The Succession Crisis of House Baratheon: Who Would Inherit If Stannis Were Dead

When considering the complex political landscape of Westeros, the question of who would inherit House Baratheon if Stannis Baratheon were to die remains a crucial point of intrigue. This article delves into the legal and political standings of various potential heirs, shedding light on the intricate web of succession.

The Official Inheritance Line

In the hypothetical scenario where Stannis does not have any surviving male heirs, his daughter Princess Shireen Baratheon would be the direct successor to the House Baratheon title. Stannis had no surviving brothers, and his only other child, Edric Storm, is a bastard and thus not in line for the official succession. As a result, Shireen would stand as the rightful heiress of House Baratheon.

Shireen Baratheon: The Inevitable Heir

In both the book series and the television adaptation, the heir apparent is consistently Princess Shireen Baratheon. Despite the fact that Stannis had three sons from Selyse Florent, all of them tragically died in a similar fashion, leaving Shireen as the only living heir. If Shireen were to die, the path of inheritance would once again need to be reconsidered.

The Complex Inheritance Scenario

If Shireen were to perish, the inheritance of House Baratheon would be further complicated. In this situation, other Baratheon lineages and bastards would assume potential claims to the throne. Notably, Robert Baratheon's bastards, such as Gendry Rivers, would also have the right to assert their claims. It is important to note that Gendry would be the most likely candidate due to his heritage being higher-born and the fact that he is currently being warded at Storm's End, thus making a strong case for his suitability as an heir.

Broader Considerations of Inheritance

The situation becomes even more complex when considering the death of Robert Baratheon. In this case, Stannis' mother, Cassana Estermont, could potentially claim Storm's End, and thus the title of House Baratheon. This would open up further lines of succession, including closer relatives, bastards, and wards of the realm.

The Potential of Robert's Bastards

Among Robert's bastards, the most notable is Gendry Rivers, but others such as Edric Storm and Mya Stone could also come forward to claim the throne. Edric is particularly compelling due to his highborn mother, who is also a ward at Storm's End. This factor adds weight to his claim, especially given the current political environment.

Repercussions in the Post-Succession World

Should Stannis indeed die, the political landscape of Westeros would be significantly altered. The death of Shireen would lead to a re-evaluation of potential heirs, and the barons and lords of Westeros would likely convene to determine the rightful successor. In the series, Gendry Baratheon would emerge as a potential heir if Shireen were to die. His status as the bastard son of Robert Baratheon would elevate his claim, making him a formidable candidate for the throne.

The Unforeseen End of Stannis' Heir

It is also worth noting that in certain narratives, the death of Shireen herself would lead to an immediate crisis of inheritance. Without a living heir, the line of succession would have to be determined from a pool of potential contenders, including Robert's legitimate children and distant relatives.

Conclusion

The potential heirs of House Baratheon, especially in the absence of Stannis, present a fascinating array of characters with distinct claims to the throne. Whether it is Princess Shireen, Gendry, or other members of the Baratheon family and its bastards, the path to succession is fraught with complications and intrigue. In the ever-changing world of Westeros, the decision of who will inherit House Baratheon remains one of the most pressing and enduring questions for the realm.