Matching 50 Game of Thrones characters with each of the 50 states

Utah: Stannis Baratheon

Stannis Baratheon is a pretty intense guy. Immediately after his brother the king dies, he makes a claim on his crown and is willing to do just about anything to take it, including murdering his younger brother and laying siege to King’s Landing. And then there’s his religious zeal. By the time we meet him, Stannis has become a follower of the Lord of Light and does almost nothing without his religious advisor, Melisandre, by his side. He makes his claim on the Iron Throne in part because he believes he is destined by the grace of his god to take it. Stannis will stop at nothing to fulfill his destiny, even going so far as to sacrifice his own daughter.

Utah is a state founded by members of the Mormon religion. Mormans, of course, would not take the drastic steps Stannis takes, but like the middle Baratheon brother, they are intensely devoted to their faith. Aspects of Mormon culture have infused every corner of the state, with churches being popular tourist destinations. One of Utah’s universities by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and as of 2007, over 40% of the state’s population consider themselves active members of the faith.

It’s also worth noting that Utah is nicknamed the Beehive State. Beehives have long been a symbol of thrift and industry, which I think falls right in line with how Stannis views himself. He seems to think that he’s making the best of a constantly bad situation. If his troops are killed in a sea battle or stranded the in snow, he simply turns to the Red Woman and tries to find a way out of the hopelessness.