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House of the Dragon, the most recent addition to the Game of Thrones universe, is more harshly criticized than its predecessor due to the expectation that it should live up to or exceed the previous series. A common way viewers have analyzed this new series, with so far two successful first seasons, is by comparing the different characters and how they relate to iconic GOT characters. One of the most obvious comparisons between the two shows is Lord Varys from GOT and Mysaria from HOTD, both of whom worked with the nobility to ensure the best for the common people of the Seven Kingdoms.
This is an extraordinary characteristic to have in a world of kings and queens who believe it is their right to hold and control the kingdom, often disregarding the needs of the people or utilizing their suffering to gain favor. After watching how Mysaria manipulates her way into Rhaenyra’s favor to achieve her goals, it’s hard not to consider Varys’ role in the plot of Game of Thrones. Looking back on the complicated and exciting hit fantasy TV show, it’s impossible to ignore that this intelligent and scheming individual did more to protect the Seven Kingdoms than any ruler or hero.
Lord Varys Was the Most Selfless Player In Game of Thrones
Lord Varys is considered one of the top Game of Thrones characters, but this often has to do with his reputation as «the Spider» and using his «little birds» to gain information, making it seem as though he is the most manipulative and conniving player in the series. In reality, that reputation is more suited to Lord Baelish’s character, who had a similar ability to gain information to leverage people with, but always used his knowledge to place himself in a more powerful position. Although Varys’ allegiances shifted throughout the years, it can be argued that his position remained constant because he was always working to advise a ruler.
His altering allegiances gave him a bad reputation as an untrustworthy advisor in the eyes of many viewers, but Varys actually proved to be the most selfless person in a position of power in Game of Thrones. While most of the conflict in the storyline occurred because people were fighting over the right to rule the Seven Kingdoms, Varys’ interest in who sat on the Iron Throne had little to do with power and control, but a concern for the good of the common people. This is represented early in the series, such as when his loyalties are questioned by an imprisoned Eddard Stark, and he replies that he serves the Ream because «someone must.»
He often didn’t stand up to defend people he considered «friends» because it would expose himself as someone who wasn’t solely dedicated to the current ruler, which is represented in various ways, such as him giving an honest testimony at Tyrion Lannister’s trial despite admiring the other man’s similar ability to advise rulers to make positive changes in favor of the common folk. This doesn’t necessarily highlight his negative characteristic of not being trustworthy or loyal, but further substantiates his claim that his work was dedicated to those who didn’t have a voice at court or in the Small Council meetings. Lord Varys may have turned his back on other heroes in GOT, making him seem like a covert villain, but he proved to be the most selfless player, staying true to his ultimate goal of creating a better world for everyone.
He Manipulated the Wealthy to Benefit the Poor
Lord Varys wasn’t technically a lord of Westeros, migrating from the Free Cities across the Narrow Sea after having been a slave and being mutilated by a child. It was his experiences as a young person that urged him to fight for the innocent people of the world who were taken advantage of by the wealthy few. Though others like him had similarly humble backgrounds, those such as Petyr Baelish were irredeemable villains because they used their rise to power to subjugate those they once stood among.
Based on his experiences, Varys wasn’t an idealistic person, and he understood that the best way to provide for the people of Westeros was to work within the system already in place. For that reason, he continued to work within the court at the Red Keep after the downfall of the Mad King and the rise of Robert Baratheon, understanding that he was perhaps the only person there who truly cared about prosperity over power. He was never loyal to any of the kings he advised, but utilized their trust in him and his ability to gain information to have a voice within a room of nobility.
This was further emphasized when he left King’s Landing to journey to the Free Cities and gain an audience with Daenerys Targaryen, who had already managed to free millions of slaves and conquer three different cities in Slaver’s Bay. He had no loyalty to the current rulers of the Seven Kingdoms and saw an opportunity to advise a queen who, so far, promised to «break the wheel» of power in Westeros and make the world a better place for everyone. Even after he gained the trust of Daenerys, he did so intending to aid in her cause to protect the common people, even if she was just another royal who sought power.
Unfortunately, His Honor Was His Downfall
After Varys joined Daenerys Targaryen’s Small Council, he was quickly considered to be the dirtiest player in Game of Thrones, proving once again that he wasn’t loyal to any of the rulers vying for the Iron Throne. Once Daenerys emphasized her cruelty, executing people who refused to bend the knee to her, Varys began plotting against the queen. He learned that Jon Snow was the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and saw an opportunity to place him on the throne, believing this hero was more fit to be a ruler than his aunt.
Some viewers thought this was a sexist decision to back the last male heir to the Targaryen dynasty, but it was obvious that Varys didn’t care about the gender of his ruler, but only sought to find someone who proved to be kind and fair towards others. He was convinced that Daenerys would inevitably attack King’s Landing and cause mass harm, but the others who still had faith in the queen held onto hope and turned Varys in when he attempted to have Daenerys poisoned. It seemed logical at the time for Varys to be executed by the Mother of Dragons, especially after concocting such a devious murder.
However, Varys’ observations of Daenerys were spot on, and she did end up utilizing Drogon to burn King’s Landing and kill countless innocent civilians, proving him right not long after his tragic execution. Unfortunately, his death also highlighted that justice is often impossible in a corrupt society, and the powerful repeatedly come out on top to the detriment of everyone else. It was only after his death that his other allies realized he was right and took down the last power-hungry ruler before she could cause more damage to the world.
There Were Few Heroes In Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is an exciting fantasy world about monarchs, knights, evil creatures of the night, and powerful dragons, but there are far fewer heroes than is expected in an epic fantasy story. On the contrary, GOT is full of tragic characters who are constantly torn down and harmed by their world. Even beloved characters like Arya Stark and Jon Snow, who are both considered heroes in this story, work to save the world, but still make selfish decisions throughout their journey that make them controversial.
Even the most admirable heroes in the series inevitably made decisions that would bring them happiness, power, love, or some recognition. Though these attributes made the characters complicated and realistic, they also made it harder to distinguish the heroes from the villains, with the lines more blurred as the narrative became intricate. The only major character who made decisions solely for the good of other people was Varys, making him the most unlikely but most respectable hero in Game of Thrones.
There are many heroes that can be admired from this storyline, such as the tragic Hodor, whose whole purpose was to save Brandon Stark from the Night King’s army. These beloved characters are rightfully admired for their courage and kind nature, offering their lives for a good purpose. Still, looking back on the whole narrative of Game of Thrones, it’s clear that Varys’ dedication to the common people of Westeros made him the real hero.
