Walder Frey’s Cunning Mentality: Why He Hid Roslin Then Revealed Her for Marriage

Walder Frey’s decision to hide his most beautiful daughter Roslin Frey and then reveal her for marriage in A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, reflects a multifaceted and cunning strategic mindset. This article explores his motivation, revealing a complex interplay of political ambition, control, and the desire for respect and power. Let’s delve into Walder Frey’s mentality and the historical context behind this strategic move.

Political Strategy

Primarily, Walder Frey is motivated by political gain. By keeping Roslin hidden, he increases her value as a bargaining chip. This strategic move allows him to negotiate from a position of strength, particularly when seeking alliances or securing advantageous marriages. When the opportunity to marry her off to the Starks arises, Walder seizes it using Roslin as leverage to solidify an alliance in the tumultuous landscape of Westeros.

Control and Manipulation

Frey’s actions reflect his desire to control the narrative around his family. By presenting Roslin as a surprise, he manipulates the perceptions of other lords and ladies. This strategic reveal makes the marriage appear more significant as a boon rather than a mere alliance. Such control over the narrative can sway the opinions of key figures in the political game, making them more amenable to his conditions.

Desire for Respect

Walder Frey often feels slighted by the greater houses of Westeros. Marrying off his daughter to a prominent house, such as House Stark, serves to elevate his status and earn the respect he so craves. The reveal of a beautiful daughter enhances the family's reputation, presenting a prosperous and powerful image to the other houses.

Desperation and Opportunity

Frey is also motivated by desperation due to the shifting alliances and power dynamics in the War of the Five Kings. The opportunity to solidify an alliance with the Starks through a marriage is too valuable to pass up, especially when other favorable situations present themselves. Walder seizes this opportunity to secure a powerful ally and maintain his position of power in the ongoing conflict.

Symbol of Wealth and Power

Marriage in medieval society represents wealth and power, and by showcasing his most beautiful daughter, Walder Frey highlights the prosperity of House Frey. This strategic asset underscores his ambition and his ability to manipulate political situations for his benefit.

Historical Context and Misconceptions

It's important to note a few misconceptions regarding Walder Frey’s decision to hide Roslin. Contrary to popular belief in the show, Walder did not hide her intentionally. In the books, Robb Stark only broke his word after a series of unfortunate events, including betrayal, the death of his brothers Bran and Rickon, and an infection from a wound. The show took creative liberties to create a love story for Robb, but the books present a different narrative. Robb intended to keep his word, but circumstances forced him to break it.

Walder Frey’s decision to hide Roslin was primarily due to practicality. He left her behind at Twins as a strategic move, considering her age and her potential as a liability on a war campaign. This decision was not a deception but a calculated measure to maintain her status as a valuable bargaining chip.

Moreover, the show’s portrayal differs from the books, where Robb is more hesitant and asks questions about potential spouses, but in the books, he answers without second thought. This difference in narrative choices reflects the show’s dramatization for television audiences.

Conclusion

In summary, Walder Frey’s mentality reflects a complex interplay of political ambition, control, and the desire for respect and power. His decision to hide Roslin Frey and then reveal her for marriage is a strategic move, showcasing his cunning and shrewdness in the intricate world of Westeros. By understanding his motivations and the context, one can better appreciate the depth of his character and the political landscape in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Keywords: Walder Frey, Roslin Frey, A Song of Ice and Fire, Strategic Marriage