Why Did Daenerys Kill Varys? This is a pivotal question for fans of the series. WHY.EDU.VN explores the underlying motivations, examining the events leading up to this dramatic decision, and offering insights into the complex characters involved and explore the nuances of power, loyalty, and betrayal. Discover detailed analysis and expert opinions that shed light on Daenerys’s actions and Varys’s fate. Understand the intricacies of Westeros politics and the dragon queen’s descent, supported by thorough research and insightful commentary.
1. Varys’s Betrayal: The Catalyst for Daenerys’s Decision
Varys, known as the Master of Whispers, had a long history of serving the realm by manipulating events from behind the scenes. His allegiance often shifted based on his assessment of who would be the best ruler for Westeros. When Varys learned about Jon Snow’s true parentage—that he was Aegon Targaryen, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne—he began to see Jon as a more suitable ruler than Daenerys. This shift in loyalty was perceived by Daenerys as a profound betrayal.
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Varys’s willingness to support Jon’s claim directly undermined Daenerys’s ambition to rule. Daenerys had already faced numerous challenges and betrayals, making her increasingly paranoid and distrustful. Varys’s actions were the final straw, confirming her fears that people were plotting against her.
1.1. The Weight of Secrets: Varys’s Knowledge and Influence
Varys possessed a vast network of informants and a deep understanding of the political landscape. His knowledge made him a valuable asset, but it also made him dangerous. Daenerys knew that Varys’s influence could sway public opinion and undermine her authority.
- Network of Informants: Varys had “little birds” everywhere, gathering information and spreading his messages.
- Political Acumen: He understood the intricacies of Westerosi politics and how to manipulate them.
- Potential for Disruption: Daenerys recognized that Varys could use his knowledge to destabilize her rule.
Daenerys feared that Varys would use his influence to turn the people against her and install Jon on the throne. This fear was a significant factor in her decision to execute him.
1.2. Loyalty and Betrayal: The Shifting Sands of Westeros
In Westeros, loyalty was a precious but often fleeting commodity. Varys had always prioritized the realm’s well-being over any individual ruler. This utilitarian approach to loyalty clashed with Daenerys’s expectation of unwavering support.
| Character | Loyalty |
|---|---|
| Daenerys | Expected absolute loyalty from her advisors and subjects. |
| Varys | Prioritized the realm’s stability, willing to shift allegiance if he believed it was in the best interest of Westeros. |
| Jon Snow | Valued honor and duty, often placing the needs of others before his own ambitions. |
Daenerys viewed Varys’s actions as a personal betrayal, while Varys saw it as a necessary step to ensure the realm’s survival. This fundamental difference in perspective led to their tragic conflict.
2. Daenerys’s Mental State: The Descent into Paranoia and Distrust
Daenerys’s mental state played a crucial role in her decision to kill Varys. Throughout the series, she endured numerous traumas, including the loss of her family, her husband, and her children. These experiences left her deeply scarred and increasingly prone to paranoia.
2.1. Trauma and Loss: The Shaping of a Queen
Daenerys’s journey was marked by profound loss and trauma. These experiences shaped her worldview and influenced her decision-making.
- Loss of Family: Daenerys witnessed the murder of her brother Viserys and carried the burden of her family’s tragic history.
- Death of Khal Drogo: Her husband’s death left her vulnerable and alone in a foreign land.
- Loss of Children: The death of her unborn child and later the loss of her dragon Viserion were devastating blows.
These traumas contributed to Daenerys’s growing sense of isolation and her belief that she could only rely on herself.
2.2. Isolation and Distrust: The Price of Power
As Daenerys gained power, she became increasingly isolated from those around her. She struggled to trust anyone, fearing that they would betray her or use her for their own purposes.
| Factor | Impact on Daenerys |
|---|---|
| Political Intrigue | Surrounded by schemers and manipulators, Daenerys found it difficult to discern genuine loyalty from self-serving agendas. |
| Cultural Differences | Her foreign customs and beliefs often clashed with Westerosi traditions, creating a sense of otherness and alienation. |
| Advisors’ Agendas | Even those who claimed to be loyal to Daenerys, such as Tyrion and Varys, had their own agendas and priorities, which sometimes conflicted with her goals. |
Daenerys’s isolation and distrust made her more susceptible to paranoia and less willing to forgive perceived betrayals.
2.3. The Mad Queen: A Controversial Interpretation
The portrayal of Daenerys as the “Mad Queen” has been a subject of much debate among fans. Some argue that her descent into madness was a betrayal of her character, while others believe it was a logical culmination of her experiences.
- Arguments Against: Critics argue that Daenerys’s actions were inconsistent with her earlier characterization as a compassionate and just ruler.
- Arguments For: Proponents argue that Daenerys’s traumas, combined with her Targaryen heritage, made her susceptible to madness.
- Alternative Interpretations: Some suggest that Daenerys was not truly mad but rather driven to extremes by her ambition and her belief in her own destiny.
Regardless of the interpretation, Daenerys’s mental state clearly played a significant role in her decision to execute Varys.
3. Political Intrigue: The Game of Thrones and Shifting Alliances
The political landscape of Westeros was a complex web of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles. Daenerys’s decision to kill Varys must be understood within this context.
3.1. The Iron Throne: A Magnet for Ambition
The Iron Throne was the ultimate prize in Westeros, and its allure drove many characters to betray their oaths and engage in ruthless power plays. Daenerys was determined to claim the throne, but she faced numerous obstacles, including rival claimants and shifting alliances.
| Claimant | Claim to the Throne |
|---|---|
| Daenerys | Believed she was the rightful heir as the last surviving member of the Targaryen dynasty. |
| Jon Snow | Had a stronger claim due to his lineage as Aegon Targaryen, the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, but initially did not seek the throne. |
| Cersei Lannister | Seized the throne through cunning and ruthlessness after the deaths of her children and the destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor. |
The competition for the Iron Throne fueled the political intrigue and contributed to the atmosphere of distrust and betrayal.
3.2. Varys’s Role: Balancing Power and Stability
Varys saw himself as a guardian of the realm, and he believed that his duty was to ensure stability and prevent tyranny. He was willing to support whoever he believed would be the best ruler, even if it meant betraying his current allegiance.
- Master of Whispers: Varys used his network of informants to gather information and manipulate events from behind the scenes.
- Utilitarian Approach: He prioritized the realm’s well-being over personal loyalty.
- Pragmatic Decision-Making: Varys was willing to make difficult choices, even if they were morally ambiguous.
Varys’s actions were often motivated by a desire to balance power and prevent any one individual from becoming too powerful. This made him a valuable asset but also a potential threat to those in power.
3.3. The Threat of Jon Snow: A Rival Claimant
Jon Snow’s true parentage posed a significant threat to Daenerys’s claim to the Iron Throne. As Aegon Targaryen, Jon had a stronger claim than Daenerys, and many in Westeros would have supported him as king.
- Rightful Heir: Jon’s lineage made him the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne.
- Popular Support: Many in Westeros admired Jon’s honor, courage, and leadership.
- Potential for Division: Jon’s claim could have divided the realm and led to further conflict.
Daenerys saw Jon as a rival and a threat to her ambition. This perception fueled her paranoia and contributed to her decision to kill Varys, who was actively supporting Jon’s claim.
4. The Immediate Events: The Revelation and the Conspiracy
The events immediately preceding Varys’s death were crucial in understanding Daenerys’s decision. The revelation of Jon’s parentage and Varys’s subsequent actions created a sense of urgency and crisis.
4.1. Tyrion’s Revelation: The Catalyst for Action
Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys’s Hand, was the one who revealed Jon’s true parentage to Varys. Tyrion believed that Jon had a right to know the truth, but he underestimated the consequences of this revelation.
- Informing Varys: Tyrion shared the secret with Varys, hoping that he would use his influence to support Jon.
- Unintended Consequences: Tyrion’s actions set in motion a chain of events that led to Varys’s death and Daenerys’s further descent into paranoia.
- Moral Dilemma: Tyrion struggled with the moral implications of his actions, torn between his loyalty to Daenerys and his belief in Jon’s right to rule.
Tyrion’s revelation was the catalyst that prompted Varys to take action and ultimately led to his downfall.
4.2. Varys’s Letters: Spreading the Word
After learning about Jon’s parentage, Varys began writing letters to various lords and ladies in Westeros, informing them of Jon’s true identity and suggesting that he would be a better ruler than Daenerys.
| Recipient | Content of Letter |
|---|---|
| Lords of Westeros | Informed them of Jon’s true identity as Aegon Targaryen and argued that he would be a more just and stable ruler than Daenerys. |
| Key Figures | Sought to garner support for Jon’s claim to the Iron Throne and undermine Daenerys’s authority. |
Varys’s letters were an act of treason in Daenerys’s eyes, confirming her fears that he was plotting against her.
4.3. Daenerys’s Discovery: The Point of No Return
Daenerys discovered Varys’s treachery when she found out about the letters he was sending. This discovery confirmed her worst fears and pushed her over the edge.
- Confrontation: Daenerys confronted Varys about his actions, giving him a chance to explain himself.
- Justification: Varys defended his actions, arguing that he was acting in the best interest of the realm.
- Condemnation: Daenerys condemned Varys for his betrayal and sentenced him to death.
Daenerys’s discovery of Varys’s treachery marked the point of no return in their relationship and sealed Varys’s fate.
5. The Execution: Dragonfire and the End of an Era
The execution of Varys was a pivotal moment in the series, signaling Daenerys’s descent into darkness and the end of an era.
5.1. The Sentence: Treason and Dragonfire
Daenerys sentenced Varys to death for treason, choosing to execute him in a particularly brutal manner: dragonfire. This decision highlighted her ruthlessness and her willingness to use fear as a weapon.
- Public Execution: The execution was carried out in public, sending a message to anyone who might consider betraying Daenerys.
- Dragonfire: The use of dragonfire was a symbol of Daenerys’s power and her Targaryen heritage.
- Deterrent: The execution was intended to deter others from plotting against Daenerys and to solidify her authority.
Daenerys’s choice of execution method underscored her growing tyranny and her willingness to sacrifice justice for the sake of power.
5.2. Varys’s Last Words: A Plea for the Realm
Even in his final moments, Varys remained committed to his vision of a just and stable realm. His last words were a plea for the well-being of Westeros.
- Hope for a Better Ruler: Varys expressed his hope that Jon would be a better ruler than Daenerys.
- Concern for the People: He voiced his concern for the people of Westeros and his desire for them to be ruled by a just and compassionate leader.
- Sacrifice for the Realm: Varys accepted his fate, believing that his death would serve the greater good.
Varys’s last words underscored his unwavering commitment to the realm and his belief that Jon was the best hope for its future.
5.3. The Aftermath: Fear and Uncertainty
The execution of Varys sent shockwaves through Daenerys’s inner circle and created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
| Consequence | Impact |
|---|---|
| Increased Paranoia | Daenerys became even more paranoid and distrustful, further isolating herself from her advisors. |
| Erosion of Trust | The execution eroded trust within Daenerys’s inner circle, as her advisors began to fear for their own lives. |
| Loss of Support | Daenerys’s actions alienated many of her supporters, who were appalled by her ruthlessness and her willingness to sacrifice justice for the sake of power. |
The execution of Varys marked a turning point in Daenerys’s reign, accelerating her descent into tyranny and ultimately leading to her downfall.
6. Alternate Perspectives: Could Daenerys Have Made a Different Choice?
While Daenerys’s decision to kill Varys was driven by a complex interplay of factors, it is worth considering whether she could have made a different choice.
6.1. Trust and Forgiveness: A Path Not Taken
Daenerys could have chosen to trust Varys, or at least to give him the benefit of the doubt. She could have tried to understand his motivations and to work with him to find a solution that would benefit both her and the realm.
- Open Communication: Daenerys could have engaged in open and honest communication with Varys, expressing her concerns and seeking his advice.
- Compromise: She could have been willing to compromise on her ambitions, perhaps by sharing power with Jon or by allowing him to rule in the North.
- Forgiveness: Daenerys could have chosen to forgive Varys for his perceived betrayal, recognizing that he was acting out of a genuine concern for the realm.
However, Daenerys’s paranoia and distrust made it difficult for her to consider these options.
6.2. Political Maneuvering: A More Subtle Approach
Daenerys could have chosen to deal with Varys through political maneuvering rather than resorting to violence. She could have used her power and influence to isolate him, undermine his credibility, or force him to change his allegiance.
- Public Humiliation: Daenerys could have publicly humiliated Varys, exposing his past betrayals and questioning his motives.
- Isolation: She could have isolated him from her inner circle, limiting his access to information and influence.
- Coercion: Daenerys could have used threats or promises to coerce Varys into supporting her claim to the throne.
However, Daenerys’s impatience and her desire for absolute control led her to choose a more direct and brutal approach.
6.3. The Influence of Advisors: A Critical Factor
Daenerys’s advisors played a crucial role in shaping her decisions. Tyrion, in particular, had a significant influence on her, but his advice was not always sound.
- Conflicting Counsel: Daenerys received conflicting advice from her advisors, making it difficult for her to make informed decisions.
- Tyrion’s Mistakes: Tyrion made several strategic errors that undermined Daenerys’s position, including his failure to anticipate Cersei’s treachery and his misjudgment of Varys’s loyalty.
- Alternative Perspectives: Had Daenerys listened to other advisors, such as Missandei or Daario Naharis, she might have made different choices.
The influence of advisors is a reminder that leaders are often shaped by the counsel they receive, for better or for worse.
7. The Legacy of Varys: The Realm’s Unsung Hero
Despite his controversial methods and his ultimate fate, Varys left a lasting legacy as a champion of the realm.
7.1. Service to the Realm: A Higher Calling
Varys dedicated his life to serving the realm, often at great personal risk. He believed that his duty was to ensure stability and prevent tyranny, even if it meant making difficult choices or betraying his current allegiance.
- Unwavering Commitment: Varys remained committed to the realm’s well-being, even in the face of death.
- Sacrifice: He was willing to sacrifice his own life for the greater good, believing that his death would serve the realm.
- Unsung Hero: Varys’s contributions to the realm were often overlooked or misunderstood, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to serving the people of Westeros.
Varys’s service to the realm is a reminder that true leadership often requires sacrifice and a willingness to put the needs of others before one’s own.
7.2. The Price of Power: Morality and Leadership
Varys’s actions raise important questions about the nature of power and the relationship between morality and leadership.
- Ethical Dilemmas: Leaders often face ethical dilemmas, forced to choose between competing values or to make decisions that will harm some individuals for the benefit of others.
- The Ends Justify the Means: Varys’s actions suggest that he believed that the ends justify the means, that it is acceptable to engage in morally questionable behavior if it serves a greater good.
- Accountability: However, Varys’s fate also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of accountability.
The moral complexities of Varys’s character challenge viewers to consider the ethical dimensions of leadership and the difficult choices that leaders often face.
7.3. A Lasting Impact: Shaping the Future of Westeros
Varys’s actions had a lasting impact on the future of Westeros. His support for Jon Snow helped to pave the way for a more just and stable realm.
- Influence on Jon: Varys’s belief in Jon’s potential as a ruler influenced Jon’s own decisions and helped to shape his vision for the future of Westeros.
- Legacy of Service: Varys’s legacy of service to the realm inspired others to follow in his footsteps, working to create a better future for the people of Westeros.
- Hope for the Future: Despite the darkness and tragedy of the Game of Thrones, Varys’s story offers a glimmer of hope for the future, suggesting that even in the most corrupt and violent of worlds, there is still room for courage, compassion, and a commitment to the greater good.
Varys’s enduring legacy serves as a reminder that even the most flawed and controversial of figures can leave a lasting impact on the world.
8. FAQs About Daenerys and Varys
Here are some frequently asked questions about Daenerys, Varys, and their complex relationship.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why did Daenerys distrust Varys? | Daenerys distrusted Varys because of his history of shifting allegiances and his reputation as a manipulator. She feared that he would betray her if he believed it was in the best interest of the realm. |
| Did Varys betray Daenerys? | Yes, Varys betrayed Daenerys by plotting to replace her with Jon Snow, whom he believed would be a better ruler. |
| Could Daenerys have forgiven Varys? | It is possible that Daenerys could have forgiven Varys, but her paranoia and distrust made it difficult for her to consider this option. |
| Was Daenerys justified in killing Varys? | Whether Daenerys was justified in killing Varys is a matter of debate. Some argue that his betrayal warranted his execution, while others believe that she should have shown mercy or found a less brutal solution. |
| What were Varys’s last words? | Varys’s last words were a plea for the well-being of the realm, expressing his hope that Jon would be a better ruler than Daenerys. |
| How did Varys’s death affect Daenerys? | Varys’s death further isolated Daenerys and contributed to her descent into tyranny. It eroded trust within her inner circle and alienated many of her supporters. |
| What was Varys’s ultimate goal? | Varys’s ultimate goal was to serve the realm and ensure stability and prevent tyranny. He believed that his duty was to support whoever he believed would be the best ruler, even if it meant betraying his current allegiance. |
| How did Tyrion contribute to Varys’s death? | Tyrion contributed to Varys’s death by revealing Jon Snow’s true parentage to Varys, setting in motion a chain of events that led to Varys’s decision to betray Daenerys. |
| What was the significance of dragonfire? | The use of dragonfire to execute Varys was a symbol of Daenerys’s power and her Targaryen heritage. It also highlighted her ruthlessness and her willingness to use fear as a weapon. |
| What is Varys’s lasting legacy? | Varys’s lasting legacy is as a champion of the realm, a figure who dedicated his life to serving the people of Westeros and ensuring their well-being. His actions raise important questions about the nature of power, morality, and leadership. |
9. Conclusion: Understanding a Tragic Decision
Daenerys’s decision to kill Varys was a complex and tragic event, driven by a confluence of factors including Varys’s betrayal, Daenerys’s mental state, and the political intrigue of Westeros. While it is possible that she could have made a different choice, her paranoia and distrust, combined with the influence of her advisors, led her down a path of violence and tyranny.
The story of Daenerys and Varys serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power, the importance of trust and forgiveness, and the ethical dilemmas that leaders often face. It also reminds us that true leadership requires sacrifice, compassion, and a commitment to the greater good.
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