Game of Thrones Ruined Tully Family

by

Quick Links

  • How Things Played Out in the ‘Game of Thrones’ Books
  • Edmure Tully Is a Key Figure for the Political Battle That Ensues
  • The Most Important Tully Arc in ‘Game of Thrones’

    • It Would Have Been Amazing to See Lady Stoneheart

For quite some time now, the acclaimed “Game of Thrones” series has concluded amidst a sense of audience disenchantment. Nevertheless, this hasn’t diminished the appeal of George R.R. Martin’s fantasy universe. Even with fresh TV shows on the horizon, it’s the original that continues to captivate fans the most. Interestingly, followers of both the show and the novels it originated from frequently find themselves divided, with some preferring the series and others maintaining their allegiance to the books.

Typically, his categorization tends to separate individuals into two groups: those who have delved into the books themselves, and those who started their Game of Thrones experience when HBO initially aired the series. A common complaint among book fans is the significant artistic freedom taken by the show’s creators, leading to extensive alterations in plotlines and character development. Often, these story arcs were either omitted or significantly rewritten.

One character stands out particularly, and this is evident due to the harsh treatment the series gave him and his family, notably the Tullys. To those who’ve read the books, it’s clear why Edmure Tully, along with House Tully as a whole, were significantly underrepresented in the series, often failing to reflect their importance as portrayed in the literature.

The Tragic Underutilization of House Tully in ‘Game of Thrones’

Among the prominent families in Westeros, House Tully plays a significant role, even shaping the broader narrative within “A Song of Ice and Fire.” Historically bonded with the Starks, they are an influential and age-old house hailing from Riverrun. In the timeframe where the “Game of Thrones” story unfolds, these two houses share a close connection, as the narrative initiates with Lord Eddard Stark (Ned) wed to Lady Catelyn Stark, who was once a Tully.

As a devoted fan of the Iron Throne saga, I can’t help but reflect on the profound connections between the noble houses. The bond between House Tully and House Stark was strikingly evident, especially during the tumultuous War of the Five Kings. Once King Robert Baratheon fell, these two houses swiftly forged an alliance.

However, after the unforeseen and memorable demise of Catelyn Stark, Robb Stark, and numerous others at the infamous Red Wedding, the narrative didn’t delve much into the Tullys afterwards. Among them, Edmure Tully, the previous Lord of Riverrun and brother to the valiant Catelyn Stark, has been relegated to a character who seldom receives the limelight he truly deserves.

How Things Played Out in the ‘Game of Thrones’ Books

In the series, following the tragic events of The Red Wedding, Edmure Tully doesn’t disappear from the storyline. Instead, he manages to survive the bloodshed and falls into captivity under the Freys, who exploit him as a political pawn against his will. Yet, the courageous people and remaining troops of Riverrun make valiant efforts to reclaim their city. By the third book, “A Storm of Swords,” Riverrun emerges as a significant center for many pivotal events in the story.

By this stage, Edmund has often attempted to force Brynden “The Blackfish” to yield. Yet, as we all know, Brynden valiantly holds his ground and comes to embody the genuine Tully courage. Tobias Menzies portrays Edmund’s extended period of torment and captivity at the hands of the Freys in a harrowing manner. It’s not until book five that they manage to coerce him into pressuring Brynden into giving up the castle.

Edmure Tully Is a Key Figure for the Political Battle That Ensues

In contrast to his seemingly insignificant role as depicted in the series, Edmure takes on a crucial part in the power struggles within the Riverlands, starting from book five. Despite the intricate development and destiny of Edmure Tully in the books, the complexity of his character arc is significantly reduced in the show post The Red Wedding.

In that specific adaptation, he is liberated following the wedding ceremony, but for a while afterward, he doesn’t have a substantial role. He reappears in the final season as a character who briefly returns and is used to pressure the remaining Tully forces into yielding. By then, his portrayal is one of weakness and cowardice, which contrasts greatly with his book character. Although he may not be portrayed as brave or militarily proficient like Brynden, he’s never represented without honor in the books. He endures extreme torment and torture to compel him into assisting in the surrender of his own people.

The Most Important Tully Arc in ‘Game of Thrones’

If you felt that Edmure Tully received little attention and his character was underdeveloped, that pales in comparison to the treatment of another Tully character – Lady Stark, or Catelyn. This might seem surprising if you recall her death at The Red Wedding in Game of Thrones, but if you’ve read up to book A Dance with Dragons, you’ll find out that Catelyn Stark was resurrected before Jon Snow even experienced being brought back to life.

Regrettably, readers have been anticipating the sixth novel, “The Winds of Winter,” for over a decade now. According to a recent statement from Esquire, here’s what author George R.R. Martin shared on this matter towards the end of last year:

Once “The Winds of Winter” is completed, there won’t be subtle hints about its release; instead, a major announcement will be made, though I’m unable to disclose where or when.

It Would Have Been Amazing to See Lady Stoneheart

At the culmination of Book Five, an astonishing occurrence takes place: Thoros of Myr’s priestly abilities bring about her resurrection. Now, she goes by “Lady Stoneheart,” and her presence is ominous, spectral, and intimidating. In a vow for retribution, she promises to exact revenge on those who caused harm to her and her kin.

Unhappily, due to false reports about Jon Snow reaching her, she swears retribution against him as well. Regrettably, George R.R. Martin hasn’t finished the sixth book yet, allowing the show to end without exploring these plot points at all. This is merely a glimpse into the vast amount of content that was left out in the series. Game of Thrones can be streamed on Max.

Read More

2025-02-16 01:32