Daniel Ings delivers a memorable performance as Lyonel Baratheon in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which raises the question of how he relates to the Baratheons from Game of Thrones. The Baratheon family played a crucial role in Game of Thrones, particularly in the beginning. Robert Baratheon was king when the series started, and his death quickly led to conflict. Both of his brothers, Renly and Stannis, fought for control of the Iron Throne, forming a major part of the show’s central storyline.
In Season 1 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Ser Lyonel isn’t focused on grand goals. He’s simply enjoying the simpler things – drinking, dancing, and competing in the tournament at Ashford Meadow. The series gives Lyonel a bigger role than in the original books, notably with a memorable dance scene with Dunk, but still keeps him true to character: he’s a lively and capable fighter. Interestingly, this makes him quite similar to his future descendant, Robert, who will eventually become king.
Lyonel Baratheon Is (Probably) Robert Baratheon’s Great-Grandfather
George R.R. Martin hasn’t definitively stated Lyonel Baratheon’s place in the family, but we can make a good guess. During the events of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Lyonel is set to inherit Storm’s End and eventually lead House Baratheon. His heir is Ormund Baratheon, and while their exact relationship isn’t stated, it’s likely Ormund is his son. However, it’s also possible Ormund is Lyonel’s grandson, as the only child we know Lyonel has is a daughter.
We know for sure that Ormund was Robert’s grandfather. This strongly suggests that Lyonel was Robert, Stannis, and Renly’s great-grandfather, although it’s also possible he was their great-great-grandfather. Lyonel ruled Storm’s End around 239-245 AC, and Robert wasn’t born until 262 AC, meaning they never had the chance to meet, regardless of their family connection. Essentially, the lineage looks like this:
Lyonel Baratheon
Ormund Baratheon
Steffon Baratheon
Robert Baratheon
As a huge fantasy fan, I’ve always noticed the parallels between these two characters. The Robert Baratheon we see in Game of Thrones is definitely weathered by years on the throne, but at heart, he’s just a guy who wants to drink and brawl. And honestly, the way Lyonel carries himself feels a lot like what a younger, more carefree Robert would’ve been like. Of course, Robert famously led a rebellion to take the Iron Throne, but Lyonel also ends up rebelling against the crown later on, though his uprising is much smaller and doesn’t go so well.
Warning: SPOILERS for the books and Dunk’s future after the TV show from this point on.
About twenty years after the events of Season 1 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Lyonel’s daughter was promised in marriage to Prince Duncan Targaryen, who was next in line to be king. However, Duncan fell in love with Jenny of Oldstones, a commoner—the same woman Podrick Payne sings about in the Season 8 Game of Thrones episode also titled “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” Lyonel considered this a deep insult, and even though Duncan gave up his claim to the throne, Lyonel rebelled, proclaiming himself the Storm King.
The uprising didn’t last long, but it was still quite violent. It surprisingly ended with a duel, where Lyonel was defeated by his former friend, Ser Duncan the Tall, who had risen to become a member of the Kingsguard. After this, Princess Rhaelle Targaryen was promised in marriage to Lyonel’s son, Ormund. This connection proved significant during Robert’s Rebellion, as Ormund’s Targaryen heritage played a role in his eventual claim to the Iron Throne. Lyonel himself wouldn’t live to see it, but Robert seems to hold him in high regard.
New episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms release on Sundays at 10pm ET on HBO and HBO Max.
Okay, let’s talk Lyonel Baratheon. He’s a fascinating character, and I’m really curious to hear everyone else’s take on him. What are your thoughts? Head over to the ComicBook Forum and let’s discuss – I’m already checking it out to see what you all are saying!
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2026-01-19 18:40