Imagining Arianne Martell in King's Landing: A Daring Departure from the Original Plot

Introduction

The narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin is replete with intriguing what-ifs and alternate scenarios that challenge the established storylines. One such fascinating what-if scenario envisions Princess Arianne Martell traveling to King's Landing for the wedding rather than her uncle Oberyn. This article explores the implications of such a departure from the original storyline, highlighting the intricacies and challenges involved.

Princess Arianne's Value and Security

Doran Martell, the Prince of Dorne, would never send his daughter and heir to King's Landing due to her immense value. She was intended to marry Viserys Targaryen, which would have enabled Dorne to rise up against the Baratheons with the help of a few more allies. However, the untimely death of Viserys and thedonneescent secrecy surrounding Oberyn Martell's new plans made sending Arianne to an uncontrollable place infeasible. Both brothers were secretive to ensure that no plan leaks to the enemy, making Arianne a potential rebel even if sent away.

The Importance of Myrcella's Safety

Allowing Myrcella to travel to Dorne was one of Tyrion's mistakes. Dorne, lacking both men and appetite, could not join the Baratheon usurpers in war. This decision saw Princess Arianne as a perfect counterbalance to ensure Princess Myrcella's safety under Lannister control. The stability of King's Landing would have been crucial for maintaining this balance, especially given the tensions between the Martell and Lannister families.

Alliance and Strategy: The Purple Wedding

It is crucial to understand that this scenario contravenes the overarching strategy of Doran and Oberyn Martell. Oberyn's entire trip to King's Landing was designed to end in a trial by combat against the Mountain, with the intention of extracting a confession from him to implicate Tywin Lannister. However, the Purple Wedding drastically changed the course of events. Oberyn fought in Tyrion's trial, where he deliberately diluted the poison on his blade, setting things up for Qyburn, almost certainly a Dornish agent, to keep the Mountain alive as Ser Robert Strong.

The Logical Breakdown: Why Arianne's Journey Isn't Feasible

One could argue about the plausibility of sending Arianne to King's Landing under these circumstances, but it fundamentally breaks the plot and the plans of Doran and Oberyn. Arianne, due to her gender and youth, wouldn't be able to fight in a trial by combat, nor would she have the skill to poison Tywin effectively. This deviation is not just a change in the story but a rejection of the fundamental strategy that was meticulously planned. Furthermore, it would be an unprecedented departure from Doran's character and the overall narrative.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, the idea of Princess Arianne Martell traveling to King's Landing for the wedding is a fascinating what-if that highlights the complexities of the A Song of Ice and Fire universe. While it presents numerous intriguing possibilities, it ultimately fails in maintaining the integrity of the original plot and character dynamics. Understanding such scenarios enriches our appreciation of the depth and detail in Martin's storytelling.