What if Steffon Baratheon and His Sons Had Targaryen Silver Hair?

In George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, the Baratheons and the Targaryens are two of the most powerful noble families in Westeros. Imagine if Steffon Baratheon and his sons Robert, Renly, and Stannis had inherited the distinctive Targaryen silver hair. How would this have affected their family, their political standing, and the broader world of Westeros?

Implications of Targaryen Silver Hair

Visual Identity

The silver hair of the Targaryens is a hallmark of their Valyrian ancestry. If Steffon Baratheon and his sons had inherited this trait, their visual identity would have been altered. The Baratheons, known for their stormy demeanor and robust physicality, would have taken on a clue of Valyrian lineage. This change could have influenced how other houses perceived them.

Political Perception

During the time of Robert's Rebellion, the Baratheons were seen as a powerful house rising against the Targaryens. The presence of Targaryen silver hair might have led to questions about their legitimacy or even claims to the Iron Throne. As children of a Targaryen ancestor, they may have been perceived as having a closer blood relation to the Targaryens, fueling further intrigue and speculation among the nobility.

Cultural Connections

The cultural blend would be particularly interesting. The Baratheons are known for their robust physicality, contrasting with the more regal and often aloof Targaryens. If they had the silver hair, it might lead to a softening of the Baratheon image. Baronets and alliances might be influenced by this blending of traits, potentially leading to the adoption of some Targaryen customs or alliances.

Impact on Robert's Rebellion

The visual connection to the Targaryens could have played a significant role during Robert's Rebellion. If Robert Baratheon had silver hair, it might have added layers of complexity to his narrative as a champion of the common folk against the Targaryens. His struggle against the Starks, Lannisters, and other houses would have been more nuanced, masking his Targaryen bloodline.

Legacy and Succession

With Targaryen traits in the family, questions about the legitimacy of the Baratheon's claim to the throne would arise. If any of their children with Cersei Lannister had the silver hair, it would further complicate the legitimacy of their claim to the Iron Throne, especially in the eyes of those loyal to the Targaryen legacy.

Conclusion

Overall, if Steffon Baratheon and his sons had the Targaryen silver hair, it would have created a fascinating dynamic within the political landscape of Westeros. Blending the identities of two powerful houses, it would alter the course of events leading up to and following Robert's Rebellion. The implications of such a change would resonate through the lore and character relationships throughout the series.