Introduction

The character of Shireen Baratheon from the 'Game of Thrones' universe is marked by the presence of greyscale, a serious and disfiguring disease in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. The impact of greyscale on her appearance, attractiveness, and the genetics of her Baratheon lineage are discussed here, providing insights into how her unique condition shapes her character development and identity in the story.

The Impact of Greyscale on Shireen's Attractiveness

Character Dynamics and Greyscale

Shireen Baratheon's greyscale serves as a significant plot point, although its importance is somewhat nuanced. In the story, Selyse Baratheon, Shireen's mother, is described as being unbalanced and focused on having a male heir to carry on the family's name. Meanwhile, Stannis Baratheon, Shireen's father, is portrayed as lacking genuine affection and preoccupied with strategy and politics. Greyscale, in this context, is not a central element to change these dynamics but rather underscores the existing character traits and conflicts.

Shireen's greyscale is a result of an infantile infection, which nearly resulted in her death but was eventually cured. The disease leaves a lasting mark on her face and neck, marking her as a carrier and a symbol of her unique condition. This disfigurement does not necessarily define her overall attractiveness, as she is otherwise described as not being particularly attractive in the books. Her lack of beauty is emphasized in the dialogue: 'Hers was not a pretty face alas,' reflecting her role as a character who carries hidden strength and a different kind of beauty through her resilience and survival.

The Baratheon Supergene and Attractiveness

The Baratheon Supergene Controversy

The concept of the Baratheon 'supergene' mentioned in the text is a fictional genetic trait associated with the Baratheon family in the series. However, the term 'supergene' in this context is more of a metaphor, suggesting a strong or dominant genetic characteristic. In reality, no specific genetic trait has been described that directly correlates with beauty or attractiveness in the Baratheon lineage. The mention 'The seed is strong' suggests that Stannis or Selyse might have a strong genetic predisposition toward producing children with certain desirable traits, but it does not directly explain how greyscale would or would not impact this.

Whether the Baratheon 'supergene' would have influenced Shireen's attractiveness, given that she might have contracted greyscale, is uncertain. Looking at the evidence, it is suggested that the disfigurement from greyscale overshadowed any other genetic factors: 'Shireen may have been a little attractive without her greyscale but not overly so.' This implies that the condition itself, despite not being a life-threatening infection, significantly alters her appearance in a profound way.

Potential for More Attractive Offspring

-more offspring of Stannis and Selyse

The possibility of more children being more or less attractive depends on various factors. In the series, Stannis and Selyse are portrayed as having a troubled relationship, with Selyse's unbalanced mindset and Stannis's emotional distance influencing their offspring. There's no clear indication that additional children would be more or less attractive, as the focus is more on the characters' personalities and the challenges they face rather than their physical appearances.

The outcome of the Baratheon 'supergene' is thus speculative. If more offspring were produced, it is possible that their attractiveness might vary, but it is equally plausible that factors such as the parents' emotional and psychological states, as well as external influences, would play a significant role.

Conclusion

Greyscale and the Baratheon 'supergene' serve as critical narrative elements in the series, each with its own impact on Shireen's character and the overall storyline. While greyscale significantly disfigures Shireen, it does not define her entirely as a person. The potential for more attractive offspring from Stannis and Selyse remains a subject of speculation, influenced by a myriad of complex factors including their individual traits and the moral and emotional journeys they undertake.