Ned Stark in Westeros: How Would He Have Reacted if Joffrey Married and Abused Sansa?

The political landscape of Westeros presented Ned Stark with a series of daunting challenges. If Robert Baratheon had lived longer, how would Ned have reacted if Joffrey had married and mistreated Sansa? This scenario involves a complex mix of loyalty, justice, and survival.

Robert’s Death and Ned’s Response

One possible scenario is that Robert Baratheon’s untimely death alters the course of events. Without Ned Stark overseeing the North, Sansa Stark would likely marry Joffrey and remain in the South under the Lannister’s rule. In this world, Cersei Lannister, influenced by the belief that Joffrey is the rightful heir, governs as a regent. She and her mother Macei Lannister exert their authority through the royal court and the city of King's Landing.

Despite Sansa’s mistreatment, Ned Stark, no longer in the capital, would be powerless to intervene. The Lannisters maintain a commanding presence in King’s Landing and in regions ruled by their allies, leaving Ned with a mere 100 men, miles away from the Westerlands and the Reach, the territories allied to the Starks.

Cersei’s Authority and Sansa’s Suffering

Under the governance of Cersei Lannister, any abuse or mistreatment of Sansa is enshrined in legal terms, much like the historical marriages between the Starks and the Lannisters. Sansa, as a member of the royal family, would be subjected to the full force of Cersei’s authority. The Lannister regime would ensure that any complaints from Sansa would be met with silence and repression, effectively shielding them from external scrutiny.

Without Ned Stark’s presence or the Stark family’s influence in King’s Landing, Sansa would be left to suffer in silence. The cultural norms of Westeros dictate that a husband has the right to govern his wife, just as the King has the authority to govern his wives. This leaves Sansa vulnerable and powerless to prevent the abuse she faces.

Alternative Scenarios and Ned’s Dilemma

Another scenario is possible, although highly unlikely, where Ned Stark remains in the South, continuing to serve as Hand of the King. This scenario would require Robert to be alive, which conflicts with Cersei’s plans to eliminate all who oppose her, including Robert. However, even if Ned were to witness Sansa’s mistreatment, the political and military situation leaves him with no feasible options.

With fewer than 100 loyal supporters in the South and surrounded by thousands of Lannister soldiers and those bought by Lannister gold, any attempt to intervene would be both foolhardy and futile. Appealing to Joffrey, as he would likely have done if Ned were the King in the North, would result in Ned’s death, reminiscent of Rickard and Brandon Stark's fate at the hands of Aerys Targaryen.

A Moral Dilemma for Ned Stark

The scenario presents a stark moral dilemma for Ned Stark. As a man who believes in honor, justice, and the integrity of the rule of law, Ned would feel intense moral pressure to act, even if the odds are against him. However, the political and military realities of Westeros leave Ned with no practical course of action.

Though Ned might be willing to take extreme measures, such as attempting to rescue Sansa, the risks are high, and the likelihood of success is low. Such an action could ignite further conflict, leading to a second rebellion, which could have unpredictable consequences.

Conclusion

Ultimately, if Sansa Stark had been married to Joffrey Baratheon and subjected to abuse, Ned Stark’s power to intervene would have been limited by the political and military realities of Westeros. The historical precedence of King’s laws, the influence of powerful families, and the insurmountable odds would have ensured that Sansa’s suffering would remain hidden and unaddressed.

While Ned Stark might have been willing to make significant sacrifices to protect Sansa, the political and military landscape of Westeros would have made such actions nearly impossible. The nobility of Ned’s character would have undoubtedly led him to seek a solution, but the harsh realities of his position would have compelled him to remain silent and take a resolute yet futile stand.

In the end, the situation would have been highly charged and emotionally fraught, reflecting a complex interplay of duty, loyalty, and the brutal political landscape of Westeros.