A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 6: SANSA
Overview
Sansa accepts a private supper with Margaery Tyrell and Lady Olenna, where the Queen of Thorns pointedly probes Joffrey’s character. Shielded by Butterbumps’s song, Sansa confesses Joffrey’s cruelty. The Tyrells maintain Margaery’s betrothal to Joffrey but reveal a plan to marry Sansa to Willas Tyrell and bring her to Highgarden.
Summary
Sansa receives an invitation to supper from Margaery Tyrell and, wary of courtly traps, nonetheless accepts. Ser Loras escorts her, and their awkward exchange reminds Sansa of his deeds and Renly’s death. At the Maidenvault, Margaery’s kin and attendants welcome Sansa to a lively gathering presided over by the sharp-tongued Lady Olenna.
As Butterbumps performs to create noise and distraction, Lady Olenna bluntly queries Sansa about Joffrey. After initial evasions, Sansa—encouraged by Margaery and reassured by the din—admits Joffrey is a cruel “monster” who ordered her father’s execution and had her beaten by the Kingsguard.
Lady Olenna and Margaery weigh this revelation but do not abandon Margaery’s royal match, noting House Tyrell’s commitment and leverage. Instead, they pivot: Margaery invites Sansa to visit Highgarden, and Lady Olenna reveals their true aim—to see Sansa safely wed within their house.
Sansa briefly mistakes the match for Ser Loras, but Lady Olenna corrects her: the proposal is for Willas Tyrell, heir of Highgarden, learned and kind though lamed in youth. Overwhelmed yet hopeful, Sansa agrees in principle, while the Tyrells plan to use their influence to secure permission for her journey after Joffrey and Margaery wed.
Who Appears
- Sansa StarkSummoned to dine with the Tyrell women; confesses Joffrey’s cruelty; is invited to Highgarden and offered marriage to Willas.
- Lady Olenna TyrellThe Queen of Thorns; pointedly interrogates Sansa about Joffrey; proposes marrying Sansa to her grandson Willas.
- Margaery TyrellJoffrey’s betrothed; hosts Sansa, comforts her, and invites her to Highgarden; supports the plan to wed Sansa to Willas.
- Ser Loras TyrellKingsguard who escorts Sansa; cool after Renly’s death is mentioned; object of Sansa’s brief romantic hope.
- ButterbumpsTyrell fool; performs loudly to mask the women’s private conversation about Joffrey.
- Lady Alerie TyrellMace Tyrell’s wife; hosts among the Tyrell ladies and helps manage the supper.
- Ser Garlan TyrellSeen training in the yard; cited by Loras as the better sword.
- Erryk and Arryk (Left and Right)Lady Olenna’s identical guards who admit Sansa to the Maidenvault.