Imagine a world where Varys, the master of whispers, had survived to the finale of Game of Thrones. What could his presence have meant for the final battle for the Iron Throne? As one of the show’s most intriguing and complex characters, Varys held a wealth of secrets and a deep understanding of power dynamics. His untimely death in Season 8 shocked fans and left many wondering: How would the story have unfolded differently if he had lived? In this article, we’ll explore the alternate outcomes, character developments, and potential shifts in power that could have emerged had Varys made it to the end.
Varys’ Character and Role in Game of Thrones
Varys, also known as the Spider, started as a poor orphan in Lys, a city in the Free Cities. He was sold into slavery and eventually made his way to Westeros, where he became a master of espionage and information gathering. Through his cunning and manipulation, Varys rose to become the Master of Whisperers, serving as the spymaster for multiple rulers and playing a pivotal role in the political intrigues of the realm. His origins and rise to power are a testament to his shrewdness and ability to navigate the dangerous world of Westerosi politics.
Varys’ political philosophy revolves around the concept of the “realm,” which he sees as the collective well-being of the people and the stability of the nation as a whole. He believes in prioritizing the greater good over personal gain, and is committed to serving the realm rather than pursuing his own ambitions. Varys is known for his pragmatic approach to politics and his willingness to make difficult decisions in order to ensure the long-term prosperity and peace of the realm. His belief in the greater good guides his actions and motivates him to work towards the betterment of the realm, even if it means sacrificing his own interests.
Varys, often referred to as the “Spider,” is a master of manipulation and strategic thinking in the Game of Thrones. His ability to maneuver key players like Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, and Jon Snow is a testament to his cunning and secretive nature. Varys’ strategic thinking is evident in his ability to balance supporting multiple factions based on what he believes is best for the realm. He manipulates key players by playing on their desires and fears, always working towards his own agenda of stability and peace for the realm. His secretive nature allows him to operate behind the scenes, pulling strings and influencing events without drawing attention to himself.
Varys’ Death and Its Immediate Consequences
Varys’ execution was a significant event in the final season of Game of Thrones. Leading up to his death, Varys had become increasingly concerned about Daenerys Targaryen’s erratic behavior and her potential to become a tyrant. He attempted to warn her and even went as far as to support Jon Snow as a potential ruler. Varys’ betrayal stemmed from his belief that Jon Snow would be a more just and stable ruler for the Seven Kingdoms. However, Daenerys saw his actions as a threat to her claim to the Iron Throne, leading to his eventual execution by dragon fire.
Daenerys’ decision to execute Varys was a result of her growing paranoia and desperation to maintain control over the Seven Kingdoms. Varys’ betrayal and support for Jon Snow as the rightful heir to the throne posed a direct threat to Daenerys’ claim to power. This decision showcased her willingness to eliminate anyone who stood in her way, further solidifying her descent into ruthless and authoritarian rule. The psychological impact on her character was significant, as it marked a turning point in her transformation from a liberator to a tyrant. The act of executing Varys reflected her growing isolation and mistrust of those around her, ultimately leading to her eventual downfall.
Tyrion’s role in Varys’ demise had a significant impact on his relationship with Daenerys and the overall tension within their inner circle. As Varys was a key strategist and advisor to Daenerys, his sudden loss undoubtedly had a negative effect on her chances of securing the Iron Throne. Without Varys’ counsel, Daenerys was left with one less trusted advisor and a gap in her strategic planning. This loss likely heightened the tension within the group and added to the already existing pressure and uncertainty surrounding their mission. Overall, Tyrion’s involvement in Varys’ demise and the subsequent fallout undoubtedly had a profound impact on their ability to navigate the challenges ahead.
What If Varys Survived? Key Events That Could Have Changed
Varys as a Moderator Between Daenerys and Jon Snow
Varys, as a master manipulator and schemer, could have potentially played a crucial role in reconciling Daenerys and Jon. One way he could have approached this would be to openly support Jon Snow’s claim to the Iron Throne, recognizing his legitimacy as a Targaryen and a potential counterbalance to Daenerys. By doing so, Varys may have been able to ease the tensions between the two and prevent the eventual breakdown of their relationship. Additionally, Varys could have used his network of spies and informants to gather information and insights that could have helped him mediate between the two leaders and mitigate the conflicts that ultimately led to Daenerys’ downfall.
Varys and the Dragon’s Rage
Varys, as a skilled manipulator and advisor, may have attempted to control or redirect Daenerys’ erratic behavior by appealing to her sense of justice and righteousness. He could have used his experience and political insight to guide her towards more strategic and calculated actions, potentially averting the devastating outcome of her attack on King’s Landing. By influencing her war strategy with his knowledge of military tactics, Varys could have steered Daenerys towards a more diplomatic and strategic approach, ultimately preventing unnecessary destruction and loss of life.
The Battle for King’s Landing
Varys, known for his cunning and manipulation, could have indeed used his extensive spy network to anticipate and counteract Cersei’s plans in King’s Landing. It is entirely possible that he actively engaged in espionage to thwart her final attempts to hold onto power. In terms of altering the outcome of the siege, Varys may have been able to turn the tide in favor of Daenerys or Jon by brokering a deal or political alliance to avoid the bloodshed that occurred. His influence and strategic thinking could have had a significant impact on the outcome of the conflict.
How Varys’ Survival Would Have Impacted Key Characters
Tyrion Lannister and Varys had a complex relationship throughout the series, with Tyrion often relying on Varys for counsel and guidance. It’s likely that if Varys had survived, their relationship would have continued to evolve, with Tyrion potentially feeling more confident in Varys’ counsel given their shared experiences. However, it’s also possible that Varys’ survival could have led to a power struggle and rivalry between the two, as they both sought to influence Daenerys and her decisions. As for Daenerys Targaryen, Varys’ survival could have had a significant impact on her emotional state.
If Varys had been a key advisor to Jon Snow, his struggle for leadership and legitimacy may have been affected in several ways. Varys is known for his political savvy and ability to navigate complex power dynamics, so he may have been able to provide John with valuable counsel and strategic guidance. Additionally, Varys’ influence could have potentially better prepared Jon to challenge Daenerys for leadership, as he would have had a more nuanced understanding of the political landscape. As for Cersei Lannister, Varys’ survival could have had a significant impact on her scheming. Varys is known for his ability to manipulate and gather information, so he may have been able to thwart or manipulate Cersei’s plans.
Varys’ Legacy: What Could Have Happened After the Finale?
If Varys had successfully navigated the political fallout and emerged as a power broker in Westeros, it is likely that he would have continued to hold a significant role in the realm. As the Master of Whisperers, Varys would have continued to gather information and manipulate events behind the scenes, using his knowledge to influence the political landscape. In terms of the long-term impact on the realm, Varys could have potentially influenced the future of Westeros in several ways. He may have sought to restore peace and stability by promoting a more diplomatic and progressive society. Alternatively, he could have introduced a more stable governance structure, potentially reducing the power struggles and chaos that have plagued the realm.
Conclusion
In our “what-if” scenario, we discussed how Varys’ survival could have altered major events in Game of Thrones. We explored how his survival might have impacted the Battle of King’s Landing and the ultimate fate of the Iron Throne. Varys’ survival could have potentially changed the outcome of these pivotal moments in the series. Varys’ character and philosophy played a significant role in the series, as he was known for his cunning and ability to manipulate events behind the scenes. His survival could have led to a more stable or radically different Westeros, depending on how he chose to use his influence and knowledge. This “what-if” scenario opens the door for more speculation about other pivotal moments in Game of Thrones.