What if Brynden Tully 'the Blackfish' had married Bethany Redwyne?

Imagine a storyline where Brynden Tully, known as 'the Blackfish,' makes a significant political move by marrying Bethany Redwyne. This hypothetical scenario would not only reshape the dynamics within House Tully but also significantly impact the broader political landscape of Westeros. This article explores the potential consequences, both positive and negative, of such a union.

Political Alliances: Strengthening House Tully and House Redwyne

The marriage of Brynden Tully to Bethany Redwyne could mark a new era of collaboration between these two influential families. House Tully, based in Riverrun, is known for its wealth and extensive influence over the Riverlands, while House Redwyne boasts a powerful naval fleet and substantial trade networks from their stronghold in the Arbor.

By uniting through marriage, House Tully and House Redwyne could form a formidable alliance, providing each other with essential resources. This partnership would likely enhance Tully's naval capabilities, allowing them to establish a stronger presence on the Narrow Sea. Additionally, the Redwyne trade networks could bolster Tully's trade advantages, ensuring a more prosperous economic future for the Tully family.

The Impact on the War of the Five Kings

The Redwyne fleet, a critical maritime force, could serve as a pivotal player in the War of the Five Kings. This maritime power could influence naval engagements and control supply lines, which are crucial for maintaining military and civilian operations during wartime. Such an alliance could shift the balance of power in favor of the Tullys and their allies, potentially altering the course of the conflict.

Moreover, the naval advantage provided by the Redwyne fleet could help protect coastal territories and secure critical supply routes, ensuring that the Tullys and their allies have access to vital resources. This strategic move could be a game-changer in the ongoing war, influencing the outcome of battles and strategic maneuvers.

Family Dynamics: The Children of the Union

Any offspring from this union would bear the combined bloodlines of both houses, enhancing their legitimacy and political influence. Depending on their gender and political acumen, these children could become key players in future conflicts and alliances. The Tully-Redwyne heirs might inherit traits from both sides, such as the strategic minds of their Tully ancestors combined with the diplomatic skills of their Redwyne forebears, ensuring a balanced and adaptable leadership style.

Furthermore, a Tully-Redwyne alliance could enrich the cultural practices of both houses. The Redwyne family's influence in the Reach could introduce new customs and traditions to House Tully, adding depth and diversity to their cultural heritage. This exchange of traditions could also have a positive impact on the dynamics of the Riverlands and the Arbor, fostering a more integrated and harmonious society.

Brynden Tully: Softening Hardened Traits

Brynden Tully is renowned for his strong principles and unwavering loyalty to his family. A marriage to Bethany Redwyne might soften some of his more hard-edged traits as he would have a familial obligation to maintain a strong partnership with the Redwyne family. This union could encourage dialogue and cooperation, potentially leading to a more consensus-based approach to governance within House Tully.

Additionally, the opportunity to build a lasting alliance with the Redwyne family might prompt Brynden to adopt some of the more subtle, diplomatically inclined strategies of his wife, helping him navigate the complex web of political relationships in Westeros more effectively.

Potential Conflicts and Challenges

However, this proposed alliance is not without its challenges. The Redwyne family, with its own wealth and political interests, may have different allegiances or priorities. This could put Brynden in a difficult position if these interests clash with those of House Stark or House Lannister, leading to potential conflicts and loyalty issues. For instance, if the Redwyne family forms an alliance with the Lannisters, Brynden might find himself torn between his duties to the Tully family and the Redwyne alliance.

The marriage could also alter the power dynamics within the Tully family. Depending on the political acumen and ambitions of Bethany Redwyne, her influence could shift the balance of power, potentially making Brynden less the dominant figure in House Tully. This could either be seen as a positive development, leading to a more collaborative governance, or as a threat to Brynden's authority, leading to friction and potential power struggles.

Other Implications

The newfound alliance between House Tully and House Redwyne could also impact the relationships and alliances of other houses. Other influential families may respond to this union with caution or hostility, leading to shifts and potential realignments in the complex web of allegiances that characterize the political landscape of Westeros.

In summary, a marriage between Brynden Tully and Bethany Redwyne could create a powerful alliance that significantly influences the outcomes of key events in the War of the Five Kings. It would reshape the dynamics within the Tully family, enrich the cultural practices of both House Tully and House Redwyne, and alter the strategic landscape of Westeros. However, it also brings with it the potential for conflicts and power struggles, highlighting the delicate balance between cooperation and competition that defines the political realm of Westeros.