Should Tommen Have Started a War Against the High Sparrow?

Tommen Baratheon’s reign was one marked by a series of unfortunate events, all of which seemingly conspired against him. His mother Margaery Tyrell orchestrated a war and indirectly caused the death of his grandfather. Moreover, he was thrust into the tumultuous world of governance without any preparation for the responsibilities that came with it.

The clash between the High Sparrow and Tommen exemplifies the political and religious discord that plagued Westeros. The High Sparrow, leader of the Faith Militant, sought to usurp ruling power, seeing himself as the divine ruler of Westeros. Tommen, on the other hand, was struggling to establish his authority under immense pressure.

The Political Reality

Tommen’s indecision and lack of training in governance led to a situation where even his closest advisors appeared to be compromised. For example, the retaking of the Faith Militant, known as the “can of worms” that nearly led to the destruction of the dragon riders, was a critical mistake that could have had grave consequences.

Given the circumstances, it seems Tommen would have been better off seeking counsel and support from other influential players, such as Varys, who had a more strategic approach to governance. By letting someone like Loras Tyrell handle the issue, Tommen could have focused on fortifying his own position without the immediate threat of a war.

A Strategic Plan B

Instead of full-scale war, Tommen could have employed a more clandestine approach, leveraging the talents of the best knights available to him for a more controlled and strategic response. A list of names including Loras Tyrell, Garlan Tyrell, Lyle Crakehall, Balon Swann, Sir Robert Strong, and Bronn would have been the backbone of his plan.

Additionally, Sandor Clegane, also known as The Hound, could have been tracked down with a pardon to further bolster the forces at Tommen’s disposal. By keeping the activities under wraps, Tommen could have maintained a semblance of control without escalating the conflict into a full-scale war.

Confronting the High Sparrow

The crux of any potential conflict with the High Sparrow would have been a direct and decisive confrontation. Tommen could have chosen to confront the High Sparrow in public, presenting a challenge that would test the legitimacy of both parties. His words might have been as follows:

ldquo;I was the one who armed the Faith Militant, and I have no regrets about that. However, it is clear that there can be only one ruler in Westeros. Either the High Sparrow or myself. Let the gods decide. Seven of my men will fight seven of his. The victor will take all, and the loser will hand over his power and accept that the gods have abandoned him.rdquo;

This approach would have forced the High Sparrow into a sticky situation. With the Knight Militant still rebuilding and the High Sparrow having no time to recruit additional extremists, Tommen could have created a situation where the Sparrow’s authority was challenged directly and publicly.

If the High Sparrow refused or tried to delay, he would have undermined the divine nature of his own judgment. This could have led to further doubt among followers and advisors who might question the legitimacy of his rule.

The Aftermath

After winning the confrontation with the High Sparrow, Tommen would need to address the immediate issues surrounding him. His mother Margaery, who was a significant political threat, would need to be removed from power. She could be married off to a lord and exiled far from the crownlands.

Furthermore, Tommen would need to reestablish Jamie Lannister as the Warden of the West. This could be achieved by bringing Jamie out of the Kingsguard. Additionally, Myrcella Baratheon, who was a symbolic figure of the Baratheon legacy, should be returned to King’s Landing and married to Trystane Martell, strengthening political ties with Dorne.

Conclusion

While Tommen’s actions might seem rash and unfounded, a more strategic approach using his best knights and a direct challenge to the High Sparrow’s authority could have been a more effective and less destructive method to regain control. By doing so, Tommen could have avoided a full-scale war and its devastating consequences, allowing him to establish a more stable and legitimate rule.