Game of Thrones: All The Clues To The Red Wedding

Game of Thrones’ infamous Red Wedding episode changed the course of the series by killing off two primary characters. It also shocked viewers with its graphic violence and abrupt plot shift. But the shocking twist wasn't as out of left field as many may think. There was a significant amount of foreshadowing to the "Red Wedding" events of the season 3 episode “The Rains of Castamere,” in which both Robb Stark and his mother, Catelyn Stark, are murdered.

By the Red Wedding, Robb Stark has become King in the North and hopes to avenge his father Ned's death. In season 1, Robb agrees to a marriage pact with House Frey, allowing him to cross the Green Fork and move forward with his battle plan. Soon thereafter, Ned Stark is arrested and ultimately beheaded by the Lannisters, which strengthens the familial bond between Robb and Catelyn. During season 2, Robb falls in love with the battlefield healer Talisa (portrayed by Charlie Chaplin's granddaughter, Oona Chaplin), which compromises his existing agreement with House Frey. In season 3, Robb struggles with strategic errors and makes desperate moves in his attempt to remove Tywin Lannister from power. He decides to make a deal with Walder Frey and arrives at The Twins expecting the courtesy known as “Guest Right," which means that nobody will be harmed. Instead, Robb is murdered, along with Catelyn, Talisa, and even the loyal Stark direwolf Grey Wind.

Both Ned Stark and his eldest son Robb lived by a code of honor. In Game of Thrones, though, manipulation and savagery equals power. Here are the events that foreshadow the Red Wedding.

This Page: You Win Or You Die and A Marriage Pact to Remember
Page 2: The Wrath of House Frey

You Win Or You Die

In Game of Thrones season 1, Robert Baratheon passes away at King's Landing, and Ned Stark is soon arrested by the Lannisters. This makes Robb, a teenager, the man in charge at House Stark. Joffrey Baratheon - a (younger) teenager himself - assumes control of the Iron Throne, even though it’s not his birthright. To protect the Lannister legacy, Joffrey’s mother, Cersei, makes a tactical move that begins the War of the Five Kings.

Though Robb seems fit to be King, he’s still an inexperienced Stark. When he receives a letter from House Lannister that details Ned’s alleged treason, Robb prepares for war. “Call the banners,” he says, “now we’ll see what their words are worth.” In the moment, Theon Greyjoy asks Robb if he’s afraid. A trembling hand not only underlines Robb's inexperience, but also that he’s “not stupid” (according to Theon). It’s a pivotal moment for the Game of Thrones narrative, and it’s based on manipulation.

The House Lannister letter is signed by Sansa Stark (Joffrey’s bride-to-be), which confuses Robb, her brother. Because of the wording, he immediately feels inclined to engage the Lannisters. A more experienced Stark might’ve realized that Cersei was the letter's obvious writer, but Robb doesn’t take any time to consider an alternative strategy. This moment emphasizes Robb’s bravery, along with the idea that he can easily be manipulated. Ultimately, that will be Robb’s downfall. As Cersei says, "You win or you die."

A Marriage Pact to Remember

On the battlefield, Robb proves to be a capable leader. In addition, his mother reminds him of the high stakes. “If you lose, your father dies,” Catelyn says. “Your sisters die. We die.” After Robb captures a Lannister scout, he decides to show mercy and sends the man back with a message: “Tell Lord Tywin winter is coming for him - 20,000 northerners marching south to find out if he really does shit gold.” While this move could be perceived as weak, it’s a smart decision because the scout wrongly assesses the amount of northerners. Rob only has 2,000 men - not 20,000.

So, by the time Robb reaches the Green Fork, he’s feeling hopeful. He just needs to cross the river. To do that, he needs Walder Frey’s help, and sends Catelyn to reach a deal. After all, Robb's mother has known the man since childhood. Later, though, Walder’s words are telling. He states that the Starks have always “pissed” on him, and makes it clear that he doesn’t care about any of the Kings. To the viewer, this man should not be trusted.

But Catelyn returns to Robb with a proposal from House Frey. Arya, who is missing, will eventually have to marry Waldron Frey, and Robb himself must agree to marry one of Walder’s daughters, all of whom don’t have the beauty and grace of women like Sansa Stark or Cersei Lannister. This point is made blatantly clear, and it's connected to the Red Wedding. But first - because Robb must cross the river to capture Jaime Lannister, he agrees to the marriage pact. Robb will later break his vow, a fact that Lord Walder will remember.

Page 2: The Wrath of House Frey

Lover or Fighter?

Robb does capture Jaime Lannister, and shows his intelligence by refusing to essentially “end the war” through one-on-one combat. After all, Jaime is notorious for being the “Kingslayer,” and also one of the best swordsmen around. So, Robb wisely keeps Jaime as a prisoner, and let him know about his incestuous secret: Joffrey is Jaime's bastard son, and not the rightful heir to the throne.

Meanwhile, Roose Bolton suggests torturing Jaime, but Robb understands that he must protect his sisters from harm. At this point, Robb begins to show his softer side, especially when he first meets Talisa on the battlefield. Catelyn reminds Robb about his debt to be paid to House Frey, and sees a telling look in her son’s eyes. Once again, Robb has been manipulated - this time by love. As his relationship with Talisa progresses, Catelyn realizes that the House Frey agreement has been compromised. She later releases Jaime Lannister to protect her daughters, and Robb begins a physical relationship with Talisa soon after.

Both Robb and Catelyn have good intentions, but their actions in Game of Thrones season 2 have deadly consequences. Robb’s secret marriage betrays the House Frey pact, and Catelyn’s decision to release Jaime angers Rickard Karstark, whose son was murdered by the "Kingslayer" during a previous escape attempt. This creates an internal dispute that cripples Robb’s army, and forces him into a desperate strategic alliance with House Frey, one that will go horribly wrong.

Pride Comes Before The Fall

Early on Game of Thrones season 3, Rickard lets Robb know that he’s not impressed with his decision-making. For one, Catelyn essentially disrespects Robb by allowing Jaime to leave; a sign of weakness for the King in the North. Furthermore, everybody sees that Robb has a romantic relationship with Talisa; another sign of weakness during a time of war. In fact, Rickard says, “I think you lost this war the day you married her.” In addition, Robb puts the war on hold to attend his grandfather’s funeral. Robb seems to be losing focus, according to Rickard.

Later, Robb’s uncle Edmure Tully attacks Stone Mill, which proves to a poor strategic move, despite a victory. Rob wants The Mountain to come their way. Instead, Edmure pushes him back. During the battle, the northerners capture Martyn and Willem Lannister - two kids - which essentially gives Rickard the opportunity to enact revenge upon Jaime and his family.

Rickard does indeed kill the Lannister children, which creates even more internal conflict for the northerners. Because Robb is a man of his word, and because he lives by a code (like his father, Ned), he believes that he should be the man to swing the sword. Meaning, it's he who must execute Rickard. Despite Catelyn’s urges to keep the man alive, Robb beheads him in public. The consequences are major. Robb loses almost half of his army; his pride seems to be more important than the big picture.

The Missing Piece, The Wrong Piece

Robb leaning on the table in Game of Thrones

Though Edmure makes some bad decisions, according to Robb, he’s right to believe that news of the Lannister deaths will spread. And after the Karstarks abandon Robb and the northern army, it’s obvious that Tywin will realize that the King in the North has become vulnerable. Behind the scenes, unknown to the viewer, a secret plan begins to form, one that will theoretically destroy House Stark.

At Robb's strategic table, he experiences an epiphany. A deal with House Frey will allow him to acquire more soldiers, and he will then attack Casterly Rock - the seat of House Lannister. Talisa likes the plan, and reveals that she’s pregnant. Everything seems to make sense now. Robb can own up to his marriage pact mistake, and re-pay his debt to House Frey. He’ll build up his army once again, and hit Lord Tywin where it hurts. Rob makes the proposal to House Frey, who responds with a counteroffer in which Edmure must marry one of Walder’s daughters. This is the context for the Red Wedding: the marriage between Rob’s uncle Edmure and Roslin Frey (who turns out to be quite beautiful).

More: Game Of Thrones: 15 Things You Didn't Know About House Frey

So, Rob schedules a trip to The Twins, and Catelyn worries about their delayed arrival because of the weather. She seems to sense danger, fully aware that Walder isn’t the most open-minded gentleman. What Robb and Catelyn don’t realize is that their fate has already been sealed. The scheduled marriage is merely an ironic twist, one that will make Robb and Catelyn think about what could’ve been, if only for a brief moment before their violent deaths.

The Wrath of House Frey

The fateful Red Wedding episode begins with Robb and Catelyn strategizing. They both agree that everything will go according to plan, but only “if Walder Frey cooperates.” Catelyn is especially ready to take down House Lannister, and says “show them how it feels to lose what they love.” Curiously, this particular moment doesn’t transition to another Game of Thrones side-narrative. Even the narrative structure of “The Rains of Castamere” suggests that something is off.

During the wedding ceremony, a surprised Edmure sees his bride for the first time. In the audience, Walder looks at Robb and offers a creepy grin, with the implication being, in retrospect, that Robb would’ve had a perfectly acceptable bride if he hadn’t betrayed House Frey. In the moment, however, Walder's smile feels inconsequential because Robb is genuinely happy for his uncle, and excited for what’s to come.

Most importantly, Robb knows that there’s no threat to his safety. House Frey has executed the “Guest Right” gesture, an important part of northern culture. Robb may feel vulnerable when thinking about the larger picture, but at this particular moment, he’s full of pride and joy. Crucially, his beloved Grey Wind has been locked up outside. But why? And why are the doors closing during the post-wedding ceremony? And why is Roose Bolton not drinking? Unfortunately for Robb, Catelyn, Talisa, and Grey Wind (along with the entire northern army outside), the Red Wedding is merely a cover for a secret Lord Tywin-House Frey plan. Once again, Robb has been manipulated, and it costs him everything.