Game Of Thrones: 10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Varys

Varys cemented himself as one of the smartest — and most secretive — political players early in Game of Thrones. The Spider schemed and sleuthed throughout the HBO series, serving various rulers and keeping stock of the Seven Kingdoms’ secrets. He rose to the position of Master of Whisperers and worked for a variety of monarchs, including Robert Baratheon and Daenerys Targaryen, before his death in the final season.

Varys made countless careful choices that aided him throughout the series — and many mistakes. His secrets eventually caught up with him, but the Spider left behind an impressive legacy that leaves fans with significant life lessons.

10 Power Can Be Achieved

Varys wasn’t born a lord like many other characters in Game of Thrones. Despite being a commoner, he crafted an impressive reputation in Essos that led to him traveling to King’s Landing and becoming the Master of Whisperers.

The Spider accumulates a surprising amount of power that unnerves other characters throughout the series. Like Littlefinger, Varys is a skilled schemer adept at playing the game of thrones.

9 Learn Everybody’s Secrets

The primary way Varys achieves his power is by learning the secrets of the Westerosi people. The Spider establishes a vast network of spies during the show, mostly young children he dubs his “little birds.”

Varys’ knowledge makes him a difficult opponent to defeat, as well as a valuable asset for the Lannisters. The Master of Whisperers maintains a close eye on the lords and ladies in the Seven Kingdoms during the show’s earlier seasons before transferring his skills to Daenerys Targaryen’s cause.

8 Work In The Shadows

Varys is an enigmatic figure whose true intentions are largely shrouded in mystery. The Spider sticks to the shadows during the show’s first season as he plots with Illyrio Mopatis. The mystery of Varys makes him unpredictable to his allies and enemies in King’s Landing.

The Master of Whisperer’s motivations are eventually revealed when he departs from King’s Landing with Tyrion Lannister in search of Daenerys. Considering his fiery fate at Drogon’s jaws, perhaps Varys should have remained in the shadows instead.

7 Know Your Enemy

Varys strives to stay one step ahead of his enemies, like other adept political players such as Petyr Baelish and Tywin Lannister. The Master of Whisperers rightfully identifies Littlefinger as a dangerous opponent and takes care to anticipate his rival’s next move.

The Spider utilizes his vast array of secrets to further understand the minds of those around him. This influences many of his major decisions, including turning on Robert Baratheon and freeing Tyrion before his execution.

6 Do What Is Best For The Realm

Although Varys’ true motivation is initially a mystery, viewers eventually learn that the Master of Whisperers has the realm’s best intentions at heart. The Spider disavows Robert Baratheon as an ill-suited king before turning on the Lannisters and allying with Daenerys.

Varys informs the Mother of Dragons in season 7’s “Stormborn” that his loyalties lie with the people of the Seven Kingdoms. The Spider displays admirable altruism in the face of formidable authority.

5 Be Weary When Trusting Friends

Varys and Tyrion’s friendship was iconic throughout Game of Thrones but it ultimately led to the former’s death on Daenerys’ orders. Tyrion informs the Targaryen queen of Varys’ plot to betray her in favor of Jon Snow. True to her promise in “Stormborn,” Dany executes Varys with dragonfire for his disloyalty.

4 Follow The Right Leader

Varys’ allegiance alternated frequently throughout the series. Initially, the Spider was loyal to Aerys Targaryen and advised him against opening the gates to the Lannisters during the Sack of King’s Landing. Varys was pardoned by Robert but plotted with Illyrio against the Baratheon king.

During season 5, Varys thinks he has found the right monarch to follow in Daenerys. The Spider’s decision is proved to be rather poor when he meets a fiery end in the final season.

3 Defy Adversity

Other characters continuously underestimate Varys throughout the series. The Master of Whisperers holds an esteemed title and considerable influence in the Capitol, but despite this, the lords of King’s Landing look down on Varys due to his initial status and childhood castration.

Varys defies the expectations of others and grows into one of Westeros’ most notable political players. Viewers can take inspiration from the Spider’s rise to power.

2 Take Advantage Of Circumstances

Varys capitalizes on the chaos in King’s Landing during season 6’s “The Winds of Winter.” When Cersei Lannister blows up the Sept of Baelor, killing countless people including the Tyrells, the Spider sidles to Dorne, seeking an alliance with Olenna Tyrell and the Sand Snakes.

Varys garners significant support for Daenerys by creating alliances for the Targaryen queen in Westeros. The Spider takes advantage of opportunities to achieve his plans.

1 Be Sneaky When You’re Scheming

Many lessons can be derived from Varys’ mistakes as well as his victories. The Spider’s biggest error arguably remains his lapse in judgment on Dragonstone in season 8. The Master of Whisperers openly attempts to conspire with Jon Snow and informs Tyrion that he has betrayed Daenerys.

Varys fails to be sneaky during his coup against the Targaryen queen. The Spider is killed by Drogon on Dany’s orders, sealing a tragic fate for one of the show’s most iconic characters. Viewers were dismayed to see Varys’ plummet on Game of Thrones, but his rise and fall offer valuable life lessons.

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