Alternate Universes and Historical Impact: What if Tytos Lannister Died?

Imagine a universe where Tytos Lannister, the patriarch of House Lannister in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, died shortly after the birth of Tywin Lannister. This simple change could have cascading effects on the history of Westeros, sculpting a narrative that diverges significantly from what we know. Let's explore these possibilities and how they reshape the landscape of Westeros.

Impact on Tywin Lannister

If Tytos Lannister perished early, Tywin, his only legitimate son, would grow up in a drastically altered environment. Without a weak or ineffectual father, Tywin is likely to mature into a more benevolent and less ruthless individual. This change would not only affect Tywin personally but also influence the strategic decisions he makes. His less ambitious and less intent on asserting Lannister dominance and pride would lead to a less aggressive House Lannister.

Expansion of Lannister Dominance

Without Reynes's rebellion due to a stronger Lannister leadership, the Lannister army would be significantly larger. This would mean that House Lannister would hold more territory and influence, further solidifying their power in the Westerlands and beyond. The political climate of Westeros would be very different, with other houses and regions recognizing the Lannisters as a more potent and unified force.

Changes in Family Dynamics and Personal Lives

The shift in the Lannister household would have a profound impact on the other members of the family. Tywin's children would be kinder and better off, which in turn would benefit Tyrion, the youngest of the Lannister siblings. Tyrion would have a better life, less hampered by his father's cold demeanor and ruthless tactics. He would be more likely to succeed in his endeavors, both personal and professional.

Lannister's Role in the Rebellion

Without Tywin's ambition and legacy-driven mindset, House Lannister's involvement in the War of the Five Kings would be significantly different. Instead of sacking King's Landing, Tywin would join the rebellion from the outset. As heroes of a victorious rebellion, House Lannister would enjoy a much better reputation compared to the reality where they were controversial figures. This shift would also mean that Dorne would target the Baratheons, given that Robert either killed or exiled the heirs himself without ser Gregor Clegane's presence.

Impact on the War and Key Characters

The altered timeline would see the war resolving more quickly, which has several repercussions. Lyanna Stark would still be alive, as the conflict would not drag on for an extended period. Additionally, Rhaegar Targaryen may have avoided the Battle of the Trident and chosen a more defensive position closer to the capital. This would allow Lyanna to get help sooner and safely depart with her child, passing it off as Ned Stark's offspring and eventually making her way to Winterfell.

The war's swift conclusion would change the fates of several key characters. Jaime Lannister would die as a hero in the capital, standing by the ancient Kingsguard honor. Cersei Lannister would also take her own life, unable to bear the fallout of her actions. Robert Baratheon, now seasoned and having lost his youngest son, would choose Lady Lynesse Hightower as his new wife. Together, they would start a new line of trueborn black-haired children, ensuring continued Baratheon rule.

With Robert's older son, Edric, becoming a tall and badass figure who marries Sansa Stark, the legacy of House Stark and the Targaryens would continue. This new family dynamic would lead to a more peaceful Westeros, where alliances and marriages would likely play a more crucial role in maintaining the peace. The Lannister reputation, while not destroyed, would no longer be synonymous with ruthless domination, instead commanding more respect for their wartime tactics and bolder decisions.

However, Tywin's death would also leave a significant void. With Tyrion as the sole heir, Tywin would be mightily pissed and might try harder to get Tyrion killed so that his older brother, Kevan Lannister, could inherit. This would further complicate the Lannister succession and political landscape.

Lastly, the Greyjoy Rebellion would still happen but would be crushed more easily due to the Lannister's expansive army and increased influence. Daenerys Targaryen would remain alive, given that Barristan Selmy never leaves the Kingsguard, thus challenging Robert Baratheon's lifespan. In such a world, Jon Snow would remain a random black brother, under the command of Lord Commander Alliser Thorne, with no hope of regaining his rightful place as the trueborn son of Ned Stark.

The ramifications of Tytos Lannister's death are numerous and far-reaching, fundamentally altering the historical trajectory of Westeros. These changes would not only benefit Tyrion and create a more balanced and peaceful political landscape but also bring new challenges and complexities to the story of Westeros.