The Comparative Troop Strength of House Tully and House Stark during the War of the Five Kings
The Comparative Troop Strength of House Tully and House Stark during the War of the Five Kings
In the pivotal conflict known as the War of the Five Kings, House Tully, led by Edmure Tully, consistently fielded fewer troops compared to House Stark, whose leadership was provided by Robb Stark. This article explores the underlying reasons for this disparity, drawing from geographical, strategic, and political factors that significantly impacted troop availability.
Geographical Constraints
The geography of the Riverlands, where House Tully held sway, presents a less defensible region compared to the North, the domain of House Stark. The North, with its vast territories and fewer populated settlements, offered a more expansive and less densely inhabited landscape, ideal for mustering a larger army from a sparsely populated, yet widespread, base.
Loyalty and Alliances
Historically, House Stark's prominence and power in the North have commanded a deeper and broader loyalty from their bannermen. In contrast, while House Tully's influence is significant, their vassals may not be as numerous or committed as those of the Starks. This gap in loyalty and commitment from their followers contributed to the disparity in troop numbers.
Military Focus
The long-standing military tradition of House Stark and their involvement in various conflicts over the years have kept a standing army well-maintained and ready for battle. House Tully, while influential, has traditionally prioritized governance and diplomacy over the rigorous training and deployment of a standing army.
Political Alliances
At the onset of the War of the Five Kings, the Stark forces were bolstered by alliances with other powerful houses like the Arryns and the Greyjoys. These strategic partnerships provided a significant advantage, increasing the size and strength of their forces. Conversely, Tully's alliances remained relatively weak and inconsequential at the beginning of the conflict.
Critical Reevaluation: Troop Strength Considerations
While it is true that both regions could max out at roughly 45,000 troops, as per the 'Wiki of Fire and Ice,' such an assessment might overlook several critical factors. The North, despite its slightly smaller population, benefits from natural defenses like the Wall, Deepwood Motte, and the Neck. These strategic positions allow for centralized and efficient defense, requiring fewer troops to maintain control.
In contrast, the Riverlands, though fertile and potentially advantageous, lack substantial natural defenses, making them more vulnerable to invasion. The Riverlands also have numerous castles, many of which are fortified, but few natural positions that provide effective strategic advantage.
The strategic decisions made by the leaders further compounded the disparity. When Gregor Clegane and later Jaime Lannister advanced through the region, Tully's forces were spread too thin to adequately defend all their territories. This allowed Lannister troops to progressively diminish Tully's forces through attrition.
Robb Stark, on the other hand, kept his forces in larger, more manageable chunks, leading to a more unified and cohesive military presence. Although Roose Bolton secretly plotted against Robb, his troops still constituted one of the larger forces among the Northern houses. In contrast, the Freys, one of the largest forces among the Riverlanders, initially refused to engage, further diminishing the Riverlands' combat potential.
These factors collectively highlight the complex interplay of geographical, political, and strategic elements that influenced the troop strengths of House Tully and House Stark during the War of the Five Kings. While House Tully's forces were numerically smaller, the effectiveness and efficiency of their deployment, as well as the broader context of alliances and natural defenses, were critical considerations in assessing their combat readiness.