Introduction

The story of A Song of Ice and Fire has captivated readers with its complex and intriguing narrative. One fascinating question is how the tale would have unfolded if Benjen Stark had not joined the Night's Watch. This article delves into the potential changes that might have occurred if Benjen Stark had married Barbrey Ryswell-Dustin and remained in Barrowton rather than taking the Black.

The Marriage of Benjen Stark and Barbrey Ryswell-Dustin

Had Benjen Stark chosen marriage over the Night's Watch, his path would have significantly differed. Instead of forsaking the chance to have offspring, he would have married Barbrey Ryswell-Dustin, the dowager Lady of Barrowton. This union would not only have expanded the Stark family but also added a new layer of political intrigue.

Benjen Stark (born 267AC) would have become Lord of Barrowton, taking over from his late wife's husband. Barbrey Ryswell-Dustin (born around 262AC) would have become the Lady of Barrowton, ensuring the Ryswells' loyalty to the Starks over the Boltons. The couple would have had three children: Willam Stark (born 285AC), Torrhen Stark (born 289AC), and Jeyne Stark (born 292AC).

Reclaiming the Barrowlands

The marriage between Benjen Stark and Barbrey Ryswell-Dustin would have facilitated the Starks' reclaiming of the Barrowlands. This strategic move would have bolstered their position and provided additional resources for the broader Stark lands.

The Ryswells, now aligned with the Starks, would have broken their loyalty to the Boltons, shifting their allegiance. This shift in loyalty would have increased the Starks' influence in the North, solidifying their grip on power. The children of Benjen and Barbrey would have grown up in a prosperous Barrowton, fostering a sense of family unity and heritage within the Stark family.

Strategic Alliances and Betrothals

The children of Benjen and Barbrey would have formed strategic marriages, further entrenching the Stark family's influence. These arrangements would have included:

Willam Stark: He would have been betrothed to Alys Karstark (born 284/285AC) or Eddara Tallhart (born 289AC). Torrhen Stark: He would have been betrothed to Eddara Tallhart (born 289AC). Jeyne Stark: Initially, she would have been betrothed to Darlan Hornwood, but due to incest concerns, her betrothal would have shifted to Sweetrobin Arryn (born 287AC).

A Change in Family Dynamics

The formation of a new branch of the Stark family in Barrowton would have led to significant changes in family dynamics, particularly regarding the Starks at Winterfell. The Stark family would no longer be solely focused on Winterfell, leading to a more complex family structure:

Welcoming into the family, the Starks would include 102 members instead of 71. Barbrey and Catelyn Stark would have maintained their loyalty to the Night's Watch, but Willam and Torrhen would have grown up in Barrowton, creating a division within the Stark family.

The Battle of Whispering Wood

The marriage and extended family would have had significant implications for the Battle of Whispering Wood. If Benjen had remained with his family:

Benjen would not have been present to lead the nigh-attack, potentially altering the outcome of the battle. The Stark forces, now including the Barrowmen under Willam, would have a reinforced host of approximately 21,500 men, instead of 19,500. Robb Stark might have faced a less formidable opponent, leading to a more favorable outcome for the Starks.

Impact on the broader narrative

The altered course of events would have far-reaching consequences:

The Starks would have emerged victorious in the subsequent battles, ensuring their dominance over the North and weakening the Lannister forces. This shift in power would have made the Lannisters vulnerable, leading to a potential revocation of their claims and the return of the North to its former glory. The Baratheon problem would have also been mitigated, paving the way for a more balanced political landscape in Westeros.

Conclusion

The story of A Song of Ice and Fire is rich with possibilities, and the decision of Benjen Stark to join the Night's Watch has shaped the narrative significantly. However, an alternate path where he marries Barbrey Ryswell-Dustin could have led to a different and perhaps more harmonious outcome for the Starks. This hypothetical scenario offers a glimpse into the complex interplay of family, politics, and power that defines the world of Westeros.