The demise of Robb Stark in Game of Thrones remains one of the series’ most heart-wrenching moments. However, it is essential to recognize that the Young Wolf was not without errors that contributed to his tragic fate. The first season of Game of Thrones is notably faithful to George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels, portraying Robb as a 15-year-old thrust into leadership against the backdrop of war, fighting for his imprisoned father. His character quickly became a favorite, distinguished by his successes against the formidable Lannisters.
Sadly, Robb’s victories ultimately led to devastation during the infamous Red Wedding, where the Stark family suffered a tragic massacre during the alliance between Edmure Tully and Roslin Frey at the Twins. This shocking betrayal stands as one of the most memorable twists in television history, reminding viewers of the potential for treachery. Yet, those who paid close attention could find foreshadowing hinted throughout the series, showcasing Robb’s consistent missteps that began as early as season one. Faced with impossible decisions, his navigations often proved many of them unwinnable.
8
Robb Stark Agreed to Terms with Walder Frey
Walder Frey Is Not a Man to Make an Alliance With
Initially, Robb Stark’s prime objective was to march south with haste, compelling the Lannisters to concede and return Eddard Stark along with Robb’s sisters. In his desperation, however, Robb hastily made decisions without fully weighing their repercussions. The Twins, strategically positioned along the river between the North and the Riverlands, became a focal point as Robb aimed to reach Riverrun to relieve Jaime Lannister’s siege.
This urgency led him to broker an agreement with Walder Frey, binding himself to a marriage pact. Catelyn Stark warned her son against trusting Frey, highlighting his dubious character, yet Robb believed he had no choice since proceeding down the Kingsroad meant confronting Tywin Lannister’s troops rather than Jaime’s. Ultimately, this tactical maneuver did yield additional forces from House Frey, thus securing Jaime Lannister’s capture, but it also sealed his fate through the deal with Walder Frey.
7
Robb Stark Executed Rickard Karstark
Sparing Rickard Karstark Would Have Saved Robb His Troops
Rickard Karstark, a prominent Northern lord, was among the first to proclaim Robb as the King in the North. His loyalty, however, faltered when Jaime Lannister killed his two sons during battle, provoking a desire for vengeance. Following Robb’s refusal to execute Jaime, Rickard acted on his rage and murdered two Lannister captives.
In retaliation, Robb Stark executed Rickard Karstark, despite cautions from his bannermen. Edmure Tully suggested holding Karstark hostage, promising safety to retain loyalty among his men. However, Robb’s sense of duty led him to reject this counsel, resulting in a mass exodus of Karstark soldiers from his cause, significantly weakening Robb’s military position and compelling him to rely on Walder Frey for reinforcements.
6
Robb Put Too Much Trust In Theon Greyjoy
Theon Cost Robb Winterfell
Theon Greyjoy was a childhood friend of Robb, raised alongside him in Winterfell, which bred a significant level of trust. However, Theon’s internal conflict between the Stark family and his Ironborn heritage spiraled out of control when he returned to Pyke to seek his father’s approval. Unfortunately, his loyalties became ambiguous once his father plotted an attack on the North.
Although Robb intended to seek an alliance with Balon Greyjoy, Theon’s actions led to the unanticipated capture of Winterfell. This dire miscalculation not only jeopardized Robb’s control over Northern strongholds but also diminished his reputation and the loyalty of his men.
5
Robb Shouldn’t Have Trusted Roose Bolton
Roose Bolton Had Way Too Much Responsibility
Like Walder Frey, Roose Bolton was another dangerous ally. Despite being a prominent house in the North, Robb’s trust in Bolton was misplaced. Eddard Stark’s apprehension towards Roose was well-founded, given his reputation for ruthless tactics.
Robb appointed him to oversee significant matters including the governance of Harrenhal post-capture and ordered Ramsay Snow to confront the Greyjoys in Winterfell. The ultimate betrayal came when Roose allowed Jaime Lannister to escape before dealing the fatal blow himself at the Red Wedding.
4
The North Should’ve Waited Until the War Was Over to Make Robb King
Robb Lost Out on Allies by Becoming a King
While the declaration of Robb as king galvanized Northern forces, it also introduced substantial risks. Although Catelyn secured an alliance with Renly Baratheon, his swift assassination interrupted any potential support. Moreover, Stannis Baratheon viewed Robb’s claim as a threat, squashing the chance of creating a beneficial coalition.
Had Robb delayed his kingship until after the war, he might have secured the North without provoking the ire of other claimants and could have consolidated Northern defenses at Moat Cailin, a fortress capable of withstanding attacks even from a defeated Lannister army.
3
Robb Sent Grey Wind Away Because of Jeyne’s Family
Robb Should Have Trusted Grey Wind’s Instincts
In the world of Game of Thrones, direwolves symbolize deep connections with their Stark counterparts. This becomes relevant when Robb, infatuated with Jeyne Westerling, begins to distance himself from his loyal direwolf, Grey Wind. In the books, Grey Wind exhibited erratic behavior concerning Robb’s relationships, prompting Robb to take him away to not discomfort Jeyne’s family.
Furthermore, when attending the Red Wedding, Robb confined Grey Wind rather than heeding his instincts. The direwolf had a sense of impending doom, akin to the instinct shown by dragons around Daenerys Targaryen. Ignoring Grey Wind’s signals further sealed Robb’s fate.
2
Robb Believed Walder Frey Would Forgive Him
Walder Frey Was Never Going to Let Him Get Away with His Betrayal
Robb’s grave error was believing that Walder Frey would be forgiving of his earlier betrayal. Robb’s actions—dishonoring Frey and then offering his uncle as a pawn—reflect a naïveté about the brutal customs of Westerosi politics. Inviting Talisa to the Red Wedding only deepened Frey’s resentment as Robb tried to appease a man who had already devised a deadly scheme against him.
Frey stood to gain tremendously by betraying Robb. Predictably, Robb’s desperate hope for reconciliation overlooked the ruthless nature of his adversaries and ultimately led to his downfall.
1
Robb Betrayed His Marriage Vows By Marrying Talisa/Jeyne Westerling
Robb Should Have Married Roslin Frey Like He Agreed To
In the TV series, Talisa Stark is an original character inspired by Jeyne Westerling, with whom Robb becomes romantically involved. Robb’s deep feelings for Talisa lead him to marry her, violating his oath to wed Rosalind Frey. This act sparked Walder Frey’s ire, initiating a conspiracy that would lead to Robb’s demise.
Breaking this marriage vow represents Robb’s most significant blunder in Game of Thrones. It illustrates his struggle between personal desires and the responsibilities of leadership. By ignoring the lessons imparted by his father, Robb’s tragic choices in matters of the heart ultimately contributed to his downfall.
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