In the world of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire,” the Red Wedding stands out as one of the most shocking moments, both for its brutal betrayal and its dramatic impact on the storyline.
Turns out, this notorious event has a chilling counterpart in Scottish history, namely the Black Dinner of 1440. Both events highlight the use of treachery in power struggles and the devastating consequences of such betrayals, serving as dark examples to the dangers of political maneuvring and the blinding lure of feigned hospitality.
The Black Dinner of 1440
Historical Background
The Black Dinner occurred in 1440 at Edinburgh Castle and involved the young Earl of Douglas, his brother, and their retinue visiting the young King James II of Scotland. After the assassinition of the young king’s father, Sir Alexander Livingston of Callendar had access to the king as the warden of the stronghold of Stirling Castle. Through some clever scheming, the Livingstons gained custody over the young king James and managed to isolate him from other influences. Next, they sent out an invitation (in the young king’s name) for the Douglas brothers (of the rival House Douglas) to dine with the 10-year-old King James II of Scotland.
Naturally, this dinner was meant to be a peaceful gathering. Instead, it ended up being a deadly trap sprung by House Livingston and the boy king’s “advisors,” who saw the powerful Douglas family as a threat to their position at royal court.
Event Details
During the dinner, the young king James was charmed by the older boys who shared the royal table with him and everyone seemed to be having a grand old time. Whilst they ate however, a black bull’s head was suddenly presented; a symbol of death, marking the doom of the guests. The Douglas brothers were dragged outside into the castle yard.
The Earl of Douglas and his younger brother were promptly accused of treason against the king while the 10-year old king pleaded for their lives. Sadly, his pleas were in vain. Despite their youth (the oldest Douglas brother was 16 at the time) and the supposed sanctity of the occasion (they came as guests), they were summarily executed by beheading just outside the castle. Afterward, this abomination came to be known as The Black Dinner.
artist unknown
Sidenote: Historical accounts would indicate the innocent boy king grew up to be a violent man himself (or at least one capable of extreme violence). Long after James II had avenged himself on Livingston for his mother’s arrest and his cousins’ murders, the then Earl of Douglas was said to have conspired against him. Allegedly, the king stabbed the man a whopping 26 times before tossing him out a window, whereupon one of his court officials–clearly deeming the bloodshed insufficiently gratuitous–joined in and bashed his brains out with an axe. Violence breeds violence… probably.
The Red Wedding in “A Song of Ice and Fire”
Fictional Background
The Red Wedding is one of the most shocking scenes in “A Song of Ice and Fire.” During the War of the Five Kings, Robb Stark wants to march a major part of his northern armies across a strategically situated bridge in the Riverlands. Though, to get this access, he agrees to a marriage proposal to one of the daughters of Walder Frey, the Lord of the Crossing in control over said bridge. However, before this union can be completed, Robb is wounded during the Storming of the Crag (Westerlands).
This is where he is recuperating when he learns of his younger brothers’ “deaths.” Subsequently, he is comforted and nursed back to health by a young woman named Jeyne Westerling. In the process, Robb falls for her and beds her (if he was of sound mind here is a question for another day). So as not to dishonor the girl, he marries her, effectively nullifying his marriage pact with the Freys. This, of course, greatly angers the Lord of the Crossing. This proves to be one of the Young Wolf’s great strategical blunders that led to his downfall.
To renew their deal of access across the Twins, Robb arranges for his uncle, Edmure Tully, to marry one of the Frey daughters (Roslin) instead. Robb Stark, his mother Catelyn, and many of their bannermen are all invited by Lord Walder Frey to attend the ceremony.
Event Details
What was supposed to be a joyous celebration soon turned to a bloodbath. Robb, his mother Catelyn, and a good number of his bannermen were butchered at the feast thrown in his honor. In a horrifying turn, the Freys, along with Roose Bolton—who have secretly allied with the Lannisters—massacre the Stark forces.
The Red Wedding is marked by numerous betrayals of guest right, a sacred custom protecting guests who have shared bread and salt under a host’s roof. Robb Stark is murdered by Roose Bolton while Catelyn and most of their followers are slaughtered as well. This event marks a pivotal moment in the series because, well… how could it not? It takes certain kind of writer to succesfully pull off a paradigm shift of that magnitude I would venture.
by Gustavo Pelissari
Contrasting Customs and Consequences
Sacred Hospitality
Both events grievously violate the sacred tradition of hospitality, which was revered in both medieval Scotland and the fictional Westeros. In historical and fictional contexts, breaking this sacred bond was considered one of the most egregious acts imaginable, often believed to invite divine retribution. In fact, I’d go out on a limb here and say such acts wouldn’t exactly be applauded in today’s reality. Luring someone in under the false pretense of kindness just to outright murder them and anyone they brought is some pretty heinous shit.
Political Implications
The Black Dinner cemented the power of King James II over Scotland, but at the cost of trust among Scotland’s noble families. The catalyst that served to spark further conflicts and instability. Similarly, the Red Wedding significantly altered the political landscape in Westeros. It effectively ended the Northern rebellion against King Joffrey. But it also set the stage for widespread disillusionment and further treachery. The North Remembers. And, apparently, The North Conspires, something the Boltons are finding out to their detriment.
Cultural Reflection
These events highlight the darker aspects of feudal politics, the potential betrayal hiding behind every smile. This is a world where dinners and weddings (occasions of unity and celebration) become tools for ruthless power plays. Both the Black Dinner and the Red Wedding serve as harsh indicators to how far the ruling class are prepared to go to secure their power; something many of them care about a hell of a lot more than silly distractions like honor and humanity.
Conclusion
The Black Dinner and the Red Wedding may separated by the boundary between reality and fiction, but they both illustrate the dangerous intersections of hospitality and unbridled ambition. Both cases ultimately expose the brutal realities of political alliances and the fatal consequences of treachery and the vicious cycle it is able to ignite. Violating sacred trusts is looked upon as a grave crime, then and now. And while it may promise to be an advantage in war, the damage it can deal to a reputation should cause one to question his actions.
