The Art of War and the Trojan Horse

[Here's Looking At You, Kid]

What follows are taken from The Art of War, a book by a legendary Chinese philosopher. 

"In chaos, there is also opportunity"

A technique employed by the weaker side (Harpy) to harass the strong (Free People of Meereen), or for the weak (Pete Baelish) to take down the strong (Stark, Tully, Arryn, Baratheon).

"Appear strong when weak"

Aegon of Dunk & Egg uses this to psyche out Lord Butterwell in "The Mystery Knight."

"Know thy enemy"

The master of this strategy is obviously Mance Rayder.  He took risks to scout Robert and the Starks before making his move against the North.

"Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you make your move, fall like a thunderbolt."

Walder, Roose, and Tywin with the red wedding.  They kept their secret and then fell on the Starks. 

 

Odysseus and his Trojan Horse - from Greek mythology. 

Mance Rayder used the magic Horn to work his way past the wall. 

Daenerys used a Trojan Dragon to rescue eunuch infantrymen from their slave masters in Astapor. 

I invite you to add to the list.  Fellow Americans, enjoy a safe and happy Memorial Day. 

[Moiraine Sedai]

Ramsey pulled a neat trick to root the IB out of Moat Cailin.  

[Fencer]

My personal favorite from The Art of War: All conflict is deception.  Used throughout the series, but possibly best by Tywin and Tyrion.

[Moiraine Sedai]

Where does the conquest of WF by Theon fall?  It is deception. He took WF easily.  Theon made Bran helpless and hopeless. The Greyjoys destroyed Bran.  

[Only 89 selfies today]

"Before you seek revenge, dig two graves"  It means dig one for yourself as well.  Applies to Arya Stark.  She will die too.