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{{Redirect|Stannis|the son of [[Davos Seaworth]]|Stannis Seaworth}}
{{Infobox monarch
{{Infobox monarch
| name          = '''Stannis Baratheon''' [[File:Stannis_sigil_coat.png‎|60px|left]][[File:Stannis_sigil_coat.png‎|60px|right]]
| title = King
| image        = [[File:Stannis Baratheon.jpg]]
| firstname = Stannis
| image_caption = Stannis Baratheon by Amoka©
| lastname = Baratheon
| arms = Baratheon
| arms2 = Baratheon of Dragonstone
| image        = Stannis Baratheon.jpg
| image_caption = Stannis Baratheon by Roman Papusev ©
| reign =
| reign =
| coronation =
| coronation =
| othertitles = Master of Ships(formerly)<br>Lord of [[Dragonstone]]<br>Lord Paramount of the [[Stormlands]]<br>King of Westeros.
| othertitles = [[Knight|Ser]]<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Comic_Con_San_Diego_CA_July_20_232/ Comic-Con (San Diego, CA; July 20-23)], July 23, 2006</ref><br>[[Lord of Dragonstone]]<br>[[Master of ships]] <small>(formerly)</small><br>[[King of Westeros]] <small>(self-styled)</small><br>[[Lord of Storm's End]]<br>[[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]] <small>(claimant)</small>{{ref|ADWD|35}}<br>[[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]] <small>(claimant)</small>{{ref|ADWD|35}}<br>[[Protector of the Realm]] <small>(claimant)</small>{{ref|ADWD|35}}<br>[[Commander (Night's Watch)|Commander]] of the [[Nightfort]]{{ref|ADWD|3}}
| alias = The King in the Narrow Sea<br>The King at the Wall
| alias = The King in the Narrow Sea{{ref|ACOK|Appendix}}<br>The King of the [[Painted Table]]{{ref|ASOS|54}}<br>The dark lord{{ref|ASOS|60}}<br>The King of Dragonstone{{ref|ASOS|72}}<br>The King at the Wall{{ref|ADWD|Appendix}}<br>[[Azor Ahai]] reborn/come again{{ref|ACOK|10}}{{ref|ASOS|78}}<br>[[The prince that was promised]]{{ref|aSoS|36}}
| fullname = Stannis Baratheon the First of His Name
| fullname = Stannis Baratheon the First of His Name
| predecessor = [[Robert Baratheon]]
| predecessor = [[Robert I Baratheon]]
| successor =
| successor =
| suc-type =   
| suc-type =   
| heir = [[Shireen Baratheon]]
| heir = [[Shireen Baratheon]]
| queen = [[Selyse Florent]]
| queen = Lady [[Selyse Florent]]
| consort =
| consort =
| spouse1 =
| spouse1 =
Line 18: Line 23:
| royalhouse = [[House Baratheon of Dragonstone]]
| royalhouse = [[House Baratheon of Dragonstone]]
| dynasty =
| dynasty =
| royalanthem = A crowned stag enclosed within a red heart surrounded by a blaze of orange fire on a field of sun yellow<ref>[[A Clash of Kings]], [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 31|Chapter 31]], Catelyn</ref>
| royalanthem = A crowned stag enclosed within a red heart surrounded by a blaze of orange fire on a field of sun yellow{{ref|ACOK|31}}
| father = [[Steffon Baratheon]]
| father = Lord [[Steffon Baratheon]]
| mother = [[Cassana Estermont]]
| mother = Lady [[Cassana Estermont]]
| dateofbirth = {{Date|265}}
| coat-of-arms  = A black stag enclosed within a fiery heart on yellow (''Or, within a heart enflamed proper a stag sable'')
| placeofbirth =
| dateofbirth = {{Date|264}}<ref name=Cal>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Stannis Baratheon|Stannis Baratheon]] calculation.''</ref>
| placeofbirth = [[Storm's End]], the [[Stormlands]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Stannis Baratheon}}
| dateofdeath =
| dateofdeath =
| placeofdeath =
| placeofdeath =
| dateofburial =
| dateofburial =
| placeofburial =
| placeofburial =
| Books        = [[A Game of Thrones]] (Mentioned)<br>[[A Clash of Kings]] (Appears)<br>[[A Storm of Swords]] (Appears)<br>[[A Feast for Crows]] (Mentioned)<br>[[A Dance with Dragons]] (Appears)<br>[[The Winds of Winter]] (Appears)
| Books        = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appears)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (appears)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears)<br>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (appears)
| Played_by = [[List of actors of the televised series#Stephen Dillane, Stannis Baratheon|Stephen Dillane]]
| Played_by = [[w:Stephen Dillane|Stephen Dillane]]
| TV_series = [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|Season 2]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 3|Season 3]]
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': <br>[[Game of Thrones - Season 2|Season 2]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 3|3]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 4|4]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 5|5]]
}}
}}
[[File:Stannis Baratheon by henning.jpg|270px|thumb|by Henning Ludvigsen, Fantasy Flight Games ©.]]


'''Stannis Baratheon''' is the Lord of [[Dragonstone]] and the elder of King [[Robert 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 Lord [[Steffon Baratheon]] and [[Cassana Estermont]]. In the [[Game of Thrones|TV series]] Stannis is played by [[List of actors of the televised series#Stephen Dillane, Stannis Baratheon|Stephen Dillane]].
'''Stannis Baratheon''' is the head of [[House Baratheon of Dragonstone]] and the [[Lord of Dragonstone]]. He is the secondborn son of [[Steffon Baratheon]], [[Lord of Storm's End]], and Lady [[Cassana Estermont]].{{ref|AGOT|Appendix}} He has an older brother, King [[Robert I Baratheon]], and a younger brother, Lord [[Renly Baratheon]]. Stannis serves on Robert's [[small council]] as the [[master of ships]].


==Appearance and Characteristics ==
In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Stannis is portrayed by [[w:Stephen Dillane|Stephen Dillane]].
Like his brothers, [[Robert Baratheon|Robert]] and [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]], Stannis is a large man - tall, broad shouldered and sinewy. While he is not described as being particularly unattractive, he is also not considered as handsome as Renly or Robert was in his youth. Stannis has dark blue eyes. His head has only a fringe of black hair "like the shadow of a crown," and a close-cropped beard across his large jaw. His face has a tightness to it like cured leather, and he has hollow cheeks. He has thin, pale lips. See also [[:Category:Images of Stannis Baratheon|this collection of images]].


Stannis is a serious, stubborn, unforgiving man with an inflexible sense of duty and justice. He neither dissembles nor flatters. Stannis is obsessed with slights both real and imagined causing him to grind his teeth regularly.{{Ref|aCoK|Prologue}} He is an accomplished commander, sailor, and warrior, although his personality hinders his ascension to being a truly great leader. While he is respected and feared, he has never been loved, or had the affection of nobles or smallfolk.
==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Stannis Baratheon|l1=Images of Stannis Baratheon}}
Like his brothers, King [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] and Lord [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]], Stannis is a large man—tall, broad-shouldered, and sinewy.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} [[Jon Snow]] notes that Stannis towers over him.{{Ref|ASOS|76}} 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 his blue-black beard is cropped closely on his square jaw.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} Stannis's face has a tightness to it like cured leather, and he has hollow cheeks, and thin, pale lips.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} He often clenches his jaw,{{ref|ACOK|31}}{{ref|ASOS|63}}{{ref|ADWD|42}} and he grinds his teeth when he is angry.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}{{Ref|ACOK|10}}{{Ref|ACOK|25}}


Stannis has a cold relationship with his wife, Lady [[Selyse Florent|Selyse]] of [[House Florent]], and they have one daughter, [[Shireen Baratheon|Shireen]], a sad little girl bearing a disfigurement from an [[Greyscale|ailment]]. [[Davos Seaworth]] is one of Stannis's most loyal servants.  
Stannis is a serious, stubborn, rarely-forgiving, hard man with a strong sense of duty and justice.{{Ref|AGOT|27}}{{Ref|AGOT|58}}{{Ref|AGOT|47}}{{Ref|ACOK|42}}{{Ref|ASOS|36}}{{Ref|ACOK|10}}{{Ref|ASOS|72}} He is proud and protective of his honor.{{ref|AGOT|30}}{{ref|ACOK|10}}{{ref|ACOK|15}}{{ref|ADWD|31}} In his adult life, Stannis is increasingly embittered by the lack of affection he receives from Robert, even though he serves the king as well as he can.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}{{Ref|AWOIAF|Stannis Baratheon}}
 
Stannis is an accomplished commander, sailor, and warrior{{ref|AGOT|58}} with no thirst for battle, instead commanding from the rear.{{Ref|ACOK|59}} He has never had the affection of nobles or [[smallfolk]],{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}{{Ref|ACOK|10}}{{Ref|ACOK|22}}{{Ref|ACOK|36}} but he can command fierce loyalty from soldiers and [[knight]]s.{{ref|ACOK|65}}{{ref|ADWD|42}} Feasts at his court are quiet and dignified.{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}}
 
Stannis is not a man for easy courtesies,{{Ref|ACOK|31}} and he has always been uncomfortable around women, even his own wife, Lady [[Selyse Florent|Selyse]] of [[House Florent]]. During his years serving on the [[small council]] in [[King's Landing]], he has left his wife on [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]]. Stannis rarely sleeps with Selyse and takes no joy in it, and they have one daughter, [[Shireen Baratheon]].{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}
 
Influenced by [[Melisandre]], a [[red priest]]ess of [[R'hllor]], the Lord of Light, Stannis adopts a new sigil which depicts the [[stag]] of [[House Baratheon]] enclosed within a red heart surrounded by orange flame.{{ref|ACOK|31}} Stannis dresses more plainly than many of his noble peers.{{ref|ACOK|10}}{{ref|ACOK|31}} He sometimes wears a grey wool tunic, a dark red mantle, and a plain black leather belt from which hang his sword and dagger.{{ref|ASOS|36}} On campaign he wears a studded leather jerkin over quilted doublet, worn boots, breeches of brown roughspun, and a belt studded with [[garnet]]s and yellow [[topaz]].{{ref|ACOK|31}} Other armor includes wool and boiled leather{{ref|ACOK|42}} or grey plate inlaid with a flaming heart.{{ref|ADWD|10}}
 
Stannis's squires are [[Devan Seaworth]] and [[Bryen Farring]],{{ref|ACOK|10}} and Ser [[Andrew Estermont]] served as his squire years ago.{{ref|ASOS|54}} Stannis is cordial but not friendly with Lord [[Jon Arryn]], Robert's [[Hand of the King]].{{ref|AGOT|27}} Stannis is also not a friend of Lord [[Eddard Stark]], though he respects Ned's honor and honesty.{{ref|ASOS|76}}


==History==
==History==
Stannis was born the second son to [[Steffon Baratheon]] and [[Cassana Estermont]], the younger brother of [[Robert Baratheon]] and the older brother of [[Renly Baratheon]]. His parents died when he was thirteen. He lost his faith in [[Faith of the Seven|the Seven]] on that day, vowing that gods who were cruel enough to take his father and mother in sight of their children would never have his worship.{{Ref|aCoK|10}} Even in his youth he was said to be a serious, dour and humorless boy.  
===Early life===
Born in {{Date|264}},<ref name=Cal /> Stannis is the second son of Lady [[Cassana Estermont]] and [[Steffon Baratheon]], [[Lord of Storm's End]] and head of [[House Baratheon]]. He has an older brother, [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]], and a younger brother, [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]].{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}}
 
When Stannis was no more than four years old, his father took him and Robert to the [[Red Keep]] in [[King's Landing]]. 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 [[skulls of the Targaryen dragons]] were fearsome. It was years later that Steffon told him that it had been the [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[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.{{Ref|ASOS|54}}
 
[[File:Cressen Stannis by Lu.png|thumb|left|Young Stannis and Maester [[Cressen]], art by [https://lupotterdraws.tumblr.com/ Lupotterdraws] ]]
 
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. In contrast, Robert owned a gyrfalcon named [[Thunderclap]] which never missed a strike. Eventually, Stannis's great-uncle, Ser [[Harbert]], convinced him to abandon the bird, stating that Stannis was making a fool of himself with it.{{Ref|ACOK|10}}
 
Growing up, Stannis always stood in the shadow of his older brother. Whatever Stannis did, Robert had done first and better.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} These feelings remained until adulthood.{{Ref|ADWD|42}} [[Cressen]], the [[maester]] at [[Storm's End]], came to care deeply for Stannis, moreso than for his brothers, as he felt Stannis was the one who needed him the most, as the most unloved of the three.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} Even in his youth, Stannis had been an introverted child, who was mature beyond his years, solemn and joyless.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Stannis Baratheon}}
 
In {{Date|278}}, Stannis's parents were sent on a mission by King Aerys II to [[Volantis]] to find a bride for [[Rhaegar Targaryen]], Stannis's cousin and the crown prince, but they were unsuccessful.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}} Maester Cressen 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.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} 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 of the castle. 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, with Steffon and Cassana drowning.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} According to Stannis, he lost his faith in the [[Faith of the Seven|Seven]] that day.{{Ref|ACOK|10}} The only survivor of the wreck was the fool, [[Patchface]], who washed up on the shore on the third day.{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}}


Stannis's stubbornness and determination are legendary and served him well during [[Robert's Rebellion]]. He successfully held the Baratheon castle of [[Storm's End]] against [[Mace Tyrell]]'s [[Siege of Storm's End|siege]],{{Ref|aGoT|27}} which lasted the majority of the war, unintentionally ensuring one of the largest loyalist forces did not take the field against the rebels. His garrison held under desperate conditions, only avoiding starvation by the timely intervention of a smuggler, [[Davos Seaworth|Davos]]. His cargo of onions allowed them to hold the fortress. After the siege was lifted by Lord [[Eddard Stark]], Stannis took Davos into his service, dubbing him "The Onion Knight" and allowing him to choose the name Seaworth for his new house.  True to Stannis' inflexible 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 provided Stannis carry it out himself.
===Robert's Rebellion===
When King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] demanded the heads of [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]] and [[Eddard Stark]] after the executions of Lord [[Rickard Stark|Rickard]] and [[Brandon Stark]], Lord [[Jon Arryn]] instead raised his banners in revolt. Eddard and Robert returned to their homes to call their own banners during [[Robert's Rebellion]] against [[House Targaryen]]. The resulting decision that Stannis faced—whether to be loyal to his older brother and liege, Robert, or to his king, Aerys—was a difficult one.{{Ref|ASOS|36}} Stannis was at [[Storm's End]] when Robert returned from the [[battles at 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 made them his allies.{{Ref|ACOK|36}}


Following the [[Sack of King's Landing]], the new king, Robert Baratheon, charged his brother Stannis with leading a fleet to seize [[Dragonstone]], which was still loyal to the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]] at that point. After completing the mission, 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 Baratheon|Renly]], who had not done anything of true note during the war. However, Robert needed a strong ruler to control what had been a holdout of the Mad King's loyalists, and Stannis was much more suited for this role than Renly was.<ref name=RPG />  It had the added advantage of taking prickly Stannis away from the mainland of Westeros.  True to his nature, Stannis became an effective and efficient administrator for Dragonstone.
Stannis remained behind at Storm's End when Robert marched again. After Robert was defeated at [[Battle of Ashford|Ashford]], forces from the [[Reach]] besieged the seat of [[House Baratheon]], surrounding Storm's End on land and blockading it by sea. [[Donal Noye]] smithed for Stannis and lost an arm during the [[siege of Storm's End]].{{ref|AGOT|19}} Stannis successfully held Storm's End against the siege by Lords [[Mace Tyrell]] and [[Paxter Redwyne]],{{Ref|AGOT|27}} which lasted a major part of the war. His garrison held under desperate conditions, only avoiding starvation by the timely intervention of [[Davos Seaworth|Davos]], a notorious [[smuggler]], whose cargo of onions and salt fish allowed them to hold the fortress.{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}}


Stannis was appointed to the [[small council]] as well, as the [[Master of Ships]].{{Ref|aGoT|27}} During the [[Greyjoy Rebellion]], Stannis commanded the royal fleet and [[Battle of Fair Isle|trapped and destroyed]] much of the [[Iron Fleet]]. Afterwards, he subdued [[Great Wyk]] in his brother's name.{{ref|ADWD|26}} While he was at court in King's Landing, Stannis left Ser [[Axell Florent]] as castellan of Dragonstone.
After the siege of Storm's End was lifted by Lord Eddard Stark, Stannis [[knight]]ed Davos and, taking him into his service, allowed the new [[landed knight]] to choose the name Seaworth for [[House Seaworth|his new House]].{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}} 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.{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}}


During his wedding to Lady [[Selyse Florent]], King Robert deflowered [[Delena Florent]] on Stannis's wedding bed. This coupling led to the birth of [[Edric Storm]], the only acknowledged [[bastard]] of the king. Stannis insisted that he was a blight upon the honor of his wife's house and promptly shipped him off to his other uncle, Lord Renly, at [[Storm's End]].{{Ref|aGoT|35}}
===Lord of Dragonstone===
[[File:HBO Stannis broods on Dragonstone.png|thumb|350px|Stannis brooding at [[Dragonstone]], from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Blu-ray]]
Following the [[Sack of King's Landing]] and the surrender of the [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] at [[Storm's End]], the new king, [[Robert I Baratheon]], charged his brother Stannis with building a new [[royal fleet]] to seize the [[Dragonstone (island)|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 [[Dragonstone|castle of Dragonstone]]. Targaryen loyalists led by Ser [[Willem Darry]] smuggled the two Targaryen children, [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]] and [[Daenerys Targaryen|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 in the [[Braavosian Coastland]] shortly before Stannis had set sail.{{Ref|AGOT|3}}{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}}{{ref|ACOK|25}}


Despite Stannis's loyalty and service to his brother Robert, Robert gave Stannis little in return; instead of thanking him for holding Storm's End against the [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] 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 [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]] and [[Daenerys Targaryen]], even though they fled long before Stannis's newly built fleet had arrived.{{Ref|aCoK|Prologue}} According to [[Cersei Lannister]], Robert intended Stannis receiving Dragonstone as a slight.{{Ref|aCoK|25}} 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. Stannis never complained publicly since service without expectation of reward was required of him in his positions.
Stannis was displeased to discover that King Robert had granted him Dragonstone, instead of the wealthier Storm's End, which was given to their younger brother [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]]. Stannis resented this and believed it to be an intentional slight,{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}} which Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] agrees with.{{ref|ACOK|25}} According to a semi-canon source, however, Robert had not necessarily meant it as such.<ref name=Baratheonbrothers>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Baratheon_Brothers/ The Baratheon Brothers], September 11, 1999</ref> The castle had traditionally been the seat of the heir to the Iron Throne, the [[Prince of Dragonstone]], during most of the Targaryen dynasty, so the then-childless Robert was granting it to his heir at that time, Stannis.<ref name=Baratheonbrothers /> Now the [[Lord of Dragonstone]], Stannis became the head of [[House Baratheon of Dragonstone]]. Stannis and Maester [[Cressen]] came to Dragonstone around {{date|287}}.{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}}


Just prior to the events of ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'', Stannis suspected that the children of Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] were not actually Robert's. He confided his suspicions to Lord Arryn, and they investigated the matter together. Stannis did not bring his suspicions to Robert, as he knew Robert would not believe the charges coming from him. Since Robert had no love for his brother Stannis, the younger Baratheon would be seen as making himself heir. However, Stannis felt Robert would listen if the charges came from Jon Arryn, whom Robert loved. They visited several of Robert's [[Bastardy|baseborn]] children in the city and Stannis pointed out that all had black hair and they looked like Robert. Jon consulted the book ''[[The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms]]'' of past marriages of noble houses and discovered the same was true: whenever a Baratheon wed, their sons and daughters would have black hair, even if the other parent was a golden-haired Lannister.  
Stannis wed Lady [[Selyse Florent|Selyse]] of [[House Florent]]. While Stannis and Selyse were dancing during [[wedding of Stannis Baratheon and Selyse Florent|the feast]], King Robert deflowered [[Delena Florent]], a cousin of Selyse, on the wedding bed. This coupling led to the birth of [[Edric Storm]], the only officially acknowledged [[bastard]] of the king. Stannis insisted that the boy was a slight upon the honor of his wife's house and promptly shipped him off to his brother Renly at Storm's End.{{Ref|AGOT|35}} Stannis only does his duty in the marriage bed once or twice a year, taking no joy in it.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} Though he once hoped for sons, Stannis has only had a daughter, [[Shireen Baratheon|Shireen]], with Selyse.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}


After determining that Cersei's children were in fact not Robert's, Jon meant to act and planned for his son [[Robert Arryn]] to be fostered with Stannis on [[Dragonstone]]. However, Lord Arryn was poisoned before he could bring the evidence before Robert.
===Master of Ships===
[[File:Stannis Baratheon Greyjoy Rebellion.png|350px|thumb|Stannis leading the attack on [[Great Wyk]] during [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]], from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Blu-ray]]
Lord Stannis was appointed to the [[small council]]{{Ref|AGOT|27}} of King [[Robert I Baratheon]] as the [[master of ships]], and he left [[Selyse Florent|Selyse]] and [[Shireen Baratheon|Shireen]] on [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]] when he traveled to [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}. Stannis only occasionally writes to Selyse, and his visits are even fewer.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}


==Recent Events==
In {{Date|289}}, Stannis led the rebuilt [[royal fleet]] to the [[Sunset Sea]] to help suppress [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]]. Stannis lured [[Victarion Greyjoy]], [[Lord Captain of the Iron Fleet]], into a trap in the [[Straits of Fair Isle]], and he destroyed much of the [[Iron Fleet]] in the ensuing [[sea battle off Fair Isle]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands: The Old Way and the New}}{{ref|ADWD|63}} Afterwards, Stannis subdued [[Great Wyk]] in his brother's name.{{ref|ADWD|26}}
===''A Game of Thrones''===
After the death of [[Jon Arryn]], Stannis flees to [[Dragonstone]] to gather his strength and plan his next move.{{Ref|aGoT|20}} Lord [[Eddard Stark]] wonders why Stannis left, believing it is due to the discovery of whatever secret Jon Arryn was allegedly murdered for, not realizing that Stannis was slighted by Robert's selection of Eddard as his new [[Hand of the King]]. 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.{{Ref|aGoT|27}} Robert dies after a boar hunt and is succeeded by his son, [[Joffrey Baratheon]].{{ref|AGOT|49}} Eddard tries to rule as regent, but is outmaneuvered by Robert's widow, [[Cersei Lannister]]. The boy king Joffrey subsequently has Eddard executed.{{ref|AGOT|64}}


===''A Clash of Kings''===
Stannis once led a fleet to [[Sisterton]] to suppress smuggling from the [[Three Sisters]]. He hanged a dozen friends of Lord [[Godric Borrell]], and he threatened to hang Godric himself if any ships are wrecked if the [[Night Lamp]] were to go dark.{{ref|ADWD|9}}
[[File:Stannis_tv.jpg|270px|thumb|Stephen Dillane as Stannis Baratheon]]


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 [[Myr]]ish and [[Lys]]eni sellswords, but his forces are too few to challenge the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] in King's Landing. Additionally, his younger brother, [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]], has also declared himself king with the support of [[House Tyrell]]; most of the Baratheon bannermen in the [[Stormlands]] are following 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 Florent|Selyse]], says Stannis should not treat for what is his by right.
Ser [[Axell Florent]], Selyse's uncle, has served as the [[castellan]] of Dragonstone for ten years while Stannis has been away at King's Landing.{{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. 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}}
===Recent History===
[[File:Henning Ludvigsen Clash for the crown.jpg|thumb|350px|Stannis with his brothers [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] and [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]], by Henning Ludvigsen © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Despite his loyalty and service to his elder brother, Stannis has always felt underappreciated by King [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]]. Instead of thanking Stannis for holding [[Storm's End]] against the [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] during [[Robert's Rebellion]], the king thanked his old friend, Lord [[Eddard Stark]], for lifting the siege. Instead of thanking Stannis for [[assault on Dragonstone|capturing Dragonstone]] for him, Robert blamed Stannis for the escape of [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]] and [[Daenerys Targaryen]], even though they left Dragonstone before Stannis had set sail.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}


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. Renly makes light of the offer and 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.
Stannis has helped Lord [[Jon Arryn]], Robert's [[Hand of the King]], in ruling the [[Seven Kingdoms]], but he has received little or no acknowledgment or thanks from his elder brother, who spends his time hunting, drinking, and whoring.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} Stannis feels that Storm's End, the ancestral seat of House Baratheon, was his by rights after Robert took the [[Iron Throne]], and has told Robert so on multiple occasions. In due time, Storm's End was given to young [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]] instead.{{Ref|ACOK|25}}


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. Ser [[Davos Seaworth]] rows Melisandre beneath the fortress, and the priestess assassinates Penrose as she did Renly.
King Robert once rejected Stannis's proposal to outlaw brothels.{{Ref|AGOT|27}} Stannis has outlawed [[prostitution]] on his island of Dragonstone.{{ref|ACOK|10}} Dragonstone's maester, the elderly [[Cressen]], fell and broke his hip in {{date|297}}.{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}}


With Storm's End under his control, Stannis launches an [[Battle of the Blackwater|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 [[House Lannister|Lannister]] and [[House Tyrell|Tyrell]] reinforcements unexpectedly arrive, seemingly led by Renly's ghost; it is in fact [[Garlan Tyrell]] wearing the deceased Renly's armour..
Eventually, Stannis began to suspect that the children of Queen [[Cersei Lannister]]—Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]], Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon|Myrcella]], and Prince [[Tommen Baratheon]]—were not actually Robert's. Lord [[Varys]], the [[master of whisperers]], suggests the idea had been mentioned to Stannis by an unnamed individual.{{ref|ACOK|15}} Convinced that Robert would not believe him, Stannis confided his suspicions with Lord Arryn, the King's Hand.{{Ref|ACOK|31}}


===''A Storm of Swords''===
Stannis and Jon investigated the matter, visiting several of Robert's [[Bastardy|baseborn]] children in the capital, including visits to the shop of [[Tobho Mott]] and to [[Chataya's brothel]].{{Ref|AGOT|27}}{{Ref|AGOT|30}}{{ref|AGOT|35}} According to [[Gendry]], Tobho's apprentice, Stannis and Jon often went riding together, with Renly excluded.{{Ref|AGOT|27}}{{Ref|AGOT|30}} During their investigations, Jon agreed with Stannis that his young son and heir, [[Robert Arryn]], would be [[foster]]ed with Stannis on Dragonstone.{{Ref|AGOT|27}} Jon had begun to gather proof when he suddenly died,{{Ref|ACOK|31}} with Stannis believing that Cersei had Jon killed.{{Ref|ACOK|31}}{{Ref|ASOS|36}}
[[File:King_stannis_baratheon_by_acazigot-d4apxj7.jpg‎|thumb|250px|Stannis Baratheon by acazigot©]]
Stannis returns to [[Dragonstone]], his host broken by the [[Battle of the Blackwater]].{{Ref|aSoS|10}} He has his [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Alester Florent]], imprisoned when the man attempts to make peace with the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] by offering them Stannis's daughter, [[Shireen Baratheon]], as a hostage.{{Ref|aSoS|25}}  


When Ser [[Davos Seaworth]] returns to Dragonstone, Stannis has him 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 Baratheon|Joffrey]]. Davos calls the plan evil, stating that the smallfolk of Claw Isle are not traitors. Stannis agrees and names [[Davos Seaworth]] 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.{{Ref|aSoS|36}}
==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Joshua Cairosstannisbaratheon.jpg|thumb|350px|Stannis Baratheon by Joshua Cairós © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Stannis expects to be named the new [[Hand of the King]] after the sudden death of Lord [[Jon Arryn]],{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}}{{ref|ACOK|31}} but King [[Robert I Baratheon]] instead leaves for the [[north]] to offer the position to his old friend, [[Eddard Stark]], [[Lord of Winterfell]] and [[Warden of the North]].{{ref|ACOK|2}} A resentful Stannis leaves for [[Dragonstone]]{{Ref|AGOT|18}}{{Ref|AGOT|20}}{{Ref|AGOT|27}} not long after with much of the [[royal fleet]].{{ref|ACOK|41}}


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, though initially reluctant,{{Ref|aSoS|36}} is about to follow through with the ritual when Davos smuggles the boy away and urges Stannis to take his remaining forces north to defend the [[Wall]].{{Ref|aSoS|63}}
Stannis plans his next move,{{Ref|AGOT|20}} believing that Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] poisoned Jon.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} Rather than have young [[Robert Arryn]] fostered with Stannis as planned, Jon's widow [[Lysa Arryn|Lysa]] flees back to the [[Vale of Arryn|Vale of Arryn]] with her son after Jon's death.{{Ref|AGOT|4}} Since Maester [[Cressen]] has become ill after his fall the previous year, the [[Citadel]] sends [[Pylos]] to Dragonstone, with the young maester arriving mere days before Stannis closes off the isle.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}


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 [[wildlings|wildling]] army at the [[Battle of Castle Black]].{{Ref|aSoS|73}} 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.{{Ref|aSoS|76}} The offer falls through when Jon is selected as Lord Commander of the [[Night's Watch]].{{Ref|aSoS|79}} Stannis continues to seek support in [[the North]] for another attempt at the throne.
Eddard wonders why Stannis left [[King's Landing]], believing it was due to the discovery of whatever secret Jon was allegedly murdered for, although not realizing that Stannis was also slighted by Robert's selection of Eddard as his new Hand. Ned Stark, via Grand Maester [[Pycelle]], sends a [[raven]] with a polite letter requesting Lord Stannis to return to his seat on the [[small council]].{{ref|AGOT|33}} Stannis does not attend the [[Hand's tourney]] in King's Landing.{{ref|AGOT|30}}


===''A Feast for Crows''===
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 [[Chataya's brothel|a brothel]], when Stannis is normally so righteous to the point of prudish, Eddard gets closer to the truth.{{Ref|AGOT|27}} Stannis does not attend the [[Hand's tourney]] in King's Landing.{{ref|AGOT|30}}
Stannis 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 [[House Karstark|Karstarks]], led by the castellan of [[Karhold]], [[Arnolf Karstark]], declaring for him.{{Ref|aFfC|5}}{{Ref|aDwD|3}}


===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Robert is mortally wounded by a [[boar]] while hunting in the [[kingswood]], and the dying king wants Eddard to rule as [[regent]] for his son, [[Joffrey Baratheon]].{{ref|AGOT|47}} Since Joffrey is not actually Robert's son, Ned alters the phrasing of Robert's will without his knowledge and plans to bring Stannis to the [[Iron Throne]] instead of Joffrey. Lord Stark tasks [[Tomard]] with personally delivering a letter to Stannis on Dragonstone when the ''[[Wind Witch]]'' sails north.{{ref|AGOT|47}} Ned rejects Lord [[Renly Baratheon]]'s recommendation to take Cersei's children into custody, and Lord Stark instead allies with Lord [[Petyr Baelish]], who warns that raising Stannis to the throne will bring war.{{ref|AGOT|47}} Eddard is outmaneuvered by Robert's widow, Queen Cersei, and betrayed by Lord Baelish, and Fat Tom is slain by [[City Watch of King's Landing|gold cloaks]] during the [[arrest of Eddard Stark]] in the [[Great Hall (Red Keep)|throne room]] before he can depart the capital.{{ref|AGOT|49}} Cersei shows the letter which would have been brought to Stannis to Ned's captive daughter, [[Sansa Stark]].{{ref|AGOT|51}}
According to the [[High Sparrow|current High Septon]], Stannis has turned from the truth of the [[Faith of the Seven]] to worship a [[R'hllor|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.{{Ref|aDwD|15}} 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.<ref>[[A Dance with Dragons]], [[Jon III (A Dance with Dragons)|Chapter 10 - Jon III]], pages 134-138</ref> 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.{{Ref|aDwD|10}} Unbeknownst to Stannis, however, the burned Mance was actually a glamoured [[Rattleshirt]].<ref>[[A Dance with Dragons]], [[Melisandre I (A Dance with Dragons)|Chapter 31 - Melisandre I]], pages 418-419</ref>
[[War of the Five Kings|War breaks out]] in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] after Robert's death.{{ref|AGOT|55}} During Joffrey's first court session, Stannis, his wife [[Selyse Florent|Selyse]], and daughter [[Shireen Baratheon|Shireen]] are listed by Grand Maester Pycelle among those required to swear fealty to the new king.{{Ref|ASOS|57}} Rather than allowing Eddard to join the [[Night's Watch]] after confessing to treason, Joffrey has Lord Stark publicly executed at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]].{{ref|AGOT|65}} Eddard's eldest son, [[Robb Stark]], is declared [[King in the North]] at [[Riverrun]] after the [[Battle of the Camps]].{{ref|AGOT|71}}


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.{{Ref|aDwD|17}}
Lord [[Varys]] reports that Robert's youngest brother, Renly, has been crowned at [[Highgarden]], and that Stannis is said to be building ships, hiring [[sellswords]], and bringing a [[shadowbinder]] from [[Asshai]] to Dragonstone. Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], Joffrey's Hand, thinks that Stannis is a greater threat the boy king's other rivals.{{ref|AGOT|69}}


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 [[Northern mountain clans|mountain clans]], including the [[House Flint of the mountains|Flints]], [[House Wull|Wulls]], [[House Norrey|Norreys]] and [[House Liddle|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 [[Torghen Flint|Old Torghen Flint]] and [[Hugo Wull|Hugo "Big Bucket" Wull]]. With an additional three thousand men in his army, Stannis then [[Retaking of Deepwood Motte|retakes Deepwood Motte]].{{Ref|aDwD|26}} 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 [[Sack of Winterfell]] who have been hiding in the [[Wolfswood]].{{Ref|ADWD|35}} 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.{{Ref|aDwD|37}}{{Ref|aDwD|42}} Learning of Arnolf Karstark's planned treachery from Arnolf's niece, [[Alys Karstark|Alys]], Jon Snow sends a message to Stannis trying to warn him.
===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Stannis Melisandre Lightbringer Dragonstone.jpg|350px|thumb|Stannis holding [[Lightbringer]] with [[Melisandre]] at [[Dragonstone]], by Amok ©]]


According to a [[Bastard Letter|taunting letter]] written by [[Ramsay Bolton]] to Jon Snow, Stannis was killed along with most of his army in the [[Siege of Winterfell]].<ref>[[A Dance with Dragons]],[[Jon XIII (A Dance with Dragons)|Chapter 69 - Jon XIII]], pages 907-908</ref> Stannis's last known location was a snowed-in village three days west of Winterfell.<ref>[[A Dance with Dragons]],[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 42|Chapter 42 - The King's Prize (Asha)]], page 561</ref><ref>[[A Dance with Dragons]],[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 51|Chapter 51 (Theon I)]], page 677</ref>{{Ref|aDwD|62}} It is unknown, however, if Stannis is really dead, or if it is just a lie written by Ramsay.
Stannis declares himself king on [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]]. He sends Ser [[Davos Seaworth]] to gather support for him among the [[stormlords]], but none are willing to join him. His supporters from the [[narrow sea]] include Lords [[Ardrian Celtigar]], [[Monford Velaryon]], [[Duram Bar Emmon]], and [[Guncer Sunglass]].{{ref|ACOK|Appendix}} Stannis hires [[sellswords]] from [[Myr]] and [[Lys]],{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}} and he also has the support of the sellsails [[Salladhor Saan]], self-styled as the [[Prince of the Narrow Sea]], and [[Morosh the Myrman]].{{ref|ACOK|Appendix}} The older [[maester]] at Dragonstone, [[Cressen]], suggests to Stannis that he makes an alliance against the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] with [[Robb Stark]], who has been declared [[King in the North]], but Stannis objects to ruling only half a kingdom. Cressen then proposes that Stannis sends [[Shireen Baratheon|Shireen]], his only child and heir, to the [[Eyrie]], to make an alliance with Lady [[Lysa Arryn]]. Stannis's wife, [[Selyse Florent]], objects, stating that Stannis should not have to beg for help, and Stannis sides with her.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}


===''The Winds of Winter''===
Selyse has converted to the faith of [[R'hllor]], the Lord of Light, giving [[Melisandre]], a [[red priest]]ess, a base of power on Dragonstone. Selyse tells Stannis that the [[red comet]] is a sign that Stannis's time has come, and that he must sail from Dragonstone now to conquer.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} Selyse claims that [[Renly Baratheon]]'s men will join Stannis once Renly dies, and that Melisandre has seen Renly dead in her flames. Cressen is horrified by the thought of fratricide and objects, but Stannis dismisses him. Cressen attempts to poison Melisandre with the [[strangler]], but he does and she survives unscathed.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} [[Pylos]] henceforth serves as Stannis's sole maester at Dragonstone.{{ref|ACOK|10}}
Though reportedly isolated and secluded, Stannis is actively and efficiently preparing for the looming battle against the [[House Bolton|Boltons]]. Stannis receives the [[Braavos|Braavosi]] [[Iron Bank of Braavos|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 Karstark|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 "[[Jeyne Poole|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.
Though Stannis is not a follower of R'hllor,{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} he renounces the [[Faith of the Seven]] for the Lord of Light. [[Queen's men]] ruin the [[sept at Dragonstone]], and statues of the Seven are publicly burned before Dragonstone's gates. During this sacrifice, Melisandre proclaims that Stannis is [[Azor Ahai]] reborn, and has him pull a sword, [[Lightbringer]], out of the burning carving of [[Mother (the Seven)|the Mother]].{{Ref|ACOK|10}} In private, Sallador tells Davos that the sword is not the real Lightbringer. The pious Lord Sunglass renounces Stannis for having destroyed the sept, and he is imprisoned with the surviving sons of Ser [[Hubard Rambton]], who fought the queen's men in defense of the sept.{{Ref|ACOK|10}}


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 writes a letter announcing his claim to the [[Iron Throne]] and the [[bastardy]] of [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]], [[Myrcella Baratheon|Myrecella]] and [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]], which he plans to send to the lords of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] by raven, and to the ports of [[Westeros]] and the [[Free Cities]] by ship.{{Ref|ACOK|10}} Davos tells Stannis that he has no proof of the [[incest]] between Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] and her brother, Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], but Stannis claims that Robert's [[bastard]] son [[Edric Storm]] is proof, though he does not have access to boy at [[Storm's End]]. Davos further informs Stannis that it would be unwise to declare for the Lord of Light, if he wishes to win over the followers of the Seven, but Stannis rejects the notion, as he believes Melisandre has power.{{Ref|ACOK|10}}


Stannis plans to have [[Theon Greyjoy]] executed, hoping to gain favor with his northern allies by exacting justice for the murders of [[Bran Stark|Bran]] and [[Rickon Stark]].<ref>official site of [http://www.georgerrmartin.com/if-sample.html George Martin]</ref>
[[File:Joshua Cairós StannisMel.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Melisandre]] and Stannis at [[siege of Storm's End (299)|Storm's End]], by Joshua Cairós © Fantasy Flight Games]]


==Quotes by Stannis==
Having already declared for the throne, [[Renly Baratheon]], Stannis's younger brother, slowly marches with a huge host on the [[roseroad]] from [[Highgarden]] toward [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|ACOK|10}}{{Ref|ACOK|17}} King Robb Stark sends his mother [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] south as an envoy. When Catelyn meets Renly at [[Bitterbridge]], Renly tells her he will have Stannis's support against King Joffrey. Catelyn reminds Renly that Stannis has a stronger claim as the elder brother, but Renly scoffs at the idea of the unpopular Stannis becoming king. As Renly and Catelyn converse, Renly is surprised when a rider brings words that Stannis has [[Siege of Storm's End (299)|besieged Storm's End]], which is held for Renly by Ser [[Cortnay Penrose]].{{Ref|ACOK|22}}


From Bitterbridge, Renly rushes to Storm's End with ten thousand{{Ref|ACOK|33}} of his host to meet Stannis, claiming that he has another hundred thousand on their way.{{Ref|ACOK|31}} Stannis and Renly parley, and Renly offers Stannis a chance to swear him his fealty, which Stannis angrily rejects. He calls Renly a traitor, as well as threatens [[Robb Stark]] to his mother, Lady [[Catelyn Stark]]. When it becomes clear that Renly, who does not care about Stannis's letter and is confident in his own strength, will not swear to him, Stannis leaves, promising a battle at dawn.{{Ref|ACOK|31}}


{{Quote|I shall bring justice to Westeros. 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.}}
Catelyn informs Renly about [[catspaw|the murder attempt]] on her son [[Bran Stark|Bran's]] life, which she blames on the Lannisters. Catelyn now believes that Bran saw Cersei and Jaime having sex. She asks leave to go to Stannis to tell him of her suspicions, suggesting that Stannis, Renly, and Robb all cast aside their crowns to call a [[Great Council]], but Renly refuses. As the would-be king prepares for battle, [[shadow child|a shadow]] kills him; Stannis's shadow, according to Catelyn.{{Ref|ACOK|33}} Most of the forces Renly had brought with him to Storm's End join Stannis, though Ser [[Loras Tyrell]], and Lords [[Randyll Tarly]] and [[Mathis Rowan]] do not.{{Ref|ACOK|36}}


Following Renly's death, Stannis is troubled by terrible nightmares, and only Melisandre, who now shares his pavilion, can soothe him to sleep.{{Ref|ACOK|42}} He confides in Davos that he sometimes dreams of Renly's death, but that he is innocent, as he had been in his bed when Renly was slain, and that his [[squire]], [[Devan Seaworth]], had been unable to wake him. Stannis is vexed by Renly having offered him [[Renly's peach|a peach]] during their parley.{{Ref|ACOK|42}}


{{Quote|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 [[Renly Baratheon|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.{{Ref|aCoK|42}}}}
Stannis has surrounded Storm's End by land and sea, and he promises that the garrison might go free unharmed is the castle is yielded up to him in a fortnight.{{Ref|ACOK|39}} The castellan, Cortnay Penrose, continues to refuse, however, even during the last parley a fortnight later, as yielding requires giving the boy Edric to Stannis. Cortnay challenges Stannis to single combat to decide the matter, but Stannis refuses. Melisandre tells Stannis that she has seen Cortnay's death [[nightfire|in her flames]]. Unwilling to leave Storm's End untaken out of fear that it will be viewed as a defeat, and determined to get a hold of Robert's bastard to prove the incest, Stannis orders Davos to land a small boat beneath the castle, unseen in the black of the night, without anyone else knowing about it, taking Melisandre with him.{{Ref|ACOK|42}} Davos rows Melisandre beneath Storm's End, where she gives birth to [[shadow assassin|a shadow]] which resembles Stannis and enters the castle.{{Ref|ACOK|42}} That same night, Cortnay falls off a tower of the castle to his death,{{Ref|ACOK|44}} and his lieutenant, Lord [[Elwood Meadows]], yields the castle to Stannis,{{ref|ACOK|45}} who subsequently burns the [[godswood at Storm's End]].{{Ref|ACOK|49}} It is said that Cortnay threw himself off the tower, and his guards could not find anyone else in the room, nor had they seen anyone else enter. However, Lord [[Varys]] believes Cortnay to have been killed with [[magic]].{{Ref|ACOK|44}}
- Stannis to [[Davos]]


[[File:Stannis Baratheon with Lightbrighter at Blackwater by WillHarrisArt.jpg|380px|thumb|Stannis at the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], by Will Harris ©]]


{{Quote|Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies.{{Ref|aCoK|31}}}}
With Storm's End fallen, Stannis is free to march for King's Landing, which has been preparing for his arrival.{{Ref|ACOK|49}} Stannis's bannermen convince him that Melisandre should not join him on the campaign, as a battlefield is no place for a woman and she might get credit for his victory as a sorceress. Stannis sends Melisandre and Edric to Dragonstone, and he begins marching north from Storm's End toward the [[kingswood]] and the southern shore of the [[Blackwater Rush]]. Meanwhile, Ser [[Imry Florent]] leads Stannis's fleet north along [[Massey's Hook]] toward [[Blackwater Bay]].{{ref|ACOK|58}}
- Stannis to [[Catelyn Tully]]


To prevent people in the city from joining Stannis, [[Tyrion Lannister]], the acting [[Hand of the King]], has the [[High Septon (Tyrion's)|High Septon]] spread the news that Stannis means to burn to [[Great Sept of Baelor]].{{Ref|ACOK|49}} Tyrion has his [[Vale mountain clans|Vale clansmen]] light fires to burn the grass which would be consumed by Stannis's [[horse]]s, while killing his scouts and raiding his baggage train. In response, Stannis's vanguard sets the kingswood afire, to smoke the clansmen out.{{Ref|ACOK|52}}


{{Quote|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.{{Ref|aSoS|5}}}}
Stannis attacks King's Landing during the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], with most of Stannis's ships entering the harbor to land soldiers and face the smaller fleet of King Joffrey. The Lannisters light [[wildfire]] and raise a giant iron chain to prevent ships from sailing out of the harbor, and most ships in both fleets are destroyed. Stannis's soldiers use the destroyed ships as a bridge to reach the gates of the city, however, and they come close to victory. The forces of Lords [[Tywin Lannister]] and [[Mace Tyrell]] arrive unexpectedly, led by the "ghost" of Renly Baratheon (who is later revealed to have been Ser [[Garlan Tyrell]], dressed in Renly's armor),{{Ref|ACOK|62}} and Stannis's soldiers are overwhelmed or surrender. Ser [[Richard Horpe]] and Ser [[Justin Massey]] convince Stannis to retreat.<ref name="theon1">''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]</ref>
- Stannis to [[Davos]]


===''A Storm of Swords''===
While Stannis is away, Melisandre and Queen [[Selyse Florent|Selyse]] burn Lord [[Guncer Sunglass]] and Ser [[Hubard Rambton]]'s sons.{{ref|ACOK|10}} Defeated on the [[Blackwater]], Stannis returns to Dragonstone on the [[Lys]]ene ships of [[Salladhor Saan]]{{Ref|ASOS|4}} with the few men that remain to him, most of them [[queen's men]] from [[House Florent]].{{Ref|ASOS|10}} Stannis names Lord [[Alester Florent]] as his [[Hand of the King]], but refuses to see anyone but Melisandre, brooding in the [[Stone Drum]] instead. He does not eat, and tales are told claiming that Stannis and Melisandre go down into the [[Dragonmont]] to watch the fires inside.{{Ref|ASOS|10}}


{{Quote|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.{{Ref|aSoS|54}}}}
After Ser [[Davos Seaworth]] is arrested for his plan to kill Melisandre,{{Ref|ASOS|10}} Melisandre visits him in the dungeon. The [[shadowbinder]] informs the Onion Knight that she dare not make another [[Shadow assassin|shadow]] with Stannis as his "fires burn so low" that doing so might kill him.{{Ref|ASOS|25}} Lord Florent, losing faith in Stannis's chances for success, prepares to offer peace to Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], now King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey's]] Hand. In exchange for giving up his claim to the Iron Throne and retracting all he said regarding the [[bastardy]] of [[Cersei Lannister]]'s children, Stannis would be accepted back into the [[king's peace]] and allowed to rule as [[Lord of Dragonstone]] and [[Lord of Storm's End]]. Alester wishes to seal the bargain by offering Princess [[Shireen Baratheon]] in marriage to Prince [[Tommen Baratheon]]. However, before Alester can give the letter to Sallador and have it secretly delivered to King's Landing, Lord Florent is arrested for treason and imprisoned with Davos in the dungeon.{{Ref|ASOS|25}}
- Stannis to [[Davos]]


[[File:Davos Kneeling King Stannis.jpg|thumb|350px|Ser [[Davos Seaworth]] kneeling before Stannis, by Amok © Fantasy Flight Games]]


{{Quote|I never asked for this crown. Gold is cold & heavy on the head but so long as I am the king, I have a duty … If I must sacrifice [[Edric Storm|one child]] to the flames to save a million from the dark … Sacrifice … is never easy, Davos. Or it is no true sacrifice.{{Ref|aSoS|63}}}}
Melisandre asks Stannis to relinquish [[Edric Storm]], the [[bastard]] son of the late King [[Robert I Baratheon]], over to her, claiming that king's blood will allow her to wake a stone [[dragon]]. Stannis refuses, however.{{ref|ASOS|25}}{{ref|ASOS|36}} The priestess believes that Stannis is [[the prince that was promised]].{{ref|ASOS|36}}
- Stannis to [[Davos]]


Stannis has Davos released from the dungeon and brought before him. While escorting Davos to Stannis in the [[Chamber of the Painted Table]], Ser [[Axell Florent]] tries to make Davos tell Stannis that Axell should be named the King's Hand to succeed his elder brother, Lord Alester. When Davos sees Stannis, the king appears ten years older, shrunken and beginning to be grey-haired. Stannis agrees with Davos that Axell's plan to attack [[Claw Isle]] should be rejected, and he names Davos as [[Lord of the Rainwood]], [[Admiral of the Narrow Sea]], and his new Hand of the King. Stannis reveals that he has seen [[Fist of the First Men|a high hill in a forest]], where [[Night's Watch|men in black]] had made a ring of torches, and where [[wights|shapes]] were [[Fight at the Fist|moving through the snow]]. Melisandre again asks for Edric, but Stannis refuses, ordering her to use leeches which had been feeding on the boy instead. Stannis throws three leeches into a fire one by one, stating the names of the other three surviving kings ([[Joffrey Baratheon]], [[Balon Greyjoy]], and [[Robb Stark]]) of the [[War of the Five Kings]].{{Ref|ASOS|36}}


{{Quote|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 & turned him into ash. Do you think I need Melisandre to tell me what that means? Or you?{{Ref|aSoS|63}}}}
Balon falls to his death at [[Pyke]]{{ref|ASOS|45}} and Robb is killed in the [[Red Wedding]],{{ref|ASOS|51}} leading to a discussion among Stannis's counselors whether Edric should be sacrificed to wake a dragon from stone, as Melisandre claims will happen. Davos attempts to convince Stannis not to sacrifice Edric once they are alone, but Stannis admits that, should Joffrey die as well, he is willing to consider doing it.{{ref|ASOS|54}}


Upon hearing the news of Joffrey's death at his [[Purple Wedding|royal wedding]], Stannis is willing to sacrifice Edric, though he still does not like the idea.{{Ref|ASOS|63}} Several knights and lordlings have greater loyalty to Stannis and the Faith than to Melisandre and R'hllor.{{Ref|ASOS|54}} These [[king's men]] are willing to help Davos smuggle Edric to safety from Dragonstone under the care of Ser [[Andrew Estermont]].{{Ref|ASOS|63}} Stannis is furious, but Davos urges Stannis to sail for the [[Wall]], claiming that "a king protects his people, or he is no king at all", and the Onion Lord presents his king with Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]]'s letter asking for aid for the [[Night's Watch]], of which Stannis had been unaware.{{Ref|ASOS|63}}


{{Quote|It is not a question of wanting. The throne is mine, as Robert's heir. That is law.{{Ref|aSoS|36}}}}
[[File:Donato Giancola Stannis Baratheon.jpg|thumb|350px|Stannis in the [[battle beneath the Wall]], by Donato Giancola ©]]
- Stannis to [[Davos]]


Melisandre sacrifices Lord Florent to R'hllor to gain favorable winds for the journey north,{{ref|ADWD|9}} and Stannis sails on Sallador's ships from Dragonstone to the Wall. He leaves Selyse and Shireen at [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea]] while marching west with all his forces.{{Ref|ASOS|75}} Guided by [[Cotter Pyke]] and his men from Eastwatch,{{ref|ASOS|75}} Stannis's army arrives in time to defeat the [[free folk|wildling]] host gathered by [[Mance Rayder]], [[King-Beyond-the-Wall]], during the [[battle beneath the Wall]].{{Ref|ASOS|73}}


{{Quote|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.{{Ref|aSoS|36}}}}
Stannis occupies the [[King's Tower]] at [[Castle Black]].{{Ref|ASOS|75}} Though he plans to burn Mance, once a deserter from the Night's Watch, for treason, he is willing to allow the other free folk through the Wall if they swear to R'hllor, settling them in the [[Gift]]. He has [[Jon Snow]], the bastard son of the late Lord [[Eddard Stark]] and the half brother of Robb Stark, brought to him, and the king offers to legitimize the youth and name him [[Lord of Winterfell]] in exchange for Jon's help in winning the [[north]] to his side. Stannis allows Jon time to think about the offer, which Jon is reluctant to accept because it would require the burning of the [[godswood of Winterfell]].{{Ref|ASOS|76}}
- Stannis to [[Davos]]


As Stannis needs to negotiate with the [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], he is displeased that after ten days of voting, the black brothers still have not yet chosen a new commander to succeed the late [[Jeor Mormont]], and calls several of the higher ranking men to him to inform them that he will choose a Lord Commander for them, if they do not come to a decision that same day.{{Ref|ASOS|78}} Stannis informs Maester Aemon and [[Samwell Tarly]] that he has sent word to his castellan, Ser [[Rolland Storm]], to begin mining [[dragonglass]] at Dragonstone to fight the [[Others]], and he confirms that he is aware of Aemon's [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] ancestry. Aemon requests to see Lightbringer, and Stannis grants the request.{{Ref|ASOS|78}} Thanks to Samwell's involvement,{{Ref|ASOS|78}} Jon Snow is elected as Lord Commander,{{Ref|ASOS|79}} preventing him from accepting Stannis's offer.


{{Quote|[[Others|Demons made of snow and ice and cold]]. The ancient enemy. The only enemy that matters.{{Ref|aSoS|78}}}}
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:Stannis Baratheon by Bidonicart.png|thumb|350px|Stannis Baratheon, by Bidonicart ©]]
According to Princess [[Arianne Martell]], Stannis has been attainted by the Crown.{{ref|AFFC|13}}


Stannis, the self-styled [[King of Westeros]],{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}} remains at the [[King's Tower]] of [[Castle Black]]. He plans to use [[Val]], whom his men call the "wildling princess", to seal the peace between the [[northmen]] and the [[free folk]].{{Ref|AFFC|5}} Lord Commander [[Jon Snow]] has given Stannis food, shelter, the [[Nightfort]], and leave to settle some free folk in the Gift. Stannis sends ravens to the northern lords, demanding their fealty, but only [[House Karstark]] replies, swearing Stannis their allegiance.{{Ref|AFFC|5}}


{{Quote|The more we bleed each other, the weaker we shall all be when the real enemy falls upon us.{{Ref|aDwD|53}}}}
Before blaming her brother [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]] for the murder of her father, Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin]], Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] suspects Stannis's involvement. She recalls that she would have eventually dealt with Stannis and [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]], but Lord [[Eddard Stark]]'s investigations had forced her to kill  Robert first.{{Ref|AFFC|3}} Cersei is giddy as a maiden when she learns that Stannis has left Dragonstone, and she believes that Stannis has finally admitted defeat and gone into exile.{{Ref|AFFC|16}}


When news reaches King's Landing that Stannis is now in the north, Cersei is furious.{{Ref|AFFC|16}} She sends two thousand Lannister soldiers to [[Dragonstone]] to defeat the small garrison Stannis had left behind and take the castle.{{Ref|AFFC|16}} Meanwhile, Lord [[Roose Bolton]], the new [[Warden of the North]], and two thousand soldiers from [[House Frey]] are to deal with Stannis and his few thousand soldiers in the north.{{Ref|AFFC|16}} Cersei wishes to deal with the [[House Greyjoy|Greyjoys]] only after Stannis has been defeated.{{Ref|AFFC|17}} News reaches King's Landing that the [[Golden Company]] has broken its contract with [[Myr]], and it is being said that they have been hired by Stannis instead.{{Ref|AFFC|17}} The [[small council]] receives reports that Stannis's [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Davos Seaworth]], has traveled to [[White Harbor]] and that he had been arrested by Lord [[Wyman Manderly]]. Cersei orders him to execute Davos.{{Ref|AFFC|17}}


{{Quote|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.{{Ref|aSoS|76}}}}
In [[Braavos]], Maester Aemon becomes convinced that Melisandre has misread the signs that had convinced her that Stannis is [[Azor Ahai]] reborn.{{Ref|AFFC|35}}
- Stannis to [[Jon Snow]]


===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Allan Douglas Stannis Baratheon.png|thumb|350px|Stannis at the [[Wall]], by  Allen Douglas © Fantasy Flight Games]]


{{Quote|'''Stannis:''' I thought the wet nurse was this man [[Craster]]’s daughter?
Stannis keeps his wildling prisoners [[beyond the Wall]]. He rides down the [[kingsroad]] almost as far as [[Queenscrown]], prowls through the empty hovels of [[Mole's Town]], inspects the ruins at [[Queensgate]] and [[Oakenshield]], and walks atop the [[Wall]] each night with [[Melisandre]], while selecting prisoners for questioning during the day.{{Ref|ADWD|3}} [[House Mormont]] has refused to join Stannis, whereas [[House Manderly]]'s reply to Stannis's letter only made excuses. [[Jon Snow]], the new [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], refuses to give Stannis ownership of the sixteen castles at the Wall that are unoccupied by the black brothers, and he asks Stannis for men instead to serve under the command of his own commanders.{{Ref|ADWD|3}}
'''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]].{{Ref|aDwD|3}}}}
Stannis sends Lord [[Davos Seaworth]] to [[White Harbor]] to treat with Lord [[Wyman Manderly]] on his behalf,{{Ref|ADWD|7}}{{Ref|ADWD|15}} as well sends Ser [[Richard Horpe]] and Ser [[Justin Massey]] as envoys south.{{ref|ADWD|7}} Stannis approves of Jon's execution of [[Janos Slynt]],{{Ref|ADWD|7}} and he has [[Mance Rayder]] burned in sacrifice to [[R'hllor]] as punishment for having deserted the [[Night's Watch]].{{Ref|ADWD|10}} In reality, however, Stannis has unknowingly burned [[Rattleshirt]], whom Melisandre had used a [[glamor]] upon to look like Mance.{{Ref|ADWD|31}} Stannis offers the remaining [[free folk]] the choice between bending the knee or returning beyond the Wall to die. Most of the free folk bend the knee and are allowed south of the Wall.{{Ref|ADWD|10}}
- Stannis to [[Melisandre]]


Stannis wins the support of half of the forces of [[House Umber]], commanded by [[Mors Umber]]. The remainder of the Umber forces have marched for House Bolton, under the command of [[Hother Umber]], as the [[Jon Umber|Greatjon]] remains a captive of [[House Frey]] at the [[Twins]] after the [[Red Wedding]].{{ref|ADWD|17}} Stannis plans to march with the wildlings on the [[Dreadfort]], as [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]] has marched south to [[siege of Moat Cailin|recover Moat Cailin]] from [[ironborn]]. Jon warns that the Dreadfort will learn of Stannis's approach long before he can ever reach the castle, and [[Moat Cailin]] will fall quickly, which means that Ramsay and his father, Lord [[Roose Bolton]], are free to march against Stannis with their entire force. Additionally, marching with wildlings will only serve to turn the northmen against Stannis. Instead, Jon proposes that Stannis visit the [[northern mountain clans|mountain clans]], including the [[House Flint of the mountains|Flints]], [[House Wull|Wulls]], [[House Norrey|Norreys]] and [[House Liddle|Liddles]]. Instead of the Dreadfort, Jon suggests marching against [[Deepwood Motte]] to fight the ironborn of [[Asha Greyjoy]]. In exchange, the wildlings remain at the Wall.{{Ref|ADWD|17}}


{{Quote|We all know what [[Robert Baratheon|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 [[Ramsay Snow|the Bastard]] with his right. I am not Robert. But we will march, and we will free Winterfell … or die in the attempt. {{Ref|aDwD|42}}}}
[[File:Stannis and his sword.jpg|350px|thumb|King Stannis with [[Lightbringer]], by Ming1918 ©]]


At [[White Harbor]], Lord [[Wyman Manderly]] arrests Stannis's envoy and Hand, Davos Seaworth, and fakes his execution. In secret, he promises to swear loyalty to Stannis if Davos can bring him [[Rickon Stark]].{{Ref|ADWD|29}}


{{Quote|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. {{Ref|aSoS|69}}}} - Stannis to [[Jon Snow]]
Stannis follows the advice of Lord Commander Snow and marches west to the [[northern mountains]], although one of his squires, Davos's son [[Devan Seaworth|Devan]], remains at Castle Black with Melisandre. The red priestess later thinks that her bed has seen little use since Stannis's departure.{{ref|ADWD|31}}{{ref|ADWD|31}} The king wins over several of the mountain clans, gathering an additional three thousand men for his army. Stannis then [[fight by Deepwood Motte|recovers Deepwood Motte]] from the ironborn,{{Ref|ADWD|26}} returning the castle to [[House Glover]].{{Ref|ADWD|29}} Stannis is joined by the Mormonts, as well as by [[smallfolk]] fleeing from the ironborn and survivors from the [[battle outside the gates of Winterfell]], men once sworn to the [[House Hornwood|Hornwoods]], [[House Cerwyn|Cerwyns]], and [[House Tallhart|Tallharts]].{{Ref|ADWD|35}} Asha and [[Ragged nine|several ironborn]] are taken captive.{{Ref|ADWD|26}}


Stannis and his army [[march on Winterfell]], taking Asha with them, but they are slowed by heavy snows in the [[wolfswood]], and Stannis is forced to encamp at a small [[crofters' village]] three days west of [[Winterfell]].{{Ref|ADWD|37}}{{Ref|ADWD|41}}{{Ref|ADWD|42}} [[Arnolf Karstark]] and [[Mors Umber]] have begun to march as well, and plan to join Stannis near Winterfell.{{Ref|ADWD|35}}{{Ref|ADWD|37}} Arnolf eventually finds Stannis at the crofters' village.{{Ref|ADWD|62}} Many of Stannis's men succumb to the blizzard, including his remaining squire, [[Bryen Farring]]. When four [[House Peasebury|Peasebury]] men are condemned for [[cannibalism]], Stannis allows them to be burned by Ser [[Godry Farring]], with the queen's men believing them to be sacrifices to ward off the blizzard.{{ref|ADWD|62}}


[[Tycho Nestoris]], an emissary from the [[Iron Bank of Braavos]], arrives at the Wall. As Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] has ceased the Iron Throne's payments of loans, the Iron Bank wishes to broach the subject to Stannis. Jon Snow receives the banker and realizes that if Stannis gives in to the demands of the Iron Bank, the Braavosi will give him their support, which might win him the Iron Throne.{{Ref|ADWD|44}} [[Alys Karstark]] arrives at [[Castle Black]] and warns Jon that her uncle, Arnolf, is only feigning loyalty to Stannis. In truth he sides with [[House Bolton]], and is planning to betray Stannis at the opportune moment. Jon sends a message to Deepwood in an attempt to warn Stannis.{{Ref|ADWD|44}} Tycho travels to Deepwood in search of Stannis, and from there continues to the crofters' village as well. Near Winterfell, Tycho finds Mors Umber with a captive [[Theon Greyjoy]] and "[[Arya Stark]]" (actually [[Jeyne Poole]]), whom he brings with him to Stannis.{{Ref|ADWD|62}}


==Quotes about Stannis==
Jon Snow receives a [[Bastard Letter|taunting letter]] at Castle Black from Ramsay, stating that Stannis was killed along with most of his army in seven days of battle.{{ref|ADWD|69}}


===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
At the [[crofters' village]], Stannis prepares for the looming battle against the [[House Bolton|Boltons]]. He signs a contract with [[Tycho Nestoris]] and plans to send the banker back to the Wall for safety. Tycho brought a message from [[Jon Snow]] informing Stannis of [[Arnolf Karstark]]'s planned treachery, so Stannis has Arnolf, his son [[Arthor Karstark|Arthor]], and his three grandsons arrested and plans to execute them. The king sends Ser [[Justin Massey]] to escort "[[Jeyne Poole|Arya Stark]]" back to Castle Black to reunite her with Jon, in gratitude for the Lord Commander's counsel of gathering the [[northern mountain clans]]. Justin is to then travel to Braavos and use money from the Iron Bank to hire twenty thousand [[sellswords]] for Stannis. Stannis tells Justin that he may hear of Stannis's death in Braavos, but even if that news is true, the knight is to follow the orders as to seat his daughter, Princess [[Shireen Baratheon]], on the Iron Throne. Stannis next receives [[Asha Greyjoy]], and informs her that her brother [[Theon Greyjoy|Theon]] must be executed, as showing him mercy would mean losing all of the northmen. Asha suggests that Stannis behead Theon with [[Lightbringer]] before a [[weirwood]] at a nearby isle.<ref name="theon1"/>


{{Quote|Hard was the word men used when they spoke of Stannis, and hard he was.{{Ref|ACOK|0}}}}
==Quotes by Stannis==
- Maester [[Cressen]]  
[[File:Magali Villeneuve Stannis Baratheon.jpg|thumb|350px|Stannis by Magali Villeneuve © Fantasy Flight Games]]
{{Quote|Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies.{{ref|ACOK|31}}|Stannis to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}


{{Quote|A good act does not wash out the bad, nor a bad act the good. Each should have its own reward. You were a hero ''and'' a [[smuggler]]. These pardoned [[lord]]s would do well to reflect on that. Good men and true will fight for [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]], wrongly believing him the true king. A [[northman]] might even say the same of [[Robb Stark]]. But these lords who flocked to [[Renly Baratheon|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.{{ref|ACOK|42}}|Stannis to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}


{{Quote|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 & boot leather while the Lords Tyrell & Redwyne sat outside with their hosts, banqueting in sight of his walls.{{Ref|aGoT|58}}}} - [[Eddard Stark]]
{{Quote|It is not a question of wanting. The throne is mine, as [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert's]] heir. That is law. After me, it must pass to [[Shireen Baratheon|my daughter]], unless [[Selyse Florent|Selyse]] should finally give me a son. I ''am'' king. Wants do not enter into it. I have a duty to my daughter. To [[Seven Kingdoms|the realm]]. Even to Robert. He loved me but little, I know, yet he was my brother. The [[Cersei Lannister|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 [[Eddard Stark|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 [[Battle of the Trident|Trident]].{{ref|ASOS|36}}|Stannis to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}


{{Quote|I never asked for this, no more than I asked to be king. Yet dare I disregard [[Melisandre|her]]? We do not choose our destinies. Yet we must ... we must do our duty, no? Great or small, we must do our duty.{{ref|ASOS|54}}|Stannis to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}


{{Quote|There is no creature on earth half so terrifying as a truly just man.{{Ref|aGoT|58}}}} - [[Varys]]
{{Quote|''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?{{ref|ASOS|54}}|Stannis to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}


{{Quote|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 [[Edric Storm|one child]] to the flames to save a million from the dark... ''Sacrifice''... is never easy, Davos. Or it is no true sacrifice.{{ref|ASOS|63}}|Stannis to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}


{{Quote|Yield? When Mace Tyrell laid siege to [[Storm's End]], Stannis ate rats rather than open his gates. {{Ref|aCoK|33}}}}
{{Quote|Lord [[Davos Seaworth|Seaworth]] is a man of [[Smallfolk|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 [[Iron Throne|the throne]] to save [[Seven Kingdoms|the kingdom]], when I should have been trying to save the kingdom to win the throne.{{ref|ASOS|76}}|Stannis to [[Jon Snow]]}}
- [[Mathis Rowan]]


{{Quote|[[Others|Demons made of snow and ice and cold]]. The ancient enemy. The only enemy that matters.{{ref|ASOS|78}}|Stannis to [[Samwell Tarly]], [[Melisandre]], and [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]]}}


{{Quote|This is Stannis Baratheon. The man will fight to the bitter end and then some.{{Ref|aSoS|72}}}} - [[Tywin Lannister]]  
{{Quote|'''Stannis''': I thought [[Gilly|the wet nurse]] was this man [[Craster]]'s ''daughter''?<br>'''Melisandre''': Wife and daughter both, Your Grace. Craster married all [[Craster's wives|his daughters]]. [[Monster|Gilly's boy]] was the fruit of their union.<br>'''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]].{{ref|ADWD|3}}|Stannis and [[Melisandre]]}}


==Quotes about Stannis==
[[File:Stephen dillane as stannis.jpg|thumb|350px|Stephen Dillane as Stannis in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
{{Quote|[[Robert I Baratheon|Robert's]] lusts were the subject of ribald drinking songs throughout [[Seven Kingdoms|the realm]], but Stannis was a different sort of man; a bare year younger than the king, yet utterly unlike him, stern, humorless, unforgiving, grim in his sense of duty.{{ref|AGOT|27}}|thoughts of [[Eddard Stark]]}}


{{Quote|Few of the birds that [[Maester Aemon|Aemon]] had sent off had returned as yet. One reached Stannis, though. One found Dragonstone, and a king who still cared.{{Ref|aSoS|75}}}} - [[Samwell Tarly]]
{{Quote|Ned found it hard to imagine what could frighten Stannis Baratheon, who had once held [[Storm's End]] through a [[Siege of Storm's End|year of siege]], surviving on [[rat]]s and boot leather while the Lords [[Mace Tyrell|Tyrell]] and [[Paxter Redwyne|Redwyne]] sat outside with their hosts, banqueting in sight of his walls.{{ref|AGOT|58}}|thoughts of [[Eddard Stark]]}}


{{Quote|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.{{ref|AGOT|58}}|[[Varys]] to [[Eddard Stark]]}}


{{Quote|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 Greyjoy|Asha]] this man would never, ever turn back from his course.{{Ref|ADwD|42}}}} - [[Asha Greyjoy]]
{{Quote|I have felt from the beginning that Stannis was a greater danger than [[War of the Five Kings|all the others combined]].{{ref|AGOT|69}}|[[Tywin Lannister]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}


{{Quote|Stannis, my lord, my sad sullen boy, son I never had, you must not do this, don't you know how I have cared for you, lived for you, loved you despite all? Yes, loved you, better than [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] even, or [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]], for you were the one unloved, the one who needed me most.{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}}|thoughts of [[Cressen]]}}


{{Quote|In truth, the young [[Jon Snow|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 [[Robb Stark|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.{{Ref|ADwD|31}}}} - [[Melisandre]]
{{Quote|[[Robert I Baratheon|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 Baratheon|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.{{ref|ACOK|6}}|[[Donal Noye]] to [[Jon Snow]]}}


{{Quote|Let us be blunt, my lady. Stannis would make an appalling king. Nor is he like to become one. Men respect Stannis, even fear him, but precious few have ever loved him.{{ref|ACOK|22}}|[[Renly Baratheon]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}


{{Quote|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! {{Ref|ADwD|19}}}} - [[Davos]]
{{Quote|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 I Baratheon|Robert]] singing that same dull song in that gloomy aggrieved tone he has. When Robert gave the place to [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]], Stannis clenched his jaw so tight I thought his teeth would shatter.{{ref|ACOK|25}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}


{{Quote|Were it anyone else outside the gates, I might hope to beguile him. But this is Stannis Baratheon. I'd have a better chance of seducing his horse.{{ref|ACOK|60}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] to [[Sansa Stark]]}}


{{Quote|They killed [[Eddard Stark|Lord Eddard]] and [[Catelyn Stark|Lady Catelyn]] and [[Robb Stark|King Robb]]. He was our king! He was brave and good, and the Freys murdered him. If Lord Stannis will avenge him, we should join Lord Stannis! {{Ref|ADwD|19}}}} - [[Wylla Manderly]]
{{Quote|This is Stannis Baratheon. The man will fight to the bitter end and then some.{{ref|ASOS|72}}|[[Tywin Lannister]] to [[Pycelle]]}}


{{Quote|Stannis Baratheon with a grievance was like a mastiff with a [[bone]]; he gnawed it down to splinters.{{ref|ADWD|3}}|thoughts of [[Jon Snow]]}}


{{Quote|What does Stannis offer you? Vengeance. Vengeance for my sons and yours, for your husbands and your fathers and your brothers. Vengeance for [[Eddard Stark|your murdered lord]], [[Robb Stark|your murdered king]], [[capture of Winterfell|your butchered princes]]. ''Vengeance!''{{ref|ADWD|19}}|[[Davos Seaworth]] to the [[Merman's Court]]}}


{{Quote|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.{{ref|ADWD|42}}|thoughts of [[Asha Greyjoy]]}}


==Family==
==Family==
{{Baratheon tree}}
{{Baratheon tree}}


==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], Stannis is partially inspired by [[w:Tiberius|Tiberius Caesar]], particularly the portrayal by [[w:George Baker (British actor)|George Baker]] in ''[[w:I, Claudius (TV series)|I, Claudius]]''.<ref>[[w:92nd Street Y|92nd Street Y]]: [http://92yondemand.org/george-r-r-martin-world-ice-fire Game of Thrones Mastermind George R. R. Martin: The World of Ice and Fire], Oct 26, 2014</ref><ref>[[Not A Blog]]: [http://grrm.livejournal.com/310379.html?thread=17203563 It's the Pits (Jan. 21st, 2013)]</ref>
In an early draft of ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'', Stannis was [[Lord of Storm's End]] while [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]] was [[Lord of Dragonstone]].<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/asoiaf/comments/1belw08/spoilers_extended_secrets_of_the_cushing_library/ Secrets of the Cushing Library: A Game of Thrones] - gsteff on Reddit</ref>
==References==
{{References|2}}
==External Links==
*{{WP}}
*{{WoW}}
{{S-start}}
{{S-vac|unknown|parameter=before|unknlast=[[Lucerys Velaryon (master of ships)|Lucerys Velaryon]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Master of ships]]|years={{Date|283|298}}|under=[[Robert I Baratheon]]}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Mace Tyrell]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-vac|recreated|parameter=before|last=[[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]]}}
{{S-ttl|order=12th|title=[[Lord of Dragonstone]]|years={{Date|284|+}}|rows=2}}
{{S-inc|heir=[[Shireen Baratheon]]|heir-type=Heiress presumptive|rows=3}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Viserys Targaryen]]|as=[[Prince of Dragonstone]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Renly Baratheon]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lord of Storm's End]]<br>[[Lord Paramount of the Stormlands]]|years={{Date|299|+}}}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-pre}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Robert I Baratheon|Robert I]]}}
{{S-tul|title=[[King of Westeros]]|line=[[House Baratheon of Dragonstone|Baratheon claimant]]|years={{Date|299|+}}|reason=[[War of the Five Kings|throne usurped by Joffrey I]]}}
{{S-inc|heir=[[Shireen Baratheon]]|heir-type=Heiress presumptive}}
{{S-end}}


==References and Notes==
{{References|3|refs=
  <ref name=RPG>[[A Song of Ice and Fire Campaign Guide]]</ref>
}}
{{EnWP|House Baratheon|small=yes}}


{{Template:Kings of Westeros}}
{{Kings of Westeros}}
{{Lords of Storm's End}}
{{Master of ships}}
{{Robert I small council}}


<!-- Categories -->
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[[Category:House Baratheon]]
[[Category:Nobles|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:House Baratheon of Dragonstone]]
[[Category:264 AC births|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Bald characters|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Characters from the Stormlands|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Characters from the Stormlands|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Monarchs|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Characters with black hair|Baratheon, Stannis]]
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[[Category:Characters with blue eyes|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Claimants to the Iron Throne|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Commanders of the Night's Watch|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:House founders|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Kinslayers|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Kinslayers|Baratheon, Stannis]]
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[[Category:Lords of Dragonstone]]
[[Category:Lords of Storm's End]]
[[Category:Masters of ships|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Members of Robert I Baratheon's court|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Nobles|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Rebels of Robert's Rebellion|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Six-footers|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Veterans of Greyjoy's Rebellion|Baratheon, Stannis]]
[[Category:Veterans of Robert's Rebellion|Baratheon, Stannis]]
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Latest revision as of 20:04, 13 August 2026

"Stannis" redirects here. For the son of Davos Seaworth, see Stannis Seaworth.
King
Stannis Baratheon
Stannis Baratheon by Roman Papusev ©
Monarch
Full name Stannis Baratheon the First of His Name
Titles
Predecessor Robert I Baratheon
Heir Shireen Baratheon
Personal Information
Aliases
Born 264 AC[12]
Storm's End, the Stormlands[13]
Family
Dynasty House Baratheon of Dragonstone
Queen Lady Selyse Florent
Issue Shireen Baratheon
Father Lord Steffon Baratheon
Mother Lady Cassana Estermont
Personal arms A black stag enclosed within a fiery heart on yellow (Or, within a heart enflamed proper a stag sable)
References
Books
Played by Stephen Dillane
TV series Game of Thrones:
Season 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Stannis Baratheon is the head of House Baratheon of Dragonstone and the Lord of Dragonstone. He is the secondborn son of Steffon Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End, and Lady Cassana Estermont.[14] He has an older brother, King Robert I Baratheon, and a younger brother, Lord Renly Baratheon. Stannis serves on Robert's small council as the master of ships.

In the television adaptation Game of Thrones, Stannis is portrayed by Stephen Dillane.

Appearance and Character

[edit]
See also: Images of Stannis Baratheon

Like his brothers, King Robert and Lord Renly, Stannis is a large man—tall, broad-shouldered, and sinewy.[15] Jon Snow notes that Stannis towers over him.[16] 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 his blue-black beard is cropped closely on his square jaw.[15] Stannis's face has a tightness to it like cured leather, and he has hollow cheeks, and thin, pale lips.[15] He often clenches his jaw,[17][18][19] and he grinds his teeth when he is angry.[15][9][20]

Stannis is a serious, stubborn, rarely-forgiving, hard man with a strong sense of duty and justice.[21][22][23][24][11][9][7] He is proud and protective of his honor.[25][9][26][27] In his adult life, Stannis is increasingly embittered by the lack of affection he receives from Robert, even though he serves the king as well as he can.[15][13]

Stannis is an accomplished commander, sailor, and warrior[22] with no thirst for battle, instead commanding from the rear.[28] He has never had the affection of nobles or smallfolk,[15][9][29][30] but he can command fierce loyalty from soldiers and knights.[31][19] Feasts at his court are quiet and dignified.[15]

Stannis is not a man for easy courtesies,[17] and he has always been uncomfortable around women, even his own wife, Lady Selyse of House Florent. During his years serving on the small council in King's Landing, he has left his wife on Dragonstone. Stannis rarely sleeps with Selyse and takes no joy in it, and they have one daughter, Shireen Baratheon.[15]

Influenced by Melisandre, a red priestess of R'hllor, the Lord of Light, Stannis adopts a new sigil which depicts the stag of House Baratheon enclosed within a red heart surrounded by orange flame.[17] Stannis dresses more plainly than many of his noble peers.[9][17] He sometimes wears a grey wool tunic, a dark red mantle, and a plain black leather belt from which hang his sword and dagger.[11] On campaign he wears a studded leather jerkin over quilted doublet, worn boots, breeches of brown roughspun, and a belt studded with garnets and yellow topaz.[17] Other armor includes wool and boiled leather[24] or grey plate inlaid with a flaming heart.[32]

Stannis's squires are Devan Seaworth and Bryen Farring,[9] and Ser Andrew Estermont served as his squire years ago.[5] Stannis is cordial but not friendly with Lord Jon Arryn, Robert's Hand of the King.[21] Stannis is also not a friend of Lord Eddard Stark, though he respects Ned's honor and honesty.[16]

History

[edit]

Early life

[edit]

Born in 264 AC,[12] Stannis is the second son of Lady Cassana Estermont and Steffon Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End and head of House Baratheon. He has an older brother, Robert, and a younger brother, Renly.[14][33]

When Stannis was no more than four years old, his father took him and Robert to the Red Keep in King's Landing. 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 skulls of the Targaryen dragons were fearsome. It was years later that Steffon told him that it had been the Hand of the King, Lord 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.[5]

Young Stannis and Maester Cressen, art by Lupotterdraws

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. In contrast, Robert owned a gyrfalcon named Thunderclap which never missed a strike. Eventually, Stannis's great-uncle, Ser Harbert, convinced him to abandon the bird, stating that Stannis was making a fool of himself with it.[9]

Growing up, Stannis always stood in the shadow of his older brother. Whatever Stannis did, Robert had done first and better.[15] These feelings remained until adulthood.[19] Cressen, the maester at Storm's End, came to care deeply for Stannis, moreso than for his brothers, as he felt Stannis was the one who needed him the most, as the most unloved of the three.[15] Even in his youth, Stannis had been an introverted child, who was mature beyond his years, solemn and joyless.[13]

In 278 AC, Stannis's parents were sent on a mission by King Aerys II to Volantis to find a bride for Rhaegar Targaryen, Stannis's cousin and the crown prince, but they were unsuccessful.[34] Maester Cressen 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.[15] 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 of the castle. 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, with Steffon and Cassana drowning.[15] According to Stannis, he lost his faith in the Seven that day.[9] The only survivor of the wreck was the fool, Patchface, who washed up on the shore on the third day.[15]

Robert's Rebellion

[edit]

When King Aerys II Targaryen demanded the heads of Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark after the executions of Lord Rickard and Brandon Stark, Lord Jon Arryn instead raised his banners in revolt. Eddard and Robert returned to their homes to call their own banners during Robert's Rebellion against House Targaryen. The resulting decision that Stannis faced—whether to be loyal to his older brother and liege, Robert, or to his king, Aerys—was a difficult one.[11] Stannis was at Storm's End when Robert returned from the battles at 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 made them his allies.[30]

Stannis remained behind at Storm's End when Robert marched again. After Robert was defeated at Ashford, forces from the Reach besieged the seat of House Baratheon, surrounding Storm's End on land and blockading it by sea. Donal Noye smithed for Stannis and lost an arm during the siege of Storm's End.[35] Stannis successfully held Storm's End against the siege by Lords Mace Tyrell and Paxter Redwyne,[21] which lasted a major part of the war. His garrison held under desperate conditions, only avoiding starvation by the timely intervention of Davos, a notorious smuggler, whose cargo of onions and salt fish allowed them to hold the fortress.[15]

After the siege of Storm's End was lifted by Lord Eddard Stark, Stannis knighted Davos and, taking him into his service, allowed the new landed knight to choose the name Seaworth for his new House.[15] 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.[15]

Lord of Dragonstone

[edit]
Stannis brooding at Dragonstone, from Game of Thrones Blu-ray

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 royal 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 led by Ser Willem Darry 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 in the Braavosian Coastland shortly before Stannis had set sail.[36][15][20]

Stannis was displeased to discover that King Robert had granted him Dragonstone, instead of the wealthier Storm's End, which was given to their younger brother Renly. Stannis resented this and believed it to be an intentional slight,[15] which Queen Cersei Lannister agrees with.[20] According to a semi-canon source, however, Robert had not necessarily meant it as such.[37] The castle had traditionally been the seat of the heir to the Iron Throne, the Prince of Dragonstone, during most of the Targaryen dynasty, so the then-childless Robert was granting it to his heir at that time, Stannis.[37] Now the Lord of Dragonstone, Stannis became the head of House Baratheon of Dragonstone. Stannis and Maester Cressen came to Dragonstone around 287 AC.[15]

Stannis wed Lady Selyse of House Florent. While Stannis and Selyse were dancing during the feast, King Robert deflowered Delena Florent, a cousin of Selyse, on the wedding bed. This coupling led to the birth of Edric Storm, the only officially acknowledged bastard of the king. Stannis insisted that the boy was a slight upon the honor of his wife's house and promptly shipped him off to his brother Renly at Storm's End.[38] Stannis only does his duty in the marriage bed once or twice a year, taking no joy in it.[15] Though he once hoped for sons, Stannis has only had a daughter, Shireen, with Selyse.[15]

Master of Ships

[edit]
Stannis leading the attack on Great Wyk during Greyjoy's Rebellion, from Game of Thrones Blu-ray

Lord Stannis was appointed to the small council[21] of King Robert I Baratheon as the master of ships, and he left Selyse and Shireen on Dragonstone when he traveled to King's Landing.[15]. Stannis only occasionally writes to Selyse, and his visits are even fewer.[15]

In 289 AC, Stannis led the rebuilt royal fleet to the Sunset Sea to help suppress Greyjoy's Rebellion. Stannis lured Victarion Greyjoy, Lord Captain of the Iron Fleet, into a trap in the Straits of Fair Isle, and he destroyed much of the Iron Fleet in the ensuing sea battle off Fair Isle.[39][40] Afterwards, Stannis subdued Great Wyk in his brother's name.[41]

Stannis once led a fleet to Sisterton to suppress smuggling from the Three Sisters. He hanged a dozen friends of Lord Godric Borrell, and he threatened to hang Godric himself if any ships are wrecked if the Night Lamp were to go dark.[42]

Ser Axell Florent, Selyse's uncle, has served as the castellan of Dragonstone for ten years while Stannis has been away at King's Landing.[9]

Recent History

[edit]
Stannis with his brothers Robert and Renly, by Henning Ludvigsen © Fantasy Flight Games

Despite his loyalty and service to his elder brother, Stannis has always felt underappreciated by King Robert. Instead of thanking Stannis for holding Storm's End against the Tyrells during Robert's Rebellion, the king thanked his old friend, Lord Eddard Stark, for lifting the siege. Instead of thanking Stannis for capturing Dragonstone for him, Robert blamed Stannis for the escape of Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen, even though they left Dragonstone before Stannis had set sail.[15]

Stannis has helped Lord Jon Arryn, Robert's Hand of the King, in ruling the Seven Kingdoms, but he has received little or no acknowledgment or thanks from his elder brother, who spends his time hunting, drinking, and whoring.[15] Stannis feels that Storm's End, the ancestral seat of House Baratheon, was his by rights after Robert took the Iron Throne, and has told Robert so on multiple occasions. In due time, Storm's End was given to young Renly instead.[20]

King Robert once rejected Stannis's proposal to outlaw brothels.[21] Stannis has outlawed prostitution on his island of Dragonstone.[9] Dragonstone's maester, the elderly Cressen, fell and broke his hip in 297 AC.[15]

Eventually, Stannis began to suspect that the children of Queen Cersei Lannister—Prince Joffrey, Princess Myrcella, and Prince Tommen Baratheon—were not actually Robert's. Lord Varys, the master of whisperers, suggests the idea had been mentioned to Stannis by an unnamed individual.[26] Convinced that Robert would not believe him, Stannis confided his suspicions with Lord Arryn, the King's Hand.[17]

Stannis and Jon investigated the matter, visiting several of Robert's baseborn children in the capital, including visits to the shop of Tobho Mott and to Chataya's brothel.[21][25][38] According to Gendry, Tobho's apprentice, Stannis and Jon often went riding together, with Renly excluded.[21][25] During their investigations, Jon agreed with Stannis that his young son and heir, Robert Arryn, would be fostered with Stannis on Dragonstone.[21] Jon had begun to gather proof when he suddenly died,[17] with Stannis believing that Cersei had Jon killed.[17][11]

Recent Events

[edit]

A Game of Thrones

[edit]
Stannis Baratheon by Joshua Cairós © Fantasy Flight Games

Stannis expects to be named the new Hand of the King after the sudden death of Lord Jon Arryn,[15][17] but King Robert I Baratheon instead leaves for the north to offer the position to his old friend, Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North.[43] A resentful Stannis leaves for Dragonstone[44][45][21] not long after with much of the royal fleet.[46]

Stannis plans his next move,[45] believing that Queen Cersei Lannister poisoned Jon.[15] Rather than have young Robert Arryn fostered with Stannis as planned, Jon's widow Lysa flees back to the Vale of Arryn with her son after Jon's death.[47] Since Maester Cressen has become ill after his fall the previous year, the Citadel sends Pylos to Dragonstone, with the young maester arriving mere days before Stannis closes off the isle.[15]

Eddard wonders why Stannis left King's Landing, believing it was due to the discovery of whatever secret Jon was allegedly murdered for, although not realizing that Stannis was also slighted by Robert's selection of Eddard as his new Hand. Ned Stark, via Grand Maester Pycelle, sends a raven with a polite letter requesting Lord Stannis to return to his seat on the small council.[48] Stannis does not attend the Hand's tourney in King's Landing.[25]

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, Eddard gets closer to the truth.[21] Stannis does not attend the Hand's tourney in King's Landing.[25]

Robert is mortally wounded by a boar while hunting in the kingswood, and the dying king wants Eddard to rule as regent for his son, Joffrey Baratheon.[23] Since Joffrey is not actually Robert's son, Ned alters the phrasing of Robert's will without his knowledge and plans to bring Stannis to the Iron Throne instead of Joffrey. Lord Stark tasks Tomard with personally delivering a letter to Stannis on Dragonstone when the Wind Witch sails north.[23] Ned rejects Lord Renly Baratheon's recommendation to take Cersei's children into custody, and Lord Stark instead allies with Lord Petyr Baelish, who warns that raising Stannis to the throne will bring war.[23] Eddard is outmaneuvered by Robert's widow, Queen Cersei, and betrayed by Lord Baelish, and Fat Tom is slain by gold cloaks during the arrest of Eddard Stark in the throne room before he can depart the capital.[49] Cersei shows the letter which would have been brought to Stannis to Ned's captive daughter, Sansa Stark.[50]

War breaks out in the Seven Kingdoms after Robert's death.[51] During Joffrey's first court session, Stannis, his wife Selyse, and daughter Shireen are listed by Grand Maester Pycelle among those required to swear fealty to the new king.[52] Rather than allowing Eddard to join the Night's Watch after confessing to treason, Joffrey has Lord Stark publicly executed at the Great Sept of Baelor.[53] Eddard's eldest son, Robb Stark, is declared King in the North at Riverrun after the Battle of the Camps.[54]

Lord Varys reports that Robert's youngest brother, Renly, has been crowned at Highgarden, and that Stannis is said to be building ships, hiring sellswords, and bringing a shadowbinder from Asshai to Dragonstone. Lord Tywin Lannister, Joffrey's Hand, thinks that Stannis is a greater threat the boy king's other rivals.[55]

A Clash of Kings

[edit]
Stannis holding Lightbringer with Melisandre at Dragonstone, by Amok ©

Stannis declares himself king on Dragonstone. He sends Ser Davos Seaworth to gather support for him among the stormlords, but none are willing to join him. His supporters from the narrow sea include Lords Ardrian Celtigar, Monford Velaryon, Duram Bar Emmon, and Guncer Sunglass.[4] Stannis hires sellswords from Myr and Lys,[15] and he also has the support of the sellsails Salladhor Saan, self-styled as the Prince of the Narrow Sea, and Morosh the Myrman.[4] The older maester at Dragonstone, Cressen, suggests to Stannis that he makes an alliance against the Lannisters with Robb Stark, who has been declared King in the North, but Stannis objects to ruling only half a kingdom. Cressen then proposes that Stannis sends Shireen, his only child and heir, to the Eyrie, to make an alliance with Lady Lysa Arryn. Stannis's wife, Selyse Florent, objects, stating that Stannis should not have to beg for help, and Stannis sides with her.[15]

Selyse has converted to the faith of R'hllor, the Lord of Light, giving Melisandre, a red priestess, a base of power on Dragonstone. Selyse tells Stannis that the red comet is a sign that Stannis's time has come, and that he must sail from Dragonstone now to conquer.[15] Selyse claims that Renly Baratheon's men will join Stannis once Renly dies, and that Melisandre has seen Renly dead in her flames. Cressen is horrified by the thought of fratricide and objects, but Stannis dismisses him. Cressen attempts to poison Melisandre with the strangler, but he does and she survives unscathed.[15] Pylos henceforth serves as Stannis's sole maester at Dragonstone.[9]

Though Stannis is not a follower of R'hllor,[15] he renounces the Faith of the Seven for the Lord of Light. Queen's men ruin the sept at Dragonstone, and statues of the Seven are publicly burned before Dragonstone's gates. During this sacrifice, Melisandre proclaims that Stannis is Azor Ahai reborn, and has him pull a sword, Lightbringer, out of the burning carving of the Mother.[9] In private, Sallador tells Davos that the sword is not the real Lightbringer. The pious Lord Sunglass renounces Stannis for having destroyed the sept, and he is imprisoned with the surviving sons of Ser Hubard Rambton, who fought the queen's men in defense of the sept.[9]

Stannis writes a letter announcing his claim to the Iron Throne and the bastardy of Joffrey, Myrecella and Tommen, which he plans to send to the lords of the Seven Kingdoms by raven, and to the ports of Westeros and the Free Cities by ship.[9] Davos tells Stannis that he has no proof of the incest between Queen Cersei Lannister and her brother, Ser Jaime Lannister, but Stannis claims that Robert's bastard son Edric Storm is proof, though he does not have access to boy at Storm's End. Davos further informs Stannis that it would be unwise to declare for the Lord of Light, if he wishes to win over the followers of the Seven, but Stannis rejects the notion, as he believes Melisandre has power.[9]

Melisandre and Stannis at Storm's End, by Joshua Cairós © Fantasy Flight Games

Having already declared for the throne, Renly Baratheon, Stannis's younger brother, slowly marches with a huge host on the roseroad from Highgarden toward King's Landing.[9][56] King Robb Stark sends his mother Catelyn south as an envoy. When Catelyn meets Renly at Bitterbridge, Renly tells her he will have Stannis's support against King Joffrey. Catelyn reminds Renly that Stannis has a stronger claim as the elder brother, but Renly scoffs at the idea of the unpopular Stannis becoming king. As Renly and Catelyn converse, Renly is surprised when a rider brings words that Stannis has besieged Storm's End, which is held for Renly by Ser Cortnay Penrose.[29]

From Bitterbridge, Renly rushes to Storm's End with ten thousand[57] of his host to meet Stannis, claiming that he has another hundred thousand on their way.[17] Stannis and Renly parley, and Renly offers Stannis a chance to swear him his fealty, which Stannis angrily rejects. He calls Renly a traitor, as well as threatens Robb Stark to his mother, Lady Catelyn Stark. When it becomes clear that Renly, who does not care about Stannis's letter and is confident in his own strength, will not swear to him, Stannis leaves, promising a battle at dawn.[17]

Catelyn informs Renly about the murder attempt on her son Bran's life, which she blames on the Lannisters. Catelyn now believes that Bran saw Cersei and Jaime having sex. She asks leave to go to Stannis to tell him of her suspicions, suggesting that Stannis, Renly, and Robb all cast aside their crowns to call a Great Council, but Renly refuses. As the would-be king prepares for battle, a shadow kills him; Stannis's shadow, according to Catelyn.[57] Most of the forces Renly had brought with him to Storm's End join Stannis, though Ser Loras Tyrell, and Lords Randyll Tarly and Mathis Rowan do not.[30]

Following Renly's death, Stannis is troubled by terrible nightmares, and only Melisandre, who now shares his pavilion, can soothe him to sleep.[24] He confides in Davos that he sometimes dreams of Renly's death, but that he is innocent, as he had been in his bed when Renly was slain, and that his squire, Devan Seaworth, had been unable to wake him. Stannis is vexed by Renly having offered him a peach during their parley.[24]

Stannis has surrounded Storm's End by land and sea, and he promises that the garrison might go free unharmed is the castle is yielded up to him in a fortnight.[58] The castellan, Cortnay Penrose, continues to refuse, however, even during the last parley a fortnight later, as yielding requires giving the boy Edric to Stannis. Cortnay challenges Stannis to single combat to decide the matter, but Stannis refuses. Melisandre tells Stannis that she has seen Cortnay's death in her flames. Unwilling to leave Storm's End untaken out of fear that it will be viewed as a defeat, and determined to get a hold of Robert's bastard to prove the incest, Stannis orders Davos to land a small boat beneath the castle, unseen in the black of the night, without anyone else knowing about it, taking Melisandre with him.[24] Davos rows Melisandre beneath Storm's End, where she gives birth to a shadow which resembles Stannis and enters the castle.[24] That same night, Cortnay falls off a tower of the castle to his death,[59] and his lieutenant, Lord Elwood Meadows, yields the castle to Stannis,[60] who subsequently burns the godswood at Storm's End.[61] It is said that Cortnay threw himself off the tower, and his guards could not find anyone else in the room, nor had they seen anyone else enter. However, Lord Varys believes Cortnay to have been killed with magic.[59]

Stannis at the Battle of the Blackwater, by Will Harris ©

With Storm's End fallen, Stannis is free to march for King's Landing, which has been preparing for his arrival.[61] Stannis's bannermen convince him that Melisandre should not join him on the campaign, as a battlefield is no place for a woman and she might get credit for his victory as a sorceress. Stannis sends Melisandre and Edric to Dragonstone, and he begins marching north from Storm's End toward the kingswood and the southern shore of the Blackwater Rush. Meanwhile, Ser Imry Florent leads Stannis's fleet north along Massey's Hook toward Blackwater Bay.[62]

To prevent people in the city from joining Stannis, Tyrion Lannister, the acting Hand of the King, has the High Septon spread the news that Stannis means to burn to Great Sept of Baelor.[61] Tyrion has his Vale clansmen light fires to burn the grass which would be consumed by Stannis's horses, while killing his scouts and raiding his baggage train. In response, Stannis's vanguard sets the kingswood afire, to smoke the clansmen out.[63]

Stannis attacks King's Landing during the Battle of the Blackwater, with most of Stannis's ships entering the harbor to land soldiers and face the smaller fleet of King Joffrey. The Lannisters light wildfire and raise a giant iron chain to prevent ships from sailing out of the harbor, and most ships in both fleets are destroyed. Stannis's soldiers use the destroyed ships as a bridge to reach the gates of the city, however, and they come close to victory. The forces of Lords Tywin Lannister and Mace Tyrell arrive unexpectedly, led by the "ghost" of Renly Baratheon (who is later revealed to have been Ser Garlan Tyrell, dressed in Renly's armor),[64] and Stannis's soldiers are overwhelmed or surrender. Ser Richard Horpe and Ser Justin Massey convince Stannis to retreat.[65]

A Storm of Swords

[edit]

While Stannis is away, Melisandre and Queen Selyse burn Lord Guncer Sunglass and Ser Hubard Rambton's sons.[9] Defeated on the Blackwater, Stannis returns to Dragonstone on the Lysene ships of Salladhor Saan[66] with the few men that remain to him, most of them queen's men from House Florent.[67] Stannis names Lord Alester Florent as his Hand of the King, but refuses to see anyone but Melisandre, brooding in the Stone Drum instead. He does not eat, and tales are told claiming that Stannis and Melisandre go down into the Dragonmont to watch the fires inside.[67]

After Ser Davos Seaworth is arrested for his plan to kill Melisandre,[67] Melisandre visits him in the dungeon. The shadowbinder informs the Onion Knight that she dare not make another shadow with Stannis as his "fires burn so low" that doing so might kill him.[68] Lord Florent, losing faith in Stannis's chances for success, prepares to offer peace to Lord Tywin Lannister, now King Joffrey's Hand. In exchange for giving up his claim to the Iron Throne and retracting all he said regarding the bastardy of Cersei Lannister's children, Stannis would be accepted back into the king's peace and allowed to rule as Lord of Dragonstone and Lord of Storm's End. Alester wishes to seal the bargain by offering Princess Shireen Baratheon in marriage to Prince Tommen Baratheon. However, before Alester can give the letter to Sallador and have it secretly delivered to King's Landing, Lord Florent is arrested for treason and imprisoned with Davos in the dungeon.[68]

Ser Davos Seaworth kneeling before Stannis, by Amok © Fantasy Flight Games

Melisandre asks Stannis to relinquish Edric Storm, the bastard son of the late King Robert I Baratheon, over to her, claiming that king's blood will allow her to wake a stone dragon. Stannis refuses, however.[68][11] The priestess believes that Stannis is the prince that was promised.[11]

Stannis has Davos released from the dungeon and brought before him. While escorting Davos to Stannis in the Chamber of the Painted Table, Ser Axell Florent tries to make Davos tell Stannis that Axell should be named the King's Hand to succeed his elder brother, Lord Alester. When Davos sees Stannis, the king appears ten years older, shrunken and beginning to be grey-haired. Stannis agrees with Davos that Axell's plan to attack Claw Isle should be rejected, and he names Davos as Lord of the Rainwood, Admiral of the Narrow Sea, and his new Hand of the King. Stannis reveals that he has seen a high hill in a forest, where men in black had made a ring of torches, and where shapes were moving through the snow. Melisandre again asks for Edric, but Stannis refuses, ordering her to use leeches which had been feeding on the boy instead. Stannis throws three leeches into a fire one by one, stating the names of the other three surviving kings (Joffrey Baratheon, Balon Greyjoy, and Robb Stark) of the War of the Five Kings.[11]

Balon falls to his death at Pyke[69] and Robb is killed in the Red Wedding,[70] leading to a discussion among Stannis's counselors whether Edric should be sacrificed to wake a dragon from stone, as Melisandre claims will happen. Davos attempts to convince Stannis not to sacrifice Edric once they are alone, but Stannis admits that, should Joffrey die as well, he is willing to consider doing it.[5]

Upon hearing the news of Joffrey's death at his royal wedding, Stannis is willing to sacrifice Edric, though he still does not like the idea.[18] Several knights and lordlings have greater loyalty to Stannis and the Faith than to Melisandre and R'hllor.[5] These king's men are willing to help Davos smuggle Edric to safety from Dragonstone under the care of Ser Andrew Estermont.[18] Stannis is furious, but Davos urges Stannis to sail for the Wall, claiming that "a king protects his people, or he is no king at all", and the Onion Lord presents his king with Maester Aemon's letter asking for aid for the Night's Watch, of which Stannis had been unaware.[18]

Stannis in the battle beneath the Wall, by Donato Giancola ©

Melisandre sacrifices Lord Florent to R'hllor to gain favorable winds for the journey north,[42] and Stannis sails on Sallador's ships from Dragonstone to the Wall. He leaves Selyse and Shireen at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea while marching west with all his forces.[71] Guided by Cotter Pyke and his men from Eastwatch,[71] Stannis's army arrives in time to defeat the wildling host gathered by Mance Rayder, King-Beyond-the-Wall, during the battle beneath the Wall.[72]

Stannis occupies the King's Tower at Castle Black.[71] Though he plans to burn Mance, once a deserter from the Night's Watch, for treason, he is willing to allow the other free folk through the Wall if they swear to R'hllor, settling them in the Gift. He has Jon Snow, the bastard son of the late Lord Eddard Stark and the half brother of Robb Stark, brought to him, and the king offers to legitimize the youth and name him Lord of Winterfell in exchange for Jon's help in winning the north to his side. Stannis allows Jon time to think about the offer, which Jon is reluctant to accept because it would require the burning of the godswood of Winterfell.[16]

As Stannis needs to negotiate with the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, he is displeased that after ten days of voting, the black brothers still have not yet chosen a new commander to succeed the late Jeor Mormont, and calls several of the higher ranking men to him to inform them that he will choose a Lord Commander for them, if they do not come to a decision that same day.[10] Stannis informs Maester Aemon and Samwell Tarly that he has sent word to his castellan, Ser Rolland Storm, to begin mining dragonglass at Dragonstone to fight the Others, and he confirms that he is aware of Aemon's Targaryen ancestry. Aemon requests to see Lightbringer, and Stannis grants the request.[10] Thanks to Samwell's involvement,[10] Jon Snow is elected as Lord Commander,[73] preventing him from accepting Stannis's offer.

A Feast for Crows

[edit]
Stannis Baratheon, by Bidonicart ©

According to Princess Arianne Martell, Stannis has been attainted by the Crown.[74]

Stannis, the self-styled King of Westeros,[75] remains at the King's Tower of Castle Black. He plans to use Val, whom his men call the "wildling princess", to seal the peace between the northmen and the free folk.[76] Lord Commander Jon Snow has given Stannis food, shelter, the Nightfort, and leave to settle some free folk in the Gift. Stannis sends ravens to the northern lords, demanding their fealty, but only House Karstark replies, swearing Stannis their allegiance.[76]

Before blaming her brother Tyrion for the murder of her father, Lord Tywin, Queen Regent Cersei Lannister suspects Stannis's involvement. She recalls that she would have eventually dealt with Stannis and Renly, but Lord Eddard Stark's investigations had forced her to kill Robert first.[77] Cersei is giddy as a maiden when she learns that Stannis has left Dragonstone, and she believes that Stannis has finally admitted defeat and gone into exile.[78]

When news reaches King's Landing that Stannis is now in the north, Cersei is furious.[78] She sends two thousand Lannister soldiers to Dragonstone to defeat the small garrison Stannis had left behind and take the castle.[78] Meanwhile, Lord Roose Bolton, the new Warden of the North, and two thousand soldiers from House Frey are to deal with Stannis and his few thousand soldiers in the north.[78] Cersei wishes to deal with the Greyjoys only after Stannis has been defeated.[79] News reaches King's Landing that the Golden Company has broken its contract with Myr, and it is being said that they have been hired by Stannis instead.[79] The small council receives reports that Stannis's Hand of the King, Lord Davos Seaworth, has traveled to White Harbor and that he had been arrested by Lord Wyman Manderly. Cersei orders him to execute Davos.[79]

In Braavos, Maester Aemon becomes convinced that Melisandre has misread the signs that had convinced her that Stannis is Azor Ahai reborn.[80]

A Dance with Dragons

[edit]
Stannis at the Wall, by Allen Douglas © Fantasy Flight Games

Stannis keeps his wildling prisoners beyond the Wall. He rides down the kingsroad almost as far as Queenscrown, prowls through the empty hovels of Mole's Town, inspects the ruins at Queensgate and Oakenshield, and walks atop the Wall each night with Melisandre, while selecting prisoners for questioning during the day.[3] House Mormont has refused to join Stannis, whereas House Manderly's reply to Stannis's letter only made excuses. Jon Snow, the new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, refuses to give Stannis ownership of the sixteen castles at the Wall that are unoccupied by the black brothers, and he asks Stannis for men instead to serve under the command of his own commanders.[3]

Stannis sends Lord Davos Seaworth to White Harbor to treat with Lord Wyman Manderly on his behalf,[81][82] as well sends Ser Richard Horpe and Ser Justin Massey as envoys south.[81] Stannis approves of Jon's execution of Janos Slynt,[81] and he has Mance Rayder burned in sacrifice to R'hllor as punishment for having deserted the Night's Watch.[32] In reality, however, Stannis has unknowingly burned Rattleshirt, whom Melisandre had used a glamor upon to look like Mance.[27] Stannis offers the remaining free folk the choice between bending the knee or returning beyond the Wall to die. Most of the free folk bend the knee and are allowed south of the Wall.[32]

Stannis wins the support of half of the forces of House Umber, commanded by Mors Umber. The remainder of the Umber forces have marched for House Bolton, under the command of Hother Umber, as the Greatjon remains a captive of House Frey at the Twins after the Red Wedding.[83] Stannis plans to march with the wildlings on the Dreadfort, as Ramsay Bolton has marched south to recover Moat Cailin from ironborn. Jon warns that the Dreadfort will learn of Stannis's approach long before he can ever reach the castle, and Moat Cailin will fall quickly, which means that Ramsay and his father, Lord Roose Bolton, are free to march against Stannis with their entire force. Additionally, marching with wildlings will only serve to turn the northmen against Stannis. Instead, Jon proposes that Stannis visit the mountain clans, including the Flints, Wulls, Norreys and Liddles. Instead of the Dreadfort, Jon suggests marching against Deepwood Motte to fight the ironborn of Asha Greyjoy. In exchange, the wildlings remain at the Wall.[83]

King Stannis with Lightbringer, by Ming1918 ©

At White Harbor, Lord Wyman Manderly arrests Stannis's envoy and Hand, Davos Seaworth, and fakes his execution. In secret, he promises to swear loyalty to Stannis if Davos can bring him Rickon Stark.[84]

Stannis follows the advice of Lord Commander Snow and marches west to the northern mountains, although one of his squires, Davos's son Devan, remains at Castle Black with Melisandre. The red priestess later thinks that her bed has seen little use since Stannis's departure.[27][27] The king wins over several of the mountain clans, gathering an additional three thousand men for his army. Stannis then recovers Deepwood Motte from the ironborn,[41] returning the castle to House Glover.[84] Stannis is joined by the Mormonts, as well as by smallfolk fleeing from the ironborn and survivors from the battle outside the gates of Winterfell, men once sworn to the Hornwoods, Cerwyns, and Tallharts.[2] Asha and several ironborn are taken captive.[41]

Stannis and his army march on Winterfell, taking Asha with them, but they are slowed by heavy snows in the wolfswood, and Stannis is forced to encamp at a small crofters' village three days west of Winterfell.[85][86][19] Arnolf Karstark and Mors Umber have begun to march as well, and plan to join Stannis near Winterfell.[2][85] Arnolf eventually finds Stannis at the crofters' village.[87] Many of Stannis's men succumb to the blizzard, including his remaining squire, Bryen Farring. When four Peasebury men are condemned for cannibalism, Stannis allows them to be burned by Ser Godry Farring, with the queen's men believing them to be sacrifices to ward off the blizzard.[87]

Tycho Nestoris, an emissary from the Iron Bank of Braavos, arrives at the Wall. As Queen Regent Cersei Lannister has ceased the Iron Throne's payments of loans, the Iron Bank wishes to broach the subject to Stannis. Jon Snow receives the banker and realizes that if Stannis gives in to the demands of the Iron Bank, the Braavosi will give him their support, which might win him the Iron Throne.[88] Alys Karstark arrives at Castle Black and warns Jon that her uncle, Arnolf, is only feigning loyalty to Stannis. In truth he sides with House Bolton, and is planning to betray Stannis at the opportune moment. Jon sends a message to Deepwood in an attempt to warn Stannis.[88] Tycho travels to Deepwood in search of Stannis, and from there continues to the crofters' village as well. Near Winterfell, Tycho finds Mors Umber with a captive Theon Greyjoy and "Arya Stark" (actually Jeyne Poole), whom he brings with him to Stannis.[87]

Jon Snow receives a taunting letter at Castle Black from Ramsay, stating that Stannis was killed along with most of his army in seven days of battle.[89]

The Winds of Winter

[edit]
 Warning
This information has thus far been released in a sample chapter for The Winds of Winter, and might therefore not be in finalized form. Keep in mind that the content as described below is still subject to change.

At the crofters' village, Stannis prepares for the looming battle against the Boltons. He signs a contract with Tycho Nestoris and plans to send the banker back to the Wall for safety. Tycho brought a message from Jon Snow informing Stannis of Arnolf Karstark's planned treachery, so Stannis has Arnolf, his son Arthor, and his three grandsons arrested and plans to execute them. The king sends Ser Justin Massey to escort "Arya Stark" back to Castle Black to reunite her with Jon, in gratitude for the Lord Commander's counsel of gathering the northern mountain clans. Justin is to then travel to Braavos and use money from the Iron Bank to hire twenty thousand sellswords for Stannis. Stannis tells Justin that he may hear of Stannis's death in Braavos, but even if that news is true, the knight is to follow the orders as to seat his daughter, Princess Shireen Baratheon, on the Iron Throne. Stannis next receives Asha Greyjoy, and informs her that her brother Theon must be executed, as showing him mercy would mean losing all of the northmen. Asha suggests that Stannis behead Theon with Lightbringer before a weirwood at a nearby isle.[65]

Quotes by Stannis

[edit]
Stannis by Magali Villeneuve © Fantasy Flight Games

Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies.[17]

—Stannis to Catelyn Stark

A good act does not wash out the bad, nor a bad act the good. Each should have its own reward. You were a hero and a smuggler. 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.[24]

—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.[11]

—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.[5]

—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?[5]

—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.[18]

—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.[16]

—Stannis to Jon Snow

Demons made of snow and ice and cold. The ancient enemy. The only enemy that matters.[10]

—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.[3]

—Stannis and Melisandre

Quotes about Stannis

[edit]
Stephen Dillane as Stannis in Game of Thrones

Robert's lusts were the subject of ribald drinking songs throughout the realm, but Stannis was a different sort of man; a bare year younger than the king, yet utterly unlike him, stern, humorless, unforgiving, grim in his sense of duty.[21]

—thoughts of Eddard Stark

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.[22]

—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.[22]

—Varys to Eddard Stark

I have felt from the beginning that Stannis was a greater danger than all the others combined.[55]

—Tywin Lannister to Tyrion Lannister

Stannis, my lord, my sad sullen boy, son I never had, you must not do this, don't you know how I have cared for you, lived for you, loved you despite all? Yes, loved you, better than Robert even, or Renly, for you were the one unloved, the one who needed me most.[15]

—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.[90]

—Donal Noye to Jon Snow

Let us be blunt, my lady. Stannis would make an appalling king. Nor is he like to become one. Men respect Stannis, even fear him, but precious few have ever loved him.[29]

—Renly Baratheon to Catelyn Stark

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.[20]

—Cersei Lannister to Tyrion Lannister

Were it anyone else outside the gates, I might hope to beguile him. But this is Stannis Baratheon. I'd have a better chance of seducing his horse.[91]

—Cersei Lannister to Sansa Stark

This is Stannis Baratheon. The man will fight to the bitter end and then some.[7]

—Tywin Lannister to Pycelle

Stannis Baratheon with a grievance was like a mastiff with a bone; he gnawed it down to splinters.[3]

—thoughts of Jon Snow

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![92]

—Davos Seaworth to the Merman's Court

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.[19]

—thoughts of Asha Greyjoy

Family

[edit]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ormund
 
Rhaelle
Targaryen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Steffon
 
Cassana
Estermont
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Various
women
 
Robert I
 
Cersei
Lannister
 
Renly I
 
Margaery
Tyrell
[Note 1]
 
Stannis I
 
Selyse
Florent
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Joffrey I
 
Margaery
Tyrell
[Note 1]
 
Tommen I
 
Myrcella
 
 
 
Shireen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mya
Stone
 
Bella
 
Gendry
 
Edric
Storm
 
Barra
 
Unidentified
twins
 
9 Others
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes:
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Margaery Tyrell married 1st Renly, 2nd Joffrey, 3rd Tommen.

Behind the Scenes

[edit]

According to George R. R. Martin, Stannis is partially inspired by Tiberius Caesar, particularly the portrayal by George Baker in I, Claudius.[93][94]

In an early draft of A Game of Thrones, Stannis was Lord of Storm's End while Renly was Lord of Dragonstone.[95]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ So Spake Martin: Comic-Con (San Diego, CA; July 20-23), July 23, 2006
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 35, Jon VII.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 3, Jon I.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 A Clash of Kings, Appendix.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 54, Davos V.
  6. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 60, Tyrion VIII.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 72, Jaime IX.
  8. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Appendix.
  9. ↑ 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 9.13 9.14 9.15 9.16 9.17 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 10, Davos I.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 78, Samwell V.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 36, Davos IV.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 See the Stannis Baratheon calculation.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Stannis Baratheon.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 A Game of Thrones, Appendix.
  15. ↑ 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 15.11 15.12 15.13 15.14 15.15 15.16 15.17 15.18 15.19 15.20 15.21 15.22 15.23 15.24 15.25 15.26 15.27 15.28 15.29 15.30 15.31 15.32 15.33 15.34 A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 76, Jon XI.
  17. ↑ 17.00 17.01 17.02 17.03 17.04 17.05 17.06 17.07 17.08 17.09 17.10 17.11 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 31, Catelyn III.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 63, Davos VI.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 42, The King's Prize.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 25, Tyrion VI.
  21. ↑ 21.00 21.01 21.02 21.03 21.04 21.05 21.06 21.07 21.08 21.09 21.10 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 27, Eddard VI.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 58, Eddard XV.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 47, Eddard XIII.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 24.6 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 42, Davos II.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 30, Eddard VII.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 15, Tyrion III.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 31, Melisandre I.
  28. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 59, Tyrion XIII.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 22, Catelyn II.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 36, Tyrion VIII.
  31. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 65, Sansa VIII.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 10, Jon III.
  33. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, Appendix: Targaryen Lineage.
  34. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.
  35. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 19, Jon III.
  36. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 3, Daenerys I.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 So Spake Martin: The Baratheon Brothers, September 11, 1999
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 35, Eddard IX.
  39. ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Iron Islands: The Old Way and the New.
  40. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 63, Victarion I.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 26, The Wayward Bride.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 9, Davos I.
  43. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 2, Sansa I.
  44. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 18, Catelyn IV.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 20, Eddard IV.
  46. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 41, Tyrion IX.
  47. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 4, Eddard I.
  48. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 33, Eddard VIII.
  49. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 49, Eddard XIV.
  50. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 51, Sansa IV.
  51. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 55, Catelyn VIII.
  52. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 57, Daenerys V.
  53. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 65, Arya V.
  54. ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 71, Catelyn XI.
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 69, Tyrion IX.
  56. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 17, Tyrion IV.
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 33, Catelyn IV.
  58. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 39, Catelyn V.
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 44, Tyrion X.
  60. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 45, Catelyn VI.
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 61.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 49, Tyrion XI.
  62. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 58, Davos III.
  63. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 52, Sansa IV.
  64. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 62, Sansa VII.
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 The Winds of Winter, Theon I
  66. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 4, Tyrion I.
  67. ↑ 67.0 67.1 67.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 10, Davos II.
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 68.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 25, Davos III.
  69. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 45, Catelyn V.
  70. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 51, Catelyn VII.
  71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 71.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 75, Samwell IV.
  72. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 73, Jon X.
  73. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 79, Jon XII.
  74. ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 13, The Soiled Knight.
  75. ↑ A Feast for Crows, Appendix.
  76. ↑ 76.0 76.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 5, Samwell I.
  77. ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 3, Cersei I.
  78. ↑ 78.0 78.1 78.2 78.3 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 16, Jaime II.
  79. ↑ 79.0 79.1 79.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 17, Cersei IV.
  80. ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 35, Samwell IV.
  81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 81.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 7, Jon II.
  82. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 15, Davos II.
  83. ↑ 83.0 83.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 17, Jon IV.
  84. ↑ 84.0 84.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 29, Davos IV.
  85. ↑ 85.0 85.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 37, The Prince of Winterfell.
  86. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 41, The Turncloak.
  87. ↑ 87.0 87.1 87.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 62, The Sacrifice.
  88. ↑ 88.0 88.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 44, Jon IX.
  89. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 69, Jon XIII.
  90. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 6, Jon I.
  91. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 60, Sansa VI.
  92. ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 19, Davos III.
  93. ↑ 92nd Street Y: Game of Thrones Mastermind George R. R. Martin: The World of Ice and Fire, Oct 26, 2014
  94. ↑ Not A Blog: It's the Pits (Jan. 21st, 2013)
  95. ↑ Secrets of the Cushing Library: A Game of Thrones - gsteff on Reddit
[edit]
Unknown
Last known title holder:
Lucerys Velaryon 		Master of ships
283–298 AC
Served under: Robert I Baratheon 		Succeeded by
Recreated
Title last held by
Aegon Targaryen 		12th Lord of Dragonstone
284 AC – Present 		Incumbent
Heiress presumptive:
Shireen Baratheon
Preceded byas Prince of Dragonstone
Preceded by Lord of Storm's End
Lord Paramount of the Stormlands
299 AC – Present
Titles in pretence
Preceded by — TITULAR —
King of Westeros
Baratheon claimant
299 AC – Present
Reason for succession failure:
throne usurped by Joffrey I 		Incumbent
Heiress presumptive:
Shireen Baratheon


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