The Impact of Lysa Arryn’s Poisoning Attempt on the Game of Thrones Series Timeline

In the world of Game of Thrones, a single event can set off a chain of events that dramatically alters the course of history. One such pivotal moment is Lysa Arryn's attempt to poison her husband, Jon Arryn. What would have happened if Lysa Arryn was caught attempting to poison Jon Arryn?

What Would Have Happened if Lysa Arryn Was Caught?

Had Lysa Arryn been caught with her plot to poison Jon Arryn, the Game of Thrones series would have taken a remarkably different path. Most likely, Lysa Arryn would not have lived to see the consequences of her actions. If she had not managed to kill Jon Arryn, she would have either been beheaded or locked away in the cells for attempted murder.

Jonathan Arryn, as Hand of the King, would have exposed Lysa for her attempted murder. Given the context of their marriage and the public perception, Lysa would have preferred to take her own life rather than expose her close relationship with Petyr Baelish. It’s highly unlikely that Jon Arryn would have simply imprisoned her, especially if he recognized the potential threat she posed to his authority and the stability of the realm.

Timeline 1: Jon Arryn Exposes Lysa’s Plot

With Jon Arryn exposing Lysa's plot, the situation would have stabilized. Robert Baratheon, having learned the truth about Jon Arryn and his bastards (if Jon Arryn had revealed this information), would have likely confronted the truth about the illegitimate children. Robert's actions would be driven by a combination of anger, shock, and the need to maintain order.

Robert Baratheon might have killed Cersei and Jaime Lannister, understanding that their actions had directly contributed to the death of Jon Arryn. Following this, Robert would have sought out Tywin Lannister, prosecuting him for the murder of Jon Arryn and Cayden Broome. Tywin’s attempts at seeking revenge would not have helped his cause, leading to his ultimate downfall. With Tywin gone, Robert would have sought to solidify his rule and sought a new alliance through Margaery Tyrell, finally producing a legitimate heir.

Timeline 2: Cersei’s Intervention

Alternatively, if Cersei were to have caught Lysa trying to poison Jon Arryn, the series would unfold in another direction. Cersei, always manipulating and cunning, would not have allowed Lysa’s actions to come to light. She would have come up with a better plan, possibly using one of her loyal supporters, such as Pycelle, to carry out the deed.

Cersei might have attempted to turn the ongoing tragedy into a political advantage. She would have tried to use both Lyssa and Robert as pawns, potentially even negotiating with Petyr Baelish to marry Myrcella Baratheon to Robin Arryn. This would have allowed Cersei to maintain control and further consolidate her power.

Who Would Have Caught Lysa’s Attempt?

Depending on who caught Lysa trying to poison Jon Arryn, the outcome would have been different. If Jon Arryn had discovered the plot himself, he would have acted swiftly, possibly sending Robin Arryn away to protect him from Lysa's wrath. Lysa may have had to give up her plan too quickly, but she would not have willingly admitted the truth.

Cersei, being the primary powerbroker in King's Landing, would have likely deployed one of her acolytes or allies to prevent the incident. If Jaime or Pycelle had discovered Lysa's plot, they would have immediately reported to Cersei. The same would likely be true for any of the Kingsguard, except Barristan Selmy, who was known for his loyalty and wisdom.

Varys, while empathizing with Jon Arryn as a good man, would have stopped Lysa once he knew. However, Varys would have understood that Lysa was likely to try again, and he would have sent word through his spies to prepare for a similar situation in the future. Varys might have suspected the involvement of Petyr Baelish, but proving it would be a significant challenge.

King Robert, if sober enough, would have taken immediate action. He might have ordered Lysa's arrest right away or personally dealt with her. Alternatively, if Robert was drunk, he might have been incapacitated or killed, further destabilizing the situation.

Ultimately, the absence of war involving the North, and the successful handling of Mance Rayder, would have ensured the Wall’s safety. The series might have avoided the collapse of the Wall and the fall of Daenerys Targaryen, leading to a different conclusion for the story.

Conclusion

The ramifications of Lysa Arryn’s poisoning attempt would have sent ripples through the Game of Thrones world, significantly altering the timeline and the alliances between the major players. The dynamics of power would have restructured, leading to different outcomes for both the characters and the plot.