Why Brienne of Tarth Refused to Fight for Stannis Baratheon

game of thrones

One of the most complex and compelling characters in Game of Thrones is Brienne of Tarth. Despite her ties to the Baratheon family and her loyalty to Stannis Baratheon, she ultimately chooses not to fight for him. This decision is a reflection of her personal honor, loyalty, and quest for justice. Let's delve deeper into the reasons behind this choice.

Personal Honor and Morality

Brienne of Tarth is known for her unwavering sense of honor and ethical principles. She values integrity and justice, and her moral compass guides her actions. Stannis Baratheon, despite being her cousin, engages in questionable practices that deeply disappoint and disgust her. One of the most notorious incidents involves his sacrifice of Princess Shireen to the Lord of Light, an act that Brienne cannot support.

Loyalty to Renly Baratheon

Brienne's primary allegiance is to Renly Baratheon, her cousin and the brother of Stannis. Her loyalty to Renly is profound and deep-rooted. Renly's death, which Stannis is suspected to have caused, has had a tremendous impact on Brienne. Her devotion to Renly makes it incredibly difficult for her to support Stannis, whom she sees as a usurper of Renly's throne. Stannis's actions and Stannis's perceived naked ambition further deepen her disillusionment.

Her Quest for Honor

Throughout the series, Brienne is on a quest to prove herself as a knight and uphold the ideals of chivalry. Her actions are motivated by a desire to be recognized for her valour and integrity. Fighting for Stannis, who she believes is unworthy of her trust, would contradict her quest for honor. Instead, she chooses to protect Sansa Stark, a gesture that aligns with her values and principles.

Context and Priorities

It is also worth noting that Brienne's loyalty is not solely based on her noble lineage. Her house, House Tarth, is a minor house and less involved in the high politics of Westeros. Brienne made an independent and autonomous decision to serve the man she loves and to utilize her talents as a fighter. Her affection for Renly was not based on mere aesthetics or formality; it was genuine and profound.

Leadership and Illustrative Examples

Stannis Baratheon ruled from Dragonstone, while Renly Baratheon governed the Stormlands, a region known for its loyalty to the Baratheon family. However, not all of the Stormlands followed Stannis. In fact, a significant portion, including the House Florent and Selyse Baratheon, believed that Stannis was an unworthy ruler, bordering on a twat. This suggests a broader discontent within the region, indicating that Brienne's decision aligns with the sentiments of many.

Ultimately, Brienne of Tarth's decision reflects her complex moral compass and her unwavering commitment to her own principles. While she may have been loyal to her house, her ethical and personal values steered her actions, leading her to side with those who also shared her vision of justice and honor.