Wyman Manderly: A Loyal but Treacherous Vassal of the North

Introduction

Wyman Manderly, the Lord of White Harbor, is a complex and intriguing character in A Song of Ice and Fire. His actions and strategies in the face of betrayal have left a lasting impact on Westeros, making him a pivotal figure in northern politics.

Background: The Betrayal at the Red Wedding

Wyman Manderly's story begins with the devastating events of the Red Wedding. One of his sons, a prominent figure in House Manderly, was murdered in the massacre, while his other son was taken captive. This betrayal by House Lannister and their allies, the Freys, left Wyman in a precarious and ultimately misguided position. His family loyalty and honor were deeply compromised.

A Strategy of Compromise and Subterfuge

In response to this betrayal, Wyman Manderly adopted a cunning and ruthless strategy. He feigned submission to the ruling regime at King's Landing, aligning himself with powerful entities like House Frey and House Bolton. However, this was merely a facade. His true intentions were to undermine his ostensible overlords at every opportunity.

One of the most shocking and disturbing acts of revenge occurred when the Frey envoys left his castle. Taking advantage of the fact that they were no longer under guest right, Wyman Manderly had them kidnapped and baked in pies. He then shared the pies with his enemies, making this a grotesque form of retribution. This gruesome act served as a stark warning to his retainers and vassals: betrayal will not go unpunished.

Allegiance to the Starks: A Strategy of Ambition

Currently, Wyman Manderly is navigating a delicate balance of power. Although he has not officially declared allegiance to the Starks, he is quietly plotting to undermine his current overlords, the Boltons. His goal is to secure the release of his remaining son and then restore the Starks to power in the North. This involves sending Davos Seaworth to find Rickon Stark.

At Winterfell, it seems that Wyman Manderly is following orders from Roose Bolton, but he is waiting for the right moment to switch sides. If Stannis Baratheon is able to reach Winterfell, Manderly and his men would likely defect, allowing Stannis to gain an inside advantage in the castle.

Conclusion: A Devoted Loyalist with Hidden Treachery

Wyman Manderly is a character whose actions are driven by both loyalty and revenge. His unwillingness to embrace a complete retribution through open warfare led him to a more indirect and ultimately more powerful strategy. This has set him up as a key player in the ongoing power struggles of the North, making him a crucial vassal for any legitimate claimant to the Iron Throne or the leadership of the North.