- 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, 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. |
“ | The future is shit. Just like the past. | „ |
~ Tyrion's nihilism. |
Tyrion Lannister, also known as The Imp, is one of the main characters of the A Song of Ice and Fire novel series and its television adaptation Game of Thrones.
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 own family, mainly his father and his sister Cersei, but received love and affection by his older brother Jaime and his uncles.
Although often depicted as a heroic character, especially within the TV Series, Tyrion can also be considered a villainous character. This is mostly due to his affiliation and support for his less heroic relatives in House Lannister. For this reason he can be considered more of an anti-hero or even an anti-villain.
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 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.
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, Joana, 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, Joana, 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 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 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.
Vengeance[]
“ | 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 f-cking 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. |
That night before his execution, Jaime breaks Tyrion out with the aid of Varys, who was forced to. Jaime admits Tysha wasn't a whore, their father forced Jaime to say this. Furious, Tyrion claims he murdered Joffrey. He then goes to his father's room and finds Shae in his father's bed. He strangles her, then confronts his father on the privy, and shoots them dead with a crossbow.
Escape and Aftermath[]
Although Tyrion's escape was not shown, A Dance with Dragons confirmed that he managed to escape Kings Landing undetected. After killing his father, Tyrion made his way back down the secret passage to where Varys was waiting. The eunuch then led him safely through the hidden corridors until they reached the docks. There, as Jaime had promised, a boat was waiting to take Tyrion to Esso's. Tyrion Lannister, who had once been the Hand of the King left the capital unceremoniously, hiding in a barrel. He departed from Westoros with his reputation shattered, falsely convicted of a crime he never committed and the blood of two people on his hands.
The rest of the Lannister family were notified of Tywin's demise a few hours later, when Lum discovered the body. Kevan and Jaime arrived first and whilst the former tried his best to pray for his brothers departed soul, the latter conducted a search of the newly discovered passage. Tyrion's involvement would not be discovered until Cersei, who had been dreaming about Tyrion mocking her, sent Boros Blount to the black cells. Unaware of what transpired the previous evening, the Queen Regent wanted to confirm that her youngest brother was where he was supposed to be, so that she could see his head roll later that day. When the Kingsguard returned, however, he informed the nobles that the cell door was open, the jailors were asleep and could not be roused and that Tyrion was gone. With that, the identity of Tywin's murderer was revealed!
Although Tyrion did not appear within A Feast For Crows his killing of Tywin in the previous novel would have a lasting impact upon both his family and the realm.
People/Person affected | Impact |
---|---|
House Lannister |
|
Tywin |
|
Cersei |
|
Kevan |
|
Jaime |
|
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 regard 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. |
Gallery[]
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.
- It is implied in the GOT TV series that Tyrion had romantic feelings for Queen Daenerys Targaryen. In the Season 7 finale, Tyrion spotted Daenerys and Jon Snow in the act, which prompted him to walk away grimly. Any romantic interest in his Queen was destroyed in Season 8, along with his allegiance, following the burning of King's Landing, which saw the deaths of Tyrion’s siblings and many innocents.
- 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.
- 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.