Renly Baratheon’s Plan to Entice Robert with Margaery Tyrell: Analyzing Its Feasibility

Renly Baratheon's plan to bring Margaery Tyrell to court to entice King Robert Baratheon was indeed a captivating scheme, but it seems to overlook several critical factors that undermine its potential success. In this article, we will delve into why this plan might have been a wise but ultimately unfeasible strategy within the richly detailed world of A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin.

Understanding the Political Landscape

The political landscape of King's Landing is complex and fraught with trickery and deceit. King Robert I Baratheon, as the Usurper, is already married to Cersei Lannister, the daughter of the wealthy Tywin Lannister. They have three legal children together, and the Lannisters control a significant portion of the wealth and resources within the Seven Kingdoms.

The Tyrells, though also a powerful house, are second in wealth only to the Lannisters. Any move to annul Robert and Cersei's marriage would disrupt the delicate balance of power. Tywin Lannister, being the most influential man in Westeros, would not likely let this slip without a fight. A rift between the Tyrells and Lannisters could lead to a significant power vacuum, which neither house can afford.

Implications of a Failed Attempt

Renly's plan would require severing ties with the Tyrells, who fund the king's crown. The loss of this financial support could severely strain Robert's ability to maintain his throne. Moreover, Tywin Lannister may react by rebelling, possibly attempting to legitimize his grandson Joffrey as the true heir to the Baratheon throne. This would further complicate matters for Renly and his supporters.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Cersei's children, even if Robert were to annul his marriage, would still hold the throne. Joffrey, Tyrion, and Tommen would remain legitimate heirs, and any move to replace them would face significant resistance.

Alternatives and Their Limitations

Renly, while brilliant, was also laid low by shadow magic, which may have limited his ability to execute his plans effectively. Even if he were successful in removing Cersei from the throne and Tywin Lannister from influence, he would still face the thorny issue of the Lannister children. Robert could likely legitimize Joffrey and Tommen as trueborn Lannisters, further entrenching the Lannister hold on the throne.

Margaery Tyrell, though a wealthy and influential lady, would face similar challenges. Robert, once again, might take her as a top mistress but no more. The lack of a legitimate claim to the throne would ensure that Margaery would remain a figurehead until Joffrey came into his own, at which point he would dismiss her.

Conclusion: A Wise but Unfeasible Strategy

Renly Baratheon's plan, while well-intentioned, was based on flawed assumptions about the political dynamics and power structures within the Seven Kingdoms. The potential for a rift between the Tyrells and Lannisters, and the reality of Cersei's children holding the throne, make it an unfeasible strategy. It would likely lead to further instability, rebellion, and a power vacuum that neither house could easily navigate.

Rather than striving for such a complex and risky plan, Renly might have been better off focusing on more manageable strategies to consolidate his own claim to the throne, such as gaining support from various houses and regions that opposed the Lannisters.