How Robb Stark Become the King in the North: A Strategic Decision

The idea of making Robb Stark the King in the North was a strategic and complex decision that emerged from a web of political, cultural, and personal factors. This article delves into the various influences and motivations that led to Robb's coronation, weaving together the intricate tapestry of events that made this decision both necessary and heralded.

Robb's Leadership and Charisma

Following the assassination of his father, Eddard Ned Stark, Robb emerged as the leader of House Stark. His leadership during the early stages of the War of the Five Kings quickly earned him the respect of his bannermen. His bravery, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to the banner of House Stark were instrumental in rallying the North around him.

The Stark Legacy

The North had a rich tradition of loyalty to the Stark family, which had ruled for centuries. This lineage carried significant weight, and many northern lords felt a profound sense of duty to uphold their allegiance to the Stark legacy. The idea of Robb becoming King in the North was thus not a departure from tradition but a natural evolution of the established principles of governance.

Political Context

The political landscape of Westeros was highly volatile, with the War of the Five Kings creating a power vacuum. The fall of Ned Stark by King Joffrey Baratheon and subsequent conflicts forced many northern lords to seek a strong, unifying leader. Robb Stark, with his victories and charismatic leadership, emerged as a beacon of hope for the North and a potential candidate for the role of King.

The Gathering at Riverrun

The decision to crown Robb Stark as King in the North was solidified during a pivotal gathering at Riverrun. Here, many northern lords convened to discuss the future of their realm. The symbolic act of crowning Robb not only represented a defiance against the southern rulers but also declared the North's independence from the impending threats.

Robb's Military Victories and Consequences

Robb's military successes, particularly his victory that left Jaime Lannister captured, his army victorious, and the Riverlords joining his side, reinforced the belief that he was a worthy leader for the North. These victories bolstered the confidence of his bannermen and solidified Robb's claim to the Iron Throne in the North. The stark contrast between the North's culture and that of the rest of Westeros, with its different gods and harsher, more experienced population of lords, further influenced this decision.

Greatjon Umber's Role

One of the key figures in this decision was Greatjon Umber. His speech during the gathering at Riverrun succinctly summarized the reasons why Robb became the King in the North. Greatjon cited several factors: the death of their lord, the suspected Lannister involvement in the assassination, Robb's recent military success, and the broader cultural and political context. Greatjon believed that it would be better to bend the knee to Robb than any southern ruler, highlighting the strength and unity that Robb had instilled in the North.

The decision to crown Robb Stark as King in the North marked a pivotal moment in the series, setting the stage for the subsequent events of the war. It was a strategic move that leveraged both the internal loyalty and external threats of the North, solidifying Robb's position as a legitimate leader and potential savior of the North.