Lord Frey's Infamy: The Dark Side of House Frey in Westeros

House Frey, one of the lesser-known noble houses in Westeros, has long been looked down upon by the region's more illustrious families. Unlike the Lannisters, Stark, and Targaryens, whose massive influence and storied histories are venerable, the Freys' wealth has always been considered less legitimate due to their origins in tariffs and strategic locations. However, it was Lord Walder Frey who stamped his house with a reputation that earned the wrath and contempt of all other Houses of Westeros.

Undermining Trust and Loyalty in Westeros

Walder Frey’s character is a testament to the treacherous nature of Westerosi politics. He was cunning, treacherous, and prideful, which led him to make decisions that not only undermined his House but also shamed the noble code itself. One of his most notorious actions was his refusal to take an official stance during the War of the Five Kings, thereby earning the infamous nickname ‘the Late’. Instead of committing to either side, Frey joined the winning faction, a cowardly and counterproductive move that showed his true colors.

Family Expansions and Reputational Deterioration

The size and composition of Frey's family only exacerbated his negative reputation. Walder Frey had an excessive number of children and illegitimate offspring, leading to a perception of his house as one that could not be trusted or relied upon in times of need. His indiscreet offspring may have seemed like an asset in times of plenty, but the excess of them turned into a continuing burden and a constant source of ridicule among the nobility.

The Red Wedding: A Culmination of Infamy

The true nadir of House Frey's reputation was the notorious Red Wedding, an act of betrayal that went beyond the pale of acceptable behavior in Westeros. This infamous event saw the Freys and their allies, including House Bolton, murdering the guests and leaders of House Stark at a peace settlement, breaking one of the most sacred taboos in the region: the sanctity of a host's home. This was a de facto act of defiance against the laws of hospitality and trust that were fundamental to Westerosi society.

The Red Wedding was a severe act of treachery that rendered Frey's House infamous. This betrayal not only led to the near-destruction of House Stark, but also deeply tarnished Frey's name and associations with treachery, ignominy, and contempt. It was this act that ensured Lord Frey's and his family's infamous status in the annals of Westeros history, forever cementing their reputation as among the most ruthless and dishonorable Houses in the Seven Kingdoms.