Rank 2: Orys Baratheon
A look at Orys Baratheon is also a look at the history of House Baratheon. His own lineage was never really proven. However, he has always been regarded as the illegitimate brother of Aegon I. Targaryen. When Aegon began his conquest of Westeros, Orys was one of his most loyal followers. He called him “my strong right hand”, which is why he is regarded as the first Hand of the King.
By Aegon’s side, Orys not only proved loyalty but also unyielding strength in battle. He commanded the soldiers in the battle against Lord Blackwood and Lord Muton, and then continued towards Storm’s End. The castle had been considered impregnable for centuries, but that was soon to change. A bloody battle raged that Orys was finally able to end personally. He faced the Storm King Argilac Durrandon in a duel and mortally wounded him.
After that, Orys became the new Lord of Storm’s End, the highest lord of the Stormlands, and undeniably one of the most powerful men in all of Westeros. He adopted the sigil, title, and motto of House Durrandon to honor the fallen king. Thus, House Baratheon was formed as we know it today.
His meteoric rise was only dampened when he was captured in the war against Dorne and lost his sword hand, earning him the name Orys One Hand. He became increasingly bitter and vengeful and withdrew from the king’s affairs. In a final battle, Orys took revenge on the son of his former tormentor, defeating both his hands and feet. He then died with a smile on his lips.
Rank 1: Robert Baratheon
Robert Baratheon was considered one of the best knights in Westeros from an early age. He was wild, strong, a fearless warrior, and a feared opponent who preferred to fight with a massive war hammer. Many celebrated him as a living legend. Some even referred to him as the reincarnated Laughing Storm.
It is therefore not surprising that the lords of Westeros turned to Robert to oppose the reign of terror of the Mad King, Aerys II. Targaryen. In the famous Battle of the Trident, Robert killed the king’s son, Rhaegar Targaryen. Shortly thereafter, Robert himself ascended the throne, thereby ending nearly 300 years of Targaryen rule.
In Game of Thrones, the original glory of the strong king has long since faded. He is just a shadow of his former self: no longer able to fight properly, and certainly not to rule. Ultimately, he dies in a hunting accident – a rather undignified end for such a powerful man, even if Cersei of course had a hand in it. Despite his rather sad end, he is the only (real) Baratheon to ever sit on the Iron Throne. Just by that alone, he has rightfully earned the first place in this ranking.
Do you agree with the ranking? Which Baratheon do you think is the strongest? Let us know in the comments!
One of the best and most interesting members of House Baratheon finally receives some attention through A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Ser Lyonel has already become an absolute fan favorite after just a few episodes. MeinMMO author Niko Hernes was also thrilled with him: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is not a new Game of Thrones, but that’s a good thing
