Would Joffrey Have Avoided War by Sending Ned Stark to the Wall?

One of the most debated topics in A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin is what would have happened if King Joffrey Baratheon had chosen to send Ned Stark to the Wall instead of uting him. This action, pivotal to the entire story, had a profound impact on the subsequent events of the series. Let us explore the potential consequences of such a decision.

Ned's Fate and Its Impact

The fate of Ned Stark was a critical moment that galvanized the North against the Lannisters. If Joffrey had chosen to send Ned to the Wall instead of killing him, it's likely that the immediate conflict between the Starks and the Lannisters could have been avoided at least temporarily.

Stark Loyalty and Reconciliation

The Stark family was deeply loyal to Ned. His death fueled a desire for revenge among his children, especially Robb Stark, who declared himself the King in the North. If Ned had been alive and in the Night's Watch, Robb might not have felt compelled to take up arms. This shift could have significantly altered the political landscape and relationships between houses, fostering a potential reconciliation between the factions.

Potential Political Ramifications

Ned's survival could have allowed for a potential reconciliation between the factions. Known for his honor and integrity, his presence at the Wall might have facilitated discussions that could have led to peace or at least a truce. Additionally, his appointment as the Hand of the King might have had a different approach to governance, with the support and counsel of Ned, Tywin Lannister's efforts to stabilize the realm could have been bolstered.

Long-term Effects on the Story

While sending Ned to the Wall might have avoided the immediate conflict, it's uncertain whether this would have eliminated the deep-seated issues that ultimately contributed to the larger conflicts in Westeros. The underlying tensions between the Stark and Lannister families, as well as the broader political dynamics in Westeros, could still have led to future conflicts. The narrative, centered around Robb's campaign, would have been significantly altered, potentially transforming the War of the Five Kings into a War of the Four Kings.

Impact on the Series' Structure

Assuming the war between the Starks and Lannisters is avoided, the series would look very different. The battles that have been fought since the end of A Game of Thrones, such as the Battle of Darry, the Liberation of Stone Hedge, and the various encounters with the Brotherhood Without Banners, would no longer occur. Tywin Lannister's campaign in the Riverlands and the Ironborn invasion of the North would also be removed, leading to a different narrative structure.

The story would become more of a political drama, centered around negotiations and alliances rather than battles and conquests. However, this narrative shift would lose the core essence of the series, which explores the endless self-perpetuating cycle of war and the ultimate cost it exacts upon the continent.

In conclusion, while sending Ned Stark to the Wall would likely have avoided the immediate war between the Starks and Lannisters, it may not have eliminated the deep-seated issues that contribute to the larger conflicts in Westeros. The removal of Ned's death would change the course of the story, potentially transforming it into an exclusive political drama, which it was never intended to be. The cycle of war remains a central theme in the series, and cutting Ned's death would fundamentally alter this narrative.