If Tywin Lannister had Married Sansa Stark to Petyr Baelish: Consequences and Possibilities

**Why It Wouldn't Make Sense**

It is highly improbable that Lord Tywin Lannister or any other powerful lord would consider marrying Sansa Stark to Petyr Baelish, commonly known as Littlefinger. The merits of Littlefinger, despite his considerable wealth and political influence, fall far short of what a marriage would require. Historically, political marriages are about power, land, and economic stability. Littlefinger, while a noble, is of minor nobility and his status is largely that of a second-generation noble. His small lands are barely enough to support a dozen peasant families in a small town, and his wealth, though substantial, is no match for the accumulated wealth of generations within the houses of Westeros.

**Economic and Political Feasibility**

Littlefinger’s financial success is a result of his shrewdness and opportunities provided by Robert Baratheon's mismanagement of the crown's wealth. He managed to amass a considerable fortune, but his holdings and influence pale in comparison to the accumulated wealth of families like the Lannisters and Starks. A single individual, no matter how brilliant or talented, is unlikely to achieve the same wealth and power as generations of careful management can provide.

**Benefits and Disadvantages**

The only party that could gain from such a marriage would be Littlefinger himself, as he would be seen as a savior to Sansa Stark, ensuring her safety and securing her status. However, this alliance would not significantly benefit any of the major families involved, such as the Starks, Lannisters, or Tyrells. Sansa's marriage to Littlefinger would not provide the northern leadership that his rivals, such as Ramsay Bolton and Walder Frey, seek to manipulate.

**Complications and Strategic Planning**

However, let us consider the hypothetical scenario where Tywin Lannister did propose this match. Sansa stands at the crux of potential power. As the first-born of the Starks, Sansa symbolizes the region of the North, the largest of the Seven Kingdoms. If Robb Stark, the rightful heir, were still alive, Sansa would have been considered Robb's heir. In Robb's absence, Sansa would take over as the key to the North, especially if her younger brothers, Bran and Rickon, were discovered alive. The Farya plot in the books revolves around this very scenario.

**The Vacuum of Power in the North**

Following Robb's death, a power vacuum emerges in the north, making winterfell vulnerable to various factions vying for control. Sansa, however, is in hiding and considered an accomplice in Joffrey's death. Legally, she is charged with regicide, which complicates her return to the North to claim her birthright. The marriage to Littlefinger would provide Sansa with an entourage that could protect her and prevent her from being implicated in the regicide charges. Additionally, Littlefinger would ensure that Sansa's claim to the north remains intact and would strengthen his political position within Westeros.

**Strategic Alliances and Manoeuvres**

Strategically, such a union would align Littlefinger with the powerful Tyrells, potentially giving him the upper hand in political and military matters. However, Tywin Lannister would remain cautious. He never underestimated the doubts he had about Littlefinger's loyalty and commitment to his vision of power. The marriage to Sansa would solidify Littlefinger's hold on the north, but Tywin Lannister would not commit to such a risky venture without careful consideration of the potential consequences and threats.

**Conclusion**

In summary, the idea of Tywin Lannister marrying Sansa Stark to Petyr Baelish is fraught with complications and risks. Although it may seem like a strategic move for Littlefinger, it would not significantly benefit the major houses of Westeros. Tywin Lannister's prudent nature would prevent him from making such a decision. Nonetheless, it is an intriguing theoretical scenario that highlights the complexities of political marriages and the delicate balance of power in Westeros.