The Strategic Betrayal of House Tully to House Targaryen: A Deep Dive

House Tully’s betrayal of House Targaryen during the events leading up to Roberts Rebellion was driven by a complex interplay of political alliances, personal grievances, and the shifting dynamics of power in Westeros. This betrayal marked a significant turning point in the region's history, and its roots lie in a web of historical, political, and personal factors.

Political Alliances

One of the primary catalysts for the Tullys' betrayal was their political alliance with House Baratheon. This alliance was cemented through the marriage of Catelyn Stark (née Tully) to Eddard Stark, the head of House Stark. As the Starks and Tullys supported Robert Baratheon, who sought to overthrow the Targaryens, they forged a powerful and crucial alliance.

Personal Grievances

King Aerys II, known as the Mad King, had grown increasingly unpopular due to his tyrannical rule. The unjust execution of Rickard Stark, Eddard's father, and his son Brandon further fueled the resentment among noble houses, including House Tully. The Targaryens' regime had alienated many houses, creating a perfect storm for rebellion.

The Kidnapping of Lyanna Stark

The perceived kidnapping of Lyanna Stark by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen was a pivotal incident that ignited the rebellion. Catelyn Tully, as a member of the Stark family, felt a personal connection to this event, which further motivated her family's involvement in the rebellion against the Targaryens. This personal connection was a strong emotional driver for their decision to support Robert Baratheon.

Desire for Change

The Tullys, like many other noble houses, were looking for change in leadership. The Targaryens had ruled for nearly 300 years but their recent actions had alienated many houses. The Tullys' support for Robert Baratheon was part of a broader desire among the Great Houses to establish a new order, free from the tyranny of the Targaryens.

In summary, House Tully's betrayal was a strategic decision, heavily influenced by personal ties, political alliances, and widespread discontent with the Targaryen regime. This decision ultimately led to the outbreak of Roberts Rebellion, reshaping the power dynamics of Westeros.

It is worth noting that Hoster Tully's opportunistic nature played a significant role in his actions. He had already arranged a marriage alliance with the Starks through the marriage of his daughter to Brandon Stark. After Brandon's supposed death under mysterious circumstances, Hoster used the emerging rebel alliance to extract further marriages, even resorting to forcing a miscarriage on his daughter for his ambitions.

The question remains: If Hoster had been a bit more tactful, would the Riverlands still be under Tully control today? While we may never know the answer, his approach to political maneuvering left a lasting impact on Tully history and the broader narrative of Westeros.