Robert Baratheon

Lore & Background

Robert's background is rooted in both Baratheon strength and Targaryen lineage; through his grandmother Rhaelle, he was a first cousin (once removed) to King Aerys II. Raised at the Eyrie after his parents drowned in a shipwreck when he was 16, he became Lord of Storm's End. He was betrothed to Lyanna Stark, whom he loved deeply, until her disappearance with Rhaegar Targaryen triggered the conflict. The rebellion involved four kingdoms and ended when Robert killed Rhaegar in single combat at the Trident. However, Lyanna died during the war, leaving Robert heartbroken. To secure his rule, he married Cersei Lannister, though he never truly loved her or their children. His reign was marked by lavish overspending that bankrupted the realm, leaving him deeply in debt to House Lannister, the Faith, and the Iron Bank of Braavos.

In Their Own Story

In his youth, Robert was a formidable warrior described as handsome and muscled 'like a maiden's fantasy,' wielding a spiked iron war hammer too heavy for Ned Stark to lift. By the time King Robert visited Winterfell in A Game of Thrones, he had become obese, red-faced, and often appeared half-drunk with dark circles under his eyes. He had gained at least eight stone (51 kg) due to excessive feasting. Unaware that Cersei's children were fathered by her twin brother Jaime, Robert remained oblivious to the treachery around him. His death came during a hunting trip in the Kingswood when he was mortally wounded by a wild boar, an accident orchestrated by Cersei. Before dying, he appointed Ned Stark as regent for his son Joffrey. Following his death, his bastards were ordered killed by Joffrey, while his brothers Stannis and Renly declared themselves kings.

Reader's Guide

Robert Baratheon serves as the catalyst for the series' central conflicts despite appearing only in flashbacks and memories after the first book. His character is defined by the contrast between his legendary strength as a young man and his deconditioned, drunken state as king. He is based on the 15th-century English King Edward IV according to George R. R. Martin. While Jaime Lannister still believed Robert was stronger than him despite his weight gain, Tyrion Lannister viewed him as 'a great blustering oaf' and Varys described him as a fool. His inability to distinguish truth from lies made him vulnerable; Petyr Baelish noted he was practiced at closing his eyes to things he did not wish to see. His death created a power vacuum that led to the War of Five Kings, involving Robb Stark, Balon Greyjoy, and his own brothers.

Did You Know?

• Robert is based on the real-life 15th-century English King Edward IV.
• He gained at least eight stone (51 kg) of weight after winning the throne due to excessive feasting and drinking.
• His warhammer was so heavy that Eddard Stark could not lift it, yet Robert wielded it with terrifying precision in his youth.
• A prophecy by Maggy the Frog claimed Robert would father 16 bastard children, though he remained unaware of Cersei's three illegitimate heirs.
• Bran Stark later discovered via vision that Lyanna willingly fled with Rhaegar, meaning 'Robert's Rebellion was built on a lie'.