When and how does Robb Stark die? Who killed Robb Stark?

When Game of Thrones premiered, the Starks were the most favored family among viewers. All the children of Ned and Catelyn Stark were remarkable, but their eldest son Robb Stark, played by Richard Madden, stood out. After the execution of his father, Robb became the head of House Stark and was declared the King in the North. Despite being noble and a talented warrior, Robb was a poor strategist and often followed his heart over his head. His choices led to tragic consequences, culminating in his death at the Red Wedding.

Quick Answer: Robb Stark is killed with his mother and bannermen in 299 AC at the Red Wedding held at the Twins in Game of Thrones Season 3, Episode 9, ‘The Rains of Castamere‘. The massacre was arranged by Walder Frey at Tywin Lannister’s behest. Roose Bolton delivers the fatal blow by stabbing Robb in the chest.

Read Next: The Red Wedding was the hardest moment to write for George R. R. Martin, kept delaying it for days

Who is Robb Stark?

Credits: HBO

Robb was the eldest child of Lady Catelyn and Lord Eddard Stark, born in 283 AC at Riverrun. He grew up in Winterfell and became known for his skills in combat. He was the elder brother to Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon, and Jon Snow was his half-sibling. Upon his father’s death, Robb became the Lord of Winterfell and sought to avenge his father by declaring war against the Lannisters.

Robb’s bannermen proclaimed him King in the North, independent of the Iron Throne. His campaign against the Lannisters started well, with Robb securing early victories. However, his decision to marry Talisa Maegyr instead of keeping his promise to Walder Frey complicated his alliances. His ultimate fate was sealed when he broke this pledge.

Read Next: Richard Madden recalls “A lot of crying” while filming The Red Wedding episode of Game of Thrones

Quick Details

• Robb Stark was played by actor Richard Madden, winning praise for his portrayal.
• Robb Stark married Talisa Maegyr in the show and Jeyne Westerling in the books.
• Robb became King in the North after Ned Stark’s execution.
• Robb Stark died in 299 AC at the Red Wedding, betrayed by House Frey and House Bolton.
• His death occurred in Game of Thrones Season 3, Episode 9, “The Rains of Castamere.”
• Walder Frey and Tywin Lannister plotted the massacre, with Roose Bolton delivering the fatal blow.
• Robb’s direwolf, Grey Wind, was killed during the Red Wedding massacre.

How did Robb Stark die in Game of Thrones?

The marriage pact with House Frey

Robb was betrothed to one of Walder Frey’s daughters to solidify a tactical alliance in the War of the Five Kings. Breaking this pact, he married Talisa, which angered Walder Frey. To maintain the alliance, Robb arranged for Edmure Tully, his uncle, to wed a daughter of Walder Frey instead.

The Red Wedding

The wedding took place at the Twins, with Edmure and Roslin Frey as the bride and groom. During the feast, Roose Bolton and his men positioned themselves around the hall as part of the plan with Walder Frey, who held a grudge over the broken marriage pact.

After Edmure and Roslin left to consummate their marriage, Walder Frey betrayed the Starks. He locked the doors and initiated the massacre with Bolton’s help, acting on Tywin Lannister’s orders.

The attack

Robb’s soldiers outside the castle were ambushed and killed. Inside, the Freys began attacking Robb, Talisa, and Catelyn. Walder Frey had sworn they would be safe as guests, but his promise was a ruse to lure them into a deadly trap.

The Lannisters send their regards

As he was dying, Robb heard Roose Bolton’s infamous line, “The Lannisters send their regards.” Afterward, Roose stabbed Robb in the heart, killing him. This brutal scene shocked the characters and viewers alike, marking one of the series’ most memorable tragedies.

Read Next: Learn about the making of the Red Wedding scene and why it became iconic in television history

How was Robb Stark’s death different in A Song of Ice and Fire?

Credits: Lindsey Burcar

Robb’s marriage to Jeyne Westerling

In the books, Robb did not marry Talisa Maegyr; instead, he wed Jeyne Westerling, a Westerlands noble. Jeyne was caring for Robb after he was injured in battle. In a moment of vulnerability, they grew close, leading Robb to marry her to honor her family’s name.

Impact of the broken Frey alliance

When Robb married Jeyne, the Freys were outraged. This insulted Lord Walder Frey and made him withdraw support from the Starks. The broken alliance weakened Robb’s standing among his bannermen, who depended on the Frey forces to continue the war.

Robb’s decision to name a successor

Realizing the danger of his situation, Robb began planning for his succession. Believing Bran and Rickon were dead, Robb wanted Jon Snow as his heir. However, his intentions were cut short by the betrayal at the Twins, ending his hopes of securing Winterfell’s future.

The Red Wedding in the books

In A Song of Ice and Fire, Walder Frey’s betrayal unfolds similarly, but with more detail. Robb is struck with multiple arrows before Bolton delivers the final blow. Outside, Robb’s direwolf, Grey Wind, was killed and later desecrated by the Freys as a further insult.

Read Next: Explore detailed differences in Robb Stark’s death between the show and the books

Quotes

“The Lannisters send their regards.” ―Roose Bolton to Robb Stark, as he drives a dagger through his heart.

Quick answers

Will Robb Stark return in House of the Dragon?

Considering that House of the Dragon takes place 200 years before Game of Thrones, Robb Stark won’t appear in the prequel series.

Who was Robb Stark’s actor?

Richard Madden played Robb Stark in Game of Thrones. His portrayal of the character was widely praised, especially for the scenes leading up to the Red Wedding, where Robb’s tragic death deeply impacted fans.

Who was Robb Stark’s wife?

In Game of Thrones, Robb Stark married Talisa Maegyr, a healer from Volantis. In A Song of Ice and Fire, his wife is Jeyne Westerling, a noblewoman from the Westerlands. This distinction is significant in how Robb’s story and alliances are portrayed in the books versus the show.

When and how does Robb Stark die?

Robb Stark dies in Season 3, Episode 9 of Game of Thrones, titled “The Rains of Castamere.” At the Red Wedding, he is killed by Roose Bolton on orders from Tywin Lannister and Walder Frey. This event was a turning point, signaling the Lannister and Frey betrayal of House Stark.

What was Robb Stark’s direwolf’s name?

Robb Stark’s direwolf was named Grey Wind. The direwolf was a constant companion to Robb throughout the War of the Five Kings, aiding in battle and intimidating his enemies. Grey Wind met a tragic end during the Red Wedding, being killed along with Robb.

Read Next: Game of Thrones actor Richard Madden rubbishes the theory about Robb Stark’s return

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12/20/2024 11:57 am GMT