Lord Varys, also known as “The Spider,” is a fictional character in George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series of fantasy novels and the television adaptation “Game of Thrones.”
Lord Varys is a eunuch and a master of whispers, skilled in espionage and gathering information. He is known for his vast network of informants and spies, which span across the Seven Kingdoms.
Varys serves as the Master of Whisperers on the Small Council, the advisory body to the king, in the capital city of King’s Landing. His primary role is to gather intelligence and maintain stability in the realm by monitoring and manipulating political situations.
Lord Varys Facts
- Eunuch Origins: Varys was castrated as a child, becoming a eunuch. The exact circumstances surrounding his castration remain a mystery.
- Childhood Origins: Varys was born in the Free City of Lys and later traveled to the Free Cities, gaining experience and knowledge.
- Master of Whisperers: Varys serves as the Master of Whisperers on the Small Council in King’s Landing, responsible for intelligence gathering and maintaining stability.
- Network of Spies: Varys maintains a vast network of informants and spies, known as his “little birds,” who provide him with valuable information from across the Seven Kingdoms.
- Disguise Abilities: Varys is skilled in disguise and can change his appearance to move unnoticed in different circles.
- Intelligence and Manipulation: Varys uses his intelligence and manipulation skills to influence events and guide the political landscape.
- Mysterious Motives: Varys claims to work for the good of the realm, but his true motivations and allegiances remain elusive.
- Power Struggles: Varys engages in power struggles with other influential figures, such as Littlefinger and Cersei Lannister.
- Foresight and Planning: Varys demonstrates remarkable foresight and long-term planning, anticipating and adapting to changing circumstances.
- Knowledge of Secrets: Varys possesses knowledge of many secrets and uses them strategically to manipulate others.
- Relationship with Tyrion: Varys forms a close alliance with Tyrion Lannister and aids him in navigating the complex political landscape.
- Orphan Origins: Varys was once a young orphan in the streets, where he honed his skills of survival and manipulation.
- Hatred for Magic: Varys is known to harbor a deep-rooted hatred for practitioners of magic, viewing it as unpredictable and dangerous.
- Loyalty to the Realm: Varys claims to be loyal to the realm above any individual or house, prioritizing stability and peace.
- Knowledge of Aegon Targaryen: Varys secretly supports Aegon Targaryen, a Targaryen claimant to the Iron Throne, and plays a role in his return.
- Distrust of Power: Varys is skeptical of those who hold great power and seeks to undermine and expose their weaknesses.
- Alliances with Illyrio Mopatis: Varys maintains a long-standing alliance with Illyrio Mopatis, a wealthy merchant and benefactor.
- Escape from King’s Landing: During the Battle of the Blackwater, Varys orchestrates his own escape from King’s Landing, maintaining his secrecy.
- Knowledge of Dark Magic: Varys possesses knowledge of dark and forbidden magic, using it to his advantage.
- Controversial Reputation: Varys is a controversial figure, with some viewing him as a necessary evil while others see him as a dangerous manipulator.
- Whispering Gallery: Varys has a secret chamber called the “whispering gallery” beneath the Red Keep in King’s Landing, where he meets his informants and conducts his covert activities.
- Powerful Connections: Varys has connections to various powerful figures across Essos, including the Iron Bank of Braavos and the Golden Company.
- Rivalry with Littlefinger: Varys and Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger, engage in a longstanding rivalry as master manipulators and power players.
- Support of Daenerys Targaryen: Varys initially supports Daenerys Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne and works to help her ascend to power.
- Confrontation with Melisandre: Varys has a tense confrontation with Melisandre, a priestess of the Lord of Light, due to his distrust of religious fanaticism.
- Investigation into Jon Arryn’s Death: Varys played a role in investigating the death of Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, which sets the events of the series in motion.
- Knowledge of Aegon’s True Identity: Varys claims to support the rightful Targaryen heir, Aegon Targaryen, and reveals his true identity to key individuals.
- Enduring Friendship with Illyrio: Varys maintains a strong and enduring friendship with Illyrio Mopatis, often sharing information and resources.
- Mastery of Disinformation: Varys is skilled at spreading disinformation to mislead his enemies and manipulate political situations.
- Influence over the Small Council: Varys exerts significant influence over the decisions made by the Small Council, using his knowledge and insights to shape the course of events.
