The Age of Walda Frey When She Marries Roose Bolton: A Comprehensive Analysis

Walda Frey, better known as Fat Walda, holds a notable place in the complex web of relationships in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. A question frequently asked by fans is, at what age did she marry the infamous Lord Roose Bolton? This article delves into the available textual evidence and analyzes the significance of this event, taking into account the historical context and the age at which individuals marry in Westeros.

Background and History

The Frey family has a long history in the series. Walda Frey, originally named after her grandmother, Walda Targaryen, is the daughter of Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish and his wife, Lysa Tully. She was born in either 283 or 284 AC, based on the events of the narrative. This straightforward detail by itself, however, provides only the bare bones of her age at the time of her marriage.

Documentation of the Marriage Age

The marriage between Walda Frey and Roose Bolton is documented in different books, adding context to Walda's age. In "A Dance with Dragons," Lord Walder Frey mentions, 'I married my daughter to his lordship a fortnight ago,' after sending Walda to Roose Bolton. If Walder Frey and Walda don't form a complete daughter months per year timeline, it suggests that Walda was indeed 14 or 15 years old at the time of the marriage, placing her birth in 283 AC. This is a reasonably accurate year, considering the timeline established in the series, making her 15 years old when she married Roose Bolton.

Historical Context of Marriage Ages in Westeros

In the world of Westeros, individual marriage preferences and societal norms heavily influence the age at which a person marries. Unlike modern society, where the average marriage age for both men and women has been increasing, the norms in Westeros are quite different. Marriages are often arranged for political, economic, or social reasons rather than romantic attachment, leading to a younger age for marriage compared to modern standards.

For instance, many noble houses in Westeros prefer their daughters to marry at a young age to secure alliances or consolidate power. This practice is somewhat reflective of historical norms in medieval Europe, where political marriages were common. This detail is crucial when examining the age of Walda Frey at the time of her marriage to Roose Bolton. Of course, some notable exceptions to these age patterns exist, such as the famous time when Arya Stark got married to 12-year-old Joffrey Baratheon, which highlights the variability within the norms.

The Significance of Walda Frey's Age at Marriage

Understanding the age at which Walda Frey married Roose Bolton offers insights into her character development. At 14 or 15, Walda is still a young woman, and her marriage to Roose Bolton, a considerably older man known for his ruthless nature, sets the stage for dramatic developments in her life. Her youth and inexperience likely made her more malleable to the power-driven strategies of her father and husband, contributing to her transformation into a cunning and pragmatic character over time.

Such a young age at marriage in Westeros may also highlight the risks and challenges faced by young girls in this society. Early marriage often meant a loss of autonomy and the pressure to become a wife and mother quickly, which Walda, being a part of the Frey family's elite, might have nonetheless experienced. More broadly, understanding the age of Walda Frey at marriage, along with the significant other in it, Roose Bolton, aids in grasping the complex facets of Westerosi politics and societal norms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Walda Frey, also known as Fat Walda, was either 14 or 15 years old when she married Roose Bolton. This age aligns with the historical context of Westeros where arranged marriages were common, often taking place at a young age for political and strategic reasons. The young age of Walda at the time of her marriage significantly shapes her character and her later developments throughout the series. Understanding such details helps fans and scholars alike gain deeper insights into the richly detailed world of A Song of Ice and Fire.