Why was Robert Baratheon made king instead of Ned Stark?

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

In George R.R. Martin's dynamic world of "Game of Thrones," the political machinations, battles, and intrigues of the Seven Kingdoms often pivot on the personalities of key figures. One such figure is Robert Baratheon, whose successful rebellion against the Mad King Aerys II Targaryen resulted in his unlikely ascent to the Iron Throne. Yet, his confidant and co-leader in the rebellion, Eddard Stark, held an equal share in their victory. This leads us to the question that frames our inquiry: Why was Robert, not Ned, chosen as King following the Rebellion? To explore this, we'll delve into Westeros' politics, tradition, and the unique character traits of these two leaders.

II. Bloodline and Claims to the Throne

In Westeros, claims to power are often bound by blood, a factor that presented Robert with an edge over Ned. The House of Baratheon, from which Robert hailed, held strong ties to the House of Targaryen through his grandmother, Rhaelle Targaryen, daughter of King Aegon V. These connections rooted Robert's claim in historical legitimacy, critical in a society where lineage forms the basis of political standing. Conversely, Ned's claim to the throne held no such blood ties. Despite his unquestionable valor during the Rebellion, his lineage, proudly traced back to the First Men, lacked the dragon blood coursing through the veins of the Targaryens and by extension, Robert.

A fascinating aside is the role of the rumored bastard lineage of Orys Baratheon, Robert's ancestor, and alleged illegitimate brother of Aegon the Conqueror. Such rumors, though not definitively proven, only served to strengthen Robert's claim, hinging on the deeply embedded Targaryen-Baratheon connection.

Thus, from a pure lineage perspective, Robert's claim was undeniably stronger than Ned's. The politics of Westeros, intrinsically tied to family and lineage, favored Robert's ascension, even before considering their individual leadership traits or alliances forged during the Rebellion. Given that both Robert and Ned were largely considered heroes of the Rebellion, their contrasting lineage played a significant role in deciding the rightful bearer of the crown. After all, Westerosi culture reveres blood ties, and blood, as it so often does in this brutal world, proved thicker than water.

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III. Established Leadership and Military Success

A critical aspect to consider when analyzing the ascendance of Robert Baratheon is the perception of his established leadership and military prowess. Before the rebellion, Robert had already held the position of Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. This role had offered him the opportunity to display his leadership skills, while Ned, being a second son, had assumed leadership of House Stark only after the untimely demise of his father and elder brother. Robert, then, came into the Rebellion with a reputation as a formidable leader, an image bolstered by his significant victories in the field of battle.

It is also important to note that Robert's martial prowess and battlefield victories were critical factors that underlined his charismatic image. His decisive win against the Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen at the Battle of the Trident became an emblematic symbol of the rebellion itself. To his supporters, Robert was more than just an experienced lord – he was a living embodiment of their defiance against the Targaryen regime. He was the face of the rebellion, a figurehead that rallied the houses together, the image of the strong, indomitable leader they yearned for.

IV. Strategic Alliances and Matrimony

Robert Baratheon's bachelorhood, while a trivial factor at first glance, significantly contributed to his suitability for the throne. Ned had married Catelyn Tully during the rebellion to secure the allegiance of House Tully. Robert, still unmarried, represented an opportunity for an advantageous political alliance via matrimony. This fact was not lost on Jon Arryn, who brokered an alliance between the houses Baratheon and Lannister, further solidifying the rebellion's strength.

The decision for Robert to marry Cersei Lannister was a strategic move of political shrewdness. House Lannister was wealthy, powerful, and had successfully claimed King's Landing from the Mad King. By marrying Cersei, Robert not only secured the Lannisters' loyalty but also presented a unified front that included the wardens of the North, East, West, and the Lord Paramounts of the Stormlands and Riverlands.

This unity was a powerful message to the remaining Targaryen loyalists, and it showcased the combined power of the Rebellion houses. Thus, Robert's marital status, coupled with his charismatic leadership and his Targaryen bloodline, positioned him as the prime candidate for the throne. His marriage to Cersei cemented alliances and was a significant factor in the endgame of the rebellion.

V. The Charismatic Warrior King

No analysis of Robert's ascent to the throne would be complete without considering his charismatic appeal. Robert Baratheon was renowned as a boisterous, larger-than-life character who, despite his personal flaws, managed to inspire loyalty and camaraderie among his peers. This charisma was fundamental to his image as the warrior king, the kind of monarch who could unite the fractious houses of Westeros under a common banner.

Robert's fierce battle prowess and his famed victory over Rhaegar Targaryen at the Battle of the Trident, cemented his reputation as a warrior king, something that would have been valued highly in the martial culture of Westeros. His charisma, combined with his combat skills, made him not just respected, but also loved by his men. It was said that those who fought with him during the day would often be feasting and laughing with him by evening, a testament to his talent for forming alliances and winning hearts.

Yet, it's important to recognize that Robert's strengths in the battlefield and in the hall did not necessarily translate to effective rulership. Indeed, his fondness for strong drinks, women, tourneys, and extravagant parties suggested an inclination more towards indulgence and spectacle than towards governance. This didn't seem to dent his popularity among his peers, but it did foreshadow the challenges that he would face as a king.

VI. The Reluctant Ruler and a Kingdom in Debt

Although Robert Baratheon had the charisma, the bloodline, and the alliances to ascend to the throne, his reign would reveal a crucial mismatch between the skills that helped him gain power and those required to wield it effectively. Robert proved to be a warrior, not a bureaucrat. He admitted to Ned Stark that he was not suited for the role of king. The subtleties of governance, including managing finances, negotiating politics, and maintaining peace among the great houses, did not come naturally to him.

Robert's indifference to "counting coppers," as his brother Renly put it, led to the bankruptcy of the Seven Kingdoms. His lavish spending on entertainments and luxuries, coupled with his refusal to focus on administrative matters, created significant financial strain. This fiscal irresponsibility led to the kingdom borrowing heavily from both the Iron Bank of Braavos and the Lannisters, which further complicated the political dynamics of his reign.

It is worth noting that Robert showed a hint of political acumen when he selected Jon Arryn and later Eddard Stark as Hand, perhaps recognizing his own limitations and entrusting the task of governance to more capable men. However, his extravagant lifestyle and his general disinterest in ruling effectively eroded these gains, painting a picture of a king who was more interested in the trappings of power than in its responsibilities.

In summary, Robert's selection as king over Ned was due to a combination of factors, including his Targaryen bloodline, his proven leadership, his strategic alliances, and his charismatic personality. However, his shortcomings, especially his lack of interest in governance and his fiscal irresponsibility, set the stage for the political instability and conflicts that would define his reign.