The events of Game of Thrones begin with Robert Baratheon’s reign, alongside the backstory of his rebellion with the support of his best friend. However, some viewers might wonder: why did Robert become king instead of someone like Ned Stark, who was known for his honesty and honor? Even Robert himself admitted that Stark was better suited for the role.
The answer lies not only in military strength but also in lineage, political maneuvering, and the very nature of a ruler.
Robert Baratheon Was a Targaryen Descendant
Ironically, Robert, who despised the Targaryens, was actually related to them. His grandmother, Rhaelle Targaryen, was a member of the deposed dynasty, and some theories even suggest that Aegon the Conqueror and Orys Baratheon might have been half-brothers.
In Westeros, where legitimacy often hinged on bloodline, this fact played a crucial role. Although Robert led the rebellion against the Targaryens, his lineage allowed him to appear to the noble houses not as an outsider, but as a 'compromise figure' — someone with royal blood, yet detached from the tyrannical rule of the Mad King. This made his claim to the throne much stronger than Ned Stark’s, who had no Targaryen heritage.
Why Robert Became King Instead of Ned
But even with his Targaryen bloodline, lineage alone wasn’t enough. Robert secured the Iron Throne not just because of his ancestry, but because of his leadership qualities:
- Military Glory. Robert wasn’t just a rebel — he was a war hero. He personally killed Rhaegar Targaryen at the Battle of the Trident, sealing the rebellion’s success.
- Support from Great Houses. The Baratheon cause was backed by the Arryns, Tullys, and later the Lannisters. His allies saw him not just as a formidable warrior, but as a ruler they could negotiate with.
- Charisma. Robert had a larger-than-life personality that drew people to him. He could be ruthless and reckless, but he was well-liked and capable of rallying support.
By contrast, Ned Stark was never a man who played the game of politics.
Ned Stark Was Too Honest for the Iron Throne
Even in the series, Jaime Lannister questioned why Ned never claimed the throne for himself. The answer is simple:
- Ned had no claim to the throne, neither by blood nor by ambition.
- His unwavering honesty and morality made him ill-suited for the cutthroat politics of King’s Landing. In Westeros, no ruler could survive without engaging in intrigue.
- He never wanted power. Even when he became Hand of the King, he only accepted the position out of duty.
- He was an outsider. The Stark way of life was too far removed from the ruthless scheming of the capital.
Ultimately, the fate of Westeros was decided by more than just virtue. The Iron Throne was not taken by the most honorable man, but by the one best suited to the circumstances.
