House Baratheon is one of the most prominent houses in Westeros, shaping the politics and wars of Game of Thrones through multiple generations. This guide explains the full Baratheon family tree, from Orys Baratheon’s origins as a rumored bastard of Aegon the Conqueror to Stannis, Renly, and their descendants. You will find the key members, their claims, alliances, and how marriages into houses Targaryen, Tyrell, and Lannister reshaped the realm. Each connection is described plainly so you can track loyalties, inheritances, and conflicts at a glance.
Key Baratheon Lineages and Claims
The Baratheon claim rests on descent from Aegon the Conqueror through his rumored bastard half-brother Orys. After Robert’s Rebellion, Robert Baratheon claimed the Iron Throne and took King’s Landing, beginning the main branch seen in the series. The family splits into three main branches in the show: the eldest son Stannis Baratheon, the second son Renly Baratheon, and the youngest brother Stannis’s line through his daughter Shireen. A table of verified details follows to clarify names, houses, and known claims.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| House | Baratheon (descended from Orys Baratheon) | In-universe lore |
| Robert Baratheon | King of the Andals and the First Men; claimed throne in 298 AC | Show |
| Stannis Baratheon | Lord of Dragonstone; claimant from 299 AC | Show |
| Renly Baratheon | Lord of Storm’s End; claimant in 299 AC | Show |
| Shireen Baratheon | Daughter of Stannis; heir after Renly’s death | Show |
Robert’s Immediate Family
Robert Baratheon married Cersei Lannister, producing Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen. Though they appear Baratheon by name, their biological father is Jaime Lannister, making the core Baratheon bloodline in the throne limited in the show. Robert’s brothers Stannis and Renly are his legal heirs in the inheritance order used in the series, shaping much of the political conflict.
Major Marriages and Alliances
Marriage and alliance decisions define the modern Baratheon standing. Robert’s wedding to Cersei united Baratheon and Lannister temporarily, while Stannis’s marriage to Selyse Florent bound Dragonstone to the Faith. Renly’s relationships were political but never formalized through marriage on-screen. These unions shifted regional loyalties and affected succession, especially after the deaths of Joffrey and Myrcella.
Renly’s Campaign and Legacy
Renly declares himself king and wins broad support in the Reach and Stormlands, yet his claim is cut short by assassination. His alliance strategy contrasts with Stannis’s more solemn, law-focused approach. After Renly’s death, supporters briefly transfer allegiance to Stannis, highlighting how fragile Baratheon unity was in the narrative.
Stannis’s Line and Downfall
Stannis anchors his claim on legal succession and sacrifices, losing crucial support after harsh choices and defeat at the Blackwater. He later acknowledges Shireen as his heir. In the show, Shireen’s fate and Stannis’s end reduce the Baratheon presence in King’s Landing, leaving the name largely extinguished in the main plot by the later seasons.
Regional Influence and Houses
Baratheon power historically centered on Stormlands and Crownlands after Aegon’s conquest. Their sigil and words were adopted widely across storm-battered regions, and many houses such as Estermont and Connington held fealty. In the series, the collapse of Robert’s line shifts regional control toward Lannister and Tyrell influence, with pockets of remaining Baratheon sentiment in Stormlands cells.
Comparative Snapshot: Main Branches and Fate
- Robert’s branch: Direct sons Joffrey, Myrcella, Tommen; ended with the Lannister line dominating the throne.
- Stannis’s branch: Legal heir line through Shireen; extinguished in the main show arc.
- Renly’s branch: Broad regional support but no lasting dynasty due to early death.
Common Points of Confusion
Fans often conflate show and book lineages, and assume all Baratheon rulers are full blood relatives of Robert. In the books, Barristan Selmy notes possible Targaryen ancestry in some lines, while the show simplifies descent to Orys. Succession rules, bastard status, and which houses remain influential after the royal line ends frequently cause misunderstandings.
How to Read This Family Tree
Begin with Robert, then trace downward through Stannis and Renly to see direct claim paths. Follow marriages to understand where loyalties overlapped or competed. For clarity, treat the table as a quick reference for names, houses, and legal standing, while the surrounding context explains why those facts mattered in the story. This structure supports both quick lookups and deeper study of how the Baratheons shaped the game of thrones.
Conclusion
The Baratheon family tree in Game of Thrones connects Orys, Robert, Stannis, Renly, and Shireen through blood, marriage, and claim, influencing wars, councils, and regional control. Despite the collapse of the royal line, echoes of Baratheon influence persist in Stormlands allegiances and narrative consequences of their choices. Use this guide to clarify who is related to whom, how claims were justified, and where key events in the show alter the family’s path.