- NOTE: For the sake of this wiki, this page shall focus mainly upon Tyrion Lannister's more villainous portrayal in the Song of Ice and Fire book series.
  |
This article's content is marked as Mature The page contains mature content that may include coarse language, sexual references, strong drug use, extremely traumatic themes, and/or graphic violent images which may be disturbing to some. Mature pages are recommended for those who are 18 years of age and older. If you are 18 years or older or are comfortable with graphic material, you are free to view this page. Otherwise, you should close this page and view another page. |
|
| “ | When you tear out a man's tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you're only telling the world that you fear what he might say. | „ |
| ~ Tyrion Lannister |
| “ | When I die, please let them bury with me a crossbow, so I can thank the Father Above for his gifts the same way I thanked the father below. | „ |
| ~ Thoughts of Tyrion Lannister. |
Tyrion Lannister, also known as The Imp, is one of the main characters of the A Song of Ice and Fire novel series. He is the last-born child of Lord Tywin Lannister of Casterly Rock and his wife Lady Joanna, also of House Lannister. Born a dwarf, from the moment he was born, Tyrion was deeply despised by his father and his older sister Cersei, but he received love and affection by his older brother Jaime and his uncles and aunt. Cersei's eldest child, Joffrey Baratheon, inherited his mother and grandfather's hatred for Tyrion.
Unlike his television counterpart, George R. R. Martin's Tyrion is a far darker character, who is more wrathful, cynical, vengeful, and spiteful, and has a fair amount of villainous deeds and goals.
He was portrayed by Peter Dinklage, who also played Simon Bar Sinister in the 2007 Underdog film adaptation, Captain Gutt in Ice Age: Continental Drift, Bolivar Trask in X-Men: Days of Future Past, Eddie Plant in Pixels, Roman Lunyov in I Care a Lot, Scourge in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Dean Highbottom in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Biography[]
Note: Although Tyrion Lannister is a prominent character within both the original A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF) novels and the Game of Thrones (GOT) television series, his portrayals are significantly different between the two sources. Tyrion is a lot more heroic in the GOT series, with a large number of his villainous actions either toned down or removed entirely.
In order to keep with the objectives of this wikia site, this article shall focus upon Tyrion Lannister's portrayal in the ASOIAF books, where he is a lot more villainous. Key differences between the novel and television characters will be highlighted in a table in the Differences between the Portrayals sections. Should you wish to focus upon Tyrion's heroic side, we recommend that you check out the external links at the bottom of the page.
| “ | Widow of the waterfront: What do you plan to offer the dragon queen, little man? Tyrion: [thinking to himself: My hate] Whatever she would have of me. Sage counsel, savage wit, a bit of tumbling. My cock, if she desires it. My tongue, if she does not. I will lead her armies or rub her feet, as she desires. And the only reward I ask is I might be allowed to rape and kill my sister. |
„ |
| ~ Tyrion's obsession with revenge and wish to claim Casterly Rock. |
Early Life[]
Tyrion Lannister was born to Lord Tywin Lannister and his wife Lady Joanna Lannister of Casterly Rock, two hundred and seventy three years after Aegon Targaryen's conquest of Westeros. He is the younger brother of Cersei and Jaime Lannister, who are seven years his senior. From the moment of his birth, Tyrion's life was a difficult and unfair one.
He was born with dwarfism and his mother, Joanna, died as result of complications in childbirth. Although treated with relative kindness by his brother and uncles, Tyrion's childhood was a predominantly lonely one, without any real friendship or love. Although away from Kings Landing for most of the time, serving as Hand of the King to the Mad King Aerys Targaryen,
Tyrion's father, Tywin hated his youngest son from the moment he was born. Not only did he blame Tyrion for the death of his wife, but Tyrion's existence had made Tywin a laughing stock throughout Westeros. Due to the madness of their ruler, alongside Tywin's political and military shrewdness, some people had jokingly said that Tywin was the true ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. As a result of this, some people, including Aerys himself claimed that Tyrion had been sent by the God's to punish Tywin for overstepping his mark. Since his families reputation and image meant everything to him, Tywin, understandably, did not appreciate this gossip.
Tyrion is also hated by his older sister, Cersei Lannister. Like her father, Cersei blamed Tyrion for the death of her mother, Joanna, but this is only one of the reasons that she despises him. When she was ten years old, Cersei and a couple of friends visited a Woods Witch called Maggy the Frog. Having heard that Maggy could read the future, Cersei and her one remaining friend who did not flee, Melara Heatherspoon, demanded to have their own fortunes told. Drinking the girls blood, Maggy told their fortunes.
She predicted that Melara would die later that night, whereas Cersei, would be wedded to "the King", not Prince Rhaegar and would eventually be overthrown by a younger and more beautiful Queen. Most chilling of all, she declared that Cersei would have three children, who would all die before her and that she herself would eventually be killed by the valonqar. The two girls fled and despite their promise to never speak of the incident, Maggy's predictions soon started to come true. Melara "fell" down a well later that night and Cersei was soon informed that Aerys had refused to betroth his son Rhaegar to her.
Now knowing the other prophecies may also come true, Cersei tried to discover if the word valonqar had any meaning. She eventually learnt that it was a High Valyrian word, which roughly translated as "the little brother". Cersei quickly concluded that Tyrion was the valonqar that Maggy had spoken of, which only made her fear and hatred for him more pronounced. Ever since day, she has shown him, no kindness and has been plotting ways to have him killed.
A Lesson Never Forgotten[]
young, he married a crofter's daughter, Tysha, who he and Jaime had apparently saved from rapists. When Tywin found out he forced Tyrion to watch his entire garrison rape Tysha, then forced Tyrion to have sex with her, and threw Tysha out. Jaime claimed she was a whore he had paid for Tyrion to have sex with.
Journey to the Wall[]
Tyrion Lannister first appears in "A Game of Thrones" among King Robert's party at Winterfell. He accompanies Jon Snow to Castle Black, wishing to see the wonder that is the Wall - a seven hundred foot high magical wall of ice, stretching three hundred miles, that has stood for eight thousand years. It was built by the First Men to defend the realm against the Others and other monsters. After returning from his visit to see the Wall, Tyrion is abducted by Lady Catelyn Stark in the Riverlands on his way back to King's Landing. Tyrion is accused of hiring a Catspaw to kill Catelyn's son Bran Stark and is accused of the assassination of Lord Jon Arryn - the Hand of the King, Lord of the Eyrie, and Warden of the East. Catelyn takes Tyrion to her sister Lady Lysa Arryn, the widow of Jon Arryn, in the Vale of Arryn. In response to Tyrion's abduction, Tyrion's father, Tywin Lannister, attacks the Riverlands, the seat of House Tully (Catelyn's family), and he raises a host at Casterly Rock against House Tully.
Tyrion is later released, rallies the Hill Clans of the Vale to the Lannister cause, and assists in the Battle of the Green Fork. Tywin sends him to King's Landing to act as Hand, prepare the defenses of the city against Stannis and Renly Baratheon, clean the mess created by Cersei and the rest of the small council, and verify the loyalty of Lord Petyr Baelish, Lord Varys, Grand Maester Pycelle and Lord Janos Slynt.
Hand of the King[]
Robb Stark sends peace terms to the Lannisters, intending for the North and Riverlands to secede from the Iron Throne. Tyrion claims he will exchange Robb's sisters Sansa and Arya Stark for his brother Jaime Lannister, who has been captured by the Starks. However Tyrion has no intention of making terms, Arya has disappeared and the Lannisters only hold Sansa. Tyrion sends his sister's men with his cousin Ser Cleos Frey as part of an escape attempt. They murder Jaime's guards at Riverrun, breaking guest right, and almost break him out. However, Ser Edmure Tully, Heir to Riverrun and Robb's uncle, discovers the deception in time and recovers Jaime, having the other conspirators hanged.
Tyrion engineers the Lannister defense against King Stannis Baratheon, setting up a wildfire trap which burns most of Stannis' ships at the Blackwater. Nonetheless, Stannis comes close to taking the city but an attack by Tywin and the greedy and arrogant Lord Mace Tyrell, who has joined the Lannisters in hopes of making his daughter Margaery Tyrell Queen, defeats Stannis, who flees back to Dragonstone.
Downfall and Trial[]
Tyrion during his court trial.
Tyrion is forced to marry Sansa Stark, Tywin intending for the Lannisters to claim the North through Sansa's claim. Tyrion refrains from consummating the marriage when he sees how terrified Sansa is. He tells Sansa that he will not touch her unless Sansa wants him to. Robb Stark is murdered at the Red Wedding by his treacherous and manipulative bannerman Roose Bolton, with the aid of the Freys led by Walder Frey, along with most of his army. Shortly after, Joffrey is poisoned at his wedding to Margaery by Mace's mother Olenna Tyrell. Tyrion is framed for the murder and put on trial. The trial proved to be farce, as he was wrongly forbidden by Tywin to freely speak in defense. In addition, as the trial spanned for several days, many witnesses testified against him, with some even saying outright lies.
After Shae falsely testified against her former lover, Tyrion was furious at the injustice he is facing, and not wanting the crown to pass judgement, he demanded a trial by combat. Delighted by this, Cersei urges the judges to accept it before declaring Ser Gregor Clegane as the crown's champion. This caused Prince Oberyn Martell to declare to the entire court that he will volunteer as Tyrion's champion, which caused an uproar. Though Tywin was so angry at Tyrion, he nevertheless accepts the trial by combat and schedules it to take place on the morrow. The next day, during the trial by combat, Oberyn managed to gain the upper-hand over Gregor, but the tide unfortunately turned in favor of Gregor, who brutally kills Oberyn, but not before admitting his murder of Elia Martell and Prince Aegon. Seeing on how gruesome Oberyn's death, this caused Tyrion to vomit before he was taken by the Gold Cloaks to the Black Cells to await execution.
A Vengeful Promise[]
| “ | You poor stupid blind crippled fool. Must I spell out every little thing for you? Very well. Cersei is a lying whore, she's been fucking Lancel and Osmund Kettleblack and probably Moon Boy for all I know. And I am the monster they all say I am. Yes, I killed your vile son. | „ |
| ~ Tyrion to Jaime. |
After waiting in the dark for some time, Tyrion heard footsteps approaching. Believing that he was about to die, the youngest of Tywin's children braced himself, preparing to go down fighting. As the door opened, Tyrion, seeing that the man in the door had not rushed forward to restrain or drag him out wondered if his father or sister, fearful of what he might say, had sent assassins to slay him quietly. However, it turned out to be neither.
Instead, Tyrion found himself face to face with his brother. Jaime had returned to the Capital shortly after Joffrey's death. Tyrion just hadn't recognised him because he was thinner, gaunter, had a full beard now and was missing his right hand. Leading him past the drugged gaelors, Jaime informed his brother that he is scheduled to be executed the following morning. However, Jaime, with a bit of help from (a coerced) Varys has made arrangements to smuggle Tyrion out of the city to Essos.
Tyrion hugged his brother gratefully, thankful for the rescue. However, Jaime's response surprised him. He admitted that he wasn't just doing this out of brotherly love. He was repaying Tyrion for a past wrong. Confused, Tyrion asked what he was talking about?
When Jaime answered, his response shocked Tyrion to his core. It revolved around Tysha; Tyrion's first wife. Jaime reluctantly admitted that she was not a whore like he and Tywin had claimed. Tysha genuinely was a crofters daughter, rescued from bandits and her love for Tyrion had been sincere. Their father, however had refused to let his son marry a commoner. Furious with both of his sons, Tywin forced Jaime to lie as his recompense and to teach Tyrion "a lesson".
This betrayal not only destroyed Tyrion's gratitude, but also severed any remaining loyalty to his family. Remembering Tywin's cruel treatment of Tysha, Tyrion punched Jaime in the face, for lying to him and standing by silently whilst the atrocity occurred. Refusing to associate with his brother any longer, Tyrion demanded the keys. Before setting off to meet Varys, Tyrion vowed that he would one day avenge everything that his brother, sister and father had to him. Jaime accepted Tyrion's hostility, but before leaving, he asked a question of his own. Did Tyrion actually kill Joffrey?
Tyrion hesitated, still reluctant to confess to a crime he never committed. Testing the waters, he pointed out that Joffrey was a beast, who got exactly what he deserved. Tyrion even stated his belief that his nephew would have become an even worse tyrant than the Mad King Aerys. In response, Jaime stated that wasn't an answer, making Tyrion realise that Jaime did genuinely suspect him. Pushed beyond his limit, Tyrion resolved to hurt his older brother. Striking where it would hurt the most, Tyrion revealed that their sister, whom Jaime had remained loyal to for all these years was cheating on him.
Calling Jaime a fool, Tyrion informed him that whilst his brother was a captive of the Starks, Cersei was having affairs with multiple men; he named Lancel and Ser Osmund Kettleblack (although Cersei was actually sleeping with Osmund's brother, Osney) but stated that there were plenty more. He then lied; confessed that he was responsible for killing Joffrey. Having gotten his answer, Jaime walked off. Tyrion initially regretted his actions but the thought of Tysha's suffering drove this compassion from his mind. Furious, Tyrion walked away in the opposite direction to meet with Varys.
Assassination in the Tower of the Hand[]
| “ | Tyrion: One simple question, you owe me that much. Tywin: I owe you nothing. Tyrion: You've given me less than that, all my life, but you'll give me this. What did you do with Tysha? |
„ |
| ~ Tyrion confronts Tywin in the privy chamber. A Storm of Swords. Chapter 77. |
The reunion between Tyrion and Varys was not cordial. Tyrion still held a grudge against the eunuch for testifying against him. Varys simply pointed out that he was doing his job and that he could not act out against the Queen Regent or the Hand of the King, both of whom were having watched. Tyrion was not appeased but Varys, having experienced such treatment for years was not concerned.
Honouring the arrangement he had made with Jaime, Varys led through the dark passages, built centuries earlier by Maegor the Cruel. Eventually, they entered a large circular chamber, with the Targaryen crest built into the floor from red and black bricks. At the centre of this room was a ladder. Remembering Shae's previous descriptions, Tyrion realised that they were directly under the Tower of the Hand. With the memory of Tysha still fresh in his mind, Tyrion, ignoring Varys' pleas for them to keep moving, asked the eunuch for directions. Varys, reluctantly told Tyrion what to do, whereupon Tyrion instructed him to wait for him. Then he began to climb.
Upon reaching the top, Tyrion found a passage that ran parallel to the stairs and the bed chamber. Realising that this is where Varys' spies watch and listen from, Tyrion makes his past Lum and Lester, Tywin's guards. He overhears them talking about Shae, as well as waging on how Tyrion will meet his death. Knowing that they have both lost, Tyrion makes his way along the chamber, to a secret doorway, hidden in the hearth. His attention is immediately drawn to the bed, where a single figure lies.
However, the voice that greets him is not his fathers. Pulling back the curtain, Tyrion finds Shae lying virtually naked within. His former lover was, of course, shocked and horrified to see him, but Tyrion, no longer concerned about betrayal greeted her calmly. Climbing up onto the bed, Tyrion thinks back to all of the times he met with this woman and made out with her. Curious, he asks her whether any of their rendezvous were based on genuine affection. Shae tried to assure him that they were and as gesture of her sincerity, once again called him "My Giant of Lannister".
In response, Tyrion seized Shae's only article of clothing, a golden chain of interlinking hands about her throat; the chain of office worn by the Hand. Incensed at this new lie and the use of the pet name that drew so much mockery at his trial, Tyrion strangles her to death with it, reciting the chorus of Symon Silver Tongues "Hands of Gold" song. After that, he steals a dagger from his fathers bedside cabinet, takes Tywin's crossbow from off the wall and arms it.
He then marches up to where he knows Tywin will be; the Privy Tower. Pushing open the door, Tyrion greeted his father. Tywin was surprised to see Tyrion free from his cell, but otherwise remained calm. Vowing to kill the eunuch, whom he mistakenly believed had set his son free, Tywin told Tyrion to put down the crossbow. He assured his son that he had no intention of killing him and planned to send him to the Wall. Tyrion, however, had had enough of his father's instructions. Effectively telling his father to remain where he was, Tyrion informed him that he no intention of going to Wall. He would depart soon enough, but not before Tywin answered a question of his. A small compensation for a lifetime of cruelty. What did Tywin do with Tysha?
He had to remind his father as to the girls identity. When Tywin called Tysha a whore, however, a statement that they both knew to false, Tyrion raised the crossbow, which had previously been resting against his leg. Pointing it at his father's heart, Tyrion told Tywin that he if he said that word again, he would shoot him. Tywin did not believe his son at first, thinking that Tyrion would not have the courage to harm him, but Tyrion warned him not to test his patience.
Tywin conceded and told Tyrion what little he remembered. He confirmed that Tysha was not killed following the "lesson". He simply handed over to the steward and never enquired beyond that. If he had to guess, the second man simply sent her on her way. Hearing this, Tyrion demands to know where that might have sent her?
In response, Tywin coldly stated "Wherever whores go". This callousness and lack of remorse was the final straw for Tyrion. Without even realising what he was doing, Tyrion pressed the trigger on reflex. He watched as the bolt shot forwards and hit his father square in the bowels. Bleeding to death, Tywin Lannister recovered just enough to denounce his son, one last time. Grinning malevolently, Tyrion countered that yes he was; he was a younger, smaller version of his father, all the way through.
Tyrion then watched his father die in front of him, taking the first step on his path to revenge. Having paid his father back for years of mistreatment and his abuse of Tysha, Tyrion left Tywin's body behind. As he made his way back towards the secret passages, however, Tyrion could not help but smile as he realised that his father pooed himself in the moment of death. Showing no remorse for his actions, Tyrion simply noted that his father died in he best place possible.
Although Tyrion's escape is not shown, A Dance with Dragons confirmed that he made it out of the Tower and escaped Kings Landing undetected.
Aftermath[]
The Lannister family were notified of Tywin's demise a few hours later, when Lum discovered the body. As Kevan prayed for his brothers departed soul and Jaime investigated the newly discovered passage, Cersei sent Ser Boros Blount to the Black Cells to check upon Tyrion. When the Kingsguard returned, he informed them all that Tyrion's cell door was open, the still sedated gaolers were asleep and that the prisoner was gone. With that, the identity of Tywin's murderer was revealed!
Although Tyrion did not appear within A Feast For Crows his actions in A Storm of Swords would have a major impact upon the continent, affecting large numbers of people. Details can be found in the tables below.
The Citizens of the Seven Kingdoms: -[]
| Impact |
|---|
| Although several nobles and bounty hunters swore to get even with Tyrion for killing his father, his actions had a major impact upon the political situation. Oberyn Martell's death, further incited the Dornish against the Lannister's. Although Dorne had been largely neutral until this point, Princess Myrcella was in their custody and Cersei feared that her daughter would suffer as a result of her brothers actions. Sure enough, Princess Arianne and her cousins, the Sand Snakes wanted revenge, although Prince Doran eventually informed the group that he already had a plot in mind.
However, Tyrion's actions were far more reaching than that. By killing his father, Tyrion denied the realm of Tywin's power and stabilising influence. Had he lived, Tywin would have not only shaped Tommen into a proper monarch but also, as Kevan pointed out, purged the royal court of its corruption. With his indomitable will, vast wealth and intelligent mind, the Lion of the West may have been able to end the conflict and establish the long-lasting dynasty he had always dreamed about. His passing, coupled with the subsequent actions of his daughter, Cersei, opened the way for civil unrest, threatening to destroy the peace and unity that Tywin had worked so hard to build. |
Tywin[]
| Impact |
|---|
| In addition to ruining his father's carefully thought out plans, Tyrion also managed to humiliate his sire one last time. Owing to his status and reputation, Tywin was given a massive funeral, just as elaborate and grand as any monarchs. However, due to the manner of his death, the Lord of Casterly Rock's body emitted a foul odour. Despite the best efforts of Qyburn and the Silent Sisters, the Hand of the King's corpse stunk so badly that few could bear to stand next to it for an extensive period. Additionally, word spread about the manner of his death, making Tywin a laughingstock amongst the populace. |
Shae[]
| Impact |
|---|
| It was revealed (through Cersei's POV chapters) that Tyrion's assumptions were correct. The Queen Regent did offer his former lover a bribe in exchange for her false testimony. However, as Tyrion anticipated, Cersei reneged on their deal, refusing to give the young whore anything, unless she helped her find Sansa Stark. In the end, Shae's greed earnt her nothing but an early death and an ignominious burial. Her body was wrapped up in a blanket and disposed of in some (currently) unknown fashion. |
House Lannister[]
| Impact |
|---|
Like the rest of the realm, the members of House Lannister universally denounced Tyrion. Many refused to address him by name, instead referring to Tyrion by his derogatory of "the Imp." However, this was not just done purely due to the murder of their kinsman. Tyrion's actions resulted in a power shift in House Lannister and the Westerlands: -
Apart from Cersei and Jaime, none were affected more greatly than Ser Kevan Lannister. Despite the loss of his brother, Kevan refused to remain at court and serve as Cersei's puppet. He originally returned to the Westerlands, escorting Tywin's body back to Casterly Rock. However, following Cersei's arrest by the Faith Militant (see Cersei), he returned to Kings Landing as the new Regent. Kevan proved to be a very effective ruler and have even been able to salvage the situation, had he not been assassinated (see Varys). |
Varys[]
| Impact |
|---|
| Varys went into hiding following Tyrion's escape and was replaced as the Master of Whisperers by Qyburn. However, he remained within the capital under various disguises, carefully monitoring the situation. As the political climate began to stabilise, Varys assassinated both Grand Maestar Pycelle and Kevan Lannister. In doing so, he revealed himself to be a Targaryen loyalist, who together with Jon Connington, had been secretly paving the way for the conquest of his true master, the presumed- surviving Aegon VI Targaryen. |
Cersei[]
| Impact |
|---|
Although Tywin's death allowed Cersei to finally attain the power and position she had always wanted, along with getting rid of her father's meddling influence, she was left deeply troubled by his death and Tyrion's escape. Furious that the man she held accountable for her mother, father and son's deaths had escaped her, Cersei, remembering Maggy's prophecy put up a massive bounty on his head. Despite the ongoing searches, she remained convinced that Tyrion was lurking within the secret passages of the Red Keep, waiting to strike and manipulating everybody against her. Now the effective ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, Cersei proved her father, uncle and siblings assessment correct by making several disastrous decisions:-
Cersei's schemes and poor decision-making finally came crashing down when Osney Kettleblack, upon Cersei's own order, falsely confessed to having an affair with Margaery. Upon being tortured by the High Sparrow, however, he retracted the statement and confessed to not only sleeping with Cersei but her order to kill the previous High Septon. Cersei, who came to the Great Sept of Baelor following Margaery’s detainment, was immediately arrested. By the time Cersei returned to the Red Keep, following her walk of atonement, she had been abandoned by all of her allies and stripped of all her authority, now condemned to house arrest. |
Jaime[]
| Impact |
|---|
| Despite being effectively disowned (after refusing to leave the Kingsguard), Jaime still felt guilty about letting Tyrion kill Tywin. As an act of penance, he stood guard over his father’s body throughout the week of mourning but (wisely) did not confess to his involvement in Tyrion's escape. As Tyrion had intended, Jaime became deeply troubled by his brother’s accusations about Cersei's infidelity. Jaime wanted to believe that Tyrion had simply lied to him. However, during an exchange with Cersei, his sister said something that rattled him; claiming that both she and Tyrion had lied to Jaime a thousand times already. (Note: Jaime would eventually realize that this was the only honest thing Cersei ever said to him).
Growing tired of Cersei's delusional, paranoid and unreasonable behaviour, Jaime eventually left King’s Landing to liberate Riverrun from forces loyal to House Stark. Along the way, they passed by Darry. Realising that he needed answers, Jaime confronted Lancel in the castle’s sept, where his deeply pious cousin not only confessed to the accusation but also revealed that: -
Realising that Tyrion had been completely honest with him, Jaime, now seeing Cersei for what she really was, renounced his love for her. This could not have come at a worse time for Cersei, as she had just been imprisoned by the Faith Militant. She sent a desperate plea for help to Jaime, begging him to return to return to King's Landing and serve as her champion. Guessing (correctly) that she was guilty of all the accusations leveled against her, Jaime has the letter burnt, abandoning Cersei to her self-inflicted fate. |
Life on the run[]
To be added
Tyrion is made more adventurous and heroic in the TV series, as most of his villainous actions and traits from the novels are ignored, especially his personality after learning the truth about Tysha. During the third book, he commanded his sellsword Bronn to murder a singer, because said singer implied he would inform Tywin on his relationship with Shae. This could be considered justified, however, he also disposes of the singer's body by ordering him cooked into a stew, thereby turning several innocent peasants into unwitting cannibals. He becomes angrier after he learned the truth about his first wife, Tysha, and now fantasizes of many horrible ways to get his revenge on his siblings, such as raping and killing his sister (presumably not in that order). He also hits Jaime in the face after he told him the truth about Tysha after freeing him; a furious Tyrion tells Jaime he actually really poisoned Joffrey and reveals Cersei's infidelity and her sexual relationship with Lancel and the Kettleblacks, adding the fool Moon Boy as an exaggeration to make Cersei look more like a whore. Tyrion becomes more short-tempered and even forces a slave woman to have sex with him. In both books and shows Tyrion threatening to murder his cousin Lancel.
Differences between the Portrayals[]
This section highlights the key differences between Tyrion's portrayal in the original ASOIAF novels and the GOT TV series. As mentioned previously, although Tyrion is one of the series' kinder and more sympathetic characters, he is still regarded as an anti-hero and is a lot more villainous in the books.
| Subject | Portrayal in Game of Thrones |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Tyrion is considerably more handsome in the TV series than his novel counterpart. In the books, Tyrion is described as having mismatched eyes, pale blonde hair and legs of different sizes. These factors were excluded in Peter Dinklage's portrayal. Later, during the Battle of Blackwater Bay, Tyrion is attacked by the Kingsguard Ser Mandon Moore, who slashes him across the face with a sword. Tyrion ended up with nothing more than a distinctive scar across his nose and right cheek in the show, but his injury in the book was much more significant. Moore's attack removed most of Tyrion's nose and part of his lip. Although the injury healed, Tyrion, as his sister and nephew so kindly pointed out, looked uglier than ever.
|
| Tysha | Although Tysha was mentioned during the early stages of the show, she was never referenced again after Season 4. Jaime's confession about his and Tywin's deception was also excluded, allowing the Lannister brothers to part on good terms. Tyrion's motive for killing Tywin was likewise toned down to Tyrion wanting revenge for throwing him under the bus for Joffrey's murder and for turning Shae against him (see below). Many book readers were not satisfied with this change, as they felt that affected Tyrion's development later on. |
| Relationship with Shae | Unlike in the book, Tyrion and Shae's relationship was portrayed as a genuinely mutual attraction. Although Tyrion did speak harshly towards her before Joffrey's wedding and attempted to send her away, he did this out of genuine love and affection for her. By this point, Tywin and Cersei knew about their relationship and threatened to kill her. Since Tyrion had already lost one woman to his father's machinations, he did not want it to happen again.
This, if anything, made her betrayal of him at the trial, all the more hurtful. Shae, clearly not understanding what Tyrion had done for her, lied about him being the killer to get back at him. Unlike in the book, where Tyrion remained silent, he pleaded with her to stop, only for her to throw his words back in his face and continue to sell him out. Finally, unlike in the book, Tyrion killed Shae in self-defence. Upon realizing that Tyrion was present, Shae grabbed a knife, which the couple struggled over. Although Tyrion did end up strangling to death in an identical manner to the book, the necklace was one that he had previously bought her, rather than a chain of interlinking hands. Once the thrashing stopped, Tyrion, realising what he had done was left extremely remorseful and guilt-ridden, apologizing to the corpse. |
| Villainous actions | In the books, Tyrion performs numerous questionable actions that are not included in the show. For example: -
|
| Trial confession | In the show, Tyrion's trial took place over one day, rather than four like in the book. The trial itself was much more bogus, with the "witnesses" being either Tyrion's enemies, who told either outright lies or half-truths, or people coerced by his father and sister into testifying against him. Although Tywin, as stated below, made his offer to spare Tyrion in exchange for a guilty plea, Oberyn did not offer to be Tyrion's champion until after the trial. Just like in the novel, however, following Shae's false testimony. Tyrion gave a hate-filled speech to the citizens of King's Landing. Although largely consistent with its novel counterpart, Tyrion's TV speech included some extra dialogue:-
|
| The murder of Tywin Lannister | As noted above, Tyrion's reasons for killing his father were significantly altered in the TV show. Instead of confronting him about Tysha, Tyrion calls out his father for condemning him, his son, to death for a crime that Tywin knew full well that Tyrion never committed. When Tyrion confesses about how he loved and murdered Shae, Tywin is completely dismissive, referring to her as nothing more than a whore. Raising the crossbow, Tyrion warned his father not to say that word again. When Tywin ignored this threat, Tyrion shot him twice, once in the abdomen, then through the heart. |
| Relationship with Jaime | Unlike in the book, Jaime visited Tyrion in prison during the TV series. Through their conversations, he realised that his brother genuinely had nothing to do with Joffrey's death. In both adaptations, Jaime was present for the trial. Whilst he served as little more than a spectator in the novel, in GOT, Jaime realized that Tywin and Cersei were trying to get Tyrion killed, not caring if he was innocent or not. Unwilling to let his brother die, Jaime approached his father with a deal; in exchange for Tyrions life, he would leave the Kingsguard and become the son Tywin wanted. This was where Tywin offered to send Tyrion to the wall, with Jaime serving as the messenger rather than Kevan. Unfortunately, Cersei then called Shae to witness stand and after her false testimony, Tyrion threw away the offer demanding a trial by combat.
When Oberyn Martell died in the aforementioned trial, thus condemning Tyrion to death, Jaime, like in the book, broke him out of prison on the eve of his execution. Unlike in the novel, however, the brothers parted on amiable terms. There was no mention of Tysha, Cersei's infidelity or a promise of retribution. Despite this, Jaime initially hated Tyrion for killing their father, even telling Bron at one point that if they ever crossed paths again, Tyrion would die. Despite this, Jaime put this promise aside, when Tyrion and Daenerys showed him and Cersei that something far more sinister threatened the existence of Westeros. Since the book series is still ongoing as of 2024, it is not known if Jaime and Tyrion will ever make amends in the ASOIAF novels. |
Notable Victims[]
- Allar Deem - Ordered; drowned during the sea voyage to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.
- Ser Imry Florent, Lord Monford Velaryon, Dale Seaworth, Allard Seaworth, Matthos Seaworth, and Maric Seaworth - Ordered by Tyrion; burned with wildfire.
- Symon Silver Tongue - Ordered; killed by Bronn.
- Lord Tywin Lannister - Shot with a crossbow while using the privy.
- Nurse - Poisoned with Illyrio Mopatis’ poison mushrooms.
Quotes[]
| “ | If I were you? I would go west instead of east. Land in Dorne and raise my banners. The Seven Kingdoms will never be more ripe for conquest than they are right now. A boy king sits the Iron Throne. The north is in chaos, the riverlands a devastation, a rebel holds Storm's End and Dragonstone. When winter comes, the realm will starve. And who remains to deal with all of this, who rules the little king who rules the Seven Kingdoms? Why, my own sweet sister. There is no one else. My brother, Jaime, thirsts for battle, not for power. He's run from every chance he's had to rule. My uncle Kevan would make a passably good regent if someone pressed the duty on him, but he will never reach for it. The gods shaped him to be a follower, not a leader. [in his mind: Well, the gods and my lord father.] Mace Tyrell would grasp the sceptre gladly, but mine own kin are not like to step aside and give it to him. And everyone hates Stannis. Who does that leave? Why, only Cersei. Westeros is torn and bleeding, and I do not doubt that even now my sweet sister is binding up the wounds … with salt. Cersei is as gentle as King Maegor, as selfless as Aegon the Unworthy, as wise as Mad Aerys. She never forgets a slight, real or imagined. She takes caution for cowardice and dissent for defiance. And she is greedy. Greedy for power, for honor, for love. Tommen's rule is bolstered by all of the alliances that my lord father built so carefully, but soon enough she will destroy them, every one. Land and raise your banners, and men will flock to your cause. Lords great and small, and smallfolk too. But do not wait too long, my prince. The moment will not last. The tide that lifts you now will soon recede. Be certain you reach Westeros before my sister falls and someone more competent takes her place. |
„ |
| ~ Tyrion to Aegon Targaryen. |
Trivia[]
- Although Tyrion is considered heroic by the ASOIAF fandom, he is generally treated as a sympathetic anti-villain.
- As blogger Turtle-Paced stated in her review of "Blackwater" regarding Tyrion’s support of House Lannister; "Let’s not pretend that these are anything but personal reasons - Tyrion himself is quite aware that what’s good for him is not good for Westeros."
- In both the book and the television series, Tyrion claims to favour the smallfolk, whilst also showing empathy and compassion for 'cripples, bastards, and broken things'. Yet his support of House Lannister, especially his nephew Joffrey Baratheon, whom Tyrion considers to be a “vicious idiot” actively helps to suppress the masses, in favour of the elite. Bear in mind that Tyrion also knows that his nephews and niece are illegitimate, making Stannis Robert's true heir.
- According to George R.R. Martin, in his first draft of the Song of Ice and Fire books he planned to have Tyrion fall in love with Arya Stark, setting up a love triangle between Jon, Arya, and Tyrion. This plot has been abandoned but may have served as the basis for Tyrion, Jon and Daenerys’ love triangle in the tv show.
- Tyrion and his brother Jaime are considered to be less vile than their sister or father and are amongst the most sympathetic villains in the franchise.
- Tyrion is one of the two ASOIAF villains who have lost their nose, the other being Rorge.
- Tyrion is one of the four ASOIAF characters who are known to have heterochromia, the others being Euron Greyjoy, Shiera Seastar, and Alyssa Targaryen.
- One ASOIAF theory claims that Tyrion is actually a Targaryen, sired by The Mad King Aerys rather than Tywin. If true, it would not only make Tyrion a contender for the Iron Throne but Daenerys, Viserys and Rhaegar’s half-brother. Rhaegar’s sons, Jon Snow and Aegon Targaryen meanwhile, would be Tyrion’s paternal nephews. Evidence that fans use to support this highly popular theory includes: -
- Tyrion has a deep fascination with dragons and their lore. He wanted to own a dragon in his youth, which drew ridicule from his relatives since the beasts were believed to have been extinct for years. Although other people, including Cersei have also expressed interest in dragons, the red priest Moqorro foretold in A Dance of Dragons that Tyrion’s destiny would be inseparably tied to those of dragon blood.
- In the novel, Tyrion's hair is described as pale blonde bordering on white rather than vibrant gold. He also has mismatching eyes, one green (a trait associated with House Lannister) and one black, which could be a very dark purple. White hair and purple eyes are distinctive characteristics of the Targaryen family.
- According to both Ser Barristan Selmy and Ser Kevan Lannister, the Mad King was infatuated with Tyrion's mother Joanna Lannister. Both men stated that Aerys not only hinted at having a previous “relationship” with Tyrion’s mother but that the Kings’ obsession went beyond simple lust. Aerys’ wife, Queen Rhaella, seems to have shared this opinion as she dismissed Joanna from her service. Most importantly of all, Joanna Lannister made a rare visit to the capital at the time of Tyrion's conception. She then journeyed back to Casterly Rock without her husband, who remained behind to (reluctantly) continue his service as Aerys’ hand. Given that Joanna died within the year, she would have been pregnant at the time of her departure.
- This could also explain why Aerys started the rumour about Tyrion being a punishment sent down by the Gods to humble Tywin. It may have been a cover-up, to hide the fact that Tyrion is actually his son.
- During Tywin’s conversation with Tyrion following the Battle of the Blackwater, in which he refuses to grant Tyrion lordship of Casterly Rock, Tywin says; "Men's laws give you the right to bear my name and display my colours, since I cannot prove that you are not mine". Although Tywin could have simply been expressing his well-known hatred for his second son, if you follow the theory of Tyrion being a Targaryen rather than a Lannister, it could indicate that Tywin also has doubts about his youngest “son’s” paternity.
- It could also explain Tywin's willingness to not only side with Robert at the end of the rebellion but slaughter Aerys' family. Although Tywin did it mostly for political reasons i.e. to win favour with the new King, he may also have done it for revenge.
- Another popular theory from the ASOIAF books suggests that Tyrion might be a father. The fourth novel, A Feast for Crows introduces a new character called Sailor’s Wife. She is a prostitute working in Braavos whom many believe to be Tyrion’s first wife, Tysha. To add further support to this theory, the Sailor’s Wife has a daughter called Lanna who is not only old enough to be Tyrion’s daughter, but possesses the green eyes and blonde hair associated with the Lannister’s.
External Links[]
- Tyrion Lannister on the Heroes Wiki.
- Tyrion Lannister on the A Wiki of Ice and Fire.
- Tyrion Lannister on the Wiki of Westeros.
