Choosing Between Sky Cells and Dungeons: A Severe Scenario in Westeros

When considering the most distressing and enduring punishment in the realm, the choice between the sunlit sky cells of The Vale and the dark dungeons of the Red Keep in the city of King's landing becomes a striking dilemma. Both options present extreme challenges, but the glancing decision requires an understanding of the psychological, physical, and environmental factors involved. In this article, we delve into the details of each, with an eye for the most treacherous penalties across Westeros.

The Sky Cells of The Vale: Cold and Exposed

The sky cells of The Vale, despite their frosty and potentially fatal drafts, offer a unique set of challenges. Open exposure to the elements, specifically the howling winds and biting mountain cold, make for an extremely taxing and unpleasant experience. The cells lack any semblance of warmth, and the only light comes from the unceasing mountains that encircle The Vale. While the prospect of plummeting to your death is terrifying, there is an undeniable allure in the freedom of being able to leaping off the edge if one so desired. Additionally, the cells may be spacious enough for one’s feet to rest in relative comfort, which is a marked improvement over the mucky and unhygienic conditions found in the dungeons of the Red Keep.

The Black Cells of the Red Keep: Dark and Filthy

The Black Cells of the Red Keep stand as a testament to the cruelty and unequaled darkness that comes with imprisonment. These cells are devoid of any light, leaving the prisoner in perpetual darkness. The lack of natural light can rapidly drive a person to madness, a factor that makes the Black Cells even more terrifying. The cells also have a dense and grimy atmosphere, filled with human and animal excrement. Over time, the floors and walls become saturated with waste, creating a morbid environment where rats and other vermin are a dire threat. The constant presence of these pests increases the risk of infections and further discomfort.

Personal Perspectives

Eddard Stark: Eddard Stark, the heir to Winterfell and a man of honor, struggles with the Black Cells due to the lack of light, the presence of rats, and the foul and unhygienic conditions. These factors combined would drive him into a state of mental torment. The constant gnawing from rats and the smell of decaying flesh would be unbearable. The weight of such despair and the certainty of a grim, unpalatable life makes the Black Cells a place of misery for Eddard Stark.

Tyrion Lannister: In stark contrast, Tyrion Lannister finds the sky cells of The Vale to be a better option. The open walls and the frigid mountain air contribute to a sense of exposed vulnerability. The slightly sloping floor can be unnerving, but the freedom to choose to jump and the potential to see the amazing view from the skies are appealing. The comparison to the Black Cells is stark: the Black Cells are a lightless pit, while the sky cells offer a vista of blackness, making the latter seem more dignified and in harmony with natural surroundings.

Conclusion

When evaluating the choice between the sky cells of The Vale and the black cells of the Red Keep, the personal perspective of the prisoner plays a significant role. For Eddard Stark, the darkness and filth of the Black Cells would be a driving factor towards despair, making the choice a no-brainer. On the other hand, Tyrion Lannister sees the sky cells as a less ideal option but more bearable when compared to the inescapable darkness and foul odor of the Black Cells. Ultimately, the decision hinged on the psychological and physical discomforts each environment offers. Either scenario is a brutal reminder of the brutality that rules in the world of Westeros.