His forces eventually cross over into the Lannister homeland of the Westerlands, winning engagements at the Battle of Oxcross and the Battle of the Yellow Fork. Robb's army continues to advance south, winning skirmishes across the Riverlands. Instead though, Jofferey has Eddard executed, causing the northern houses and the Riverlands to declare Robb Stark the 'King in the North,' as they announce their independence from the Iron Throne. In King's Landing, Eddard Stark bends the knee to King Jofferey Baratheon, and confesses to treason, believing he will be sent north to join the Night's Watch. In response, Tywin Lannister retreated the remaining Lannister forces to Harrenhal. As a result, Robb was able to defeat Jaime Lannister's forces at the Battle of the Whispering Wood, capturing Jaime himself.

Meanwhile, Robb Stark brokered an alliance with House Frey, agreeing to a marriage proposal to unite their two houses. Jaime's forces then proceded to lay siege to Riverrun, the seat of House Tully. In Winterfell, the northern houses, alongside House Tully, rally behind Robb Stark following the arrest and imprisonment of Eddard Stark in King's Landing.īalon Greyjoy likewise secedes from the Seven Kingdoms, declaring himself the King of the Iron Islands, and launching raids along the northern coasts.įollowing House Tully's official proclamation of rebellion, a Lannister army led by Jaime Lannister fought and defeated an army loyal to Robb Stark at the Battle of the Golden Tooth. Each begins to gather their supporters and military forces. While Jofferey Baratheon was the heir apparent, and crowned as such following Robert's death, many in the Seven Kingdoms believed that he was not a child of Robert's, but instead the son of Cersei and Jaime Lannister.ĭue to this fact, both of Robert's brothers lay claim to the throne, despite Renly Baratheon being the younger of the two, and thus, further down the line of succession. The War of the Five Kings was officially instigated by Robert Baratheon's death, and the resulting lack of a clear heir to the throne.

In retaliation for this, Tywin Lannister marched the armies of House Lannister into the Riverlands.

In the months prior to the war, hostilities had already begun following Catelyn Stark's capture of Tyrion Lannister over his alleged involvement in the assassination attempt on Bran Stark. The titular 'five kings' were Joffrey Baratheon, who led the loyalist forces, Robb Stark, the 'King in the North,' Balon Greyjoy, the 'King of the Iron Islands,' and Robert's two brothers, Renly and Stannis Baratheon.

The war of five kings