Race: Human (Stormlander)
Sex: Male
Faction: House Baratheon
Overall Rating: 5.9
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Arena Status: Active (S1)
Enter Stannis Baratheon, the stern middle child of the Baratheon siblings and self-proclaimed rightful king of the Seven Kingdoms in George R.R. Martin's monumental "A Song of Ice and Fire" series.
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| Stannis Baratheon by Magali Villeneuve |
In the first book, "A Game of Thrones", Stannis is an offstage presence, absent from the main proceedings yet spoken of often. Robert, his older brother and the reigning king, laments Stannis's absence from his court in King's Landing. Stannis is described as lacking Robert's charisma and Renly's charm. We learn he is the lord of Dragonstone, a harsh island fortress, indicative of Stannis's stern and unyielding character.
Stannis makes his physical debut in the second book, "A Clash of Kings". Asserting his claim to the Iron Throne following Robert's death, Stannis's pursuit of his perceived birthright becomes a defining element of his character. His uncompromising nature is evident in his refusal to ally with his younger brother, Renly. Instead, he opts for a drastic path, relying on the red priestess Melisandre's powers. Spoiler Alert This culminates in Renly's death by a shadowy figure birthed by Melisandre, causing significant moral and ethical debates among fans. In this book, Stannis is both stern military commander and a man grappling with the implications of the dark path he's chosen.
Stannis continues his tumultuous journey in the third book, "A Storm of Swords". After a catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Blackwater, he retreats to Dragonstone, where he remains for much of the novel. It is here that we see another facet of Stannis: a beaten-down man, struggling with the weight of his defeat and wrestling with his conscience. Despite this setback, Stannis's flame isn't extinguished; it merely smolders, waiting to reignite. He stubbornly refuses to surrender, embodying the phrase "bent, but not broken".
"A Feast for Crows", the fourth book, features minimal appearances by Stannis. Nevertheless, his presence is still felt as the consequences of his actions continue to reverberate throughout Westeros.
Stannis returns to the forefront in the fifth book, "A Dance with Dragons". Major Spoiler Alert His campaign to retake the North from the Boltons forms a significant part of the narrative. We see a man who, though undeniably harsh, inspires loyalty in his men and possesses a strong sense of duty towards the realm. His strategic mind and willingness to make tough decisions, even when they aren't popular, are on full display. However, his alliance with Melisandre continues to throw him into a murky moral realm.
Through these books, Stannis Baratheon is portrayed as a man of iron will, caught in the complexities of power, duty, and dark magic. His austere demeanor and rigid adherence to the rule of law make him one of the most compelling characters in the series. Stannis, however, is not just a hard man. He's a complex character grappling with his actions' moral weight and navigating the treacherous waters of power. It's this journey, full of highs and lows, triumphs and defeats, moral stands and dubious decisions, that has led many fans to cry out, "Stannis the Mannis!"
Stannis's narrative in "A Song of Ice and Fire" is far from over. His iron resolve, strategic acumen, and complicated relationship with morality make him a fascinating character to follow. Stannis Baratheon, stern, unyielding, and unbowed, stands as a testament to the layered and intricate character work that is the hallmark of George R.R. Martin's writing. As readers, we eagerly await the next installment, to witness the continuation of Stannis's compelling narrative. But for now, let us salute Stannis Baratheon: stern, just, and undeniably, the Mannis.
Stannis Baratheon's Raw Power
Stannis Baratheon, the stoic middle Baratheon brother from George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire", embodies a certain type of power. As a human, Stannis doesn't possess any supernatural strength or the kind of magical abilities one might associate with the raw power in a fantasy setting. However, he is a hardened warrior, fit and capable, able to hold his own in physical combat. His grit and durability have been hardened by years of military service.
Furthermore, he has Melisandre, a sorceress and priestess of R'hllor, in his service. With her, Stannis has access to the power of shadow assassins, dark creations of blood magic capable of slaying even high-value targets. While this power is not his inherently but channeled through Melisandre, it is a significant extension of his ability to wield raw power when needed.
However, the lack of innate magical abilities or supernatural strength puts Stannis at a disadvantage when compared to many fantasy characters from various universes, where such powers are often paramount. His physical strength, while commendable, is not extraordinary or superhuman.
Considering this, on a scale of 1 to 10, Stannis Baratheon's raw power might rate around a 3.5. It's important to remember that raw power is just one aspect of a character's overall strength, and Stannis' strategic acumen and resilience contribute significantly to his influence and effectiveness in the context of Westeros, despite a comparatively lower raw power score.
Stannis Baratheon's Tactical Ability
Stannis Baratheon, known among fans as "Stannis the Mannis," exemplifies tactical ability in many forms throughout "A Song of Ice and Fire". A proven commander and strategist, Stannis' knack for planning and executing battles places him high on the scale of tactical skill.
The most notable example of Stannis' strategic acumen was his successful siege of Storm's End during Robert's Rebellion, where he held the fortress for nearly a year with dwindling supplies, refusing to yield. He displayed similar skill during the Battle of the Blackwater, despite the unfortunate outcome, and later when he swiftly swooped in and drove off the Wildlings at the Battle of Castle Black.
Stannis excels in managing logistics, organizing his troops, preparing for warfare, and considering various strategic outcomes. His keen understanding of the terrain, enemy capabilities, and the best use of his own forces, have given him an edge in several conflicts. He takes counsel but is also capable of independently making shrewd tactical decisions. His relentless focus on the end goal often propels his strategic choices.
However, Stannis' tactical ability sometimes falls short in adapting to unforeseen circumstances, as seen during the Battle of the Blackwater when Tyrion Lannister's wildfire plan devastated his fleet. Additionally, his rigid adherence to principles can overshadow his tactical prudence, leading to questionable decisions, such as his continued reliance on Melisandre's prophecies.
In comparison to all fantasy characters across diverse universes, Stannis would rank reasonably high in tactical ability, largely due to his military prowess. However, his occasional inflexibility and over-reliance on prophecy slightly undermine his score. Therefore, in the context of our rating scale, Stannis Baratheon would receive a 7.5 for his tactical ability.
Stannis the Mannis, a firm tactician with an iron will, may not have the sorcerous might or awe-inspiring charisma of some fantasy characters, but his strategic mind is undoubtedly one of his greatest strengths. His maneuvers on the battlefield, when not facing wildfire, are typically nothing short of artistry.
Stannis Baratheon's Influence
Stannis Baratheon's influence in "A Song of Ice and Fire" is significant but nuanced. His rigid adherence to duty, justice, and the rule of law can be divisive, drawing loyal followers while repelling others.
One of Stannis' main tools of influence is his unwavering dedication to justice, represented in his statement: "I will have justice... and keep my kingdom, since none will press my claim" (A Clash of Kings, Chapter 10). His zealous pursuit of fairness draws supporters like Davos Seaworth, who is swayed by Stannis' unyielding sense of right and wrong.
Another facet of Stannis' influence is his royal lineage, a key factor in rallying support in the Seven Kingdoms. His claim to the Iron Throne is based on law and succession, and despite its contentious nature, it does grant him influence over certain factions within the realm.
Yet, his influence is often undercut by his uncompromising demeanor. As Donal Noye, former blacksmith of Storm's End, said, "Stannis is pure iron, black and hard and strong, but brittle, the way iron gets. He'll break before he bends" (A Clash of Kings, Chapter 6). This inflexibility prevents him from winning hearts and building alliances, limiting his persuasive reach.
Furthermore, his association with Melisandre and the foreign religion of R'hllor alienates many potential followers in the Seven Kingdoms, diluting his influence. He burns idols of the Seven, alienating the faith of most of his potential subjects.
Given this mixed bag of influence factors, when compared to all fantasy characters across diverse universes, Stannis Baratheon's influence rating would be a 6. His unwavering commitment to justice and lawfulness does earn him followers, but his rigid demeanor, controversial religious affiliations, and inability to sway hearts prevent him from attaining higher influence.
Stannis Baratheon's Resilience
When it comes to resilience, Stannis Baratheon is practically the embodiment of this trait in "A Song of Ice and Fire." Known for his iron will and unyielding spirit, Stannis faces adversities and challenges with a stoic, unbreakable resolve.
Perhaps the most defining event showcasing Stannis' resilience is the Siege of Storm's End during Robert's Rebellion. For a grueling year, Stannis and his men were besieged, surviving on dwindling rations and even resorting to eating rats. Yet, as he states, "I held Storm's End for him. The Lords Tyrell and Redwyne dipped their banners, and all their knights bent the knee to pledge us fealty. I held the castle" (A Clash of Kings, Chapter 33). Despite the desperate conditions, Stannis never faltered, showcasing an extraordinary level of resilience.
Stannis also endures the emotional trauma of his parents' deaths, his brother's neglect, and his wife's inability to give him a healthy son. Instead of breaking under these hardships, he steels himself, allowing these experiences to shape him into the unwavering leader he becomes.
Despite his initial defeat at the Battle of Blackwater, Stannis recovers, regroups, and prepares to fight again, demonstrating his resilience in the face of setback. He captures Deepwood Motte from the Ironborn and rescues the Night's Watch from the wildling assault, rebounding from his previous loss.
However, Stannis' rigid resilience can also be his downfall, as he refuses to adjust his principles to his circumstances. This unyielding nature often isolates him and limits his options, arguably a drawback in his resilience.
Comparing Stannis to other fantasy characters across multiple universes, he sits on a high scale of resilience. His determination and strength of character are impressive, even when compared to characters with supernatural resilience. Considering these factors, Stannis deserves a 9 in resilience. His dogged determination in the face of adversity is truly remarkable, but his lack of flexibility prevents him from achieving a perfect score.
Stannis Baratheon's Versatility
Stannis Baratheon, unlike many of his counterparts in the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, lacks a broad array of versatility. He is a military commander through and through, known for his ironclad adherence to duty and justice, often at the expense of tact and diplomacy. His strengths lie in his ability to hold fast, endure hardships, and see his strategic plans through to the end, but he is not a character who easily adapts to shifting circumstances or uses a broad range of skills to navigate through life.
Stannis's martial prowess is unquestionable. He has led troops into battle, commanded ships at sea, and weathered long sieges. His tactical acumen is illustrated in the books, as seen in this quote: "It is not a question of wanting. The throne is mine, as Robert's heir. That is law. After me, it must pass to my daughter, unless Selyse should finally give me a son" (A Storm of Swords, Chapter 36). His legalistic perspective on his claim to the throne shows his rigidity.
However, Stannis struggles with politics, diplomacy, and winning the hearts of people – crucial skills in the game of thrones. His rigid adherence to law and justice often alienates potential allies. As he says, "I am not without mercy," thundered he who was notoriously without mercy (A Clash of Kings, Chapter 10).
Even his relationship with the Red Priestess Melisandre shows a lack of versatility. He does not naturally possess religious zeal or spiritual understanding, but leans on her visions and prophecies as a crutch, unable to adapt his worldview to incorporate the supernatural effectively.
Compared to other characters from various fantasy universes, Stannis would sit at a lower tier in terms of versatility. While he excels in his niche, he does not exhibit the broad skill set seen in characters renowned for their versatility. I would give Stannis a 3.5 out of 10 on the versatility scale. His strengths lie elsewhere, and while they are considerable, his lack of adaptability and breadth of skills limit him in this particular domain.
Stannis Baratheon's Alignment
Stannis Baratheon, in terms of the alignment spectrum, undeniably falls under the category of "Lawful Neutral." This category perfectly captures his commitment to laws, rules, and order, as well as his willingness to put these above personal feelings or subjective ideas of good and evil.
His belief in his right to rule is based not on a desire for power, but rather on an unyielding belief in the legal order of succession. Despite his reputation, Stannis perceives himself as a fair and just ruler. Yet, his version of mercy is dictated not by empathy but by his strict interpretation of law and order.
In terms of the moral spectrum of good and evil, Stannis's decisions and actions are dictated by duty and justice rather than any inherent virtue or malevolence. His willingness to make difficult decisions, such as sacrificing his daughter in the television adaptation or burning disloyal followers, speaks to a man driven by the belief in the greater good and the sanctity of the law, not personal morality.
Therefore, it can be argued that Stannis is neutral on the good-evil axis. He does not act out of malice or a desire to do harm, but nor is he guided by an inherent desire to do good or protect the innocent. Instead, his actions are dictated by the laws and the duties he perceives they impose on him.
Stannis Baratheon's character can be best described as Lawful Neutral, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to law, order, and duty, rather than personal moral judgments or an inclination towards chaos or individualism. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Stannis the Mannis's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #65 (of 107) |
Titles & Postseason Results
| Season | Result | All Time Occurence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Bid (#15 Seed) | 1st |
Overall Conclusion on Stannis Baratheon and Position Across Planes of Existence
In the vast landscape of fantasy literature, Stannis Baratheon's 5.9 ranking can be seen as a testament to his balanced yet somewhat understated array of attributes. Stannis, as a character, is an exemplar of resolute will, tactical prowess, and unyielding adherence to principles. While he may not possess the ostentatious power of a wizard or the supernatural agility of an elf, his qualities construct a robust and distinct character that stands as a benchmark of the human spirit in fantasy literature.
Stannis's raw power may not seem immense at a glance; he doesn't summon fire or wield otherworldly forces, but his endurance, steadfastness, and the respect he commands on the battlefield contribute to his power quotient. The following quote from "A Clash of Kings" provides a telling glimpse into his resilience: "I defeated your uncle Victarion and his Iron Fleet off Fair Isle, the first time your father crowned himself. I held Storm's End against the power of the Reach for a year, and took Dragonstone from the Targaryens. I smashed Mance Rayder at the Wall, though he had twenty times my numbers. Tell me, turncloak, what battles has the Bastard of Bolton ever won that I should fear him?"
Stannis's tactical acumen, as highlighted by his successful campaigns and his capacity to outmaneuver his enemies, enhances his power level significantly. His expertise in warfare and the ability to strategize make him a formidable opponent and a valuable ally. Davos Seaworth says of him in "A Storm of Swords", "Lord Stannis is a just man", pointing to Stannis's ability to inspire loyalty and trust through his unyielding devotion to justice.
When we look at Stannis's influence and persuasion, it's clear that he isn't a charismatic leader who can effortlessly sway masses. But his unwavering adherence to law and justice, however harsh it may be, earns him respect and loyalty. This loyalty is encapsulated in Ser Davos's words in "A Dance with Dragons": "I am a knight, he is my king, he is my lord." This underscores how Stannis's influence works, not through charisma but through an unyielding adherence to principles.
His resilience is noteworthy. He survives various physical and political battles, never succumbing to adversity. His ability to endure harsh circumstances and emerge resolute, make him a force to reckon with. As Maester Cressen observes in "A Clash of Kings", "Stannis Baratheon with a grievance is like a mastiff with a bone; he gnaws it down to splinters."
In terms of versatility, Stannis demonstrates adaptability in dealing with different political and martial scenarios. While he may not have a vast array of skills, his tactical intellect, his resilience, and his staunch commitment to his principles allow him to navigate and respond effectively to a variety of challenges.
When taking a step back and looking at Stannis Baratheon in comparison to the entire array of fantasy characters, his score of 5.9 is an affirmation of his character's power through determination, tactical genius, resilience, and a strong sense of justice. His strength lies not in magical abilities or superhuman traits but in the enduring human spirit to persist and triumph. As Davos muses in "A Storm of Swords", "Stannis has the strength in him to fight the dark. I know it. I have seen it." Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
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