Unnoticed Game of Thrones Plot Hole That Everyone Overlooks

Overview of Game of Thrones Plot Inconsistencies

Daenerys Targaryen’s failure to detect the Iron Fleet from a great height highlights a significant narrative gap in the series.
The unanticipated arrival of Lord Baelish during the Battle of the Bastards prompts confusion among fans.
Speculation surrounds Baelish potentially negotiating a deal with the crannogmen to sidestep Moat Cailin, raising questions about storyline coherence.

Game of Thrones, while a cultural phenomenon, is not immune to plot holes and inconsistencies. Noteworthy examples include Daenerys’ inability to observe an entire naval fleet from above and the narrative choice to have Arya Stark defeat the Night King despite the impending threat of the White Walkers.

However, one of the most perplexing inconsistencies lies in Season 6, where a contingent of the Knights of the Vale, led by Lord Baelish, comes to Jon Snow’s assistance during the Battle of the Bastards. The conundrum isn’t solely their timely arrival but rather the logistics of how they accomplished this feat at all.

The Knights of the Vale’s Journey Past Moat Cailin: A Critical Analysis

The Challenges of Moat Cailin

While not explicitly shown, it is suggested that Lord Baelish managed to maneuver the Knights of the Vale around Moat Cailin, a strategic stronghold held by the Boltons. Known for its pivotal location along the Kingsroad, Moat Cailin serves as the sole land access point to the North.

The fortifications, despite being in ruins, are surrounded by treacherous swamplands that create a natural barrier to invaders. Any attempt to circumvent this stronghold would typically result in dire consequences, not only from the defenses but also from the lethal tactics employed by the crannogmen native to the area. Nevertheless, Baelish seemingly bypasses these well-known challenges, leaving observers questioning the plausibility of the situation.

Did Baelish Form an Alliance with the Crannogmen?

A Master of Political Maneuvering

As is often the case with formidable fortresses in Westeros, navigating around or through Moat Cailin poses challenges, yet it remains feasible under certain circumstances. Leveraging his reputation for persuasion, Littlefinger likely sought an alliance with the crannogmen.

These inhabitants are traditionally allied with House Reed, which, in turn, maintains fealty to House Stark. If Littlefinger convincingly positions himself as a pro-Stark ally, it is plausible that House Reed would consider allowing safe passage, provided that Moat Cailin becomes inaccessible.

However, the significant challenge lies in locating House Reed, as their base, Greywater Watch, is known for its elusive nature, rumored to shift locations within the bogs. Speculating that Baelish brokered an arrangement for safe passage through diplomatic cunning adds another layer to this narrative complexity.

The Overextended Bolton Army

Minimal Force Needed for Moat Cailin

Ramsay Bolton’s ambition leads to overextending his forces, crucially affecting defenses such as Moat Cailin. His desire for dominion over Winterfell may have resulted in insufficient troops to man the fortress, a critical oversight given its importance as a defensive position.

Established by both the series and the supporting literature, minimal forces can effectively repel larger aggressors at strategic strongholds like Moat Cailin. The idea that Ramsay overlooked such a vital location raises questions about his acumen as a military leader. His character is not portrayed as reckless; instead, he demonstrates a considerable degree of tactical awareness.

Exploring Alternative Routes

Beyond Moat Cailin

While Moat Cailin is a key land route, it is not the only passage to the North. The port of White Harbor, located along the southeastern coast, connects inland via the White Knife River. A viable strategy for the Knights of the Vale would be to traverse the sea from Gulltown, bypassing Moat Cailin entirely, and then sailing to Winterfell via White Harbor.

Interestingly, the narrative of Game of Thrones neglects to mention the Vale fleet, which further complicates the coherence of this plot. In Season 6, Episode 4 (“Book of the Stranger”), Littlefinger asserts that Robyn Arryn’s forces are stationed at Moat Cailin, leading to the question of why they would need to navigate around an area they are already controlling.

Lack of Awareness from Ramsay and Northern Lords

If the Knights of the Vale were indeed situated at Moat Cailin, their maneuvering must have been observed by local lords loyal to Ramsay Bolton. The logistics of traversing the area should have raised red flags, especially considering the communication capabilities of the time—swift messages could traverse the North just as rapidly as they did in King’s Landing.

This raises a crucial point: when convenient plot elements overshadow narrative logic, inconsistencies arise, as demonstrated by the series’ handling of this storyline.

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