Storm's End

Lore & Background

In the Dance of the Dragons, Prince Aemond arranges an alliance with Lord Borros Baratheon through marriage to one of his daughters, and Borros refuses to uphold his father's oath to Rhaenyra when her son Lucerys arrives as envoy. However, political pressures and shifting alliances during the civil war tested the loyalty of the Stormlands lords, making this keep a focal point of negotiation and conflict.

Reader's Guide

Storm's End stands as a sentinel upon the jagged rocks of the Stormlands coast, serving as the ancestral home of House Baratheon for centuries. This formidable fortress is renowned for its ability to withstand both nature’s fury and military sieges alike. It is the ancestral seat of the Storm Kings, extending back many thousands of years. Throughout history, the castle has been central to major conflicts, including Aegon's Conquest and the Dance of Dragons. Its walls have witnessed the rise and fall of kings, standing as a symbol of Baratheon strength and resilience against impossible odds. For fans of the saga, understanding Storm's End is crucial to grasping the political weight held by the Stormlands lords during succession crises. Its loyalty often shifted the balance of power in Westerosi civil wars, making it a prize for any claimant seeking legitimacy.

Did You Know?

• In Aegon's conquest the last Storm King, Argilac the Arrogant, left its defenses to meet Orys Baratheon in open battle and lost; the castle itself has never fallen.
• House Baratheon inherited the seat after Orys Baratheon married Argilac Durrandon's daughter.