Heir: The Mysterious Intelligence Master of the Throne Games
Varis is one of the most mysterious characters in the "Game of Thrones" series, and despite always remaining in the shadows, his influence on the events in the Seven Kingdoms is immense. This was reported by Upl.uz.
He came from Essos, found his place in Westeros, and achieved the position of the head of intelligence in the royal court — the Master of Whispers. Varis established control not only over the Seven Kingdoms but also over regions beyond the Narrow Sea through his network of informants, whom he referred to as "little birds."
He knew everything from palace gossip to the plans of throne enemies. Surviving in an era full of wars and intrigues, Varis always aimed to be on the winning side or, at the very least, to remain safe.
But what motivated this clever eunuch? What goals had he pursued for many years?
Let’s analyze his actions and possible motivations step by step. At first glance, Varis appeared to be the perfect court servant.
Intelligent, composed, devoid of personal ambitions, as he was a eunuch. Perhaps he simply wanted to perform his job faithfully.
His activity began in the court of Aerys II Targaryen. The king brought him from the Free Cities, believing that a person with no connections in Westeros would only be loyal to the king.
After Aerys lost power, Varis served Robert Baratheon, then transitioned to his son Joffrey. After Joffrey's death, he remained in the Small Council during the reign of young Tommen and his mother Cersei.
However, this version is called into question when considering Varis's subsequent actions. After Tyrion Lannister fled the capital, Varis left the court, orchestrated the deaths of Maester Pycelle and Lancel Lannister, and executed his own escape.
It is difficult to explain such actions as simply "doing a good job." This means Varis had his own plans and was not just an ordinary servant.
According to some theories, Varis portrayed himself as a devoted person protecting the interests of the Seven Kingdoms and its people. He served the people, not the kings, which is why he easily transitioned from one ruler to another.
His goal was the stability and prosperity of the state. Some events support this idea.
For example, during Aerys II's reign, Varis tried to warn the Mad King about his wrong decisions, but his advice was ignored. During Robert Baratheon's rule, he controlled internal affairs while the king was preoccupied with drinking, and he kept an eye on the Targaryens — Viserys and Daenerys — trying to prevent external threats.
The assistance given to Joffrey was aimed at maintaining order, as the young king seemed to be the least dangerous option for the state. However, this theory raises questions.
If Varis truly cared for the people, why did he not intervene knowing Joffrey's cruelty? The young king's brutality was evident, and it was clear that his reign would not lead to stability.
Moreover, Varis tolerated Cersei for a long time, whose thirst for power plunged the Seven Kingdoms into chaos. When the situation deteriorated, he decided to look for another ruler.
If his goal was the well-being of the people, he should have acted early and decisively. Another popular theory suggests that Varis aimed to restore the Targaryen dynasty, which had united the Seven Kingdoms three centuries ago.
According to this theory, he remained loyal to the Targaryens and secretly supported their return. His childhood friend, the Magister of Pentos, Illyrio Mopatis, provided shelter and resources to the exiled Viserys and Daenerys.
Varis, however, at the Royal Port, Baratheon...
