What Would Lord Baelish Have Done If Lysa Tully Had Killed Sansa Stark Out of Jealousy?

The question of how Petyr Baelish would have reacted to Lysa Tully killing Sansa Stark due to jealousy is a fascinating inquiry into the heart of Game of Thrones' complex and manipulative plot. While it's easy to pass over this scenario initially, the divergent outcomes it suggests offer a deep dive into Baelish’s strategic and personal motivations.

Understanding Petyr Baelish

Petyr Baelish, also known as Lord Baelish, is a master of manipulation and strategy. His actions in the series are driven by a single, albeit intricate, objective: power. He sees himself as a new cardinal in the game of thrones, weaving a complex web of alliances and pawns to achieve his ultimate goal of ruling the realm. This understanding is crucial to answering the question at hand.

Petyr Baelish’s Affection for Sansa Stark

The relationship between Petyr and Sansa Stark is multifaceted. While he does display a level of genuine concern for her well-being, it is often used as a tool to further his own plans. He views her both as a surrogate daughter and a valuable pawn. In his mind, she is a possession to be manipulated and used to his advantage, regardless of her emotional significance. This duality is evident in his actions, such as escaping King's Landing with Sansa rather than abandoning her to a presumed fate of suffering.

Baelish’s Plans and Lysa Tully

Lysa Tully was a significant part of Baelish’s plan. Her marriage to Petyr Baelish allowed him to gain control over the Eyrie and use her strategic and political influence. However, once her usefulness was served, her role diminished. Lysa’s attempt to kill Sansa through the Moon Door was a catalyst that may have pushed Baelish’s plans to a more immediate conclusion.

If Lysa had succeeded in killing Sansa, Baelish would have reacted with absolute fury. Given his meticulous and methodical nature, losing a piece in his carefully crafted plan would have been unacceptable. He would have sought revenge and would have found a way to eliminate the perceived threat. His affection for Lysa, while manipulative, was still significant enough that he would not have simply brushed off her death and the failure to kill Sansa as a minor setback.

The Fate of Lysa Tully

In this scenario, Lysa Tully would not have been allowed to remain a formidable ally or a pawn for much longer. Her failure to achieve the desired outcome would have jeopardized Baelish’s plans. He would have considered her less valuable and would have moved to eliminate her as a threat. This could be done through manipulation, assassination, or by simply ruling out any further cooperation with her. In the show, Baelish’s reaction to such a failure is often portrayed as swift and ruthless.

Alternative Plans for Sansa Stark

Without Sansa’s invaluable contribution to his plans, Baelish would have had to find a new path to achieve his goals. In the books, Baelish’s plans for Sansa often involved her as a focal point for his manipulations. However, with his interest in ruling through Robyn Arryn and the hope of marrying Sansa to a malleable heir like Harrold Hardyng, Baelish would have redirected his efforts towards finding a different way to achieve his aspirations.

Conclusion

The hypothetical scenario of Lysa Tully killing Sansa Stark is a stark reminder of the ruthless nature of Lord Baelish. His plans are so intricate and multi-faceted that any deviation from his intended path would have prompted a swift and decisive response. Petyr Baelish’s ability to adapt and maintain his strategic advantage is a testament to his cunning and unyielding nature. Understanding how Baelish would react to such a pivotal failure provides insight into his character and the complexity of the world of Game of Thrones.