House Baratheon's Last Legacies in Game of Thrones: Legacies and Bastards

Introduction

In the intricately woven world of Game of Thrones, the fate of House Baratheon has been one of high drama and tragedy. With the pivotal death of Stannis Baratheon, a critical question emerges: how many members of House Baratheon remain, and what becomes of their legacy?

Legitimacy and Survival

Within the TV series, it is notably clear that no legitimate members of House Baratheon are alive. The show primarily focuses on Gendry, a bastard son of Robert Baratheon, who, despite his name, is unable to claim any significant status or title within the Baratheon lineage. In the books, the narrative presents a more complex timeline. While Stannis and Shireen (another illegitimate child of Robert Baratheon) are technically alive, their survival is questionable, given the harsh realities of the story and the potential for grim fates, as seen in the case of Shireen with her 99% likelihood of an unpleasant end.

The Last Legacies

In the TV series, the last known living humans with the legal name of Baratheon are Cersei, her children, and Gendry, the high-born bastard of Robert Baratheon. However, Gendry remains the only certified member of the baronetcy as shown by his lack of a surname, indicative of his lower-born status. In stark contrast, the books detail that Robert Baratheon had at least four bastards known to be alive, including Gendry, Edric Storm, Maya Stone, and one known as Bella the Tavern Whore. Their roles and the recognition of their status vary, providing a richer tapestry of the Baratheon legacy.

Legacy Through Bastards

The line of House Baratheon is ultimately doomed in the series, as the books clearly foretell the end of the legitimate line. This is particularly poignant in the case of Stannis and Shireen. Despite Stannis' potential survival, his ability to reign is overshadowed by the rapidly deteriorating political landscape and Daenerys Targaryen's looming presence. Houses such as Arryn and Martell may continue through legitimized bastards or branches, but the future of House Baratheon remains uncertain.

Legitimacy in Question

Bastards like Mya Stone, Gendry, and Edric Storm have the potential to justify their claim to the Baratheon name, but only if acknowledged by a king or recognized by the Stormlands in the event of political upheaval. The legitimacy of these claims hinges on who ultimately seizes power and how they interpret the right to name and rule. Given the complex and ever-changing nature of Throne dynamics, the future of House Baratheon, even in its bastardized form, is far from certain.

Conclusion

In the grand tapestry of Game of Thrones, the line of House Baratheon is a shadow of its former self. The survival of its last known bastards and the legal heirs is a testament to the enduring power of the House's legacy, even as political intrigue and existential threats dominate the narrative. Whether through their bastards or in the shadows of Westeros, the Baratheon name remains a powerful and often contested entity in the battle for the Iron Throne.

Stay tuned for more insights into the intricate politics and legacy of House Baratheon in Game of Thrones!