Why the Tyrells Submit to the High Sparrow's Judgment in Game of Thrones

In the complex political landscape of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and the television series Game of Thrones, characters are often forced into difficult choices. The Tyrells, one of the most powerful families in Westeros, are currently grappling with a significant challenge that threatens their control: the influence and authority of the High Sparrow, the leader of the Faith Militant. Despite the direness of the situation, the Tyrells are left with no choice but to submit to the High Sparrow's judgment. This article explores the reasons behind this submission and the underlying political maneuvering.

Political Constraints of the Tyrells

The Tyrells' situation is complex and multi-layered. The current King's Landing is a place where political power is at a premium, and the Tyrells, while powerful, face significant constraints. Mace Tyrell, the head of the House Tyrell, is at a considerable distance from the primary seat of power. The Tyrell army, although formidable, is currently engaged in a war against the Ironborn who are raiding their lands beside the Mander, a location mentioned in the books but not in the show. This leaves the Tyrells with resources stretched thin and unable to address the immediate threat posed by the High Sparrow.

The High Sparrow's Influence

The High Sparrow, a powerful figure within the Faith Militant, wields significant influence in the Kingdom. His team of minions ensures that his commands are followed meticulously. The High Sparrow represents the God's will and thus, any opposition is seen as a challenge to the divine authority. If the Tyrells were to openly oppose the High Sparrow, it would be a bold and unpopular move, leading to the scorn of the common folk. This would destabilize their standing and possibly lead to a loss of support. In contrast, submitting to the High Sparrow's judgment is a strategic move that allows the Tyrells to maintain their influence without openly challenging the divine authority.

Olenna Tyrell's Political Maneuvering

Olenna Tyrell, known as the Queen of Thorns, is using her unparalleled political skills to find a solution to this issue. She recognizes the need to maintain the family's power and influence while navigating the complex political landscape. Olenna is no fool; she is keenly aware that opposing the High Sparrow would be a perilous endeavor. Instead, she is seeking to find a way to align the Tyrells with the High Sparrow's schemes without fully committing to a direct challenge. Her goal is to leverage the situation to her advantage, ensuring that the Tyrells retain control while avoiding the wrath of the common folk.

Strategic Submission and Future Implications

The submission to the High Sparrow's judgment is not merely an act of compliance; it is a strategic move with long-term implications. By submitting, the Tyrells signal their willingness to work within the system rather than against it. This submission could lead to a series of favorable outcomes, including the maintenance of their influence, strategic alliances, and even the potential to manipulate the High Sparrow's plans to suit their own ends. Olenna Tyrell's political acumen is manifested in her ability to navigate such a complex and delicate situation, ensuring that the Tyrells' position remains strong even in the midst of adversity.

Ultimately, the Tyrells' submission to the High Sparrow's judgment is a testament to the intricate and often unforgiving nature of Westerosi politics. The Tyrells, like many other powerful families, must continually adapt and maneuver to maintain their influence in a world where alliances and power dynamics are constantly shifting. As the story continues to unfold, it will be fascinating to see how this submission influences future events in the ongoing saga of Game of Thrones.