Why House Baratheon Destroyed the Targaryens: A Complex Dynastic Drama

The destruction of House Targaryen by House Baratheon is a pivotal and intricate event in the rich tapestry of Westerosi history as depicted in A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones. To understand this event, it is crucial to delve into several key aspects that shaped the rise and fall of the Targaryen dynasty and the Baratheon claim to power.

Orys Baratheon’s Relationship to Aegon Targaryen

Orys Baratheon was the half-brother of Aegon I Targaryen, sharing the same mother but different fathers. Orys was the illegitimate son of a noble house, while Aegon was a Targaryen prince. Despite their familial bond, the dynamics of power and loyalty in Westeros often overshadowed personal relationships. This familial connection, however, created a complex interplay that significantly influenced the power struggle in the region.

The Conquest and the Establishment of Power

Aegon Targaryen and his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys united the Seven Kingdoms through conquest, establishing the Targaryen dynasty. In recognition of Orys Baratheon's loyalty during this time, Aegon rewarded him with Storms End, a strategic castle that solidified the Baratheon claim to power in the Stormlands. This award not only cemented Orys's loyalty but also provided the Baratheons with a strong foothold from which to challenge the Targaryens.

Civil Strife and the Fall of the Targaryens

The Targaryen dynasty faced significant internal strife, particularly during the Targaryen Civil War, known as the Dance of the Dragons. Over time, this internal conflict weakened their hold on power, making them vulnerable to external threats. The eventual downfall of House Targaryen was precipitated by a combination of political intrigue, rebellion, and the rise of alternative power bases, such as House Baratheon.

Roberts Rebellion

The most significant event leading to the fall of the Targaryens was Roberts Rebellion, which took place nearly 300 years after Aegon's conquest. Robert Baratheon, a descendant of Orys Baratheon, led this rebellion against King Aerys II Targaryen. This uprising was a watershed moment, symbolizing the shifting allegiances and the changing dynamics of power in Westeros.

The Legacy of Betrayal and Power

Although Orys Baratheon had ties to the Targaryens, the political landscape of Westeros is marked by shifting allegiances. The Baratheons, having established their own power base, ultimately sought to overthrow the Targaryens when they perceived them as a threat or justified by their actions. This complex interplay of loyalty, power, and betrayal culminated in Roberts Rebellion, leading to the destruction of House Targaryen by House Baratheon.

In conclusion, while Orys Baratheon had familial ties to the Targaryens, the complex interplay of loyalty, power, and betrayal in the history of Westeros led to the eventual downfall of the once-dominant Targaryen dynasty. The rise of House Baratheon and the events of Roberts Rebellion marked a pivotal moment in Westerosi history, reshaping the political landscape and setting the stage for future conflicts.