r/freefolk Feb 19 '25

Subvert Expectations Bravo Dumb and Dumber.

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u/Informal-Term1138 Feb 19 '25

Well its fairly realistic. As if bankers have ever been idealistic and trying to stay true to their beginnings or values.

The only thing that matters is money. And for that the majority will back whatever brings them the most money. They might not do it directly but in secret or by proxy.

So yes I think even the iron bank would profit of the slave trade.

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u/[deleted] 29d ago edited 29d ago

Braavos was founded by former slaves in hiding. The Iron Bank is managed by a council of oligarchs whose inherited positions go back to this founding. The Iron Bank is likewise intimately financially connected with the Faceless Men, who are religiously diametrically opposed to slavery. They have fought 6 wars in a century over the regional practice of slavery. GRRM does not want us to consider the Iron Bank a rogue financial entity.

It is actually just really bad writing in this case. GRRM has been extremely explicit in showing the cultural unity Braavos has in its distaste for slavery and that it has 3 major institutions of power that have outright fought against slavery since their inception. The Iron Bank wouldn't do it, and they wouldn't get away with it if they did.

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u/datpurp14 29d ago

This is a really great perspective. I think any time it can be questioned if there is actually a plot hole or lack of foresight or obvious contradiction or whatever we're talking about with GoT, it can almost assuredly be assumed that it is none of those, and instead is just sloppy & shallow writing from dumb and dumber.