Ned Stark remains one of the most beloved characters in Game of Thrones. Known for his unwavering honor, his decisions often put him at odds with the political reality of King’s Landing. In a world where the stakes are high, Ned’s moral compass often led him to make choices that, while noble, had disastrous consequences. But what exactly was his biggest mistake?
According to George R. R. Martin, Ned’s mercy towards Cersei Lannister was a turning point, one that altered the course of events in Westeros. Let’s dive into Martin’s perspective on Ned Stark’s decision-making and the consequences of his actions.
Read More: What was Viserys Targaryen’s biggest mistake? This is what George R. R. Martin has to say
Ned Stark’s biggest mistake according to George R.R. Martin
Credits: HBO
The Stark family is one of the oldest and most respected in Westeros. For thousands of years, they ruled the North as kings, but with the arrival of Aegon the Conqueror, the Starks became lords, subservient to the Iron Throne. Despite this, their legacy of honor remained intact. Torrhen Stark, the last King in the North, knelt before Aegon and was granted the title of Lord of Winterfell, marking the end of Stark kingship.
Ned Stark’s strong sense of honor often put him at odds with others. One thing that particularly disturbed him was the killing of children, which created a significant rift between him and Robert Baratheon during Robert’s Rebellion. The tragic events at the fall of King’s Landing, where Lannister men killed Prince Rhaegar’s two young children sickened Ned. It also influenced his decision when he learned the truth about Cersei’s children.
As George R. R. Martin explained in this HBO interview:
“Ned Stark is a very honorable man. Certain things bother him, and one of them is the killing of children. This created a rift between him and Robert Baratheon during the rebellion. When King’s Landing fell, Lannister men killed Prince Rhaegar’s two young children. They wrapped their little bodies in cloaks and presented them to Robert.
Ned was sickened by this and quarreled with Robert over it. Later, when he discovered the truth about Cersei and Jaime’s incest, he realized that none of the Queen’s three children were fathered by Robert. Ned knew that if he told Robert, his rage would be unbounded. Cersei would certainly die, Jaime would likely die, and Robert would put the three children to death.
This would be a repetition of the nightmare he remembered from the fall of King’s Landing. His honor and decency led him to meet with Cersei and tell her what he had learned. He warned her to leave King’s Landing, take her children, and flee. Robert’s wrath would follow them to the ends of the earth, but it was the only way he saw to save her children.
It was an honorable thing to do, but in terms of sheer power politics and guile, it was a foolish thing to do.”
The politics of being Hand of the King
When Robert Baratheon chose Ned to be his Hand, it was a decision rooted in trust. Ned was Robert’s boyhood friend, the companion who fought alongside him during Robert’s Rebellion. But, as Martin points out, Ned was not a resident of King’s Landing and thus understood little of its politics. Martin explained:
“Ned Stark was the man Robert trusted most. He was his boyhood friend, the companion who fought beside him in the war. However, Ned was far removed from the intrigues of King’s Landing. Robert could have chosen a present council member or turned to his brother Stannis. He could have picked Tywin Lannister, who had been Hand to the Mad King for many years and was highly competent.
Cersei wanted Robert to choose Jaime Lannister. But Robert didn’t trust any of those people. He wanted Ned, someone he trusted completely. However, by choosing Ned, he made enemies among those he did not select. This decision set many events into motion.”
What the execution of Lady reveals about Robert
One of the most significant moments in Ned’s journey came when he was forced to execute Sansa’s direwolf, Lady. The Stark ethos dictated that the man who passed the sentence must also carry out the execution. Ned, driven by his sense of honor, took the responsibility upon himself, refusing to let the Lannisters carry out the act.
However, this scene also revealed something about Robert Baratheon. Despite being king, Robert did not stand up to Cersei when she demanded Lady’s execution. As Martin explains:
“This scene also revealed something about Robert Baratheon. He did not stand up to Cersei when she demanded Lady’s execution. Lady was completely innocent, but Cersei acted out of vindictiveness. Robert caved to her demands, revealing a key aspect of his character. He disliked political conflicts. Robert thrived in battles where he could win by hitting his opponent with a warhammer.
But he had no patience for verbal arguments, scheming, or political maneuvering. These situations frustrated him, and he preferred to end them quickly, often agreeing to whatever solution would make them go away.”
Robert’s reluctance to act decisively in this matter further complicated the situation and played a role in Ned’s eventual fate.
Read More: Author Larry Correia takes a dig at George R.R. Martin in his new book Heart of the Mountain
