Tyrion Lannister is a fictional character in “A Song of Ice and Fire,” a series of fantasy novels written by American author George R. R. Martin. He is also one of the main characters in “Game of Thrones,” the HBO television series based on the books.
Tyrion is a member of House Lannister, one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the Seven Kingdoms. Despite being born into nobility, Tyrion is often marginalized and ridiculed because of his dwarfism. He is known for his intellect, wit, and love for books and wine.
Tyrion Lannister Facts
- Author’s Favorite: George R.R. Martin, the author of the series, has stated that Tyrion Lannister is his favorite character.
- Birth: Tyrion is the youngest son of Tywin and Joanna Lannister.
- Dwarfism: Tyrion is a dwarf. His condition led to his mother’s death during childbirth and is the source of much prejudice against him.
- Intelligence: Despite the discrimination he faces, Tyrion is highly intelligent and well-educated, with a particular love for reading and history.
- Cynicism: Tyrion is known for his sharp wit, cynicism, and knack for sarcasm, often using these as tools to deal with his hardships.
- Patricide: In the series, Tyrion kills his own father, Tywin Lannister.
- Hand of the King: Tyrion serves as the Hand of the King (the highest official in the realm) to his nephew King Joffrey and later to Queen Daenerys Targaryen.
- Battle of Blackwater: He successfully led the defense of King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, against Stannis Baratheon’s forces in the Battle of Blackwater.
- Face Scar: In the Battle of Blackwater, Tyrion receives a large scar across his face.
- Marriages: Tyrion is forced to marry Sansa Stark against both their wills, and he later marries a former prostitute named Shae, whom he later kills out of rage and betrayal.
- Trial by Combat: Tyrion demands a trial by combat twice in the series, once when he was accused by Lysa Arryn and once when he was accused by Cersei Lannister.
- Peter Dinklage: Tyrion is portrayed by actor Peter Dinklage in the television series “Game of Thrones”. Dinklage’s performance has been critically acclaimed and he has won multiple awards for it.
- First Appearance: Tyrion first appears in “A Game of Thrones” (1996), the first book in the series.
- Dragons: Tyrion has a fascination with dragons, and this knowledge comes in handy when he allies with Daenerys Targaryen.
- Chains and Coins: During his tenure as Master of Coin, Tyrion innovates the concept of minting coins with his own face on them.
- Role in the Show’s Ending: Tyrion plays a key role in the selection of the new ruler of the Seven Kingdoms in the show’s finale.
- Sentences: In the TV show, Tyrion speaks more sentences than any other character.
- Survivor: Tyrion is one of the few characters who survives from the beginning of the series to the end.
- Brothels: Tyrion is known for his fondness for brothels and wine, often using these vices to cope with his personal struggles.
- Lannister Name: Despite his father’s disdain, Tyrion is proud to be a Lannister and often uses his family name to his advantage.
- Captive Journey: In the series, Tyrion is captured by Catelyn Stark, who suspects him of attempting to murder her son, Bran. This event sets off the War of the Five Kings.
- Captive Journey: In the series, Tyrion is captured by Catelyn Stark, who suspects him of attempting to murder her son, Bran. This event sets off the War of the Five Kings.
- Emissary Role: Tyrion serves as an emissary to Daenerys Targaryen on behalf of his brother Jaime, marking a crucial turning point in the series’ storyline.
- Valyrian Language: Tyrion is shown to have some knowledge of the High Valyrian language and its dialects, which is rare in Westeros.
- Love Life: Tyrion’s first love was a woman named Tysha, who he married at a young age. His father disapproved of the marriage, claiming Tysha was a prostitute, which later turned out to be a lie.
- Engineering Skills: Tyrion showcases his adeptness at engineering by designing a special saddle for Bran Stark to ride horses despite his paralysis, and later designing a system of sluice gates that dumped wildfire on Stannis Baratheon’s fleet.
- Wildfire Use: Tyrion is responsible for the use of wildfire during the Battle of Blackwater, a strategy that ultimately leads to the victory of King’s Landing over Stannis Baratheon’s forces.
- Nose Injury: In the books, Tyrion loses most of his nose during the Battle of Blackwater. However, in the TV series, this is changed to a scar across his face for practical reasons.
- Philosophy: Tyrion is often seen contemplating life’s larger questions and has many memorable quotes on topics such as power, identity, and the nature of humanity.
- Emmy Awards: Peter Dinklage, who portrays Tyrion, holds the record for the most Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, winning four times for his role as Tyrion.
- Small Council Positions: Throughout the series, Tyrion serves in several high-ranking positions on the Small Council, including Hand of the King and Master of Coin.
