Robert's Rebellion

Lore & Background

The rebellion saw the North, Stormlands, Riverlands, and Vale unite against Aerys II. A pivotal moment occurred at the Battle of the Trident, where Robert Baratheon slew Rhaegar Targaryen in single combat, shattering the royal army's resolve. While Stannis Baratheon held the siege lines at Storm's End until smugglers broke the blockade, Tywin Lannister arrived at King's Landing under the guise of loyalty before sacking the city. The war ended without a formal surrender; Jaime Lannister struck down his king in the throne room to prevent Aerys from burning the populace with wildfire. Eddard Stark later found Lyanna dying in a tower of Dorne after she gave birth to Rhaegar's son.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the Trident as Robert Baratheon faced Crown Prince Rhaegar amidst churned mud and rain. With his warhammer heavy in hand, Robert struck down the prince clad in black plate studded with rubies. As the silver dragon on Rhaegar's chest shattered, a dark stain spread beneath him, marking the death of the last Targaryen hope. The roar of the army faded into silence as the Crown Prince died in the water. There was no triumph in Robert's eyes, only the hollow weight of a crown he never sought and the memory of Lyanna Stark, whom he would never see again.

Reader's Guide

Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon raised their banners in vengeance. The Riverlands joined the cause under Hoster Tully, who arranged marriages for his daughters: Catelyn wed Eddard, and Lysa married Jon Arryn. The war turned at the Battle of the Trident when Robert killed Rhaegar. Eddard found Lyanna in the Tower of Joy in Dorne, where she died after giving birth to Rhaegar’s son.

Did You Know?

• Robert Baratheon grew fat and miserable during his reign, trapped in a political marriage he never loved.
• Jaime Lannister killed King Aerys II specifically to prevent the Mad King from burning King's Landing with wildfire.
• Stannis Baratheon held the siege lines at Storm's End until smugglers broke the blockade led by Mace Tyrell and the Redwyne fleet.
• Eddard Stark discovered that all three of Robert's children were fathered by Cersei's twin brother, Jaime.
• Lyanna Stark died in Dorne after giving birth to Rhaegar Targaryen's son.

Origins of the Conflict

The rebellion began when Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen allegedly kidnapped Lyanna Stark, who was betrothed to Robert Baratheon. Her father and brother traveled south to demand her return but were burned alive by King Aerys II, known as the Mad King. This act drove Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon to unite their forces against the Iron Throne. The war resulted in the overthrow of the Targaryen dynasty and the near-total destruction of House Targaryen, driven by a deeply personal crusade born from grief and rage.

The Rise of Robert Baratheon

Robert Baratheon claimed the Iron Throne due to his family's closer ties to the former royal line. However, he grew fat and miserable, trapped in a political marriage with Cersei Lannister whom he never loved. He remained unaware that none of his three children were his own but were fathered by Jaime. Under his reign, the realm was bankrupted and deeply in debt to House Lannister. Mortally wounded while hunting, Robert left no rightful heir behind, as his only legitimate children were bastards, setting the stage for future succession crises.

The Kingslayer's Motivation

Jaime Lannister killed Aerys II, earning the nickname "Kingslayer." He later revealed he did so to save King's Landing from wildfire, which the Mad King planned to use to massacre the population. Jaime carried on an incestuous affair with his twin sister Cersei throughout his life, fathering her children while serving as their protector. His complex history includes being captured by Robb Stark's army, losing his sword hand, and eventually returning to King's Landing to rescue Cersei from Daenerys Targaryen's forces.

Ned Stark's Honor and Downfall

Eddard "Ned" Stark became Hand of the King after Jon Arryn's death. He discovered that Queen Cersei's children were fathered by Jaime Lannister. When he confronted Cersei, she had him imprisoned for treason. Ned confessed to plotting against the crown to save his daughters from execution, hoping to join the Night's Watch. Instead, Joffrey ordered his beheading. Ned's death set in motion the War of Five Kings after he notified Stannis Baratheon of the truth regarding the royal children's parentage.