Why Robb Stark Declared Himself King in the North: A Closer Look at His Strategy

In the tumultuous world of Westeros, the declaration of Robb Stark as King in the North was a pivotal moment. However, why did he declare for this title rather than simply refusing it when hailed as such? The answer lies in the complex political landscape of the time and the dire circumstances he faced.

The Political Landscape

At that time, Robb Stark had little reason not to declare himself King. He was situated in an advantageous position, having just defeated the Lannister forces in the Riverlands and taking valuable hostages from the battles of Whispering Woods and Camps. Yet, several obstacles remained, including the absence of a strong claim through bloodline or loyalty.

Stannis Baratheon, a potential claimant to the Iron Throne, was still gathering troops and proving himself a questionable ally. Renly Baratheon, while charismatic and offering some hope, was seen as an ambitious pretender with no legitimate claim. Additionally, Renly’s inaction during the invasion of the Riverlands and failing to assist Ned Stark in King's Landing undermined his credibility.

The Fall of the Targaryens and the Stark Loyalty

Robb’s declaration was not only pragmatic but also a strategic choice rooted in the loyalty of the North. When his father, Ned Stark, was executed by Joffrey Baratheon, along with his uncles, aunts, and sisters, this event had a profound impact on the North. The North had been directly aggrieved by the Iron Throne, with thousands of Northmen killed in the name of the crown over the years. This breach of faith, coupled with the continuous wars, including the Greyjoy Rebellion (which, while not directly the crown’s fault, still strained the North’s loyalty), made the idea of continuing under the Iron Throne’s rule untenable.

The North swore loyalty to the Targaryens, and with their fall, the North’s allegiance became inherently strained. Robb Stark, in this context, would have recognized that continuing under the rule of the Lannisters (who had executed his family) was a betrayal of the North’s values and the very oath of loyalty to the Targaryens.

The Strategic Decision

According to Greatjon Umber's reasoning, the declaration was a necessary step for Robb to become a legitimate ruler. Much like a Roman general proclaimed as Emperor during the 3rd century, Robb had to capitalize on the support of his followers and secure his position. Declaring himself as King in the North was a strategic move to establish his rule and gain the necessary respect and authority to govern.

Ignoring the declaration could result in a loss of respect among his followers, who might question his ability to lead. Furthermore, the potential for other rivals to undermine his claim made it crucial for him to assert his authority promptly. This quick action helped Robb solidify his position and maintain control over the North at a critical time.

Conclusion

Robb Stark's declaration as King in the North was a well-calculated move, driven by both strategic necessity and the strong desire to uphold the North’s honor and values. The political landscape, the fall of the Targaryens, and the ongoing wars against the Iron Throne all contributed to this decision. Robb Stark's actions were a bold step that not only secured his position but also earned the respect of his people.

While the decision was not without its risks, it was a necessary one given the circumstances. The declaration of Robb Stark as King further solidified the North’s autonomy and ensured that the region would not be subjugated under the Iron Throne any longer.

In conclusion, the strategic importance of Robb Stark declaring himself King in the North cannot be overstated, as it was a move that would shape the future of the North and, to an extent, the broader political landscape of Westeros.