Game Of Thrones: Red Wedding did not exist in George RR Martin’s original outline and Catelyn Stark’s death was even more gruesome - Find out

There can never be another show that matches the frenzy surrounding the cult phenomenon of Game of Thrones. Based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels, the series is one of the most revered of our times. It was praised for its bold storytelling, unapologetically breaking away from fan service to craft a narrative that suited its complex world. The shock of seeing Ned Stark killed early on, when you thought he was the hero, still lingers for many. Another unforgettable moment was the Red Wedding, where Robb Stark and Catelyn Stark met their brutal end. But did you know that the Red Wedding wasn’t part of Martin’s original outline? 

Red Wedding Wasn’t in the Initial Plan

For those unaware, the Red Wedding occurred in Season 3, Episode 9 of Game of Thrones. Robb Stark, his wife, and Catelyn Stark are lured into a wedding celebration, only to be betrayed and massacred by their supposed allies. This haunting sequence has left a lasting mark on fans old and new. However, recent revelations indicate that the Red Wedding wasn’t part of Martin’s initial vision for the series. Instead, Robb and Catelyn were meant to meet very different fates.

George R.R. Martin’s original outline for the story differed greatly from what fans read in the books or watched on-screen. According to Screen Rant, the early plan didn’t include the Red Wedding. Robb Stark was instead envisioned to die on the battlefield. In this version, he was portrayed as a warrior who achieved victories against the Lannisters but ultimately fell in combat.

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What About Catelyn Stark?

In this alternate storyline, Catelyn Stark was not present at Robb’s death. This absence eliminates the iconic and heart-wrenching moment where she weeps over her son’s lifeless body, only to have her throat slit by an assassin. That unforgettable scene, which shocked fans worldwide, simply didn’t exist in Martin’s initial draft.

But what happens to Catelyn in this version? The original outline took her story in an entirely different direction. Instead of dying at the Red Wedding or becoming Lady Stoneheart—a vengeful character from the books—Catelyn takes her children to the Wall for safety after Ned Stark’s death. When Benjen Stark is unable to help her, she ventures beyond the Wall. Her story ends tragically, as she is killed by the “Others,” also known as the White Walkers.

This divergence would have fundamentally changed the trajectory of the series and the books. Fans can only imagine how different the Game of Thrones universe might have been without the Red Wedding or Catelyn Stark’s dramatic arc.

You can watch all seasons of Game of Thrones and its prequel, House of the Dragon, on JioCinema in India with your OTTplay Premium subscription. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates from the world of streaming and films.

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