Robert Baratheon

Robert Baratheon was the eldest son of Lord Steffon Baratheon and Cassana Estermont, born at Storm's End. As a boy, he was fostered at the Eyrie under Jon Arryn, where he became close friends with Eddard Stark. His betrothal to Lyanna Stark, Ned's sister, was arranged to unite the great houses. When Prince Rhaegar Targaryen allegedly kidnapped Lyanna and the Mad King Aerys II executed Ned's father and brother, Robert, Ned, and Jon Arryn raised their banners in rebellion. Robert's charisma and martial prowess united the stormlands, the north, the riverlands, and the vale against the crown. At the Battle of the Trident, he killed Rhaegar in single combat, crushing his chest with a warhammer. After the sack of King's Landing and Aerys's death, Robert claimed the Iron Throne, establishing the Baratheon dynasty.[edit]

Robert in his youth was bold, charismatic, and fiercely loyal to those he loved, but he also possessed a quick temper and a taste for violence. After winning the throne, he grew fat, lazy, and deeply disillusioned. He drowned his sorrows in wine, food, and women, neglecting the duties of kingship. He was prone to bouts of maudlin nostalgia, often reminiscing about the glory days of the rebellion. Despite his boisterous exterior, he carried a profound grief over Lyanna's death, which poisoned his marriage and his reign. He could be cruel, especially to Cersei, but he also showed flashes of generosity and a desire to do right by his old friends, such as when he rode north to offer Ned the Handship.[edit]

Robert's arc in A Game of Thrones is one of tragic decline. He arrives at Winterfell in the opening chapters, a shadow of the warrior he once was, and convinces Ned Stark to become his Hand. In King's Landing, he ignores the realm's growing tensions, spending his time hunting and drinking. When Jon Arryn dies, Robert's investigation into the matter is half-hearted, leaving Ned to uncover the truth about Cersei's children. Robert's relationship with Cersei deteriorates to the point where she plots his death. During a boar hunt, she has his wine fortified, and the animal mortally wounds him. On his deathbed, he names Ned Protector of the Realm and asks him to rule until Joffrey comes of age. His death plunges the Seven Kingdoms into the War of Five Kings, as his brothers Stannis and Renly press their claims, and the Lannisters seize control.[edit]

Robert Baratheon has become one of the most recognizable characters from A Song of Ice and Fire, often cited as a tragic hero undone by his own success. The line 'Gods, I was strong then' became a fan meme, symbolizing nostalgia for lost youth. His arc from legendary warrior to drunken, abusive king is frequently analyzed as a commentary on the corrupting nature of power and the difficulty of peacetime leadership. Robert's rebellion and its aftermath form the foundational myth of the series, and his death is the inciting incident for the War of Five Kings. He ranks consistently in the top 20 of fan polls despite limited screen time, and appears in numerous fan works, including fiction, art, and cosplay.[edit]