Understanding Cersei Lannister's Claim to Storm's End

The show has often portrayed Cersei Lannister as the Lady of Storm's End, but is this an accurate representation of her status? Let's delve into the historical and fictional context behind this misconception.

The Distribution of Storm's End

After the death of the Mad King, Robert Baratheon became the new King of the Seven Kingdoms. He then gifted Storm's End to his youngest brother, Renly Baratheon. According to the rules of feudal succession, if a lord was married, his wife would inherit the title and lands if he were to die. Therefore, if Renly had been married, Cersei Lannister would not have been the Lady of Storm's End.

However, it's important to note that upon Robert’s ascension, he gave Storm's End to Renly and not to Cersei. Furthermore, when Robert’s children were born, the King was likely planning to give Storm's End to his eldest son, Joffrey, after Renly. But this is speculation, and the exact plan is not clear due to the show rushing certain plot points to serve the narrative.

The Reality of Feudal Succession in Westeros

Feudal succession in Westeros follows a specific line of male children, followed by female children, and then in-laws or other relevant family members. In the grand scheme of things, Cersei's claim to Storm's End is not as strong as it initially seems. As discussed in the text, Westeros is predominantly a male-dominated society, with women's claims to titles and lands being more rare and often challenged.

Further Context and Considerations

There are a few important points to consider regarding the succession and Cersei's potential claims:

Feudal Rules and Legal Claims: In Westeros, the rules of succession are not as legally defined as in more modern systems. Cersei could potentially make a claim, but it would be a weak and disputed one. There would be numerous other claimants with equal or better legitimacy, such as Robert Baratheon's other children, bastards, or even the Targaryens. Power Vacuum and Marriage Alliances: In the event of Cersei's death, there would be a significant power vacuum. Marrying into another claimant's family could help stabilize the succession and reduce conflict. This is a common strategy in feudal societies.

Conclusion

To conclude, while Cersei Lannister holds significant power within the political landscape of the Seven Kingdoms, her claim to Storm's End is not as firm as some might believe. The historical and fictional context clearly indicates that the show has simplified the complexities of feudal succession for narrative convenience, leading to some misconceptions about the roles of key characters like Cersei Lannister.