The Aftermath of a Fatal Confrontation at the Hand's Tourney

In George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, the Hand's Tourney serves as a pivotal moment that showcases both the grandeur and the danger of chivalry in Westeros. If Gregor Clegane, the Mountain, had killed Loras Tyrell, the ramifications would have been profound, affecting the political landscape, public perception, and the overall dynamics of the War of the Five Kings.

Immediate Consequences

Tyrell Family Impact

Loras Tyrell was a key figure and one of the most celebrated knights of the realm. His death would have devastated his family, especially his sister Margaery and their father Mace Tyrell. The loss of Loras would have sparked intense emotional trauma and might have led to a power struggle within the Tyrell family. It could also have fueled their anger and desire for revenge against the Lannisters, who were responsible for orchestrating the tournament, as well as directly responsible for the death of Loras.

Political Alliances

Without Loras, the Tyrells might have sought to distance themselves from the Lannisters. Margaery's marriage to King Joffrey was a strategic move, intended to solidify an alliance that could prove invaluable. However, with Loras's death, the Tyrells might have viewed their alliance with the Lannisters as more detrimental than beneficial. As a result, they could have sought new alliances or even pursued a more aggressive power play to ensure their survival and dominance in the realm.

Public Perception

The ruthless and violent nature of Loras's death by the hands of the Mountain would have turned public opinion against the Lannisters. The Tyrells would be seen as the direct victims of the Lannister's manipulations, which might have emboldened the public and other nobles to question and resist Lannister rule. This could incite unrest in King's Landing and among the nobility, potentially leading to widespread uprisings.

Long-Term Effects

Margaery’s Fate

Without Loras to support her, Margaery Tyrell's political maneuvering would have become far more precarious. The loss of Loras could have forced Margaery to seek alliances elsewhere, possibly even becoming more aggressive in her pursuit of power. She might have formed strategic marriages or alliances to secure her position and that of the Tyrell family.

The Mountain’s Role

Gregor Clegane's act of killing Loras could have had significant consequences for him as well. The Tyrells might have sought vengeance against both Gregor and House Lannister, leading to potential conflict. This could have heightened tensions between the houses and led to further violence, destabilizing the already fragile social order.

Shift in the Tourneys Importance

The Hand's Tourney was a showcase of chivalry and honor, a grand event that reinforced the values of the realm. However, the violent death of Loras could have tarnished its reputation. Fewer participants might have chosen to attend future tournaments, and the event would have been viewed with suspicion and mistrust. This could have long-lasting implications for the institutions and traditions of the realm.

Impact on the War of the Five Kings

The death of a prominent knight like Loras could have altered the dynamics of the ongoing conflicts in Westeros. It might have emboldened other houses to act against the Lannisters, potentially leading to more significant alliances forming against them. This could have significantly changed the course of the War of the Five Kings, making the balance of power more precarious and unpredictable.

In summary, Loras Tyrell's death at the Hand's Tourney would have triggered a cascade of political and social consequences, reshaping the alliances and power dynamics in Westeros significantly. The loss of such a respected figure would have had far-reaching effects on the political landscape, public perception, and the broader conflicts of the realm.