Why Did Lysa Arryn Help Littlefinger to Start a War?

Many have pondered the complex motivations behind Lysa Arryn's decision to assist Littlefinger, Petyr Baelish, in starting a war in the world of Westeros. This essay delves into the emotional vulnerabilities, insecurities, and manipulations that led Lysa to cooperate with Littlefinger, ultimately resulting in significant political upheaval in the realm.

Manipulation by Littlefinger

Lysa Arryn was deeply infatuated with Petyr Baelish and fell victim to his manipulative tactics. He played on her insecurities and ambitions, convincing her that aligning with him would empower her and give her a sense of agency. Her desire to break free from the isolation and vulnerability she felt after the death of her husband, Jon Arryn, played into Littlefinger's hands. This manipulation made Lysa more susceptible to his influence, leading her to support his plans.

Desire for Power

After the death of her husband, Lysa was left vulnerable and isolated. She sought to regain some power and influence within the political landscape of Westeros, particularly in the Vale. By supporting Littlefinger's plans, Lysa hoped to assert her presence in a world that had seemingly turned its back on her. Littlefinger's promises of power and influence enticed Lysa to align with him, even if it meant engaging in treacherous actions.

Jealousy and Revenge

Lysa harbored deep-seated jealousy towards Catelyn Stark, whom she believed had taken Littlefinger away from her. She felt wronged by the Stark family due to perceived wrongs, and her desire for revenge against them fueled her willingness to engage in treachery. When Littlefinger suggested that the Starks were responsible for Jon Arryn's death, Lysa found a rationale for her actions. This belief, whether founded or not, drove her to act against the Starks, leading to the war between the Lannisters and the Starks.

The Death of Jon Arryn

The suggestion that the Starks were responsible for Jon Arryn's death provided Lysa with a valid enough reason to align with Littlefinger. Littlefinger's narrative, however flawed, gave Lysa a pretext to take action. Her fragile mental state, marked by paranoia and emotional instability, further contributed to her erratic decision-making. This condition made her vulnerable to Littlefinger's manipulations and drove her to act impulsively.

Emotional Instability and Blinded Obsession

Throughout her life, Lysa was blinded by her obsession with Littlefinger. Her emotional instability and vulnerability to manipulation meant that she often made decisions without fully considering the consequences. The tragic events in her life, such as her father forcing her to abort a child with Littlefinger and being sold to an elderly husband during the Robert's Rebellion, further fueled her instability. Despite knowing that her actions could have dire consequences, Lysa continued to follow Littlefinger's commands, ultimately leading to her involvement in starting the war.

In the end, Lysa's actions were a manifestation of her emotional vulnerabilities, insecurities, and manipulation by Littlefinger. While her relationships and desires were complex, her lack of agency in the face of Littlefinger's influence ultimately led to significant political upheaval in Westeros. Lysa's story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating consequences of manipulation.