Why Olenna Tyrell’s Action in Killing Joffrey Baratheon Does Not Violate Guest Right: A Case Study

The murder of Joffrey Baratheon by Olenna Tyrell during his wedding feast can be examined through the lens of the concept of guest right in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. However, Olenna's situation is unique, leading to complex moral and political considerations.

Nature of the Feast

Although Olenna Tyrell was technically a guest at the wedding, the context of the event was far from a typical gathering. The wedding feast was fraught with political tension and intrigue. Various factions, including House Lannister and House Tyrell, were vying for power. This political atmosphere added a layer of complexity to the traditional concept of guest right.

Joffreys Behavior

Joffrey Baratheon was notorious for his cruelty and sadism. As a host, Joffrey’s behavior was far from hospitable. Olenna Tyrell, driven by a desire to protect her family and ensure the survival of House Tyrell in a dangerous political landscape, viewed Joffrey as a significant threat. Her actions were a strategic calculation to secure her family's future rather than a personal vendetta.

The Method of the Murder

Olenna did not directly kill Joffrey herself; she orchestrated his death by providing the poison used. This indirect involvement can be seen as a way to distance herself from the act of killing, adding another layer of complexity to the moral implications of guest right. By not personally carrying out the murder, Olenna maintained a degree of plausible deniability, further complicating the traditional interpretation of guest right.

Political Justification

In the world of Game of Thrones, the lines between honor, loyalty, and survival often blur. Olenna's actions can be interpreted as a necessary evil in the cutthroat game of politics in Westeros, where the stakes are incredibly high. Her decision to poison Joffrey, while morally questionable, can be justified as a strategic and pragmatic move aimed at survival.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

While Olenna Tyrell was a guest at Joffrey's wedding, she did not violate the traditional concept of guest right. The concept of guest right implies keeping guests safe and well-attended, not killing them on your premises. Olenna, being in King's Landing, which is the home of the royal family, had the right to ensure that her guests (the Tyrells) were safe. Therefore, she could be charged with a different crime, such as murder or treason, rather than violating the guest right.

Conclusion

While Olenna Tyrell was a guest at Joffrey's wedding, the circumstances of the event, her motivations, and the method in which she acted all contribute to a perception that she did not violate the traditional concept of guest right. Instead, her actions are viewed as a pragmatic and strategic move, rather than an outright disregard for hospitality. The lines between honor, survival, and morality in the political world of Westeros are often blurred, providing a rich and complex legal and ethical context for her actions.