Why couldn't Robert Baratheon love Cersei?

The reasons why Robert Baratheon could not love Cersei in the context of the Game of Thrones series and the A Song of Ice and Fire books are multifaceted and rooted in several aspects of their relationship and personalities.

Different Interests and Lifestyles

Robert and Cersei had fundamentally different interests and lifestyles that made it difficult for them to connect. Robert was a man who loved hunting, fighting, drinking, and other robust activities, which Cersei did not share or enjoy. She was more inclined towards the finer aspects of life, preferring to avoid the rough and physical pursuits that Robert relished2.

Unfulfilled Expectations and Lack of Common Ground

Cersei was never enthusiastic about participating in Robert's favorite activities, such as hunting, which he repeatedly invited her to join. Her refusal to engage in these activities created a rift between them and prevented any potential bonding over shared interests2.

The Ghost of Lyanna Stark

Robert's marriage to Cersei was arranged by Jon Arryn to forge an alliance between House Baratheon and House Lannister. However, Robert's heart belonged to Lyanna Stark, his lost love who had died before he could marry her. On their wedding night, Robert called Cersei by Lyanna's name, which set the tone for a loveless and resentful marriage13.

Infidelity and Lack of Trust

Cersei's ongoing incestuous relationship with her twin brother Jaime further strained the marriage. Robert, unaware of this relationship, felt neglected and unloved, while Cersei saw Robert's numerous infidelities and fathering of bastards as a betrayal13.

Emotional and Psychological Factors

Robert's unhappiness was not just due to the lack of physical pleasures but also from the emotional void in his life. Despite having everything he supposedly wanted, he felt unfulfilled and unhappy, partly because he never received the love and respect he craved from Cersei. Cersei, on the other hand, was driven by her own power-hungry nature and narcissism, which made her incapable of providing the emotional support Robert needed2.

The Death of Their Child

In the TV series, the addition of a child who died in infancy added another layer to their complicated relationship. This shared grief could have potentially brought them closer, but it ultimately highlighted their inability to connect and the perpetuating cycle of hatred and resentment between them1.

These factors combined to create a marriage that was devoid of love, trust, and mutual respect, making it impossible for Robert to truly love Cersei.