Everything we know about Lord Borros Baratheon in House of the Dragon

In House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel series based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, Lord Borros Baratheon plays a key role in the Targaryen civil war. As Lord of Storm’s End, his decisions shape the course of the conflict known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Who was Lord Borros Baratheon?

Credits: HBO

Borros Baratheon ruled Storm’s End during the reigns of Viserys I and Aegon II Targaryen. He was the son of Lord Boremund Baratheon, King Jaehaerys I’s half-brother. This made Borros a relative of the Targaryens. Borros married Lady Elenda Caron and had four daughters and one son. He was known for his temper and illiteracy.

Quick facts about Borros Baratheon

• Son of Lord Boremund Baratheon (Books and Show)
• Married to Lady Elenda Caron (Books)
• Father of four daughters and one son (Books)
• Illiterate, relied on maesters to read messages (Show)
• Supported the Greens in the Dance of the Dragons (Books and Show)
• Died in battle against Riverlords (Books)

Borros Baratheon in House of the Dragon

Credits: HBO

Early appearances

House of the Dragon introduces Borros Baratheon as a powerful lord in the Seven Kingdoms. The show portrays him as a man of action rather than words. In his first appearance, Borros participates in the Heir’s Tournament. He loses to Ser Criston Cole but gets a chance to joust against Prince Daemon Targaryen. The series emphasizes Borros’s illiteracy, showing him relying on his maester to read messages.

Role in the Dance of the Dragons

Borros plays a crucial role in the onset of the Dance of the Dragons. The show depicts his meeting with both Prince Aemond Targaryen and Prince Lucerys Velaryon at Storm’s End. This scene is a turning point in the conflict. Borros listens to both sides but ultimately favors the Greens.

He arranges a marriage between Aemond and his daughter Floris, sealing an alliance with King Aegon II’s faction. When Lucerys arrives with Rhaenyra’s message, Borros dismisses him, stating he won’t be “whistled up” like a dog.

Aftermath and impact on the war

After the fateful meeting at Storm’s End, House of the Dragon shows the consequences of Borros’s decisions. His choice to side with the Greens leads to the tragic confrontation between Aemond and Lucerys. While Borros forbids violence within his castle, he can’t prevent what happens outside. This event escalates the conflict into a full-scale war.

Read More: When is House of the Dragon Season 2 coming out? Everything we know about the second season

Borros Baratheon in Fire and Blood

Credits: Westeros.org

Borros’s role before the Dance of the Dragons

In Fire and Blood, George R.R. Martin details Borros Baratheon’s background and motivations. The book describes Borros as different from his father, Lord Boremund. While Boremund supported Princess Rhaenys’s claim, Borros favors male inheritance. This shift in allegiance sets the stage for Storm’s End’s role in the coming conflict.

Martin writes that Borros feels Rhaenyra has taken House Baratheon for granted. This resentment influences his decision to side with the Greens. The book also mentions Borros’s four daughters. His desire to secure advantageous marriages for his daughters becomes a key factor in his allegiance.

Borros’s actions during the war

Fire and Blood details Borros’s actions once the Dance of the Dragons begins. After declaring for King Aegon II, Borros gathers an army of six thousand men. Instead of directly confronting Rhaenyra’s forces, he marches into Dorne to fight the Vulture King.

The book describes how Borros delays meeting the Blacks in open battle until he hears of Rhaenyra’s death. Martin portrays Borros as a shrewd military commander, aware of his strengths and limitations. When Borros finally marches on King’s Landing, he swiftly ends the reign of three pretender kings. This action demonstrates his military prowess and commitment to the Green cause.

Borros’s final battle and legacy

Fire and Blood provides a detailed account of Borros’s final battle and its aftermath. As the Blacks rally under Rhaenyra’s son, Aegon the Younger, Borros marches to meet them. The book describes the Battle of the Kingsroad, where Borros faces the Riverlords. Martin writes that Borros fights fiercely, killing twelve knights, including two noble lords.

However, he ultimately falls in combat with Lord Kermit Tully. The book also mentions that Borros’s widow gives birth to a son after his death. This posthumous heir ensures the continuation of House Baratheon, setting the stage for the family’s future role in Westerosi history.

Read More: Newest leaks suggest casting of Ellyn Baratheon in House of The Dragon

Quotes

“Go home, pup. And tell your mother that the Lord of Storm’s End is not some dog that she can whistle up at need to set against her foes.” – Borros Baratheon to Lucerys Velaryon

“Which is it? King or queen? The House of the Dragon does not seem to know who rules it.” – Borros Baratheon

Quick answers

Why did Borros Baratheon side with the Greens in the Dance of the Dragons?

Borros sided with the Greens because they offered a marriage alliance with his daughter. He also felt that Rhaenyra had taken House Baratheon for granted. Borros favored male inheritance over female rule.

How did Borros Baratheon die?

According to Fire and Blood, Borros died in the Battle of the Kingsroad. He fought against the Riverlords and fell in single combat with Lord Kermit Tully.

What was Borros Baratheon’s significance in the Dance of the Dragons?

Borros’s decision to support the Greens gave them a significant advantage in the southern kingdoms. His actions at Storm’s End led to the confrontation between Aemond and Lucerys, escalating the conflict into full-scale war.

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