Though the spinoff series House of the Dragon introduces a lot of exciting new characters, Game of Thrones fans will be missing Tyrion Lannister in the new Westeros adventure. From the very beginning of the show, Tyrion cemented himself as a fan-favorite and one of its most fascinating characters.
Tyrion is also responsible for many of the show’s most memorable quotes and some of his best ones help to define who he is. From his intelligence to his tragic nature to his humor, these quotes help to show why Tyrion Lannister was perhaps Game of Thrones‘ best character.
“They Say I’m Half A Man, Well What Does That Make The Lot Of You?”
After Joffrey abandons his army when Stannis attacks King’s Landing, Tyrion finds himself the reluctant leader. Unsurprisingly, the troops are not too keen to follow him. But as they begin to flee, Tyrion uses a common insult against himself to question their own bravery.
Tyrion is often mocked and disrespected for being different, yet he has shown time and time again that he is a more capable and honorable person than everyone who throws those insults his way. He also has the confidence to use such hateful talk for his own needs.
“Next Time I Have An Idea Like That, Punch Me In The Face.”
.jpg)
With Daenerys temporarily missing from Meereen, Tyrion takes it upon himself to free her dragons. Though coming face to face with the massive beasts is far more terrifying than Tyrion had expected. Though he succeeds, he quickly tells Varys to aggressively stop him if he has any more ideas like that.
Though Tyrion has had many brilliant plans, as the series went on, he kept making more and more bad decisions. Eventually, these poor judgment calls caught up to him and he paid for it with far more than just a punch in the face.
“A Mind Needs Books Like A Sword Needs A Whetstone.”
With all the war and danger in Westeros, it pays to be a skilled warrior. Tyrion is not that, but he does also recognize where his power lies. When Jon Snow remarks about all the books Tyrion reads, Tyrion explains that his mind is his weapon in this world and he keeps it sharp as if it were his sword.
Indeed, while Tyrion might not do well in single combat, he has escaped death, defeated enemies, and saved the day many times by using his mind. He turns his intelligence into his defense in this dangerous world.
“These Bad People Are What I’m Good At. Outtalking Them. Outthinking Them.”
After nearly dying in the Battle of Blackwater, Shae suggests she and Tyrion leave Westeros. While he is tempted, Tyrion admits he belongs there. He has found a purpose in going up against the corrupt people of King’s Landing and outsmarting them.
Despite later mistakes, Tyrion proved he’s the smartest Game of Thrones character many times. And while he is overlooked for much of his life, he is able to rise to various positions of power simply because he is able to outthink the various evil people he comes across.
“I Wish I Was The Monster You Think I Am!”
Perhaps Tyrion’s best episode of Game of Thrones is when he stands trial for Joffrey’s murder. The pain and humiliation of the trial boil over until Tyrion lashes out at everyone assembled in the throne room.
He admits that he wishes he was the monster they have treated him like his whole life. It is a heartbreaking admission as Tyrion has been one of the show’s greatest heroes, but he cannot escape the unjust way the world has painted him as a villain.
“A Wise Man Once Said The True History Of The World Is The History Of Great Conversations In Elegant Rooms.”
Though battles are fought and countless people die, Tyrion was one of the few people that understood the real way of shaping the world is through intelligent people discussing situations rationally. He is a character who has shown just how powerful these conversations can be in making monumental decisions.
He shares this advice with Grey Worm and Missandei, teaching them the importance of conversation. The fact that Tyrion admits he was the “wise man” responsible for the quote also speaks to his occasional arrogance.
“I’m Guilty Of A Far More Monstrous Crime. I’m Guilty Of Being A Dwarf.”
While there are many dysfunctional families in Westeros, the Lannisters might be the worst of them all. Tyrion’s relationship with his father is particularly traumatic as Tywin always resented his youngest son for simply the way he was born.
During his trial, Tyrion admits he is not guilty of killing Joffrey, but is guilty in the eyes of his father and the rest of Westros of “being a dwarf.” It is a sentence he has carried with him his entire life, making him a villain in the world and not being able to do anything about it.
“Never Forget What You Are, The Rest Of The World Will Not. Wear It Like Armor And It Can Never Be Used To Hurt You.”
Though the injustice of how the world treats him angers Tyrion, he never lets it get in his way. He embraces who he is even as people insult him for it. His pride makes it, so he always comes out looking superior to all those who talk down to him.
Tyrion offers this advice to Jon Snow who carries a bitter resentment for being a bastard in Westeros. Helping Jon turn this supposed weakness into a strength is part of the reason Tyrion becomes one of Jon Snow’s best friends on Game of Thrones.
“I Have A Tender Spot In My Heart For Cripples, Bastards And Broken Things.”
Early on in the series, Tyrion visits Winterfell following Bran’s fall. Though he is unaware the Starks suspect he had something to do with Bran’s fall, Tyrion quickly shows kindness to the injured boy, explaining that he feels some kinship with such people.
Throughout the series, Tyrion has befriended oddball and outcast characters, inviting them into the world that has excluded them for so long. It also speaks to his sincere hope for Westeros to become a better place.
“I Drink And I Know Things.”
Given how astute he is, it makes sense that Tyrion would be able to sum himself up in such a perfect way. When someone questions his intelligence, Tyrion simply replies that he drinks and knows things which is very accurate.
Of course, it also speaks to more than just those obvious areas of Tyrion’s personality. It is true that he likes drinking an awful lot, but it also shows his humor which he often uses to deflect his enemies and ensure he is underestimated.
