What If Sansa Stark Married Tommen Baratheon Instead of Tyrion Lannister?

The Song of Ice and Fire series, created by George R.R. Martin, has captivated readers with its complex characters and intricate political landscape. One intriguing thought experiment is what if Sansa Stark had married Tommen Baratheon instead of Tyrion Lannister. This hypothetical scenario would have profound implications for character development, plot twists, and the overall political dynamics of the series.

Political Alliances

The marriage between Sansa Stark and Tommen Baratheon would have significantly strengthened the Stark-Baratheon alliance. This union could have led to a more stable relationship between the North and the Crown, particularly after the War of the Five Kings. Sansa, as the queen, would have been a key figure in uniting the two houses, potentially leading to a more harmonious and cooperative governance. This alliance could have provided the North with a stronger support system, allowing it to wield more influence in the realm.

Impact on Sansa's Character

Marrying Tommen could have directed Sansa Stark's character development in a different trajectory. As the queen, Sansa would have had more authority and influence, allowing her to grow into a more politically savvy and powerful figure. Unlike her previous encounters with Joffrey, Tommen's innocence and lack of political ruthlessness could have led to a different kind of marriage where Sansa could exert a positive influence on him. This could result in a more stable and balanced leadership, with Sansa serving as a moderating force in the court.

Tyrion's Arc

The marriage of Sansa to Tommen would have altered the Tyrion Lannister storyline significantly. Tyrion's strategic marriage to Sansa had provided him with a degree of protection and political leverage, particularly after his fall from grace. Without Sansa, Tyrion would need to navigate his position in King's Landing differently, potentially leading to a more isolated or vulnerable situation. This could have forced Tyrion to rely on his wits and cunning more heavily, possibly leading to a more nuanced and complex character development.

Cersei's Response

Cersei Lannister, who had a strong influence over Tommen, might have reacted differently to Santos presence. Cersei, who views Sansa as a rival or a threat, might have attempted to destabilize the relationship or seek ways to undermine her. This could have led to increased tension and conflict within the Red Keep, potentially shifting the balance of power in the court.

Events Leading to War

The implications of Sansa marrying Tommen could also impact the broader political landscape. A solidified alliance between the Starks and Baratheons might have changed the course of events leading to the War of the Five Kings. This could have potentially altered the fates of key characters and houses, providing a different trajectory for the series. The North, with a queen in King's Landing, could have wielded more influence in negotiations with the Crown, possibly leading to greater autonomy for the region.

Development of Other Characters

Other characters in the story, such as Littlefinger, might have their plans disrupted by this hypothetical scenario. Littlefinger's schemes often relied on the chaos in King's Landing. A more stable relationship between Sansa and Tommen could have thwarted some of his manipulations, potentially changing the game of thrones in unpredictable ways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the hypothetical marriage between Sansa Stark and Tommen Baratheon would have created a ripple effect throughout the story, influencing character arcs, alliances, and the political landscape of Westeros in profound ways. It would have provided a fresh perspective on the dynamics of power, influence, and loyalty, and added to the rich tapestry of George R.R. Martin's epic series.

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