Baelor I becomes king at age 17 after the death of his brother Daeron. Unlike Daeron, who was interested in conquest, Baelor focuses more on making peace. He works to heal the divide with Dorne and is noted for his piety. However, his religious zeal and acts of charity do not endear him to everyone. The noble houses are frustrated by his religious focus and the sway that the High Septon holds, while his decrees on morality result in book burning, the exile of prostitutes and their children, and the confinement of his own sisters.
Baelor gains the nickname "the Beloved" for his popularity with the smallfolk. He dies after a 40-day fast following his sister giving birth to an illegitimate child, though some suspect he was murdered. Since he dies childless, his uncle Viserys succeeds to the throne.