Why Did the House Tully Not Attend the Harrenhal Tournament?

One of the most intriguing elements in A Song of Ice and Fire is the complex and often convoluted political landscape of Westeros. House Tully of the Riverlands, known for their loyalty and strategic alliances, did not attend the Harrenhal Tournament. This absence is notably glaring for several reasons, and understanding the underlying motivations can provide a deeper insight into the political maneuverings of the time.

Significance of the Harrenhal Tournament

Literal everyone of importance was at the Harrenhal Tournament. Both men previously mentioned in marriage proposals for Catelyn and Lysa (as well as Hoster’s past wife) were present. The symbolism of the grand tourney cannot be understated, being hosted by Rhaegar Targaryen, who is intimately connected to the House Whent. The prominence of the House Whent in the region, especially given their proximity to Harrenhal, adds an additional layer of complexity to the affair.

The Absence of House Tully

While there is no explicit mention of the Tullys not being present, a careful analysis of the text indicates that they were likely absent. Catelyn Tully, the eldest daughter and betrothed to Jaime Lannister, is never depicted as thinking about the tournament. There are no descriptions of her being in close proximity to Brandon Stark (another notable absentee) or having any knowledge of the Ned/Ashara relationship beyond rumors. If Catelyn was not there, it logically follows that neither her father, Hoster, nor her uncle, Brynden, were either.

Rather Than Attend

Given the circumstances, it is clear that Hoster Tully did not attend the Harrenhal Tournament due to his distrust of it. Hoster was well aware of the power dynamics at play. Harrenhal, as the seat of the Riverlands, holds significant influence. Rhaegar Targaryen, his close friend and ally, was keen to promote the House Whent to the status of Lords Paramount of the Trident. This would have been a dire blow to Hoster, who had been carefully fostering alliances, particularly with the Lannisters through Jaime Lannister and the Starks through Brandon Stark.

The Reasons Behind the Absence

For House Tully, which relied heavily on its connections to maintain power, this tournament represented a potential disaster. Hoster Tully, having been married to a member of the House Whent, and having no other strong allies, was left in a precarious position. His own connections, including a squire named Brynden who served under Norbert Vance, did not offer substantial support. The current political climate indicated that a lack of attendance was a form of protest and a show of defiance against the perceived coup.

Keyword Cloud: House Tully, Harrenhal Tournament, Hoster Tully, Power Struggles in Westeros