Why does Ramsay Snow engineer a sham escape?











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I have watched Season 3 of Game of Thrones twice now and I still don't understand why Ramsay Snow engineers a sham escape for Theon Greyjoy.



Just to recap for anyone that does not remember, Ramsay, who is the illegitimate son of Lord Bolton, pretends to be a menial servant after Theon is betrayed and handed over to the Boltons at Winterfell. Then Ramsay, still pretending to be a servant, helps Theon escape, even killing 3 of the Bolton men pursuing him. He then leads Theon back to the Bolton Castle while pretending to lead him to freedom and Theon is imprisoned again.



What is the purpose of this sham escape? Is it explained in the book? Maybe explanatory material was edited out of the film?










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    up vote
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    down vote

    favorite
    1












    I have watched Season 3 of Game of Thrones twice now and I still don't understand why Ramsay Snow engineers a sham escape for Theon Greyjoy.



    Just to recap for anyone that does not remember, Ramsay, who is the illegitimate son of Lord Bolton, pretends to be a menial servant after Theon is betrayed and handed over to the Boltons at Winterfell. Then Ramsay, still pretending to be a servant, helps Theon escape, even killing 3 of the Bolton men pursuing him. He then leads Theon back to the Bolton Castle while pretending to lead him to freedom and Theon is imprisoned again.



    What is the purpose of this sham escape? Is it explained in the book? Maybe explanatory material was edited out of the film?










    share|improve this question


























      up vote
      28
      down vote

      favorite
      1









      up vote
      28
      down vote

      favorite
      1






      1





      I have watched Season 3 of Game of Thrones twice now and I still don't understand why Ramsay Snow engineers a sham escape for Theon Greyjoy.



      Just to recap for anyone that does not remember, Ramsay, who is the illegitimate son of Lord Bolton, pretends to be a menial servant after Theon is betrayed and handed over to the Boltons at Winterfell. Then Ramsay, still pretending to be a servant, helps Theon escape, even killing 3 of the Bolton men pursuing him. He then leads Theon back to the Bolton Castle while pretending to lead him to freedom and Theon is imprisoned again.



      What is the purpose of this sham escape? Is it explained in the book? Maybe explanatory material was edited out of the film?










      share|improve this question















      I have watched Season 3 of Game of Thrones twice now and I still don't understand why Ramsay Snow engineers a sham escape for Theon Greyjoy.



      Just to recap for anyone that does not remember, Ramsay, who is the illegitimate son of Lord Bolton, pretends to be a menial servant after Theon is betrayed and handed over to the Boltons at Winterfell. Then Ramsay, still pretending to be a servant, helps Theon escape, even killing 3 of the Bolton men pursuing him. He then leads Theon back to the Bolton Castle while pretending to lead him to freedom and Theon is imprisoned again.



      What is the purpose of this sham escape? Is it explained in the book? Maybe explanatory material was edited out of the film?







      game-of-thrones






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      edited 2 days ago









      Rand al'Thor

      6,29033564




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      asked Nov 26 at 22:33









      Tyler Durden

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          7 Answers
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          up vote
          105
          down vote













          What could be more torturous than thinking you are so close to freedom and safety to only realize suddenly that you are completely trapped again?



          Ramsey wants to break him mentally as much as he wants to harm him physically. He is going to show that he has total control over all of Reek's life.






          share|improve this answer

















          • 78




            Not only that. That simulated escape prevented him to try to escape when his sister went to rescue him. He thought it was another trap from Ramsay.
            – Chococroc
            Nov 27 at 8:20






          • 16




            Agreed. It's a mental torture, more powerful and effective than any physical torture. This also helps to draw Ramsay's character as a sadistic psychopath who has no limits.
            – Shadow Wizard
            Nov 27 at 14:02








          • 11




            More specifically, this is an extreme case of gaslighting. He's breaking Theon of his ability to trust his own judgement of a situation.
            – Shufflepants
            Nov 27 at 16:40






          • 2




            I agree with @ShadowWizard's point about his personality as well. Ramsey is a sick individual. There's really no doubt he would have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. The torture is practical, but Ramsey also clearly gets a kick out of doing it.
            – Broots Waymb
            yesterday


















          up vote
          29
          down vote













          In the books, the situation is fairly different by this point, but Ramsay is well known for enjoying the sight of his victims thinking they have escaped, only to find out it was a sham.



          From A Dance With Dragons - Reek 1 (A Theon Chapter)




          He had run before. Years ago, it seemed, when he still had some strength in him, when he had still been defiant. That time it had been Kyra with the keys. She told him she had stolen them, that she knew a postern gate that was never guarded. "Take me back to Winterfell, m'lord," she begged, pale-faced and trembling. "I don't know the way. I can't escape alone. Come with me, please." And so he had. The gaoler was dead drunk in a puddle of wine, with his breeches down around his ankles. The dungeon door was open and the postern gate had been unguarded, just as she had said. They waited for the moon to go behind a cloud, then slipped from the castle and splashed across the Weeping Water, stumbling over stones, half-frozen by the icy stream. On the far side, he had kissed her. "You've saved us," he said. Fool. Fool.



          It had all been a trap, a game, a jape. Lord Ramsay loved the chase and preferred to hunt two-legged prey. All night they ran through the darkling wood, but as the sun came up the sound of a distant horn came faintly through the trees, and they heard the baying of a pack of hounds. "We should split up," he told Kyra as the dogs drew closer. "They cannot track us both." The girl was crazed with fear, though, and refused to leave his side, even when he swore that he would raise a host of ironborn and come back for her if she should be the one they followed.







          share|improve this answer








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          Rowan Ingram is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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          • 4




            +1 and there's also a line in the books showing how well this conditioning worked, leaving Theon too afraid of traps to take opportunities: "Theon drew the dagger. All I need do is turn and stab [Ramsay]. The knife is in my hand. He knew the game by then. Another trap he told himself [...] He wants me to try kill him. And when I fail, he'll...". More on this under the related Q about Season 5, Was Theon always loyal to Sansa?
            – user568458
            yesterday








          • 1




            I would also mention how he so successfully conditions Theon that later in the show he even thinks his sister is a trap causing a failed rescue attempt
            – Andrey
            yesterday


















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          In addition to the answers that already explain how Ramsay used it as psychological torture to ensure that Theon wouldn't try to escape again in case it was another of Ramsay's traps, in the context of the show he also uses it as a way to interrogate Theon.



          As Theon begins to trust the person who helped him escape, he confides in Ramsay at that moment that he never actually killed Bran and Rickon, but instead burned the bodies of 2 farm boys and posed them as the Stark children.



          Ramsay later uses this information and shares it with Roose so that they can attempt to track down and kill the remaining Starks, as they could cause problems for them later on by potentially rallying other Northmen who support the Starks against the Boltons.






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            I believe one more aspect was not covered by previous answers: Ramsay killing some Bolton men during the escape. IIRC, the older Lord Bolton was wary of his bastard, especially as he was (validly) the prime suspect to have killed the legitimate son and so rise to inheritance. So Ramsay was watched and guarded, to not do any more stupidities. And he was eager to lose the tail, perhaps even putting the blame on Theon if need be.






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            • 1




              This seems like a nice prospect for what he could have done, albeit a very minor one.
              – TheLethalCarrot
              Nov 27 at 16:18


















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            In the TV show Ramsey engineers the escape so that he can claim the credit for recapturing Theon. During the escape he murders the Bolton men, then takes Theon back to the keep and announces that he has recaptured him.



            One of the murdered Bolton men was Theon's interrogator, clearing the way for Ramsey to take over that role.






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              This is difficult to say for sure, as the same event doesn't occur in the books, but judging the TV episodes entirely on their own the motive seemed to be twofold.



              First, Ramsay is doing it for kicks: the prospect of Theon thinking he was free only to find himself imprisoned again was something that Ramsay thought would be amusing.



              Second, Ramsay at this point did not have a huge amount of power. He did not have a great deal of authority, and was not yet gained his father's approval (much less legitimisation). By helping to "recapture" Theon, Ramsay could show his usefulness within his House.



              Bonus potential motive: Ramsay may have had a grudge against the other Bolton men he killed. Certainly he needed to kill them in order that the ruse was realistic to Theon, and also because his second motive would require he eliminate the competition. However, it is possible that there was animosity between the most prominant of the Bolton men (the one who was going to rape Theon) and Ramsay. Certainly his last words of "you little bastard" would indicate a lack of respect on his part. Notably it was the thing that Ramsay hated being called, most of all.






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                1
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                To teach the prisoner that trying to escape is so risky there basically is no real chance for escape. Next time an opportunity appears he will likely remember the first time and how it went and then he won't try.



                This protects Ramsay in case there would in fact be a real chance of him escaping, because the prisoner likely won't dare to try it. So the prisoners actually end up wanting to stay.






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                • 1




                  And this is proven later on when there is an attempt to break him out and he refuses to leave fearing it's another trick.
                  – Virusbomb
                  12 hours ago



















                7 Answers
                7






                active

                oldest

                votes








                7 Answers
                7






                active

                oldest

                votes









                active

                oldest

                votes






                active

                oldest

                votes








                up vote
                105
                down vote













                What could be more torturous than thinking you are so close to freedom and safety to only realize suddenly that you are completely trapped again?



                Ramsey wants to break him mentally as much as he wants to harm him physically. He is going to show that he has total control over all of Reek's life.






                share|improve this answer

















                • 78




                  Not only that. That simulated escape prevented him to try to escape when his sister went to rescue him. He thought it was another trap from Ramsay.
                  – Chococroc
                  Nov 27 at 8:20






                • 16




                  Agreed. It's a mental torture, more powerful and effective than any physical torture. This also helps to draw Ramsay's character as a sadistic psychopath who has no limits.
                  – Shadow Wizard
                  Nov 27 at 14:02








                • 11




                  More specifically, this is an extreme case of gaslighting. He's breaking Theon of his ability to trust his own judgement of a situation.
                  – Shufflepants
                  Nov 27 at 16:40






                • 2




                  I agree with @ShadowWizard's point about his personality as well. Ramsey is a sick individual. There's really no doubt he would have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. The torture is practical, but Ramsey also clearly gets a kick out of doing it.
                  – Broots Waymb
                  yesterday















                up vote
                105
                down vote













                What could be more torturous than thinking you are so close to freedom and safety to only realize suddenly that you are completely trapped again?



                Ramsey wants to break him mentally as much as he wants to harm him physically. He is going to show that he has total control over all of Reek's life.






                share|improve this answer

















                • 78




                  Not only that. That simulated escape prevented him to try to escape when his sister went to rescue him. He thought it was another trap from Ramsay.
                  – Chococroc
                  Nov 27 at 8:20






                • 16




                  Agreed. It's a mental torture, more powerful and effective than any physical torture. This also helps to draw Ramsay's character as a sadistic psychopath who has no limits.
                  – Shadow Wizard
                  Nov 27 at 14:02








                • 11




                  More specifically, this is an extreme case of gaslighting. He's breaking Theon of his ability to trust his own judgement of a situation.
                  – Shufflepants
                  Nov 27 at 16:40






                • 2




                  I agree with @ShadowWizard's point about his personality as well. Ramsey is a sick individual. There's really no doubt he would have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. The torture is practical, but Ramsey also clearly gets a kick out of doing it.
                  – Broots Waymb
                  yesterday













                up vote
                105
                down vote










                up vote
                105
                down vote









                What could be more torturous than thinking you are so close to freedom and safety to only realize suddenly that you are completely trapped again?



                Ramsey wants to break him mentally as much as he wants to harm him physically. He is going to show that he has total control over all of Reek's life.






                share|improve this answer












                What could be more torturous than thinking you are so close to freedom and safety to only realize suddenly that you are completely trapped again?



                Ramsey wants to break him mentally as much as he wants to harm him physically. He is going to show that he has total control over all of Reek's life.







                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered Nov 26 at 23:03









                Virusbomb

                1,6391415




                1,6391415








                • 78




                  Not only that. That simulated escape prevented him to try to escape when his sister went to rescue him. He thought it was another trap from Ramsay.
                  – Chococroc
                  Nov 27 at 8:20






                • 16




                  Agreed. It's a mental torture, more powerful and effective than any physical torture. This also helps to draw Ramsay's character as a sadistic psychopath who has no limits.
                  – Shadow Wizard
                  Nov 27 at 14:02








                • 11




                  More specifically, this is an extreme case of gaslighting. He's breaking Theon of his ability to trust his own judgement of a situation.
                  – Shufflepants
                  Nov 27 at 16:40






                • 2




                  I agree with @ShadowWizard's point about his personality as well. Ramsey is a sick individual. There's really no doubt he would have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. The torture is practical, but Ramsey also clearly gets a kick out of doing it.
                  – Broots Waymb
                  yesterday














                • 78




                  Not only that. That simulated escape prevented him to try to escape when his sister went to rescue him. He thought it was another trap from Ramsay.
                  – Chococroc
                  Nov 27 at 8:20






                • 16




                  Agreed. It's a mental torture, more powerful and effective than any physical torture. This also helps to draw Ramsay's character as a sadistic psychopath who has no limits.
                  – Shadow Wizard
                  Nov 27 at 14:02








                • 11




                  More specifically, this is an extreme case of gaslighting. He's breaking Theon of his ability to trust his own judgement of a situation.
                  – Shufflepants
                  Nov 27 at 16:40






                • 2




                  I agree with @ShadowWizard's point about his personality as well. Ramsey is a sick individual. There's really no doubt he would have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. The torture is practical, but Ramsey also clearly gets a kick out of doing it.
                  – Broots Waymb
                  yesterday








                78




                78




                Not only that. That simulated escape prevented him to try to escape when his sister went to rescue him. He thought it was another trap from Ramsay.
                – Chococroc
                Nov 27 at 8:20




                Not only that. That simulated escape prevented him to try to escape when his sister went to rescue him. He thought it was another trap from Ramsay.
                – Chococroc
                Nov 27 at 8:20




                16




                16




                Agreed. It's a mental torture, more powerful and effective than any physical torture. This also helps to draw Ramsay's character as a sadistic psychopath who has no limits.
                – Shadow Wizard
                Nov 27 at 14:02






                Agreed. It's a mental torture, more powerful and effective than any physical torture. This also helps to draw Ramsay's character as a sadistic psychopath who has no limits.
                – Shadow Wizard
                Nov 27 at 14:02






                11




                11




                More specifically, this is an extreme case of gaslighting. He's breaking Theon of his ability to trust his own judgement of a situation.
                – Shufflepants
                Nov 27 at 16:40




                More specifically, this is an extreme case of gaslighting. He's breaking Theon of his ability to trust his own judgement of a situation.
                – Shufflepants
                Nov 27 at 16:40




                2




                2




                I agree with @ShadowWizard's point about his personality as well. Ramsey is a sick individual. There's really no doubt he would have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. The torture is practical, but Ramsey also clearly gets a kick out of doing it.
                – Broots Waymb
                yesterday




                I agree with @ShadowWizard's point about his personality as well. Ramsey is a sick individual. There's really no doubt he would have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. The torture is practical, but Ramsey also clearly gets a kick out of doing it.
                – Broots Waymb
                yesterday










                up vote
                29
                down vote













                In the books, the situation is fairly different by this point, but Ramsay is well known for enjoying the sight of his victims thinking they have escaped, only to find out it was a sham.



                From A Dance With Dragons - Reek 1 (A Theon Chapter)




                He had run before. Years ago, it seemed, when he still had some strength in him, when he had still been defiant. That time it had been Kyra with the keys. She told him she had stolen them, that she knew a postern gate that was never guarded. "Take me back to Winterfell, m'lord," she begged, pale-faced and trembling. "I don't know the way. I can't escape alone. Come with me, please." And so he had. The gaoler was dead drunk in a puddle of wine, with his breeches down around his ankles. The dungeon door was open and the postern gate had been unguarded, just as she had said. They waited for the moon to go behind a cloud, then slipped from the castle and splashed across the Weeping Water, stumbling over stones, half-frozen by the icy stream. On the far side, he had kissed her. "You've saved us," he said. Fool. Fool.



                It had all been a trap, a game, a jape. Lord Ramsay loved the chase and preferred to hunt two-legged prey. All night they ran through the darkling wood, but as the sun came up the sound of a distant horn came faintly through the trees, and they heard the baying of a pack of hounds. "We should split up," he told Kyra as the dogs drew closer. "They cannot track us both." The girl was crazed with fear, though, and refused to leave his side, even when he swore that he would raise a host of ironborn and come back for her if she should be the one they followed.







                share|improve this answer








                New contributor




                Rowan Ingram is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                Check out our Code of Conduct.














                • 4




                  +1 and there's also a line in the books showing how well this conditioning worked, leaving Theon too afraid of traps to take opportunities: "Theon drew the dagger. All I need do is turn and stab [Ramsay]. The knife is in my hand. He knew the game by then. Another trap he told himself [...] He wants me to try kill him. And when I fail, he'll...". More on this under the related Q about Season 5, Was Theon always loyal to Sansa?
                  – user568458
                  yesterday








                • 1




                  I would also mention how he so successfully conditions Theon that later in the show he even thinks his sister is a trap causing a failed rescue attempt
                  – Andrey
                  yesterday















                up vote
                29
                down vote













                In the books, the situation is fairly different by this point, but Ramsay is well known for enjoying the sight of his victims thinking they have escaped, only to find out it was a sham.



                From A Dance With Dragons - Reek 1 (A Theon Chapter)




                He had run before. Years ago, it seemed, when he still had some strength in him, when he had still been defiant. That time it had been Kyra with the keys. She told him she had stolen them, that she knew a postern gate that was never guarded. "Take me back to Winterfell, m'lord," she begged, pale-faced and trembling. "I don't know the way. I can't escape alone. Come with me, please." And so he had. The gaoler was dead drunk in a puddle of wine, with his breeches down around his ankles. The dungeon door was open and the postern gate had been unguarded, just as she had said. They waited for the moon to go behind a cloud, then slipped from the castle and splashed across the Weeping Water, stumbling over stones, half-frozen by the icy stream. On the far side, he had kissed her. "You've saved us," he said. Fool. Fool.



                It had all been a trap, a game, a jape. Lord Ramsay loved the chase and preferred to hunt two-legged prey. All night they ran through the darkling wood, but as the sun came up the sound of a distant horn came faintly through the trees, and they heard the baying of a pack of hounds. "We should split up," he told Kyra as the dogs drew closer. "They cannot track us both." The girl was crazed with fear, though, and refused to leave his side, even when he swore that he would raise a host of ironborn and come back for her if she should be the one they followed.







                share|improve this answer








                New contributor




                Rowan Ingram is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                Check out our Code of Conduct.














                • 4




                  +1 and there's also a line in the books showing how well this conditioning worked, leaving Theon too afraid of traps to take opportunities: "Theon drew the dagger. All I need do is turn and stab [Ramsay]. The knife is in my hand. He knew the game by then. Another trap he told himself [...] He wants me to try kill him. And when I fail, he'll...". More on this under the related Q about Season 5, Was Theon always loyal to Sansa?
                  – user568458
                  yesterday








                • 1




                  I would also mention how he so successfully conditions Theon that later in the show he even thinks his sister is a trap causing a failed rescue attempt
                  – Andrey
                  yesterday













                up vote
                29
                down vote










                up vote
                29
                down vote









                In the books, the situation is fairly different by this point, but Ramsay is well known for enjoying the sight of his victims thinking they have escaped, only to find out it was a sham.



                From A Dance With Dragons - Reek 1 (A Theon Chapter)




                He had run before. Years ago, it seemed, when he still had some strength in him, when he had still been defiant. That time it had been Kyra with the keys. She told him she had stolen them, that she knew a postern gate that was never guarded. "Take me back to Winterfell, m'lord," she begged, pale-faced and trembling. "I don't know the way. I can't escape alone. Come with me, please." And so he had. The gaoler was dead drunk in a puddle of wine, with his breeches down around his ankles. The dungeon door was open and the postern gate had been unguarded, just as she had said. They waited for the moon to go behind a cloud, then slipped from the castle and splashed across the Weeping Water, stumbling over stones, half-frozen by the icy stream. On the far side, he had kissed her. "You've saved us," he said. Fool. Fool.



                It had all been a trap, a game, a jape. Lord Ramsay loved the chase and preferred to hunt two-legged prey. All night they ran through the darkling wood, but as the sun came up the sound of a distant horn came faintly through the trees, and they heard the baying of a pack of hounds. "We should split up," he told Kyra as the dogs drew closer. "They cannot track us both." The girl was crazed with fear, though, and refused to leave his side, even when he swore that he would raise a host of ironborn and come back for her if she should be the one they followed.







                share|improve this answer








                New contributor




                Rowan Ingram is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                Check out our Code of Conduct.









                In the books, the situation is fairly different by this point, but Ramsay is well known for enjoying the sight of his victims thinking they have escaped, only to find out it was a sham.



                From A Dance With Dragons - Reek 1 (A Theon Chapter)




                He had run before. Years ago, it seemed, when he still had some strength in him, when he had still been defiant. That time it had been Kyra with the keys. She told him she had stolen them, that she knew a postern gate that was never guarded. "Take me back to Winterfell, m'lord," she begged, pale-faced and trembling. "I don't know the way. I can't escape alone. Come with me, please." And so he had. The gaoler was dead drunk in a puddle of wine, with his breeches down around his ankles. The dungeon door was open and the postern gate had been unguarded, just as she had said. They waited for the moon to go behind a cloud, then slipped from the castle and splashed across the Weeping Water, stumbling over stones, half-frozen by the icy stream. On the far side, he had kissed her. "You've saved us," he said. Fool. Fool.



                It had all been a trap, a game, a jape. Lord Ramsay loved the chase and preferred to hunt two-legged prey. All night they ran through the darkling wood, but as the sun came up the sound of a distant horn came faintly through the trees, and they heard the baying of a pack of hounds. "We should split up," he told Kyra as the dogs drew closer. "They cannot track us both." The girl was crazed with fear, though, and refused to leave his side, even when he swore that he would raise a host of ironborn and come back for her if she should be the one they followed.








                share|improve this answer








                New contributor




                Rowan Ingram is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                Check out our Code of Conduct.









                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer






                New contributor




                Rowan Ingram is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                Check out our Code of Conduct.









                answered Nov 27 at 11:58









                Rowan Ingram

                39112




                39112




                New contributor




                Rowan Ingram is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                New contributor





                Rowan Ingram is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                Check out our Code of Conduct.






                Rowan Ingram is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                Check out our Code of Conduct.








                • 4




                  +1 and there's also a line in the books showing how well this conditioning worked, leaving Theon too afraid of traps to take opportunities: "Theon drew the dagger. All I need do is turn and stab [Ramsay]. The knife is in my hand. He knew the game by then. Another trap he told himself [...] He wants me to try kill him. And when I fail, he'll...". More on this under the related Q about Season 5, Was Theon always loyal to Sansa?
                  – user568458
                  yesterday








                • 1




                  I would also mention how he so successfully conditions Theon that later in the show he even thinks his sister is a trap causing a failed rescue attempt
                  – Andrey
                  yesterday














                • 4




                  +1 and there's also a line in the books showing how well this conditioning worked, leaving Theon too afraid of traps to take opportunities: "Theon drew the dagger. All I need do is turn and stab [Ramsay]. The knife is in my hand. He knew the game by then. Another trap he told himself [...] He wants me to try kill him. And when I fail, he'll...". More on this under the related Q about Season 5, Was Theon always loyal to Sansa?
                  – user568458
                  yesterday








                • 1




                  I would also mention how he so successfully conditions Theon that later in the show he even thinks his sister is a trap causing a failed rescue attempt
                  – Andrey
                  yesterday








                4




                4




                +1 and there's also a line in the books showing how well this conditioning worked, leaving Theon too afraid of traps to take opportunities: "Theon drew the dagger. All I need do is turn and stab [Ramsay]. The knife is in my hand. He knew the game by then. Another trap he told himself [...] He wants me to try kill him. And when I fail, he'll...". More on this under the related Q about Season 5, Was Theon always loyal to Sansa?
                – user568458
                yesterday






                +1 and there's also a line in the books showing how well this conditioning worked, leaving Theon too afraid of traps to take opportunities: "Theon drew the dagger. All I need do is turn and stab [Ramsay]. The knife is in my hand. He knew the game by then. Another trap he told himself [...] He wants me to try kill him. And when I fail, he'll...". More on this under the related Q about Season 5, Was Theon always loyal to Sansa?
                – user568458
                yesterday






                1




                1




                I would also mention how he so successfully conditions Theon that later in the show he even thinks his sister is a trap causing a failed rescue attempt
                – Andrey
                yesterday




                I would also mention how he so successfully conditions Theon that later in the show he even thinks his sister is a trap causing a failed rescue attempt
                – Andrey
                yesterday










                up vote
                24
                down vote













                In addition to the answers that already explain how Ramsay used it as psychological torture to ensure that Theon wouldn't try to escape again in case it was another of Ramsay's traps, in the context of the show he also uses it as a way to interrogate Theon.



                As Theon begins to trust the person who helped him escape, he confides in Ramsay at that moment that he never actually killed Bran and Rickon, but instead burned the bodies of 2 farm boys and posed them as the Stark children.



                Ramsay later uses this information and shares it with Roose so that they can attempt to track down and kill the remaining Starks, as they could cause problems for them later on by potentially rallying other Northmen who support the Starks against the Boltons.






                share|improve this answer

























                  up vote
                  24
                  down vote













                  In addition to the answers that already explain how Ramsay used it as psychological torture to ensure that Theon wouldn't try to escape again in case it was another of Ramsay's traps, in the context of the show he also uses it as a way to interrogate Theon.



                  As Theon begins to trust the person who helped him escape, he confides in Ramsay at that moment that he never actually killed Bran and Rickon, but instead burned the bodies of 2 farm boys and posed them as the Stark children.



                  Ramsay later uses this information and shares it with Roose so that they can attempt to track down and kill the remaining Starks, as they could cause problems for them later on by potentially rallying other Northmen who support the Starks against the Boltons.






                  share|improve this answer























                    up vote
                    24
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    24
                    down vote









                    In addition to the answers that already explain how Ramsay used it as psychological torture to ensure that Theon wouldn't try to escape again in case it was another of Ramsay's traps, in the context of the show he also uses it as a way to interrogate Theon.



                    As Theon begins to trust the person who helped him escape, he confides in Ramsay at that moment that he never actually killed Bran and Rickon, but instead burned the bodies of 2 farm boys and posed them as the Stark children.



                    Ramsay later uses this information and shares it with Roose so that they can attempt to track down and kill the remaining Starks, as they could cause problems for them later on by potentially rallying other Northmen who support the Starks against the Boltons.






                    share|improve this answer












                    In addition to the answers that already explain how Ramsay used it as psychological torture to ensure that Theon wouldn't try to escape again in case it was another of Ramsay's traps, in the context of the show he also uses it as a way to interrogate Theon.



                    As Theon begins to trust the person who helped him escape, he confides in Ramsay at that moment that he never actually killed Bran and Rickon, but instead burned the bodies of 2 farm boys and posed them as the Stark children.



                    Ramsay later uses this information and shares it with Roose so that they can attempt to track down and kill the remaining Starks, as they could cause problems for them later on by potentially rallying other Northmen who support the Starks against the Boltons.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Nov 27 at 14:33









                    Mike.C.Ford

                    6,5101639




                    6,5101639






















                        up vote
                        3
                        down vote













                        I believe one more aspect was not covered by previous answers: Ramsay killing some Bolton men during the escape. IIRC, the older Lord Bolton was wary of his bastard, especially as he was (validly) the prime suspect to have killed the legitimate son and so rise to inheritance. So Ramsay was watched and guarded, to not do any more stupidities. And he was eager to lose the tail, perhaps even putting the blame on Theon if need be.






                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        Jim Klimov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.














                        • 1




                          This seems like a nice prospect for what he could have done, albeit a very minor one.
                          – TheLethalCarrot
                          Nov 27 at 16:18















                        up vote
                        3
                        down vote













                        I believe one more aspect was not covered by previous answers: Ramsay killing some Bolton men during the escape. IIRC, the older Lord Bolton was wary of his bastard, especially as he was (validly) the prime suspect to have killed the legitimate son and so rise to inheritance. So Ramsay was watched and guarded, to not do any more stupidities. And he was eager to lose the tail, perhaps even putting the blame on Theon if need be.






                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        Jim Klimov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.














                        • 1




                          This seems like a nice prospect for what he could have done, albeit a very minor one.
                          – TheLethalCarrot
                          Nov 27 at 16:18













                        up vote
                        3
                        down vote










                        up vote
                        3
                        down vote









                        I believe one more aspect was not covered by previous answers: Ramsay killing some Bolton men during the escape. IIRC, the older Lord Bolton was wary of his bastard, especially as he was (validly) the prime suspect to have killed the legitimate son and so rise to inheritance. So Ramsay was watched and guarded, to not do any more stupidities. And he was eager to lose the tail, perhaps even putting the blame on Theon if need be.






                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        Jim Klimov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                        I believe one more aspect was not covered by previous answers: Ramsay killing some Bolton men during the escape. IIRC, the older Lord Bolton was wary of his bastard, especially as he was (validly) the prime suspect to have killed the legitimate son and so rise to inheritance. So Ramsay was watched and guarded, to not do any more stupidities. And he was eager to lose the tail, perhaps even putting the blame on Theon if need be.







                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        Jim Klimov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer






                        New contributor




                        Jim Klimov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                        answered Nov 27 at 16:14









                        Jim Klimov

                        311




                        311




                        New contributor




                        Jim Klimov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.





                        New contributor





                        Jim Klimov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.






                        Jim Klimov is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.








                        • 1




                          This seems like a nice prospect for what he could have done, albeit a very minor one.
                          – TheLethalCarrot
                          Nov 27 at 16:18














                        • 1




                          This seems like a nice prospect for what he could have done, albeit a very minor one.
                          – TheLethalCarrot
                          Nov 27 at 16:18








                        1




                        1




                        This seems like a nice prospect for what he could have done, albeit a very minor one.
                        – TheLethalCarrot
                        Nov 27 at 16:18




                        This seems like a nice prospect for what he could have done, albeit a very minor one.
                        – TheLethalCarrot
                        Nov 27 at 16:18










                        up vote
                        2
                        down vote













                        In the TV show Ramsey engineers the escape so that he can claim the credit for recapturing Theon. During the escape he murders the Bolton men, then takes Theon back to the keep and announces that he has recaptured him.



                        One of the murdered Bolton men was Theon's interrogator, clearing the way for Ramsey to take over that role.






                        share|improve this answer

























                          up vote
                          2
                          down vote













                          In the TV show Ramsey engineers the escape so that he can claim the credit for recapturing Theon. During the escape he murders the Bolton men, then takes Theon back to the keep and announces that he has recaptured him.



                          One of the murdered Bolton men was Theon's interrogator, clearing the way for Ramsey to take over that role.






                          share|improve this answer























                            up vote
                            2
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            2
                            down vote









                            In the TV show Ramsey engineers the escape so that he can claim the credit for recapturing Theon. During the escape he murders the Bolton men, then takes Theon back to the keep and announces that he has recaptured him.



                            One of the murdered Bolton men was Theon's interrogator, clearing the way for Ramsey to take over that role.






                            share|improve this answer












                            In the TV show Ramsey engineers the escape so that he can claim the credit for recapturing Theon. During the escape he murders the Bolton men, then takes Theon back to the keep and announces that he has recaptured him.



                            One of the murdered Bolton men was Theon's interrogator, clearing the way for Ramsey to take over that role.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered 19 hours ago









                            user

                            2166




                            2166






















                                up vote
                                1
                                down vote













                                This is difficult to say for sure, as the same event doesn't occur in the books, but judging the TV episodes entirely on their own the motive seemed to be twofold.



                                First, Ramsay is doing it for kicks: the prospect of Theon thinking he was free only to find himself imprisoned again was something that Ramsay thought would be amusing.



                                Second, Ramsay at this point did not have a huge amount of power. He did not have a great deal of authority, and was not yet gained his father's approval (much less legitimisation). By helping to "recapture" Theon, Ramsay could show his usefulness within his House.



                                Bonus potential motive: Ramsay may have had a grudge against the other Bolton men he killed. Certainly he needed to kill them in order that the ruse was realistic to Theon, and also because his second motive would require he eliminate the competition. However, it is possible that there was animosity between the most prominant of the Bolton men (the one who was going to rape Theon) and Ramsay. Certainly his last words of "you little bastard" would indicate a lack of respect on his part. Notably it was the thing that Ramsay hated being called, most of all.






                                share|improve this answer

























                                  up vote
                                  1
                                  down vote













                                  This is difficult to say for sure, as the same event doesn't occur in the books, but judging the TV episodes entirely on their own the motive seemed to be twofold.



                                  First, Ramsay is doing it for kicks: the prospect of Theon thinking he was free only to find himself imprisoned again was something that Ramsay thought would be amusing.



                                  Second, Ramsay at this point did not have a huge amount of power. He did not have a great deal of authority, and was not yet gained his father's approval (much less legitimisation). By helping to "recapture" Theon, Ramsay could show his usefulness within his House.



                                  Bonus potential motive: Ramsay may have had a grudge against the other Bolton men he killed. Certainly he needed to kill them in order that the ruse was realistic to Theon, and also because his second motive would require he eliminate the competition. However, it is possible that there was animosity between the most prominant of the Bolton men (the one who was going to rape Theon) and Ramsay. Certainly his last words of "you little bastard" would indicate a lack of respect on his part. Notably it was the thing that Ramsay hated being called, most of all.






                                  share|improve this answer























                                    up vote
                                    1
                                    down vote










                                    up vote
                                    1
                                    down vote









                                    This is difficult to say for sure, as the same event doesn't occur in the books, but judging the TV episodes entirely on their own the motive seemed to be twofold.



                                    First, Ramsay is doing it for kicks: the prospect of Theon thinking he was free only to find himself imprisoned again was something that Ramsay thought would be amusing.



                                    Second, Ramsay at this point did not have a huge amount of power. He did not have a great deal of authority, and was not yet gained his father's approval (much less legitimisation). By helping to "recapture" Theon, Ramsay could show his usefulness within his House.



                                    Bonus potential motive: Ramsay may have had a grudge against the other Bolton men he killed. Certainly he needed to kill them in order that the ruse was realistic to Theon, and also because his second motive would require he eliminate the competition. However, it is possible that there was animosity between the most prominant of the Bolton men (the one who was going to rape Theon) and Ramsay. Certainly his last words of "you little bastard" would indicate a lack of respect on his part. Notably it was the thing that Ramsay hated being called, most of all.






                                    share|improve this answer












                                    This is difficult to say for sure, as the same event doesn't occur in the books, but judging the TV episodes entirely on their own the motive seemed to be twofold.



                                    First, Ramsay is doing it for kicks: the prospect of Theon thinking he was free only to find himself imprisoned again was something that Ramsay thought would be amusing.



                                    Second, Ramsay at this point did not have a huge amount of power. He did not have a great deal of authority, and was not yet gained his father's approval (much less legitimisation). By helping to "recapture" Theon, Ramsay could show his usefulness within his House.



                                    Bonus potential motive: Ramsay may have had a grudge against the other Bolton men he killed. Certainly he needed to kill them in order that the ruse was realistic to Theon, and also because his second motive would require he eliminate the competition. However, it is possible that there was animosity between the most prominant of the Bolton men (the one who was going to rape Theon) and Ramsay. Certainly his last words of "you little bastard" would indicate a lack of respect on his part. Notably it was the thing that Ramsay hated being called, most of all.







                                    share|improve this answer












                                    share|improve this answer



                                    share|improve this answer










                                    answered yesterday









                                    Stumbler

                                    470412




                                    470412






















                                        up vote
                                        1
                                        down vote













                                        To teach the prisoner that trying to escape is so risky there basically is no real chance for escape. Next time an opportunity appears he will likely remember the first time and how it went and then he won't try.



                                        This protects Ramsay in case there would in fact be a real chance of him escaping, because the prisoner likely won't dare to try it. So the prisoners actually end up wanting to stay.






                                        share|improve this answer

















                                        • 1




                                          And this is proven later on when there is an attempt to break him out and he refuses to leave fearing it's another trick.
                                          – Virusbomb
                                          12 hours ago















                                        up vote
                                        1
                                        down vote













                                        To teach the prisoner that trying to escape is so risky there basically is no real chance for escape. Next time an opportunity appears he will likely remember the first time and how it went and then he won't try.



                                        This protects Ramsay in case there would in fact be a real chance of him escaping, because the prisoner likely won't dare to try it. So the prisoners actually end up wanting to stay.






                                        share|improve this answer

















                                        • 1




                                          And this is proven later on when there is an attempt to break him out and he refuses to leave fearing it's another trick.
                                          – Virusbomb
                                          12 hours ago













                                        up vote
                                        1
                                        down vote










                                        up vote
                                        1
                                        down vote









                                        To teach the prisoner that trying to escape is so risky there basically is no real chance for escape. Next time an opportunity appears he will likely remember the first time and how it went and then he won't try.



                                        This protects Ramsay in case there would in fact be a real chance of him escaping, because the prisoner likely won't dare to try it. So the prisoners actually end up wanting to stay.






                                        share|improve this answer












                                        To teach the prisoner that trying to escape is so risky there basically is no real chance for escape. Next time an opportunity appears he will likely remember the first time and how it went and then he won't try.



                                        This protects Ramsay in case there would in fact be a real chance of him escaping, because the prisoner likely won't dare to try it. So the prisoners actually end up wanting to stay.







                                        share|improve this answer












                                        share|improve this answer



                                        share|improve this answer










                                        answered 15 hours ago









                                        mathreadler

                                        20126




                                        20126








                                        • 1




                                          And this is proven later on when there is an attempt to break him out and he refuses to leave fearing it's another trick.
                                          – Virusbomb
                                          12 hours ago














                                        • 1




                                          And this is proven later on when there is an attempt to break him out and he refuses to leave fearing it's another trick.
                                          – Virusbomb
                                          12 hours ago








                                        1




                                        1




                                        And this is proven later on when there is an attempt to break him out and he refuses to leave fearing it's another trick.
                                        – Virusbomb
                                        12 hours ago




                                        And this is proven later on when there is an attempt to break him out and he refuses to leave fearing it's another trick.
                                        – Virusbomb
                                        12 hours ago



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