Indeed, the fosterings and marriages of his children align perfectly with this interpretation. Brandon Stark was fostered with the Dustin family and betrothed to a Tully, while Ned Stark was fostered with House Arryn, growing up alongside the heir or head of House Baratheon. Additionally, his daughter, Lyanna Stark, was betrothed to the Baratheon heir. These alliances appear to be strategic moves to bolster House Stark's influence in the region.

Were the Hightowers Involved in the Plot?

However, a more intriguing theory suggests a different motive. It has been suggested that Lord Rickard's Southron Ambitions were not purely his, but perhaps orchestrated by the powerful Hightowers. The Hightowers, known for their political cunning, might have been orchestrating the political landscape to create a full alliance of High Lords aimed explicitly at overthrowing the Targaryens.

Considering the Houses Rickard allied with, this theory gains some traction. Some argue that his alliances with the Dustin family and the Tullys may not have been driven by a desire for loyalty to the Targaryens, but rather for strategic reasons that could benefit House Stark in the long run. The Arryns, known for their loyalty to the Targaryens, were involved in the notorious First Blackfyre Rebellion, and Lord Steffon Baratheon, the father of King Robert, had a personal relationship with King Aerys II. However, their involvement in these matters doesn't clearly point to Rickard's ambitions being driven by Targaryen loyalty.

Strategic Alliances and Hidden Agendas

It's important to examine the strategic value of these alliances. The Dustin and Tully fosterings could be viewed as a means to solidify Stark’s position in the Riverlands and increase his influence along the Vale of Arryn. The Baratheon connection, through both Ned Stark and Lyanna, could have been designed to create a strong, united front against the Targaryens, leading to a more favorable political environment for House Stark.

The theory that the Hightowers were the orchestrators of this alliance adds complexity to Rickard's actions. If the Hightowers had a vested interest in overthrowing the Targaryens, Rickard's political moves could be interpreted as a pawn in their larger game. This would imply that Lord Rickard was not acting on his own accord but rather as part of a broader political strategy devised by the Hightowers.

Conclusion: The Ambiguities of Rickard Stark's Political Maneuvering

Whether Lord Rickard Stark was driven by his own ambitions or involved in a larger political scheme orchestrated by the Hightowers, his political maneuvers remain a topic of intense debate. The fosterings and marriages he arranged his children into suggest a strategic approach to building alliances, but the potential involvement of the Hightowers adds layers of complexity to this interpretation. Whether Rickard was merely a pawn or a player in a larger game of thrones remains a fascinating question that continues to intrigue fans and scholars of Westeros.