The Red Wedding was one of the most shocking and tragic events in Game of Thrones. It occurred in Season 3, Episode 9 titled “The Rains of Castamere”, during the wedding feast between Edmure Tully and Roslin Frey. Many major characters were brutally murdered in violation of guest right, including Robb Stark, his wife Talisa, and his mother Catelyn Stark. But which of Robb Stark’s loyal direwolves was also killed during this massacre?
Grey Wind
The answer is Grey Wind, Robb Stark’s fierce and loyal direwolf. Grey Wind was in the stables of the Twins during the wedding feast. When the massacre began, he broke free of his pen and viciously attacked and killed several Frey soldiers. However, he was eventually brought down by Frey crossbowmen who filled him with quarrels. Grey Wind’s death marked the end of Robb Stark’s life and reign as King in the North.
In the books, Catelyn Stark described Grey Wind as having become savage, reflecting Robb Stark’s descent into ruthlessness after hearing of the supposed deaths of his younger brothers Bran and Rickon. Grey Wind tore out the throat of Greatjon Umber’s fingers and attacked several other Northerners. But he remained protective and loyal to Robb and Catelyn until the very end.
The Fate of the Other Direwolves
While Grey Wind met his fate at the Red Wedding, here is what happened to the other Stark direwolves:
- Ghost – Ghost belongs to Jon Snow and is currently alive. He remains at Jon’s side through all his adventures beyond the Wall and wars against the Boltons.
- Summer – Summer belongs to Bran Stark. He remains by Bran’s side beyond the Wall after Theon Greyjoy captures Winterfell. Summer sacrificed himself fighting against wights to protect Bran.
- Shaggydog – Shaggydog belongs to Rickon Stark. He was killed by the Umbers before the Battle of the Bastards to prove their loyalty to the Boltons. His head was presented as a gift.
- Lady – Lady belongs to Sansa Stark. Cersei Lannister commanded Lady be executed in place of Arya’s direwolf Nymeria in retaliation for Arya’s attack on Joffrey.
- Nymeria – Nymeria belongs to Arya Stark. Arya set Nymeria free to save her from execution. She leads a massive pack of wolves in the Riverlands.
So in summary, of the six Stark direwolves, only Ghost and Nymeria are currently alive by the end of Game of Thrones. The Red Wedding marked the brutal deaths of Robb Stark, his wife, mother, many of his men, and his loyal direwolf Grey Wind.
The Deaths of Robb Stark’s Bannermen
In addition to Robb Stark and Grey Wind, many of his most loyal bannermen and their family members were murdered at the Red Wedding by the treachery of the Freys and Boltons:
| Character | House | Details of Death |
|---|---|---|
| Catelyn Stark | House Stark | Throat sliced open |
| Talisa Stark | House Stark | Stabbed repeatedly in pregnant belly |
| Wendel Manderly | House Manderly | Head smashed by Ryman Frey |
| Dacey Mormont | House Mormont | Stabbed by Ryman Frey |
| Smalljon Umber | House Umber | Decapitated by Bolton soldier |
These brutal deaths broke the oath of guest right, one of the most sacred traditions in Westeros. Their murders signaled the betrayal of Robb Stark by the Freys and Boltons, leading to the collapse of the Northern rebellion.
The Consequences of the Red Wedding
The immediate consequences of the Red Wedding included:
- The scattering of Robb Stark’s army, leading to Tully defeat and Frey control of Riverrun
- The collapse of the Northern rebellion against the Iron Throne
- Roose Bolton becoming Warden of the North
- The Freys rising to greater prominence with Tywin Lannister’s backing
- Brynden “Blackfish” Tully escaping and going on the run
In the long run, the Red Wedding sowed the seeds for further conflict in the North between the Boltons and disgruntled Stark bannermen. This eventually led to the rise of Jon Snow and the Battle of the Bastards against Ramsay Bolton.
Foreshadowing the Red Wedding
In hindsight, there were hints and foreshadowing leading up to the Red Wedding:
- Robb Stark betraying his oath to marry a Frey girl by marrying Talisa instead
- Roose Bolton’s ominous warning that Robb should “keep [his] wolf close”
- The Lannisters’ conversation about not keeping all your enemies in front of you
- Talisa discussing how she and Robb had broken his marriage pact
The clues were subtle but present. However, the actual brutality and massacre still stunned audiences, cementing the Red Wedding as one of the most infamous events in television history.
Historical Inspiration: The Black Dinner
George R.R. Martin has mentioned the real-life Black Dinner of 1440 as inspiration for the Red Wedding. The Black Dinner took place at Edinburgh Castle when King James II of Scotland invited the 16-year old Earl of Douglas and his younger brother to come visit him under guarantees of safe conduct. However, after the dinner, the twoDouglas brothers were dragged out to Castle Hill and beheaded in front of the King and rest of the court.
Like the Red Wedding, the Black Dinner was a particularly notorious case of violating guest right and murdering guests who had arrived for a social occasion. It demonstrated the value of guest right in medieval society and why its breaking was seen as so horrific.
Other Historical Inspiration
Other historical events that may have inspired the Red Wedding include:
- The Massacre of Glencoe in 1692 when Robert Campbell slaughtered members of the MacDonald clan after receiving hospitality.
- The Black Dinner of 1440 in Scotland when the young Earl of Douglas was murdered by King James II.
- The Glencoe Massacre of 1692 when Robert Campbell slaughtered members of the MacDonald clan after receiving hospitality.
Like the Red Wedding, these massacres violated social customs of hospitality and good faith. They demonstrated the depths of immorality people could sink to in times of war.
Cultural Impact of the Red Wedding
The Red Wedding left a major impact on pop culture due to:
- The shocking and graphic violence shown on TV
- The betrayal of beloved protagonists like Robb Stark
- The shattering of hopes for Northern victory against the Lannisters
- The memeification and viral spread of images and reactions to the episode
The Red Wedding generated massive buzz and controversy during Season 3 of Game of Thrones. Fans and critics acknowledged it as one of the most stunning and unforgettable moments in television history. It set the tone for future epic events in Game of Thrones that would shock worldwide audiences.
Memorable Quotes
Some of the most memorable quotes from the Red Wedding episode include:
- “The Lannisters send their regards.” – Roose Bolton to Robb Stark
- “Walder Frey is many things, but a brave man? No. He would never marry his daughter to a Stark unless he knew he was going to betray them.” – Olenna Tyrell
- “Show them how it feels to lose what they love.” – Catelyn Stark before killing Joyeuse Frey
These quotes encapsulate the betrayal, violence, and grief that characterized the massacre and its aftermath.
Conclusion
The Red Wedding stands out as one of Game of Thrones’ most pivotal, shocking, and unforgettable events. Though foreshadowed, the brutal massacre came as a devastating blow. It marked the demise of Robb Stark, his family, and his rebellion. The images and reactions to the Red Wedding permeated pop culture and demonstrated the show’s powerful storytelling. Though vengeful, underhanded, and tragic, the Red Wedding set in motion ripple effects that shaped the future of Westeros, cementing its place in entertainment history.