Lord Varys, also known as the Spider, was a master manipulator in the world of Game of Thrones. With his vast network of spies and informants, he was able to weave a complex web of intrigue and deception that often shaped the course of events in Westeros. Here are five ways Lord Varys manipulated the game of thrones:
1. Advising the Mad King and Fueling the Rebellion
One of Lord Varys' earliest manipulations was his advice to King Aerys II Targaryen, also known as the Mad King. Varys played on the king's paranoia and advised him to burn King's Landing to the ground, which ultimately led to his downfall. However, this act also had the unintended consequence of fueling the rebellion led by Robert Baratheon, Jon Arryn, and Hoster Tully.
Varys' actions can be seen as a deliberate attempt to create chaos and instability in the Seven Kingdoms. By advising the Mad King to take a drastic action, Varys was able to create a power vacuum that would allow him to manipulate events from behind the scenes.
The Birth of the Rebellion
The rebellion led by Robert Baratheon and his allies was a direct result of the Mad King's actions. Varys' advice to the king had created a situation in which the noble families of Westeros felt compelled to take action against the Targaryen dynasty.
- The rebellion was sparked by the Mad King's decision to burn King's Landing.
- Robert Baratheon, Jon Arryn, and Hoster Tully led the rebellion against the Targaryens.
- The rebellion ultimately led to the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty and the rise of the Baratheon kings.
2. Orchestrating the Assassination of Jon Arryn
Another notable manipulation by Lord Varys was the assassination of Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King to Robert Baratheon. Varys had discovered that Jon Arryn was investigating the true parentage of Queen Cersei's children, and he knew that this information could be devastating to the Lannister family.
Varys orchestrated the assassination of Jon Arryn by using his network of spies and informants to ensure that the deed was carried out. This act had significant consequences, as it led to the appointment of Eddard Stark as the new Hand of the King and set in motion the events of the first season.
The Aftermath of Jon Arryn's Death
The assassination of Jon Arryn had far-reaching consequences, including:
- The appointment of Eddard Stark as the new Hand of the King.
- The discovery of the truth about Queen Cersei's children, which ultimately led to the downfall of the Lannister family.
- The beginning of the War of the Five Kings, as the noble families of Westeros vied for power and control.
3. Manipulating Tyrion Lannister
Lord Varys also manipulated Tyrion Lannister, the youngest son of the Lannister family. Varys saw potential in Tyrion and used his network of spies to gather information about the young man's activities.
Varys used this information to advise Tyrion on how to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in King's Landing. He also provided Tyrion with valuable advice on how to deal with his family members, particularly his father and sister.
Tyrion's Rise to Power
Varys' manipulation of Tyrion ultimately led to his rise to power as the Hand of the King to Daenerys Targaryen. Tyrion's experiences and skills, which were honed under Varys' guidance, made him an ideal candidate for the position.
- Tyrion became the Hand of the King to Daenerys Targaryen.
- He played a crucial role in the Battle of King's Landing and the eventual defeat of Cersei Lannister.
- Tyrion's story arc is a testament to Varys' ability to manipulate events from behind the scenes.
4. Advising Daenerys Targaryen
Lord Varys also advised Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, on her conquest of Westeros. Varys saw potential in Daenerys and used his network of spies to gather information about her activities.
Varys provided Daenerys with valuable advice on how to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in Westeros. He also advised her on how to deal with her enemies, particularly Cersei Lannister.
Daenerys' Conquest of King's Landing
Varys' advice to Daenerys ultimately led to her conquest of King's Landing. However, this act had significant consequences, as it led to the destruction of the city and the death of thousands of innocent people.
- Daenerys conquered King's Landing with the help of her dragon, Drogon.
- The city was destroyed, and thousands of people were killed.
- Daenerys' actions ultimately led to her downfall and the rise of Bran Stark as the new King of the Seven Kingdoms.
5. Betraying Daenerys Targaryen
In the final season of Game of Thrones, Lord Varys betrayed Daenerys Targaryen by revealing her plan to burn King's Landing to the ground. Varys saw that Daenerys had become a tyrant and that her actions would have devastating consequences for the people of Westeros.
Varys' betrayal of Daenerys ultimately led to her downfall and the rise of Bran Stark as the new King of the Seven Kingdoms.
The Aftermath of Varys' Betrayal
The aftermath of Varys' betrayal had significant consequences, including:
- Daenerys' downfall and the rise of Bran Stark as the new King of the Seven Kingdoms.
- The destruction of King's Landing and the death of thousands of innocent people.
- The end of the War of the Five Kings and the beginning of a new era in Westeros.
As we reflect on the events of Game of Thrones, it is clear that Lord Varys played a significant role in shaping the course of events in Westeros. His manipulations and betrayals had far-reaching consequences, and his legacy continues to be felt in the world of Westeros.
What was Lord Varys' role in Game of Thrones?
+Lord Varys was a master manipulator who played a significant role in shaping the course of events in Westeros. He was a key advisor to several major characters, including King Aerys II Targaryen, Jon Arryn, and Daenerys Targaryen.
What were some of Lord Varys' most notable manipulations?
+Some of Lord Varys' most notable manipulations included advising the Mad King to burn King's Landing, orchestrating the assassination of Jon Arryn, manipulating Tyrion Lannister, advising Daenerys Targaryen, and betraying Daenerys Targaryen.
What were the consequences of Lord Varys' manipulations?
+The consequences of Lord Varys' manipulations were far-reaching and had significant impacts on the world of Westeros. They included the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty, the rise of the Lannister family, the War of the Five Kings, and the eventual rise of Bran Stark as the new King of the Seven Kingdoms.