Robert Baratheon

The warrior king who won a war on the Trident but lost himself to wine and wanton excess.

Robert Baratheon is the fictional eldest son of Lord Steffon Baratheon and Lady Cassana Estermont, portrayed in the television adaptation Game of Thrones by Mark Addy. Introduced in 1996's A Game of Thrones, he was a ward of Lord Jon Arryn alongside Eddard Stark, with whom he formed a lifelong friendship. After his betrothed Lyanna Stark was allegedly kidnapped and his family murdered by the Targaryens, Robert led a rebellion that crushed the dynasty. He seized the Iron Throne, married Cersei Lannister for political stability, but proved an ineffective ruler plagued by debt, infidelity, and excess. Though he died in the first novel, his legacy sparked the War of Five Kings as his brothers and others fought for control.

Quick Facts

Series

A Song of Ice and Fire character; Game of Thrones

Portrayed by

Mark Addy

Creator

George R. R. Martin

Based on

Edward IV

Adapted by

D. B. Weiss & David Benioff (Game of Thrones)

First

Literature:
A Game of Thrones (1996)
Television:
"Winter Is Coming" (2011)

Last

Literature:
A Clash of Kings (1998)
Television:
"You Win or You Die" (2011)

Occupation

King; War general and revolutionary figure

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.

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?

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'.