10 Biggest Mistakes That Led To Game Of Thrones Deaths

4. Splitting The Baratheon Forces - Renly Baratheon

The Mistake

With the discovery that Cersei's children are born of incest, rather than being Robert's trueborn offspring, Ned Stark supports Stannis' claim to the Iron Throne upon Robert's death, since their illegitimacy makes him the rightful ruler. Renly at this point is at worst fourth in line, and at best second behind his elder brother, Stannis. Rather than support his brother, thus uniting the Baratheon forces - which, together, would've been near unstoppable - he decides to give in to ego and make a play for the Iron Throne himself.

The Death

Renly's decision means neither he nor Stannis are quite as strong as they should be, since armies and loyalties have been divided, and it creates a deep rift between the two brothers. With Stannis having the support of Melisandre, Renly is then killed by the shadow assassin baby she gives birth to - one that has Stannis' face - thus ending his own part of the War of the Five Kings very early on. If he'd backed Stannis, then there's a good chance the Baratheons would've secured the Iron Throne, and THEN he could've made a play for power.