Race: Human (Valemen)
Sex: Male
Faction: House Arryn
Overall Rating: 1.7
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Arena Status: Inactive (S1)
Robin Arryn, also known as Robert Arryn in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, is a character that while minor, plays a role of noteworthy significance in the grand scheme of the Seven Kingdoms.
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| Sweetrobin, Lord of the Vale by poly-m, Deviant Art |
Robin makes his first appearance in the first book of the series, "A Game of Thrones". He is the only child of Jon and Lysa Arryn, Jon being the Hand of King Robert Baratheon and Lysa being the sister of Catelyn Stark. His father's early death sets in motion the events of the entire series, as it's his mysterious demise that leads Eddard Stark to King's Landing, beginning the cascade of the Stark family's tribulations.
Upon our introduction to Robin, it's clear he's not a typical lord-in-waiting. He is physically frail and often sickly, a stark contrast to the brawny and bold lords we've met before. He suffers from epileptic seizures, which the maesters have yet to fully understand or cure. Furthermore, he's emotionally unstable, prone to tantrums and erratic behavior. Martin describes him as "small for his age, with a sickly face made worse by an unfortunate squint." His mother's extreme coddling, including breastfeeding him well past infancy, is a factor in his physical and emotional instability.
The Vale, Robin's territory, is a pivotal location in the world of Westeros, a fact that shapes his character's role in the narrative. The Eyrie, the seat of House Arryn, is virtually impregnable and grants Robin and his mother a safe vantage point to observe the chaos of the realm. Martin paints an ethereal picture of the Eyrie as being "up in the sky", a realm that's both physically and metaphorically above the realm's tumultuous events.
Robin's relationship with his mother is central to his character. His mother, Lady Lysa, is fiercely protective of him to the point of neurosis. After her husband's death, Lysa retreated to the Vale with Robin, refusing to involve herself or her son in the ongoing conflicts of Westeros. Her intentions may have been to protect him, but her actions left Robin sheltered, spoiled, and utterly dependent.
Robin’s storyline takes a darker turn when Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger, enters the scene. A childhood friend turned suitor for Lysa, Petyr quickly marries her and becomes a stepfather to Robin. However, Littlefinger's motives are anything but altruistic. Robin is, at best, an obstacle to be dealt with, and at worst, a pawn to be used in Littlefinger's ruthless political maneuvers. After Lysa's death, Littlefinger becomes Lord Protector of the Vale, effectively making him Robin's guardian and the power behind his throne.
Robin’s character also helps reveal the darker side of several other characters. Sansa Stark, for instance, initially envisions Robin as a fairytale prince due to his lordly title and their betrothal. However, she quickly becomes disillusioned by his childishness and frailty. Martin captures this sentiment perfectly in "A Feast for Crows" where Sansa thinks, "Robert Arryn was no sort of prince. The boy was the sickliest thing that she had ever laid eyes upon, pale and delicate with his stick-thin limbs and that wheezing laughter."
Throughout the series, Robin's life is repeatedly threatened, his weakness exploited, and his innocence shattered. Yet, despite his shortcomings, Robin's place as the Lord of the Vale puts him in the position of a kingmaker, his alliances and allegiances having the potential to tip the balance of power in Westeros.
As we wait for the release of "The Winds of Winter", Robin's fate remains uncertain. His health continues to deteriorate, and his susceptibility to manipulation remains, leaving us to ponder his role in the books to come. Nevertheless, his story is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of a world where power, politics, and survival intertwine, shaping and often marring even the most innocent of lives.
In this extensive portrayal of Robin Arryn's character, we have unveiled the layers of a fragile yet powerful lordling who sits at the center of the complex political web of Westeros. His narrative is an essential part of the intricate tapestry of intrigue and power that is A Song of Ice and Fire.
Robert Arryn's Raw Power
Examining Robin Arryn's raw power in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, we can establish that it is almost non-existent. The young Lord of the Vale's frail and sickly disposition leaves him with no physical strength to speak of, making him one of the physically weakest characters in the realm of Westeros.
Martin vividly describes Robin's physical inadequacy, writing that "he was a painfully thin child, small for his age," suffering from ailments like constant shaking fits and a persistently weak constitution. The image created is one of a boy who has little to no power in the traditional sense, either physical or magical.
In the world of fantasy where beings conjure magic and display feats of immense physical strength, Robin unfortunately doesn't contribute to either category. He has no magical abilities, nor does he possess any innate powers outside the norm for a human child in the world of Westeros. Even the political power his title could offer is heavily manipulated and overshadowed by others.
Given these parameters, Robin Arryn's rating for raw power, when compared to all fantasy characters across all universes, is a clear 1. The sickly boy Lord of the Vale, despite his noble status, lacks the physical strength, magical prowess, and independence that form the basis for raw power.
Robert Arryn's Tactical Ability
Robin Arryn's tactical ability, when evaluated within the universe of A Song of Ice and Fire and more broadly across all fantasy universes, is rather minimal. Despite his noble title as the Lord of the Vale, Robin's age and sheltered upbringing leave him with limited understanding and competence in matters of strategy and decision-making.
There's a telling scene where Robin demonstrates his naivety about his strategic decisions, requesting his mother Lysa to allow him to see Tyrion Lannister fly, unaware of the diplomatic consequences that could arise from such an action. Lysa, despite her doting nature, chides him for such a thought. The boy doesn't possess a clear understanding of the political ramifications of his actions and is easily swayed by those around him. As George R.R. Martin writes, "Robert wanted everyone who came into the Eyrie to see him fly. Even Septa Mordane, and she was afraid of heights."
His lack of tactical ability is further emphasized by his reliance on his mother and later, his caretaker Petyr Baelish, to make decisions on his behalf. While one could argue that his reliance on others is a strategy in itself, it’s clear that he doesn’t actively participate in this decision-making process, instead leaving it to those he trusts blindly.
On a scale of 1 to 10 in comparison to all fantasy characters across all universes, Robin's tactical ability would be placed at a 1.5. This score is a reflection of his young age, naivety, and lack of tactical exposure rather than a critique of his potential. It is plausible that with time and proper guidance, he could develop the skills to become a strategic leader. However, in his current state and considering his observable actions, Robin has displayed minimal tactical ability.
Robert Arryn's Influence
Evaluating Robin Arryn's influence or ability to sway others is an interesting task. As a character in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, he holds the lofty title of Lord of the Eyrie, yet his tender age and childlike demeanor often belies his actual station.
While he does not possess the charismatic leadership or silver-tongued manipulation that is seen in many influential fantasy characters, his title and position inherently bequeath him a certain level of authority. He wields power over the Vale, not through personal merit or tact, but through lineage. However, his mother Lysa and her consort Petyr Baelish primarily manipulate this authority.
It's apparent that Robin's personal influence is limited, a point subtly underscored by George R.R. Martin when he writes, "Robert was small for his age... He was a sickly child, afflicted with the shaking sickness, and his head was too large for his body. His lordship was past six. A frail boy, he did not walk until late and had never been strong."
Robin's true power is his position, which others use to their advantage. Petyr Baelish cleverly positions himself as the boy's mentor and effectively becomes the de facto ruler of the Vale in the process. This dynamic shows that while Robin holds the title, others with greater cunning and ambition can easily influence his decisions.
Given all of this, when we place Robin Arryn on a scale from 1 to 10 for influence, he would likely fall at a 3. While his noble title holds sway in the Vale, his actual personal ability to lead or manipulate is severely lacking, largely due to his age, health, and sheltered upbringing. Even with his nominal position of power, Robin remains a pawn, more influenced than influential. However, in the grand scope of fantasy characters, his title and its associated power grants him a non-negligible score.
Robert Arryn's Resilience
In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, resilience is an attribute many characters display in the face of adversity, be it physical, emotional, or political. Robin Arryn, known also as Sweetrobin, is a rather complex character in this regard. Born into power but plagued by health issues, his resilience is more a matter of survival than ambition.
As Lord of the Eyrie, Robin is consistently surrounded by courtly danger and intrigue, yet he remains largely unscathed, often due to the protection of others, notably his mother, Lysa, and later, Petyr Baelish. However, his very survival can be seen as a form of resilience, considering his fragile health and the ruthless world he inhabits. Robin suffers from regular debilitating seizures, often brought on by stress, an affliction his maester struggles to control. As Martin writes, “The boy was shaking... His arms flailed against the sheets... Alayne could see the whites of his eyes.”
That said, his resilience, or perhaps more accurately, his survival, has less to do with his own strength or tenacity, and more to do with the circumstances of his birth and the protection offered by those around him. He rarely confronts adversity head-on, instead retreating into childish behaviors, and he shows little capacity to bounce back from emotional or physical setbacks independently.
Considering the scale of all fantasy characters across all universes, Robin Arryn's resilience is considerably low. On a scale of 1 to 10, his resilience would rank a 2. He survives primarily through the efforts of others, not through his own fortitude or resolve. His physical health is poor and his emotional resilience is lacking, often requiring the calming presence of his caretaker to recover from upsets. This gives him a low score in this category, but not a complete zero, acknowledging his continued survival in a world as harsh as Westeros.
Robert Arryn's Versatility
When examining the versatility of Robin Arryn, we consider the breadth of his skills and adaptability to changing situations. Within the universe of A Song of Ice and Fire, Robin exhibits minimal versatility.
His sheltered upbringing within the Eyrie, under the overprotective care of his mother, Lysa, and later, Petyr Baelish, has stunted his development. He is consistently described as frail and sickly, with neither combat skills nor a breadth of knowledge, unlike many of his peers in the fantasy universe. His limited exposure to the world outside the Eyrie also restricts his ability to adapt to varying situations.
We see Robin struggle when presented with challenges. In A Feast for Crows, when Sansa (as Alayne) tries to get him to leave his chambers, Martin writes, "The Lord of the Eyrie stood in his bedchamber with his bedclothes hanging off him, staring at the snow." The unfamiliar environment of the snow-covered outdoors terrifies him, highlighting his lack of adaptability.
The nature of his position as Lord of the Eyrie does grant him some capacity for influence, but his ability to utilize this effectively is limited. Despite his title, he lacks the physical strength, tactical ability, and charisma often associated with it.
Considering these factors, on a scale of 1-10, Robin Arryn’s versatility would merit a score of 1. The young lord's upbringing and health issues have constrained his abilities, leaving him ill-prepared to face varying situations or challenges. While he does hold a high position of power that could offer a breadth of skills, his ability to utilize this position is notably limited. Thus, his versatility ranks low in comparison to other fantasy characters across different universes.
Robert Arryn's Alignment
In terms of lawfulness, Robin’s actions largely adhere to the established rules and traditions of his society, particularly the feudal hierarchy of Westeros. His position as the Lord of the Eyrie and Warden of the East, albeit largely titular due to his age, is something he never questions. Robin presides over the court and oversees judgements, like when Tyrion Lannister was tried for the attempted murder of Bran Stark. This adherence to his societal role suggests an alignment of Lawful. However, he is also often seen as capricious, especially under the influence of his mother, Lysa, as when he whimsically orders people thrown out of the Moon Door. Thus, while he largely aligns with Lawful, the occasional chaotic influence of his guardians could perhaps shift him towards Lawful Neutral.
As for the axis of good and evil, Robin doesn’t display malicious intentions or actions that would characterize him as 'Evil.' However, his actions also don't display a consistent drive towards altruism or selflessness that would suggest a 'Good' alignment. His behavior appears to be driven more by self-interest and fear, influenced heavily by his guardians. For instance, in A Game of Thrones, when Tyrion Lannister is accused of trying to kill Bran Stark, Robin eagerly suggests making him "fly," demonstrating a lack of empathy.
Consequently, Robin Arryn could be described as Lawful Neutral. This reflects his adherence to the rules and expectations of his position, but also his lack of a clear moral compass that would shift him towards either good or evil. However, as with all characters in Martin's intricate universe, Robin's alignment is subject to change as he matures and develops further within the narrative. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Sweetrobin's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #107 (of 107) |
Overall Conclusion on Robert Arryn and Position Across Planes of Existence
Overall, when evaluating Robin Arryn within the realm of the myriad characters found in all fantasy universes, he ranks rather low at 1.7 out of 10. This isn't a dismissal of his character but rather an evaluation based on the defined criteria of Raw Power, Tactical Ability, Influence/Persuasion, Resilience, and Versatility.
Robin's lack of physical strength, magical abilities, or special skills earns him a low rating in terms of Raw Power. His sheltered upbringing and indulgent mother have not encouraged the development of these qualities. He isn't a warrior, wizard, or rogue - roles typically filled by leading characters in the fantasy genre, and his power lies in his name and birthright, not in his personal capabilities.
As for Tactical Ability, his lack of experience, due to his age and the protection of his mother, has left him without much room to exercise strategic or tactical thinking. Although this could change as he grows older and gains more independence, as of now, he's largely guided by his guardians.
When it comes to Influence, Robin's title and position offer him influence, but it’s largely ceremonial. His youth and easily manipulated nature make it difficult for him to wield influence effectively.
His Resilience score is perhaps his highest, due to his ability to endure his mother's death and adapt to new guardians. But it's still relatively low compared to other characters who face greater adversities.
In terms of Versatility, Robin has had little opportunity to develop a broad skill set or adaptability, resulting in another low score.
With this in mind, we want to apologize to YouTuber Preston Jacobs. We understand his affection for Sweetrobin and appreciate the depth of analysis he brings to the A Song of Ice and Fire series. This low ranking isn't an attempt to belittle Robin's character but rather an assessment based on the aforementioned criteria.
Furthermore, while Robin may rank at the bottom of our current evaluations, that doesn't mean he'll remain there. This study is fluid and changing, as we continue to examine characters from various fantasy universes. It's entirely possible that we'll encounter characters who rate lower than Robin. Moreover, as the A Song of Ice and Fire series continues, Robin’s character may evolve, and his score may rise accordingly.
In conclusion, Robin Arryn, while important to the narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire, ranks low across our evaluation criteria. He represents a distinct type of character in fantasy literature - the vulnerable, high-born child, a pawn in the game of thrones. His character serves as a reminder that power, influence, and resilience come in various forms and are not always wielded by the strongest or most obvious characters. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
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