What If Robb Was Jon Arryn’s Ward?

In the renowned A Song of Ice and Fire universe, the complex characters of the Stark family and their intricate web of relationships could be quite different. A pivotal shift could see Robb Stark, the son of Balon and Cinna, raised under the tutelage of Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King. This article delves into how such a scenario would alter the narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire, focusing on the character development, plot dynamics, and key relationships.

Character Development and Influence

From the age of eight, Robb would be raised in King's Landing alongside Jon Arryn, experiencing a different atmosphere and exposure to court politics than he would have at home in Winterfell.

His Character: The core of Robb's personality might not shift dramatically. Raised by Jon Arryn, Robb would likely have a heightened sense of political awareness as he mirrors the values and attributes of the one who raised him. Unlike his original upbringing, where Lord Rickard Stark highlighted the importance of pure blood and honor, Robb's exposure to the political intricacies of King's Landing would shape him into a more strategic thinker, albeit still with purity of heart.

Family Dynamics

The dynamics within the Stark family would evolve due to the new perception of Robb's role. Raised to be a Lord, Robb would become more involved in family decision-making and likely develop closer ties with each member of his family.

Relationships: While Robb might not be as close to Theon as originally, he would likely draw closer to his family members. Robb's leadership role would not only strengthen his bond with his younger brother, Bran, but also foster a protective dynamic with Setharius ("Sweetrobin"). The sense of brotherhood and responsibility towards his family would be more pronounced.

Key Plot Changes

The storyline would diverge significantly with Robb's role in several key plots of the series.

Incest Investigation: Jon Arryn would not involve Robb in the investigation into the Targaryen incest due to Robb's deep-seated animosity towards Joffrey, who is his step-nephew. Instead, he would foster Setharius in the North with the hope of strengthening the Stark-Tully alliance.

Betrothals and Alliances: Robb secures a betrothal between himself and Myrcella Baratheon, a strategic move to fortify alliances and quell existing tensions. Consequently, the Lannisters would frame their actions in the context of Robb's defiance, but not as a result of a psychotic tantrum as described in the original storyline.

Political Conflicts and Strategies

The political landscape of Westeros would be influenced by Robb's new position and the betrothals that emerge from it.

Battles and Alliances: The strategy to secure peace between the North and Lannister would center around Myrcella and Robb's betrothal. Robb's victories at the Battle of the Whispering Wood and the Battle of the Camps would play a crucial role in these negotiations. However, the ultimate goal would shift towards leveraging Robb's status as a hostage to secure favorable terms for the North.

The Red Wedding: The pivotal moment known as the Red Wedding would unfold differently with Robb and Myrcella present as hostages. This would complicate the Bolton-Lannister alliance as Myrcella's safety becomes a potential bargaining chip. Instead of killing Robb to secure the North, the Lannisters would seek to use him as a political tool, leading to a revised dungeon agreement between the Starks and their captors.

Conclusion

The assumption that Robb was Jon Arryn's ward would significantly influence the narrative and character evolution of A Song of Ice and Fire. By merging the political astuteness of Robb with the Stark family's values, the story would take new trajectories in terms of character relationships, strategic alliances, and the overall arc of the conflicts in Westeros.