Was Steffon Baratheon Really Murdered? Debunking the Theory

Often debated among fans of A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones, the question of whether Steffon Baratheon was actually murdered has sparked much controversy. In this article, we will explore the evidence surrounding Steffon's death and debunk some common theories.

Did Tywin Lannister Order His Murder?

One popular theory suggests that Tywin Lannister ordered Steffon’s murder out of jealousy, anger, and resentment. The relationship between Tywin and Aerys was once a good one, as they were both friends, but this dynamic changed over time. Tywin feared that Aerys might replace him with Steffon and subsequently arrest him. If this were the case, Tywin would undoubtedly have taken drastic action to ensure his own safety and position.

However, it's crucial to note that the evidence pointing to Tywin as the mastermind behind Steffon's death is circumstantial at best. The Game of Thrones books and the TV series don't provide definitive proof of Tywin’s involvement. In fact, the series suggests that Tywin may have had a different agenda entirely.

The Drowning at Sea

According to the Games of Thrones narrative, Steffon Baratheon’s death was caused by a tragic accident. It is widely believed that he drowned at sea when his ship sank during a storm. This plot point is a critical factor in shaping Stannis Baratheon’s personality and the subsequent events that led to the Stormlands Rebellion.

Had Steffon Baratheon managed to marry Rheagar Targaryen, the entire saga may have taken a different turn. Stannis would have had the political backing to avoid or resolve many of the conflicts that led to his rise to power. Instead, Stannis lost his faith in the Seven when he witnessed the destruction of his family ship, marking a turning point in his character.

Complicated Circumstances

The cause of Steffon Baratheon's death is clear from the narrative provided by George R.R. Martin in the books, but the circumstances surrounding his death are indeed murky. It is important to remember that characters like Patchface, the buffoon who survived the attack, underwent significant changes. In the books, Patchface became a dark character feared by Melissandre, adding another layer of complexity to the events that transpired.

Exploring the Theory of Tywin's Involvement

Another theory posits that Tywin Lannister was responsible for Steffon’s death. This theory suggests that Tywin meticulously orchestrated the sinking of Steffon’s ship to eliminate his rival. However, this theory is supported by only a few lines of dialogue and lacks concrete evidence.

It has been suggested that Tywin was actually a member of the Children of the Forest and that he used his magical powers to create a storm that sank Steffon’s ship. This theory goes a step further by suggesting that Tywin is a dwarf, and his children (Jaime, Cersei, and Joanna’s children) are not his actual offspring. Only Tyrion is Tywin's true son and represents his connection to the Children of the Forest.

Yet, even this theory is highly speculative. It contradicts the known characterizations of Tywin and the plot progression in the books and series. While it might provide an interesting alternate theory, it lacks consistent support from the source material.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the theory that Steffon Baratheon was murdered out of jealousy is intriguing, there is no concrete evidence to support it. The most widely accepted explanation in the Games of Thrones series and books is that Steffon Baratheon died tragically at sea. This event, though tragic, plays a pivotal role in shaping the characters and events to come in the series.

Theories and speculations are part of what makes A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones so engaging, but it is essential to separate fact from fiction based on the source material.