Why Game of Thrones Killed Off Stannis Before The Books Did

Stannis Baratheon died in season 5 of Game of Thrones, but his book counterpart hasn't yet - why might the book version of Stannis live?

Stannis Baratheon died in Game of Thrones season 5, but he continues to live on in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series. Baratheon met his demise at the beginning of the show’s fifth season finale, receiving his comeuppance from Brienne of Tarth. In the books, however, Baratheon’s battle against House Bolton has yet to occur and may not have the same outcome as the show at that.

Stannis Baratheon was the middle child of the Baratheon brothers but became hostile towards his younger brother, Renly, when King Robert Baratheon died and the War of the Five Kings was initiated. With the help of Red Priestess Melisandre, Stannis used blood magic to kill Renly removing an obstacle in his goal of usurping Joffrey Baratheon (in truth, the bastard son of Jaimie and Cersei Lannister) on the Iron Throne. Despite his ruthless determination, Stannis would never take King’s Landing.

In the Game of Thrones episode “Mother’s Mercy,” Stannis and his troops marched on Winterfell (now under the control of House Bolton), despite the demoralizing deaths of Stannis’ wife and daughter and the sabotage from Bolton forces. Stannis’ forces were routed by House Bolton’s, and Stannis sat wounded against a tree, allowing Brienne of Tarth to execute him, avenging Renly Baratheon. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire books haven’t caught up with the now-concluded Game of Thrones at this point, so not only is Stannis Baratheon still alive, but he might also survive the Battle of Winterfell. Granted, there are key differences between the literary and live-action versions of Stannis Baratheon. Fundamentally, the Stannis of the books seeks the Iron Throne out of a belief in the rule of law, and he is far more concerned with the welfare of his people than the TV version, who sacrificed his own daughter in his pursuit of victory against House Bolton. Additionally, the Stannis of the books is far less cruel and a more successful strategist.

The Battle of Winterfell’s literary counterpart, known as the Battle in the Ice, has yet to be concluded, but Stannis has the advantage. In addition to having comparable numbers, Baratheon has a far more successful tactical track record than Bolton. Moreover, while Baratheon inspires loyalty, Ramsay Bolton spreads terror and resentment, and a significant number of Winterfell’s troops may turn against him.

With this in mind, Stannis Baratheon may not only survive his clash with House Bolton but also be victorious against Ramsay. While the earliest seasons of Game of Thrones are generally faithful to George R. R. Martin’s books, the series becomes increasingly divergent as it goes on. While Stannis Baratheon died in Game of Thrones, he may prevail against House Bolton in the books.

More: Game of Thrones: Why Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon Rebelled