Symbolism & House Baratheon Part 2

The Stag, The Lion & The Wolf

In further exploration of House Baratheon, it is found that they are introduced symbolically, before any member of the family is introduced.
As mentioned briefly in Part 2 of House Stark (Symbolism & House Stark Part 2) , the first meeting of the Direwolves comes with a foreshadowing warning since the mother wolf was killed by a stag, and in turn the stag by the wolf.

This is later reflected in the relationship between House Stark and House Baratheon, who ultimately lead to each other's downfall.
On the face of things, this is a rather obvious parallel since it is Jeoffrey (believed at the time to be of Baratheon blood) who ordered the execution of Eddard Stark.  However, this theme runs much more deeply and more subtly than this.
Following a lead found by Jon Arryn, his predecessor to the Hand of the King role, Eddard discovers that Jeoffrey is base-born and born of incest.  His loyalty to Robert Baratheon brings need for Eddard to expose the truth, but his honor leads him to warn Cersei first.  It is this action that leads Cersei to have her husband killed, meaning that Eddard is arguably at fault: the wolf killed the stag.

Though this theme  runs throughout the story as part of several subplots, it will be explored more fully when I come to address houses Targaryen and Lannister.  As per the results of the poll, House Targaryen is next in line for analysis.