Review: A Game of Thrones – Chapter 2: Catelyn
Introduction
Chapter 2 of A Game of Thrones, titled “Catelyn,” shifts the narrative perspective to Catelyn Stark, the matriarch of House Stark. This chapter provides crucial insight into her character, emotions, and worldview while also expanding on the political tensions looming over House Stark. Unlike the first chapter, which is dominated by Bran’s innocent perspective and themes of justice and violence, this chapter introduces themes of duty, marriage, conflicting loyalties, and the political complexity of Westeros. Through Catelyn’s eyes, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the contrast between the North and the South, the old gods and the new, and the weight of responsibility that her husband, Eddard Stark, must bear as he is summoned to serve as the Hand of the King.
Plot Overview
The chapter begins in the private chambers of Winterfell, where Catelyn arrives to speak with her husband, Eddard Stark, shortly after he returns from the execution of the Night’s Watch deserter. Catelyn, a woman of the South by birth (hailing from House Tully), feels discomfort in the North, particularly in Ned’s private chamber, which contains a heart tree dedicated to the old gods. This small detail establishes one of the key contrasts between Catelyn and Ned—she follows the Faith of the Seven, the dominant religion in the South, while Ned, like most Northerners, adheres to the worship of the old gods.
Catelyn has urgent news to deliver: a letter has arrived from King’s Landing, informing them that Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King and Ned’s mentor, has died, and that King Robert Baratheon is on his way to Winterfell. The weight of this news is heavy, as Robert’s visit is not just a friendly reunion but a political maneuver. Catelyn understands that Robert will likely ask Ned to replace Jon Arryn as Hand of the King, a position that would force him to leave the North and immerse himself in the dangerous politics of the South.
Catelyn tries to convince Ned that he belongs in the North, ruling Winterfell and raising their children. She fears the consequences of accepting such a position, knowing that the South is a nest of vipers. However, she also acknowledges that duty and honor drive Ned, and if Robert commands him to serve, he will likely feel bound to accept. The chapter ends with the heavy knowledge that change is coming, and whether Catelyn wants it or not, her family’s future is about to be altered forever.
Character Development
Catelyn Stark: A Woman of Duty and Devotion
This chapter provides a deep dive into Catelyn’s character. She is a woman of duty, bound by her roles as wife, mother, and lady of Winterfell. She was born into a noble family in the South and was originally betrothed to Ned’s older brother, Brandon Stark. However, after Brandon’s death at the hands of King Aerys II, she was wed to Ned instead. While their marriage was originally political, genuine love and mutual respect grew between them over time.
Catelyn’s devotion to her family is clear—her primary concern is for her children and her husband’s safety. She is pragmatic and politically astute, understanding the dangers of court politics in King’s Landing far better than Ned does. She fears for him, knowing that his honor and rigid sense of duty make him ill-suited for the deception and power struggles of the royal court.
At the same time, Catelyn struggles with her sense of belonging. Despite being Lady Stark, she remains an outsider in the North in some ways. Her discomfort in Ned’s chamber, where the old gods are honored, is a subtle reminder that she is not entirely at home in Winterfell. This tension between her Southern upbringing and Northern life adds depth to her character and foreshadows the difficult journey ahead.
Eddard Stark: The Burden of Duty
Ned’s character is further developed in this chapter, showing him as a man who deeply values honor and duty. He is reluctant to leave Winterfell and his family, but as Catelyn suspects, he will not refuse Robert’s request if asked. His bond with Robert is strong—they fought together during Robert’s Rebellion—and he still holds a deep respect for the king. However, unlike Catelyn, Ned is not as wary of the South’s political dangers. He sees his duty in simple, honorable terms, whereas Catelyn understands the treachery that lurks beneath.
Themes
Duty vs. Personal Desire
A central theme in this chapter is the conflict between duty and personal desire. Catelyn wants Ned to remain in Winterfell for the sake of their family, but she also knows that duty might require him to leave. Ned, in turn, would rather stay in the North but understands that a request from the king cannot be ignored. This struggle between personal happiness and obligations to the realm is a recurring motif throughout the series.
The North vs. The South
The cultural and political differences between the North and the South are emphasized through Catelyn’s perspective. She views the South as a place of danger, corruption, and intrigue, while Ned sees it through the lens of duty and loyalty. This contrast foreshadows the challenges Ned will face when he inevitably travels to King’s Landing.
The Old Gods vs. The New
The religious divide between Catelyn and Ned subtly reflects a broader theme in the novel—the coexistence and conflict between the old and the new. The North worships the old gods, whose presence is tied to nature and tradition, while the South follows the Faith of the Seven, which is more structured and hierarchical. This division is more than just religious; it represents the broader ideological and cultural contrasts between different regions of Westeros.
Tone and Atmosphere
The tone of this chapter is one of foreboding and quiet tension. Although no immediate danger is present, the arrival of Robert Baratheon signals an inevitable change in the status quo. There is a sense of unease throughout the chapter, as Catelyn fears what is to come, and Ned remains unaware of the full extent of the political dangers in the South. The looming presence of fate and duty adds a heavy atmosphere, as both characters must confront the reality that their lives may soon be altered forever.
Conclusion
Chapter 2 of A Game of Thrones serves as an important foundation for the novel’s unfolding events. Through Catelyn’s perspective, readers gain insight into the political stakes at play and the personal conflicts brewing within House Stark. The chapter deepens the reader’s understanding of both Catelyn and Ned, highlighting their love, their differences, and the burdens they bear. It also sets the stage for one of the most significant decisions in the story—Ned’s acceptance of the role as Hand of the King—which will ultimately lead to drastic consequences for the entire Stark family.
By blending personal struggles with political intrigue, this chapter masterfully establishes the central conflicts that will define the rest of the novel, making it a crucial moment in A Song of Ice and Fire.
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