The Legacy and Rule of House Baratheon

Introduction: House Baratheon is one of the most enduring great houses in the land of Westeros. Known for their connection to storms and the sea, the Baratheons have been rulers of the Stormlands for centuries. This article delves into the history, lineage, and current status of this influential house.

House Baratheon's Origin and Rise to Power

The Baratheons originated from a pivotal moment in Westerosian history. Orys Baratheon, a general known for his skill and strength, played a crucial role in the Targaryen Conquest. By defeating the last king of the Stormlands, Argilac Durrandon, and marrying his daughter, Argella Durrandon, Orys formed the House Baratheon. This union was not just political but also adopted the sigil and house words of House Durrandon, further cementing their power and reputation in Westeros.

Ancestral Seat: Storm’s End

The seat of House Baratheon is the iconic Storm’s End, located at Shipbreaker Bay. Legend has it that Storm’s End was originally built by the first Storm King, Durran Godsgrief, during the Dawn Age as a symbol of defiance against his wife’s parents, the gods of the sea and wind. However, the Baratheons truly claimed it after Orys Baratheon ascended to the position of Lord Paramount of the Stormlands, a title granted to him by Aegon the Conqueror following his victory in the renowned conquest of the Seven Kingdoms.

Political Shifts and Current Status

Following the Roberts Rebellion, when Robert Baratheon became King following the defeat of the War of the Five Kings, his seat shifted from Storm’s End to King’s Landing. Nevertheless, Storm’s End remains a significant stronghold. During the current conflicts, the Loyalists of House Baratheon have been holding Storm’s End in the name of Stannis Baratheon, who also holds Dragonstone, another Baratheon stronghold, and control over the Narrow Sea islands. This region is currently under the patronage of northen houses such as House Glover and House Mormont, as well as various northern hill clans.

Symbolism and Political Influence

House Baratheon is known for its strong ties to the turbulent nature of the region due to its maritime and storm-related heritage. Their sigil, a black stag on a field of gold, and their heraldic words, "Ours is the Fury," reflect the unyielding and tempestuous nature of their domain, the Stormlands.

Modern Context and Challenges

In the current A Song of Ice and Fire universe, as the realm begins to stabilize following the chaos of the War of the Five Kings, the House Baratheon continues to exert significant political influence. Despite the change in leadership after Robert’s death, the baronial holdings and the strength of their alliance continue to be crucial factors in the power balance of Westeros.

House Baratheon’s enduring legacy and the strategic importance of the Stormlands underscore their critical role in the political landscape of Westeros. Whether through military might or alliances, the Baratheons remain a force to be reckoned with,their fate intertwined with the broader narrative of the realm.