Decoding Robert Baratheon's Warhammer in Game of Thrones

Highlights

King Robert I Baratheon successfully united multiple kingdoms and overthrew the ruling Targaryen dynasty, sparking a war named after him.

Robert's rebellion stemmed from a falsehood, given that Lyanna Stark, his intended bride, willingly absconded with Rhaegar Targaryen.

The decisive factor in Robert's triumph over Prince Rhaegar at the Trident lay in his preference for a colossal Warhammer, expertly crafted by Donal Noye.

In the beginning of Game of Thrones, King Robert I Baratheon (played by Mark Addy) rules over the Seven Kingdoms and becomes the first Baratheon king to sit on the Iron Throne. The conflict that resulted in the unification of the Kingdom of North, the Vale of Arryn, and the Tullys of the Riverlands, while overthrowing the ruling Targaryen dynasty, later becomes known as the Robert's Rebellion.

King Robert played a significant role in establishing a new era for House Baratheon by successfully removing Aerys II, also known as the Mad King, from power. He claimed the Iron Throne after defeating Rhaegar Targaryen, who was believed to have abducted Robert's betrothed, Lyanna Stark, at the Battle of the Trident. However, the truth turns out to be that Lyanna willingly went with Rhaegar, and Robert's Rebellion was based on a false narrative. During the battle, Robert used his Warhammer, which was well-suited to his size and strength, to deliver a fatal blow to Rhaegar's chest.

Robert Baratheon In His Youth

Raised as the eldest son of Lord Steffon Baratheon and Lady Cassana Estermont of Storm's End, Robert was groomed to inherit his father's position as Lord Paramount of the Stormlands and the leader of his House. His relationship with his younger brother Stannis was not particularly affectionate, while his youngest brother Renly was born later. Robert and Eddard Stark of Winterfell were taken in by honorable Lord Jon Arryn and raised as wards in the Eyrie. While Ned emulated his father figure's virtues, Robert was a reckless individual in desperate need of guidance. Jon Arryn did his best to mentor Robert, eventually becoming his first Hand. Robert held a deep admiration for Jon, acknowledging that the man had taught him valuable lessons. According to Game of Thrones lore, Robert's parents perished while returning from a failed mission to find a suitable match for their cousin, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, during which their ship, the Baratheon galley Windproud, sank in a storm in Shipbreaker Bay. With Lord Steffon Baratheon's demise, Robert inherited the Lordship of the Stormlands.

The Smith Who Forged Robert's Warhammer

The Warhammer That Killed Prince Rhaegar Targaryen

Robert wielded a Warhammer while Stannis relied on his trusted first sword, both forged by the renowned armorer and smith, Donal Noye. Noye faithfully served House Baratheon of Storm's End until the outbreak of civil war. Described as a "muscular" and "strong" man, Noye dedicated his skills at Storm's End. After losing an arm during the siege, he chose to join the Night's Watch as a sworn brother. Within the pages of the Game of Thrones lore, Noye mentors the young Jon Snow at Castle Black. Initially, Jon resists Noye's teachings, but eventually, he embraces them. As the story unfolds, Jon also supports Noye by assisting him in the armory of Castle Black, where training equipment is stored.

Instead of relying on his blade, young Robert Baratheon favored his Warhammer as his weapon of choice. Crafted from iron, this spiked weapon was his preferred tool for combat. According to Game of Thrones lore, Robert showed little interest in jousting and instead sought out melees where he could utilize his Warhammer to inflict harm upon his enemies. Notably, Robert fought with Donal Noye's Warhammer during the war against the reigning king, Aerys II, and his successor, Rhaegar of House Targaryen.

Aerys' heir, Prince Rhaegar, and Robert faced each other in a fierce battle at the crossing of the Trident. Robert led the rebel forces, while Rhaegar commanded the loyalist army. Robert delivered a powerful blow to Rhaegar's chest with his Warhammer, causing him to fall. The loyalist army disbanded, leaving the battlefield, and Robert claimed the Iron Throne as his own. This event, known as the Ruby Ford, marked the turning point of the war as Rhaegar's rubies were scattered into the water. In the first episode of Game of Thrones, titled "Winter Is Coming," Robert confessed to Ned Stark that he dreams of killing Prince Rhaegar every night.

The lore of Game of Thrones praises Robert's battle skills and his mighty Warhammer. It is said that even the seasoned warrior Ned Stark struggled to wield Robert's massive weapon. Robert, a typical Baratheon, was known for his towering stature, hot temper, immense strength, and muscular build. While the use of a Warhammer is uncommon in Westeros, Robert is widely regarded as one of the greatest warriors in the lore. His exceptional fighting abilities allowed him to bring down Prince Rhaegar, a member of the ruling Targaryen dynasty, in the decisive battle of the rebellion.