The Red Wedding Unveiled: Secrets and Betrayals Unraveled

After Joffrey Baratheon falsely imprisons Ned Stark on charges of treason, Cersei Lannister, acting as Queen Regent, tasks Sansa with writing a letter to her mother and brother, Catelyn and Robb, to inform them of the latest events in King's Landing. Cersei and her followers demand that Sansa persuade Robb to come to King's Landing and pledge his loyalty to Joffrey to support their father. Although Sansa follows Cersei's instructions, Maester Luwin informs Robb that the letter was written by Sansa under the influence of the Queen. Robb agrees to follow the royal command, but he adds his own twist. He decides to march to King's Landing with his army of Stark loyalists. The first season of Game of Thrones features the beginning of the Northern rebellion against the Lannisters, who have claimed the Iron Throne with their puppet ruler, Joffrey, who is not even King Robert's legitimate son.

Despite Robb's prowess as a military commander, his lack of political experience and leadership finesse ultimately lead to his downfall. The term "defeat" cannot adequately describe the treatment inflicted upon the Starks and Tullys, as well as their soldiers, during the Red Wedding. The first three seasons of Game of Thrones witness the Northern uprising, which gradually evolves into a fully-fledged movement for independence. Robb is hailed as the King in the North by his supporters, and the Northerners only seek to break away from the realm. Their primary adversaries are the cunning Lord Tywin and his equally cunning children, along with their allies. Robb's enemies are further complicated by his failure to keep his promises and his misplaced trust in individuals who have wavering loyalties. In Game of Thrones season 3, episode 9 "The Rains of Castamere," the alliance of Lannister-Frey-Bolton successfully crushes Robb's forces.

King Robb Stark Breaks Oath

The Red Wedding occurs during the War of the Five Kings, distinguished by the abhorrent morals of its orchestrator, Lord Walder Frey. The event originates in Game of Thrones season 1, episode 9 "Baelor," where Robb and his soldiers require Walder Frey's consent to cross the Trident River and confront the cunning Lannisters, who hold power in King's Landing. Robb wonders if they can rely on Walder Frey's support as his grandfather's vassal. GreatJon Umber advises Robb not to have any expectations of Walder Frey, as he is known for his unpredictability. Theon Greyjoy suggests that they seize the Twins, the Frey's stronghold, but Catelyn reminds her son that the Freys have controlled the crossing for six centuries and have always exacted a price. Eventually, she decides to visit Lord Walder to secure their passage.

Catelyn stresses that she has known Lord Walder since childhood, and he would never bring harm to her. However, GreatJon interrupts, insinuating that he would if it benefitted him. The Game of Thrones episode "Baelor" foreshadows the grim fate that awaits Robb Stark and his army. Catelyn's encounter with the arrogant and disrespectful Lord Walder reveals his numerous marriages and extensive lineage. Catelyn implores him to allow Robb's forces to cross the Trident, but he will only agree under certain conditions. These include Robb taking his son Olyvar as a squire, Arya Stark marrying his son, Waldron, in the future, and Robb marrying a Frey girl of his choosing once the battles are over. Lord Walder upholds his end of the bargain, enabling Robb's troops to cross the Trident. However, it is Robb who breaks his engagement and marries Talisa Maegyr.

The Massacre

In the Game of Thrones episode "The Rains of Castamere," Robb and his mother consider seizing Casterly Rock, the Lannister stronghold, despite their numerical disadvantage. They believe that Lord Walder's cooperation could bring down Tywin Lannister's fortress. Robb, Queen Talisa, Catelyn, her brother Edmure, and her uncle, Blackfish/Ser Brynden Tully, make a diplomatic visit to Lord Walder's Twins. Though Robb has broken his betrothal with one of Lord Walder's daughters, the Frey patriarch reluctantly agrees to let bygones be bygones. In order to rebuild the friendship between the Freys and the Starks, a marriage is arranged between Catelyn's brother and Lord Walder's daughter, Roslin.

Lord Walder follows the sacred tradition of the Guest Right by offering his guests bread and salt, signifying their protection under his roof. He welcomes them to stay in the hall but will provide tents, food, and ale for the rest of their men. During the wedding ceremony, Edmure and Roslin exchange vows in the Faith of the Seven style, followed by a lavish reception where the guests indulge in food and wine. The Blackfish politely excuses himself while Lord Walder arranges for the customary bedding ceremony, with Roslin and Edmure being carried out of the hall. Black Walder then closes the banquet doors, and the band on the balcony begins playing the iconic Lannister song, "The Rains of Castamere."

The Rains Of Castamere

Lord Walder, still seated at the main table, quiets the musicians. He delivers a short speech regarding his failure to provide proper hospitality to his guests. Catelyn, seated next to Roose Bolton, becomes increasingly suspicious. She raises his sleeve and her worst fears are confirmed as she spots him wearing chainmail under his clothing. Reacting swiftly, she slaps him forcefully. She urges Robb to leave, but before he can respond, Lothar Frey mercilessly stabs a pregnant Talisa in the abdomen multiple times. Archers release a barrage of arrows at Robb, Catelyn, and anyone within sight. The remaining attendees suffer slashes and stabs, while Lord Walder casually sips his wine. Arya Stark witnesses Frey's men brutally kill Robb's direwolf, Grey Wind, and the massacre extends to the soldier camps. By the end of the ruthless onslaught known as "The Rains of Castamere," Lord Walder displays no mercy. Finally, Roose plunges a dagger into Robb's heart, taunting, "The Lannisters send their regards."

Robb falls as Catelyn retaliate by slashing Lord Walder's wife, Joyeuse, across the throat. However, Black Walder Frey swiftly ends Catelyn's life. Although "The Rains of Castamere" is the title of the harrowing Game of Thrones episode featuring the Red Wedding, it is also a song associated with the Lannister family. Lord Walder instructs the band to perform this song at the start of the massacre. The Red Wedding profoundly devastates House Stark, but Arya seeks vengeance by decimating House Frey in the opening episode of Game of Thrones season 7, titled "Dragonstone."