Although Westeros and ‘Game of Thrones‘ fans rejoiced when King Joffrey Baratheon was murdered, his death was a landmark in the show’s narrative. Joffrey was a vicious, rather foolish king, but the king of the Seven Kingdom nonetheless.
His death had major consequences in Westeros’ politics. In episode three of season four, Olenna Tyrell hinted to her granddaughter, Margaery, that she was involved in Joffrey’s murder. The question arises as to how Olena Tyrell managed to poison Joffrey in a royal banquet and what it meant for House Tyrell.
Why Did Olenna Tyrell Murder Joffrey Baratheon?
House Tyrell was following the same strategy as House Lannister did when Robert Baratheon became the King after the rebellion. They wanted to marry their way into the royalty. However, viewers might be confused as to why Olenna Tyrell risked spoiling her and her granddaughter Margaery’s efforts by murdering Joffrey.
In the episode titled ‘The Lion and The Rose’, Olenna approaches Sansa to pay her respects for losing her family in ‘The Red Wedding’. While grazing her neck, Olenna stealthily breaks off a fake jewel from her necklace that was given to her by the Royal jester, Ser Dontos Hollard. It contained a poison called the strangler, which she quietly slips into Joffrey’s drink.
The reason behind Olenna Tyrell’s actions was simply her love for Margaery. As Olenna herself puts it, “You don’t think I would have let you marry that beast, would you?” Olenna was an authoritative and decisive person. Moreover, she thought ahead of herself. With Joffrey gone, a much demure and tamable Tommen would succeed the Iron Throne, making things easier for her granddaughter in the House Lannister.
Olenna also knew the Lannisters needed the Highgarden match with winter approaching. Therefore, Joffrey’s death could never taint House Tyrell’s future in King’s Landing.
How Joffrey Baratheon’s Death Proved Littlefinger’s Power
Performing regicide is not an easy task and always needs a man from the inside. Olenna Tyrell too had a man from the small council, Peter ‘Littlefinger’ Baelish, who helped her orchestrate Joffrey’s murder.
‘Game of Thrones’ fans know that Littlefinger wanted the Iron Throne since the series began. Coming from a humble background, he had to make his way around the world into the Red Keep.
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However, we are shown a glimpse of his power hold in Westeros when he conspires to murder Joffrey with Olenna. Littlefinger was a true businessman who risked his ties with the Lannisters to make new ones with the next powerful family in line, the Tyrells.
He followed his words to the letter, “Chaos is a ladder”. He created unrest within the kingdoms to improve his position.
