Who is Lyonel Baratheon AKA Laughing Storm in Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?

Warning: Spoilers ahead for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 1.

The latest entry in HBO’s hugely popular fantasy universe transports viewers back almost a decade before the events of Game of Thrones, bridging the gap between the prequel, House of the Dragon, and the original series.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers a fresh perspective on Westeros, a realm in a rare period of relative peace, where the Great Houses – rather than warring – compete in the jousting celebrations at the (infamous) Ashford tourney.

As the series introduces the titular characters, viewers also meet a host of entertaining and charismatic individuals from familiar Great Houses – none more so than the amusing ancestor of Robert, Stannis, and Renly Baratheon.

Here’s everything you need to know about Lyonel Baratheon!

Who is Lyonel Baratheon in the Knight of Seven Kingdoms?

Lyonel Baratheon, known as the Laughing Storm, is the current Lord of Storm’s End and head of House Baratheon during Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

He’s one of the most amusing and distinct characters at the Ashford tourney, often sporting the outrageously large antlered helm of his House during the festivities – and not just on the field.

Lyonel is also famous for laughing loudly at his opponents during their matches, clearly relishing his role as an entertainer, which earned him the nickname “The Laughing Storm.”

Dunk first meets the Lord when Raymun takes him to enjoy the food and festivities at Baratheon’s tent for supper. After Lyonel offers a hundred gold to “the man, beast, or god who sticks me best,” the hedge knight is summoned to the Lord’s head table.

What follows is a comical misunderstanding: the heir to Storm’s End believes Dunk has come to the tent for his head, as he arrives empty-handed to curry favour. However, the misunderstanding quickly turns humorous, and the two form an amusing bond, drunkenly dancing together before Lyonel shares tales of his daring adventures – with Dunk listening attentively while wearing his antlered helm.

He also notices Dunk’s awkward slouching posture, and endearingly encourages him to embrace himself, exclaiming “the seven above gave you tallness, so, be tall.”

Along with Raymun Fossoway, Lyonel Baratheon becomes one of Dunk’s friends at the tourney and a formidable ally and figure in the events to come.

Who plays Lyonel Baratheon in the Knight of Seven Kingdoms?

Ser Lyonel Baratheon, aka the Laughing Storm, is played by British actor Daniel Ings.

Ings has an impressive CV, particularly across British television, with a variety of roles including Cob Betterton in the Sky comedy-drama I Hate Suzie, Mike Parker in Netflix’s The Crown, as well as in the Black Mirror episode, Smithereens.

However, his standout performance is arguably in Guy Ritchie’s crime drama The Gentleman, where he plays the eccentric – and often chicken-suit-clad – posh boy Freddy Horniman.

Recently speaking about taking on the role of Lyonel Baratheon, Ings told RadioTimes.com and other outlets: “He’s called the Laughing Storm because of his habit of laughing on the battlefield, which is a pretty dark thing to contemplate, somebody who finds joy in in violence and death because it’s exciting.

“In that sense, [I was] offered an opportunity to try and play with light and shade, and just push the parameters and see if I find, where are the boundaries of what we can get away with?”

What happens to Lyonel Baratheon in the novella?

To say too much about the unfolding events surrounding Ser Dunk the Tall and Ser Lyonel Baratheon would be doing a disservice to the various twists and turns, but the pair certainly form a bond that grows over several years.

Much like his descendant Robert, Lyonel later launches his own famed rebellion – caused by the actions of Prince Duncan Targaryen as he breaks his betrothal to Lyonel’s daughter.

The Laughing Storm’s old friend also plays a key part in the rebellion, with Ser Duncan the Tall crossing blades with Lyonel on the battlefield.

Despite the short but bloody conflict, Lyonel’s defiance secures a new betrothal: Rhaelle Targaryen marries his heir, Ormund Baratheon, linking House Baratheon to the Targaryens for many years – until Robert’s Rebellion, of course.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres on 19th January 2026 on Sky Atlantic and NOW and airs in the US on HBO.

Game of Thrones seasons 1 to 8 and House of the Dragon seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV.

If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.