Difference between revisions of "Stannis Baratheon"

From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
Jump to: navigation, search
(Lord of Dragonstone)
(A Clash of Kings)
Line 88: Line 88:
 
Selyse has fallen under the influence of [[Melisandre]], a priestess of the [[R'hllor|Lord of Light]]. She declares the [[red comet]] is a sign that Stannis must sail and the banners of [[the Reach]] and the stormlands will flock to him, but Stannis is not convinced. Selyse then tells him to embrace the Lord of Light. She says Melisandre has looked into the flames and seen Renly dead.{{Ref|aCoK|Prologue}} Stannis renounces the [[Faith of the Seven]] and embraces the Lord of Light, seeking only the power that Melisandre promises will follow. The statues of the Seven at Dragonstone are burned in sacrifice. Melisandre proclaims Stannis to be [[Azor Ahai]] reborn, a messianic figure in the [[R'hllor]] faith, and in a ceremony meant to invoke Azor Ahai, Stannis pulls a sword from the fire. His switch to the faith of R'hllor divides Stannis's own men into two factions: [[king's men]] who still follow the Faith of the Seven and [[queen's men]] who worship R'hllor.{{Ref|aCoK|10}}   
 
Selyse has fallen under the influence of [[Melisandre]], a priestess of the [[R'hllor|Lord of Light]]. She declares the [[red comet]] is a sign that Stannis must sail and the banners of [[the Reach]] and the stormlands will flock to him, but Stannis is not convinced. Selyse then tells him to embrace the Lord of Light. She says Melisandre has looked into the flames and seen Renly dead.{{Ref|aCoK|Prologue}} Stannis renounces the [[Faith of the Seven]] and embraces the Lord of Light, seeking only the power that Melisandre promises will follow. The statues of the Seven at Dragonstone are burned in sacrifice. Melisandre proclaims Stannis to be [[Azor Ahai]] reborn, a messianic figure in the [[R'hllor]] faith, and in a ceremony meant to invoke Azor Ahai, Stannis pulls a sword from the fire. His switch to the faith of R'hllor divides Stannis's own men into two factions: [[king's men]] who still follow the Faith of the Seven and [[queen's men]] who worship R'hllor.{{Ref|aCoK|10}}   
  
As a first step toward claiming the Iron Throne, Stannis has hundreds of letters sent to lords throughout [[Westeros]] proclaiming himself king and claiming, correctly, that Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], not Robert Baratheon, is the father of Cersei's children.{{Ref|aCoK|10}} Rather than a direct assault on King's Landing, Stannis leads his forces to [[Siege of Storm's End (299)|besiege Storm's End]], hoping to convince his younger brother to join forces with him. He offers Renly to be his heir and a place at the king's small council, along with remaining Lord of Storm's End. Renly makes light of the offer, offering Stannis Storm's End and telling him to kneel before him. The brothers have an inconclusive parley that fails to reconcile them. They agree that their forces will meet at dawn. That night, Melisandre uses her magic to birth an [[shadow assassin|animated shadow]], which assassinates Renly in his tent at first light. The majority of Renly's followers subsequently swear allegiance to Stannis.
+
As a first step toward claiming the Iron Throne, Stannis has hundreds of letters sent to lords throughout [[Westeros]] proclaiming himself king and claiming, correctly, that Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], not Robert Baratheon, is the father of Cersei's children.{{Ref|aCoK|10}} Rather than a direct assault on King's Landing, Stannis leads his forces to [[Siege of Storm's End (299)|besiege Storm's End]], hoping to convince his younger brother to join forces with him. He offers Renly to be his heir and a place at the king's small council, along with remaining Lord of Storm's End. Renly makes light of the offer, offering Stannis Storm's End and telling him to kneel before him. The brothers have an inconclusive parley that fails to reconcile them. They agree that their forces will meet at dawn. That night, Melisandre births an [[shadow assassin|animated shadow]] which assassinates Renly in his tent at first light. The majority of Renly's followers subsequently swear allegiance to Stannis.
  
 
One of Renly's sworn swords who refuses to follow Stannis is Ser [[Cortnay Penrose]], castellan of Storm's End. Cortnay refuses to surrender the castle, fearing what Stannis would do to the bastard within, [[Edric Storm]]. He challenges Stannis to a duel, which the king refuses. Stannis asks Davos' advice and is told he should attack King's Landing before Storm's End. Though thinking Davos is clever, Stannis says he needs to take Storm's End as men are following him from fear rather then love, and if he leaves it will be said he was defeated. Ser [[Davos Seaworth]] rows Melisandre beneath the fortress, and the priestess assassinates Penrose as she did Renly.
 
One of Renly's sworn swords who refuses to follow Stannis is Ser [[Cortnay Penrose]], castellan of Storm's End. Cortnay refuses to surrender the castle, fearing what Stannis would do to the bastard within, [[Edric Storm]]. He challenges Stannis to a duel, which the king refuses. Stannis asks Davos' advice and is told he should attack King's Landing before Storm's End. Though thinking Davos is clever, Stannis says he needs to take Storm's End as men are following him from fear rather then love, and if he leaves it will be said he was defeated. Ser [[Davos Seaworth]] rows Melisandre beneath the fortress, and the priestess assassinates Penrose as she did Renly.

Revision as of 13:29, 16 January 2017

Stannis Baratheon
Stannis sigil coat.png
Stannis sigil coat.png
Joshua Cairosstannisbaratheon.jpg
Stannis Baratheon by Joshua Cairos©
Monarch
Full name Stannis Baratheon the First of His Name
Titles
Predecessor Robert I Baratheon
Heir Shireen Baratheon
Personal Information
Aliases
Born 264 AC[7]
Storm's End[8]
Family
Dynasty House Baratheon of Dragonstone
Queen Selyse Florent
Issue Shireen Baratheon
Father Steffon Baratheon
Mother Cassana Estermont
References
Books
Played by Stephen Dillane
TV series Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4 | Season 5

Stannis Baratheon is the head of House Baratheon of Dragonstone and the Lord of Dragonstone. He is the elder of King Robert I Baratheon's two younger brothers, the youngest being Lord Renly Baratheon. Stannis also serves on Robert's small council as master of ships. His parents were Steffon Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End, and Lady Cassana Estermont.[9] In the television adaptation Game of Thrones Stannis is played by Stephen Dillane.

Appearance and Character

See also: Images of Stannis Baratheon

Like his brothers, Robert and Renly, Stannis is a large man - tall, broad shouldered and sinewy.[10] Jon Snow notes that Stannis towers over him.[11] Stannis has dark blue eyes and a heavy brow. His head has only a fringe of black hair "like the shadow of a crown," and he has a close-cropped beard across his large jaw.[10] His face has a tightness to it like cured leather, and he has hollow cheeks, and thin, pale lips.[10] In battle, he wears grey plate armor. When he declares himself King, he changes his sigil,[12] and since then, the breastplate of his armour has a flaming heart inlaid on his chest.[13]

Stannis is a serious, stubborn, rarely-forgiving, hard man with a strong sense of duty and justice.[14][15][16][17][18][5][3] He grinds his teeth regularly.[10][5][19] He is an accomplished commander, sailor, and warrior,[15] with no thirst for battle, commanding from the rear.[12] He has never had the affection of nobles or smallfolk alike.[10][5][20][21] In his adult life, he is increasingly embittered by the lack of affection he receives from Robert, even though he serves Robert as well as he can.[10][8]

Stannis is not a man for easy courtesies,[22] and has always been uncomfortable around women, even his own wife, Lady Selyse of House Florent. During the years he served on the small council in King's Landing, he left his wife on Dragonstone. He wrote to her, but only occasionally. His visits were even fewer, and he did his duty in the marriage bed only once or twice a year, but took no joy in it.[10] Though he once hoped for sons, he would only have one daughter, Shireen.[10]

History

Early Life

Born in 264 AC,[7] Stannis was the second born child of Lady Cassana Estermont and Lord Steffon Baratheon of Storm's End. He had an older brother, Robert, and a younger brother, Renly.[9][23]

When Stannis was no more than four years old, his father took him and his brother Robert to court. There, Stannis believed he saw King Aerys II Targaryen on the Iron Throne, holding court. Stannis was impressed, and he and Robert agreed that the King had been as noble as the dragons were fearsome. It was years later that Steffon told him that it had been Hand of the King Tywin Lannister whom they had seen, as King Aerys had cut himself on the throne earlier that day and Tywin had taken over for him.[2]

As a lad, Stannis found an injured goshawk, and nursed it back to health. He named the bird Proudwing, but his brother Robert called it Weakwing, as it would never fly higher than the treetops, and never soared. (Robert himself owned a gyrfalcon named Thunderclap, who never missed a strike). Eventually, Stannis's great-uncle, Harbert, convinced him to abandon the bird, stating that Stannis was making a fool of himself with the bird.[5]

Growing up, Stannis always stood in the shadow of his older brother. Whatever Stannis did, Robert had done first, and better.[10] These feelings remained until adulthood.[24] Maester Cressen, who had served as maester at Storm's End, came to care deeply for Stannis, moreso than for his brothers, as he felt Stannis was the one of the three brothers who needed him the most, as Stannis was the most unloved of the three.[10] Even in his youth, Stannis had been an introverted child, who was mature beyond his years, solemn and joyless.[8]

In 278 AC, Stannis's parents were sent on a mission by King Aerys II to Volantis to find a bride for Stannis's cousin, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, but in this they failed.[25] Cressen, who had been maester at Storm's End during this time, remembers how Lord Steffon had written to him a fortnight before his return, stating that he had found a splendid fool in Volantis, who would delight Robert, and who might even teach Stannis how to laugh, in time.[10] Stannis and Robert were both present at Storm's End when Steffon and Cassana were expected to return from their voyage, looking on from the parapets. When the Windproud came in sight of Storm's End, the two brothers witnessed how the ship was smashed against the rocks in Shipbreaker Bay and swallowed by the sea. Both Steffon and Cassana drowned.[10] According to Stannis, he lost his faith in the Seven that day.[5]

Robert's Rebellion

When his brother Robert returned home to raise the banners, Stannis faced a difficult decision - whether to be loyal to his older brother, and liege, Robert, or to his king, Aerys II Targaryen.[18] Stannis was at Storm's End when Robert returned from the Battle of Summerhall with his prisoners, whom he kept at Storm's End, and eventually befriended. Stannis warned his brother that the men he had befriended were men who had wanted to deliver him to Aerys to be burned; while Stannis would have thrown them in a dungeon, Robert befriended them.[21]

After Robert marched again, forces from the Reach besieged the Baratheon castle. Stannis successfully held against the siege of Storm's End by Lords Mace Tyrell and Paxter Redwyne,[14] which lasted a major part of the war. His garrison held under desperate conditions, only avoiding starvation by the timely intervention of a notorious smuggler, Davos. His cargo of onions and salt fish allowed them to hold the fortress. After the siege was lifted by Lord Eddard Stark, Stannis knighted Davos and, taking him into his service, allowed the landed knight to choose the name Seaworth for his new house.[10] True to Stannis's sense of justice, he also punished Davos for his crimes as a smuggler by removing the first joint from each finger of Davos's left hand, as payment for his past crimes. Davos accepted the punishment on the condition that Stannis carry out the sentence himself, which Stannis did, using a cleaver for a cleaner cut.[10]

Lord of Dragonstone

Following the Sack of King's Landing and the surrender of the Tyrells at Storm's End, the new king, Robert I Baratheon, charged his brother Stannis with building a new fleet to seize the island of Dragonstone, the last stronghold in the possession of House Targaryen. A fierce storm destroyed the Targaryen fleet which had been protecting the island, while Dowager Queen Rhaella Targaryen died in labor at the castle of Dragonstone. Targaryen loyalists smuggled the two Targaryen children, Viserys and Daenerys from the island before Stannis's assault on Dragonstone. Robert blamed Stannis for letting the Targaryen heirs escape, although the two children had been spirited to safety by Targaryen loyalists shortly before Stannis had even set sail.[10][26][19]

Stannis was displeased to discover that King Robert had named him Lord of Dragonstone, instead of the wealthier Storm's End, which was given to their younger brother Renly, who was only a young child at the time. Stannis resented this and believed it to be an intentional slight,[10] which Queen Cersei Lannister agrees with.[19] According to a semi-canon source, however, Robert had not necessarily meant it as such.[27] The island castle was the traditional seat of the heir of the Iron Throne, the Prince of Dragonstone, so the then-childless Robert was granting it to his heir at that time, Stannis.[27] Now the Lord of Dragonstone, Stannis became the head of House Baratheon of Dragonstone.

Stannis Baratheon leading the attack on Great Wyk during Greyjoy's Rebellion

Stannis was appointed to Robert's small council as well, as the master of ships.[14][10] A few years later, he wed Lady Selyse of House Florent. During the wedding, King Robert deflowered Selyse's cousin Delena on Stannis's wedding bed, though he claimed he was too drunk to know whose bed it was. This coupling led to the birth of Edric Storm, the only officially acknowledged bastard of the king. Stannis insisted that he was a slight upon the honor of his wife's house and promptly shipped him off to his other uncle, Lord Renly, at Storm's End.[28]

In 289 AC, during Greyjoy's Rebellion, Stannis commanded the royal fleet and trapped and destroyed much of the Iron Fleet at Fair Isle. Afterwards, he subdued Great Wyk in his brother's name.[29] He also once led a fleet to Sisterton, to suppress smuggling from the Three Sisters.[30] Ser Axell Florent served as Stannis's castellan of Dragonstone for ten years, while Stannis was away at King's Landing.[5]

Despite his loyalty and service to his brother Robert, Stannis feels Robert has given him little in return. Instead of thanking him for holding Storm's End against the Tyrells during the rebellion, he thanked Eddard Stark for lifting the siege instead. Instead of thanking Stannis for capturing Dragonstone for him, Robert blamed Stannis for the escape of the Targaryen children, even though they left Dragonstone before Stannis had set sail.[10] Stannis helped Jon Arryn, Robert's Hand of the King, in ruling the kingdoms but received little or no acknowledgement or thanks from his elder brother, who spent his time, hunting, drinking and whoring, yet when Arryn died, Robert turned for help to his friend Eddard instead of Stannis.[10] Stannis felt that Storm's End, the ancestral seat of House Baratheon, was his by rights after Robert took the throne, and told Robert so on multiple occasions. In due time, Storm's End was given to Renly instead.[19]

At some point, Stannis proposed outlawing brothels, something which King Robert was very much against.[14] Stannis has outlawed prostitution on his island of Dragonstone.[5]

Eventually, Stannis began to suspect that the children of Queen Cersei Lannister were not actually Robert's. Convinced that Robert would not believe him, he confided his suspicions to Lord Jon Arryn.[22] Together, they investigated the matter, visiting several of Robert's baseborn children in the city.[31][32] Arryn had begun to gather proof when he suddenly died.[22] Stannis believed Cersei had Arryn killed,[22][18] and when Robert left for the north to name Eddard Stark as his new Hand of the King, Stannis left for Dragonstone.[33][34][14] As his maester, Cressen was old and ailing, Stannis sent for a new maester to the Citadel, who arrived mere days before Stannis closed Dragonstone off.[10]

During their investigations, Jon Arryn had agreed with Stannis that his young son, Robert Arryn, would be fostered with Stannis on Dragonstone.[14][35][36][19][37] However, Jon died before he could bring his evidence before Robert and send his son to Dragonstone.

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

After the death of Jon Arryn, Stannis flees to Dragonstone to gather his strength, including most of the royal fleet,[38] and plan his next move,[34] believing Cersei poisoned Jon.[10] Lord Eddard Stark wonders why Stannis left, believing it was due to the discovery of whatever secret Jon Arryn was allegedly murdered for, although not realizing that Stannis was also slighted by King Robert I Baratheon's selection of Eddard as his new Hand of the King. Ned, via Grand Maester Pycelle, sends a raven with a polite letter requesting Lord Stannis to return to his seat on the small council.[39] During Eddard's investigation of Jon's death, he discovers that Stannis and Jon had spent a great deal of time together. When he is told Stannis and Jon visited a brothel, when Stannis is normally so righteous to the point of prudish, he gets closer to the truth.[14] Robert dies after a boar hunt and is succeeded by his son, Joffrey I Baratheon.[40] Eddard has been selected by Robert to rule as regent, though plans to bring Stannis to the throne. However he is outmaneuvered by Robert's widow, Cersei Lannister. The boy king Joffrey subsequently has Eddard executed.[41]

A Clash of Kings

Stannis Baratheon holding Lightbringer with Melisandre at Dragonstone - by Amok ©

On Dragonstone, Stannis declares he is the true heir of Robert Baratheon to the Iron Throne, as Joffrey has no true claim to the throne. Since the king's death Stannis has been gathering what strength he can from the lords of the narrow sea and from Myrish and Lyseni sellswords, but his forces are too few to challenge the Lannisters in King's Landing. Additionally, his younger brother, Renly, has also declared himself king with the support of House Tyrell; most of the Baratheon bannermen in the stormlands follow Renly. Stannis's maester, Cressen, suggests he should treat with Robb Stark, who has been declared King in the North, or Lysa Arryn, but his wife, Selyse, says Stannis should not treat for what is his by right.

Selyse has fallen under the influence of Melisandre, a priestess of the Lord of Light. She declares the red comet is a sign that Stannis must sail and the banners of the Reach and the stormlands will flock to him, but Stannis is not convinced. Selyse then tells him to embrace the Lord of Light. She says Melisandre has looked into the flames and seen Renly dead.[10] Stannis renounces the Faith of the Seven and embraces the Lord of Light, seeking only the power that Melisandre promises will follow. The statues of the Seven at Dragonstone are burned in sacrifice. Melisandre proclaims Stannis to be Azor Ahai reborn, a messianic figure in the R'hllor faith, and in a ceremony meant to invoke Azor Ahai, Stannis pulls a sword from the fire. His switch to the faith of R'hllor divides Stannis's own men into two factions: king's men who still follow the Faith of the Seven and queen's men who worship R'hllor.[5]

As a first step toward claiming the Iron Throne, Stannis has hundreds of letters sent to lords throughout Westeros proclaiming himself king and claiming, correctly, that Ser Jaime Lannister, not Robert Baratheon, is the father of Cersei's children.[5] Rather than a direct assault on King's Landing, Stannis leads his forces to besiege Storm's End, hoping to convince his younger brother to join forces with him. He offers Renly to be his heir and a place at the king's small council, along with remaining Lord of Storm's End. Renly makes light of the offer, offering Stannis Storm's End and telling him to kneel before him. The brothers have an inconclusive parley that fails to reconcile them. They agree that their forces will meet at dawn. That night, Melisandre births an animated shadow which assassinates Renly in his tent at first light. The majority of Renly's followers subsequently swear allegiance to Stannis.

One of Renly's sworn swords who refuses to follow Stannis is Ser Cortnay Penrose, castellan of Storm's End. Cortnay refuses to surrender the castle, fearing what Stannis would do to the bastard within, Edric Storm. He challenges Stannis to a duel, which the king refuses. Stannis asks Davos' advice and is told he should attack King's Landing before Storm's End. Though thinking Davos is clever, Stannis says he needs to take Storm's End as men are following him from fear rather then love, and if he leaves it will be said he was defeated. Ser Davos Seaworth rows Melisandre beneath the fortress, and the priestess assassinates Penrose as she did Renly.

Stannis Baratheon at the Battle of the Blackwater - by Will Harris ©

With Storm's End under his control, Stannis launches an amphibious assault on King's Landing. Braving wildfire, a river-spanning chain, and other defenses, Stannis's forces are defeated at the cusp of victory when Lannister and Tyrell reinforcements unexpectedly arrive, seemingly led by Renly's ghost; it is in fact Garlan Tyrell wearing the deceased Renly's armour.

A Storm of Swords

Stannis returns to Dragonstone, his host broken by the Battle of the Blackwater.[42] He has his Hand of the King, Lord Alester Florent, imprisoned when the man attempts to make peace with the Lannisters by offering them Stannis's daughter, Shireen Baratheon, as a hostage and betroth her to Tommen.[43]

When Ser Davos Seaworth returns to Dragonstone, he is imprisoned by Ser Axell as Melisandre sees he plans to assassinate her. Stannis has him released and brought before him to hear Axell Florent's plan to assault Claw Isle and put the island to the sword in retaliation for Lord Ardrian Celtigar's submission to King Joffrey. Davos calls the plan evil, stating that the smallfolk of Claw Isle are not traitors. Stannis then tells Davos how he sees taking the Iron Throne as a duty and that he plans to scour the realm of corruption. He agrees with Davos about Claw Isle and names Davos Lord of the Rainwood, Admiral of the Narrow Sea, and his new Hand of the King, since Davos is one of the few men who have the courage to tell his king the truth, even when he knows the truth will not be well-received. Stannis then takes part in a ritual with Melisandre, throwing three leeches containing Edric's blood on a fire while saying the names of the other three Kings.[18]

Melisandre urges Stannis to sacrifice Robert's bastard Edric Storm to complete a spell she claims will raise dragons from stone and grant him more power. Stannis is initially reluctant even after Balon and Robb's death prove the possible power of Kingsblood, but considers following through with the ritual if Joffrey dies.[18] However, on hearing of Joffrey's death Davos smuggles the boy away under the care off Ser Andrew Estermont and urges Stannis to take his remaining forces north to defend the Wall.[44]

Stannis and Melisandre sail from Dragonstone to the Wall - by Tomasz Jedruszek ©

Stannis sails his forces north to the Wall, leaves Selyse and Shireen at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, and marches west along the Wall. His forces arrive just in time to crush Mance Rayder's wildling army at the Battle of Castle Black.[45] He stays at the King's Tower of Castle Black to negotiate a settlement with the wildlings and offers to legitimize Jon Snow as Lord of Winterfell if he supports Stannis's rule.[11] The offer falls through when Jon is selected as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.[46] Stannis continues to seek support in the north for another attempt at the throne.

A Feast for Crows

Stannis, the self-styled King of Westeros,[47] sends flocks of ravens from the Wall to all northern houses asking them to declare for him. He receives silence or refusals from the lords, with only the Karstarks, led by the castellan of Karhold, Arnolf Karstark, declaring for him.[48][49]

A Dance with Dragons

King Stannis with Lightbringer - by Ming1918 ©

According to the current High Septon, Stannis has turned from the truth of the Faith of the Seven to worship a red demon, and his false faith has no place in the Seven Kingdoms.

Stannis sends Davos Seaworth to White Harbor to treat with Lord Wyman Manderly on his behalf.[50] Stannis receives many rejections from his demands of fealty from the northern lords, although he does win the support of a portion of House Umber led by Mors Umber. Stannis has the King-Beyond-the-Wall, Mance Rayder burned for the crime of being a deserter of the Watch.[13] He then offers the remaining free folk a choice - bend the knee or go back to the wild. Given the severe threat posed by the Others in the wild, nine of every ten wildlings bend the knee.[13] Unbeknownst to Stannis, however, the burned Mance was actually a glamoured Rattleshirt.[51]

Stannis is counseled by Arnolf Karstark via raven messages to join his strength to his and attack the Dreadfort, seat of the new Warden of the North, Lord Roose Bolton. Stannis agrees and plans to make his assault when Ramsay Bolton marches south to take Moat Cailin from the ironborn. Stannis does not know that Arnolf Karstark is secretly working for House Bolton and is trying to lure Stannis into a trap. Upon hearing the plan, however, Lord Commander Jon Snow persuades Stannis not to go down this course, as Jon knows how strong the Dreadfort is even with a small garrison.[52]

Instead, Stannis travels west to take Deepwood Motte from the ironborn that hold it. Jon Snow advises him to go through the mountains north of Winterfell and win the support of the mountain clans, including the Flints, Wulls, Norreys and Liddles. The mountain clans are deeply loyal to the memory of Eddard Stark and would take pride in receiving a king. Stannis wins over several of their chiefs, such as Old Torghen Flint and Hugo "Big Bucket" Wull. With an additional three thousand men in his army, Stannis then retakes Deepwood Motte.[29] Stannis takes several ironborn captive, including Asha Greyjoy, and returns Deepwood Motte to House Glover, an act that gains him popular support in the North and earns him the support of the Glovers and House Mormont. Stannis's men are also reinforced by survivors of the battle at Winterfell who have been hiding in the wolfswood.[53] His army marches on Winterfell and is eventually joined by the forces of Arnolf Karstark and Mors Umber. However, they are slowed by relentless snowstorms.[54][24] Learning of Arnolf Karstark's planned treachery from Arnolf's niece, Alys, Jon Snow sends a message to Stannis trying to warn him.

According to a taunting letter written by Ramsay to Jon, Stannis was killed along with most of his army in seven days of battle.[55] Stannis's last known location was a snowed-in crofters' village three days west of Winterfell.[24][56][57]

The Winds of Winter

Though reportedly isolated and secluded, Stannis is actively and efficiently preparing for the looming battle against the Boltons. At the crofters' village, Stannis receives the Braavosi banker Tycho Nestoris and the two sign a contract. Stannis plans to send the banker back to the Wall so he does not get caught up in the fighting.

Stannis is made aware of Arnolf Karstark's planned treachery due to the message Jon Snow gave the banker. Stannis has Arnolf, his son Arthor and three grandsons arrested and plans to execute them, though whether their death will be quick beheadings or by fire depends on their willingness to confess. Stannis prepares his position to battle the coming vanguard of Lord Roose Bolton's army led by Ser Hosteen Frey. Stannis sends Ser Justin Massey to escort "Arya Stark" back to the Wall to reunite the girl with her half-brother, Jon Snow, in gratitude for Jon warning him to amass the northern mountain clans rather than march straight into the Karstarks' plans.

Stannis orders Justin Massey to go with Tycho Nestoris to Braavos, where Justin will use the money given to him by the Iron Bank of Braavos to hire sellsword companies till he has a force no less than twenty thousand strong and then sail back to Westeros. Stannis also gives orders that if he is slain in the coming battle, Justin is still to do as instructed, with the intention of using the army to place his daughter, Shireen Baratheon, on the Iron Throne.

Stannis plans to have Theon Greyjoy executed, hoping to gain favor with his northern allies by exacting justice for the murders of Bran and Rickon Stark.[58]

Quotes by Stannis

Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies.[22]

– Stannis, to Catelyn Stark


These pardoned lords would do well to reflect on that. Good men and true will fight for Joffrey, wrongly believing him the true king. A northman might even say the same of Robb Stark. But these lords who flocked to my brother's banners knew him for a usurper. They turned their backs on their rightful king for no better reason than dreams of power and glory, and I have marked them for what they are. Pardoned them, yes. Forgiven. But not forgotten.[17]

– Stannis, to Davos Seaworth


I stopped believing in gods the day I saw the Windproud break up across the bay. Any gods so monstrous as to drown my mother and father would never have my worship, I vowed. In King's Landing, the High Septon would prattle at me of how all justice and goodness flowed from the Seven, but all I ever saw of either was made by men.[59]

– Stannis, to Davos Seaworth


It is not a question of wanting. The throne is mine, as Robert's heir. That is law. After me, it must pass to my daughter, unless Selyse should finally give me a son. I am king. Wants do not enter into it. I have a duty to my daughter. To the realm. Even to Robert. He loved me but little, I know, yet he was my brother. The Lannister woman gave him horns and made a motley fool of him. She may have murdered him as well, as she murdered Jon Arryn and Ned Stark. For such crimes there must be justice. Starting with Cersei and her abominations. But only starting. I mean to scour that court clean. As Robert should have done after the Trident.[18]

– Stannis, to Davos Seaworth


I shall bring justice to Westeros. A thing Ser Axell understands as little as he does war. Claw Isle would gain me naught... and it was evil, just as you said. Celtigar must pay the traitor's price himself, in his own person. And when I come into my kingdom, he shall. Every man shall reap what he has sown, from the highest lord to the lowest gutter rat. And some will lose more than the tips off their fingers, I promise you. They have made my kingdom bleed, and I do not forget that.[18]

– Stannis, to Davos Seaworth


I never asked for this, no more than I asked to be king. Yet dare I disregard her? We do not choose our destinies. Yet we must ... we must do our duty, no? Great or small, we must do our duty.[2]

– Stannis, to Davos Seaworth


I know the cost! Last night, gazing into that hearth, I saw things in the flames as well. I saw a king, a crown of fire on his brows, burning… burning, Davos. His own crown consumed his flesh and turned him into ash. Do you think I need Melisandre to tell me what that means? Or you?[2]

– Stannis, to Davos Seaworth


I never asked for this crown. Gold is cold and heavy on the head, but so long as I am the king, I have a duty … If I must sacrifice one child to the flames to save a million from the dark … Sacrifice … is never easy, Davos. Or it is no true sacrifice.[44]

– Stannis, to Davos Seaworth


Lord Seaworth is a man of humble birth, but he reminded me of my duty, when all I could think of was my rights. I had the cart before the horse, Davos said. I was trying to win the throne to save the kingdom, when I should have been trying to save the kingdom to win the throne.[11]

– Stannis, to Jon Snow


The more we bleed each other, the weaker we shall all be when the real enemy falls upon us.[11]

– Stannis, to Jon Snow


Your brothers will not like it, no more than your father's lords, but I mean to allow the wildlings through the Wall... those who will swear me their fealty, pledge to keep the king's peace and the king's laws, and take the Lord of Light as their god. Even the giants, if those great knees of theirs can bend. I will settle them on the Gift, once I have wrested it away from your new Lord Commander. When the cold winds rise, we shall live or die together. It is time we made alliance against our common foe.[11]

– Stannis, to Jon Snow


Demons made of snow and ice and cold. The ancient enemy. The only enemy that matters.[6]

– Stannis, to Samwell Tarly, Melisandre, and Aemon


Stannis: I thought the wet nurse was this man Craster's daughter?

Melisandre: Wife and daughter both, Your Grace. Craster married all his daughters. Gilly's boy was the fruit of their union.

Stannis: Her own father got this child on her? We are well rid of her, then. I will not suffer such abominations here. This is not King's Landing.[49]

– Stannis and Melisandre


We all know what my brother would do. Robert would gallop up to the gates of Winterfell alone, break them with his warhammer, and ride through the rubble to slay Roose Bolton with his left hand and the Bastard with his right. I am not Robert. But we will march, and we will free Winterfell … or die in the attempt. [24]

– Stannis, to his bannermen


I defeated your uncle Victarion and his Iron Fleet off Fair Isle, the first time your father crowned himself. I held Storm's End against the power of the Reach for a year, and took Dragonstone from the Targaryens. I smashed Mance Rayder at the Wall, though he had twenty times my numbers. Tell me, turncloak, what battles has the Bastard of Bolton ever won that I should fear him?[60]

– Stannis, to Theon Greyjoy

Quotes about Stannis

I have felt from the beginning that Stannis was a greater danger than all the others combined.[61]

Tywin Lannister, to Tyrion Lannister


Ned found it hard to imagine what could frighten Stannis Baratheon, who had once held Storm's End through a year of siege, surviving on rats and boot leather while the Lords Tyrell and Redwyne sat outside with their hosts, banqueting in sight of his walls.[15]

– thoughts of Eddard Stark


His claim is the true one, he is known for his prowess as a battle commander, and he is utterly without mercy. There is no creature on earth half so terrifying as a truly just man.[15]

Varys, to Eddard Stark


He is strong, able, just… aye, just past the point of wisdom… yet it is not enough. It has never been enough.[62]

– thoughts of Cressen


Hard was the word men used when they spoke of Stannis, and hard he was.[63]

– thoughts of Cressen


Robert was the true steel. Stannis is pure iron, black and hard and strong, yes, but brittle, the way iron gets. He’ll break before he bends. And Renly, that one, he’s copper, bright and shiny, pretty to look at but not worth all that much at the end of the day.[64]

Donal Noye, to Jon Snow


No man in the Seven Kingdoms is more honorable than Stannis Baratheon. He will keep his word.[5]

Davos Seaworth, to Salladhor Saan


Cersei: And Stannis has always felt he was cheated of Storm's End. The ancestral seat of House Baratheon, his by rights... if you knew how many times he came to Robert singing that same dull song in that gloomy aggrieved tone he has. When Robert gave the place to Renly, Stannis clenched his jaw so tight I thought his teeth would shatter.

Tyrion: He took it as a slight.

Cersei: It was meant as a slight.[19]

Cersei Lannister and Tyrion Lannister


This is Stannis Baratheon. The man will fight to the bitter end and then some.[3]

Tywin Lannister, to Pycelle


Few of the birds that Maester Aemon had sent off had returned as yet. One reached Stannis, though. One found Dragonstone, and a king who still cared.[65]

Samwell Tarly


What does Stannis offer you? Vengeance. Vengeance for my sons and yours, for your husbands and your fathers and your brothers. Vengeance for your murdered lord, your murdered king, your butchered princes. Vengeance![66]

Davos Seaworth, to the Merman's Court


In truth, the young lord commander and her king had more in common than either one would ever be willing to admit. Stannis had been a younger son living in the shadow of his elder brother, just as Jon Snow, bastard-born, had always been eclipsed by his trueborn sibling, the fallen hero men had called the Young Wolf. Both men were unbelievers by nature, mistrustful, suspicious. The only gods they truly worshipped were honor and duty.[51]

– thoughts of Melisandre


This southron king seemed to be one of those men to whom women are another race, as strange and unfathomable as giants and grumkins and the children of the forest.[24]

- thoughts of Asha Greyjoy


His eyes were sunk in deep pits, his close-cropped beard no more than a shadow across his hollow cheeks and bony jawbone. Yet there was power in his stare, an iron ferocity that told Asha this man would never, ever turn back from his course.[24]

Asha Greyjoy

Family

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ormund
 
Rhaelle
Targaryen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Steffon
 
Cassana
Estermont
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Various
women
 
Robert I
 
Cersei
Lannister
 
Renly I
 
Margaery
Tyrell
[67]
 
Stannis I
 
Selyse
Florent
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Joffrey I
 
Margaery
Tyrell
[67]
 
Tommen I
 
Myrcella
 
 
 
Shireen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mya
Stone
 
Bella
 
Gendry
 
Edric
Storm
 
Barra
 
Unknown
twins
 
9 Others
 


Behind the Scenes

According to George R. R. Martin, Stannis is partially inspired by Tiberius Caesar, particularly the portrayal by George Baker in I, Claudius.[68]

References and Notes

  1. A Clash of Kings, Appendix.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 54, Davos V.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 72, Jaime IX.
  4. A Dance with Dragons, Appendix.
  5. 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 10, Davos I.
  6. 6.0 6.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 78, Samwell V.
  7. 7.0 7.1 See the Stannis Baratheon calculation.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Stannis Baratheon.
  9. 9.0 9.1 A Game of Thrones, Appendix.
  10. 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 10.11 10.12 10.13 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 10.21 A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 76, Jon XI.
  12. 12.0 12.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 59, Tyrion XIII.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 10, Jon III.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 27, Eddard VI.
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 58, Eddard XV.
  16. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 47, Eddard XIII.
  17. 17.0 17.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 42, Davos II.
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 36, Davos IV.
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 25, Tyrion VI.
  20. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 22, Catelyn II.
  21. 21.0 21.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 36, Tyrion VIII.
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 31, Catelyn III.
  23. The World of Ice & Fire, Appendix: Targaryen Lineage.
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 42, The King's Prize.
  25. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.
  26. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 3, Daenerys I.
  27. 27.0 27.1 So Spake Martin: The Baratheon Brothers (September 11, 1999)
  28. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 35, Eddard IX.
  29. 29.0 29.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 26, The Wayward Bride.
  30. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 9, Davos I.
  31. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 28, Catelyn V.
  32. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 30, Eddard VII.
  33. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 18, Catelyn IV.
  34. 34.0 34.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 20, Eddard IV.
  35. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 40, Catelyn VII.
  36. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 59, Catelyn IX.
  37. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 60, Tyrion VIII.
  38. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 41, Tyrion IX.
  39. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 33, Eddard VIII.
  40. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 49, Eddard XIV.
  41. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 64, Daenerys VIII.
  42. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 10, Davos II.
  43. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 25, Davos III.
  44. 44.0 44.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 63, Davos VI.
  45. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 73, Jon X.
  46. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 79, Jon XII.
  47. A Feast for Crows, Appendix.
  48. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 5, Samwell I.
  49. 49.0 49.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 3, Jon I.
  50. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 15, Davos II.
  51. 51.0 51.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 31, Melisandre I.
  52. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 17, Jon IV.
  53. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 35, Jon VII.
  54. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 37, The Prince of Winterfell.
  55. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 69, Jon XIII.
  56. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 51, Theon I.
  57. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 62, The Sacrifice.
  58. Theon I (The Winds of Winter)
  59. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 5, Davos I.
  60. Theon I (The Winds of Winter)
  61. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 69, Tyrion IX.
  62. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 1, Arya I.
  63. A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
  64. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 6, Jon I.
  65. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 75, Samwell IV.
  66. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 19, Davos III.
  67. 67.0 67.1 Margaery Tyrell married 1st Renly, 2nd Joffrey, 3rd Tommen
  68. 92nd Street Y: Game of Thrones Mastermind George R. R. Martin: The World of Ice and Fire, Oct 26, 2014

This page uses content from the English Wikipedia. The original content was at House Baratheon. The list of authors can be seen in the page history of House Baratheon. As with A Wiki of Ice and Fire, the content of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.