11 examples of George R.R. Martin’s subtle foreshadowing in A Song of Ice and Fire
By John Fallon
4. Walder Frey abides by his own rules
At Winterfell in A Clash of Kings, the Walders like to play a game. The gist goes like this: you have to give oaths in order to cross a bridge, and must keep them unless you can slip in the word “mayhaps.” If you do slip it in unnoticed, then you are free to break that oaths.
"The lord could make them swear oaths and answer questions. They didn’t have to tell the truth, but the oaths were binding unless they said ‘Mayhaps,’ so the trick was to say ‘Mayhaps’ so the lord of the crossing didn’t notice. Then you could try to knock the lord into the water and you got to be lord of the crossing, but only if you’d said ‘Mayhaps.’ Bran, A Clash of Kings"
Fast forward to the next book, and you’ll see how this land the Starks into trouble. Before entering the Twins for Edmure Tully’s wedding, Catelyn tells Robb to make sure he is offered food and to eat it, because according to tradition anyone who eats of a host’s food means they are safe in that lord’s hall.
When Catelyn asks for bread and salt, however, Walder Frey subtly drops this gem:
"“My lord!” Catelyn had almost forgotten. “Some food would be most welcome. We have ridden many leagues in the rain.” Walder Frey’s mouth moved in and out. “Food, heh. A loaf of bread, a bite of cheese, mayhaps a sausage.” “Some wine to wash it down,” Robb said. “And salt.” “Bread and salt. Heh. Of course, of course.” Catelyn, A Storm of Swords"
And here’s another scene when Edmure first meets his bride Roslin Frey:
"Walder Frey: “We’ll have music, such sweet music, and wine, heh, the red will run, and we’ll put some wrongs aright. But now you’re weary, and wet as well, dripping on my floor. There’s fires waiting for you, and hot mulled wine, and baths if you want ’em. Lothar, show our guests to their quarters.” “I need to see my men across the river, my lord,” Robb said. “They shan’t get lost,” Lord Walder complained. “They’ve crossed before, haven’t they? When you came down from the north. You wanted crossing, and I gave it, and you never said mayhaps, heh. But suit yourself. Lead each man across by the hand if you like, it’s naught to me.” Catelyn, A Storm of Swords"
The entire time, the children’s game was foreshadowing the escalating situation at the Twins over the course of the war. Robb crossed the bridge, swore an oath but never said “mayhaps,” and then broke that oath and faced the consequences. At least Walder Frey said “mayhaps” before going back on his guarantee of safety. Say what you will about Martin pulling the rug out from under us and killing off our beloved characters in an instant, but you can’t say he doesn’t play fair. The clues are always there.
