The Complex Fate of Sansa Stark: Marriage to Harrold Hardyng and Beyond
As the A Song of Ice and Fire series penned by George R.R. Martin progresses, one of the most intriguing elements is the eventual marriage of Sansa Stark to Harrold Hardyng. This marriage, while it carries significant political implications, remains shrouded in uncertainty. As of August 2023 and beyond, the exact outcome and the role of such unions within the storyline remain unanswered. Fans of the series, including those who engage in fanfiction, often speculate on Sansa's future, with many narratives diverging from the original prophecy.
Political Implications and Complicated Feelings
Sansa Stark's decision to marry Harrold Hardyng is deeply intertwined with her quest for safety and power. Despite the political ramifications of her choices, the characters' motivations and emotions are complex and multifaceted. Her feelings about the marriage are not straightforward; they are rooted in the desire to protect her family and ensure their survival. However, the series has not concluded, and therefore the outcome of this marriage and Sansa's ultimate fate remain unresolved.
The Role of Fanfiction and Future Speculation
In the world of fanfiction, Sansa's matrimonial choices are open to interpretation. Many writers have crafted various scenarios where Sansa marries different characters, including Jon Snow. This creative freedom allows fans to explore different narrative paths and outcomes, adding depth to the already rich storyline. In these fan-created narratives, the relationship between Sansa and Harrold often takes on a different tone, sometimes even resulting in a happy ending.
Plot Developments and Tournaments
There is a prevailing narrative among fans that Harry of House Hardyng will die at the upcoming tourney in the Vale, leaving Sansa with what is often referred to as her "final suitor": a Targaryen. This hypothesis suggests that the tourney will be a climactic event where the allies of House Stark and their Targaryen allies will either triumph or face defeat. The nature of this tournament is highly speculative, given that many characters' fates are still uncertain.
During the latest released chapter of the A Song of Ice and Fire series (The Winds of Winter), Sansa is portrayed as having received crucial information about Jon Snow becoming Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. This revelation is significant for Sansa, as it provides her with a potential escape route should Jon's role at the Wall become a liability. In the ideal scenario, Sansa could marry Harry, the Heir to Winterfell, and the two could use the Vale forces to support Stannis and Jon in reclaiming Winterfell. However, Westeros is not known for its idealism, and this plan may not come to fruition.
Uncertain Outcomes and Potential Escape Routes
Given the current events in the Vale, it seems unlikely that the ideal outcome will materialize. With the tourney looming and various plot twists waiting to unfold, it is more probable that Sansa will find herself in circumstances that require her to make a hasty exit. Whether she escapes to the North or allies with Littlefinger in the Riverlands, the most likely scenario is that she will flee the Vale before she has the opportunity to marry Harry. This strategic move could provide her with the experience and power she needs to navigate the dangerous political landscape of Westeros.
As the A Song of Ice and Fire saga continues to captivate readers and fans, the fates of characters like Sansa Stark remain shrouded in mystery. The journey to find answers and the eventual outcomes of her decisions are part of the very appeal of this epic tale. Whether in the pages of the original series or in the creative worlds of fanfiction, the story of Sansa's marriage to Harrold Hardyng and her future in Westeros continues to unfold.