Game of Thrones is an epic fantasy television series based on the A Song of Ice and Fire novels by George RR Martin. One of the most influential characters in Game of Thrones is Lord Varys, who is also known as “The Spider” and is the Master of Whisperers at the court of Westeros.
Quote of the Day: “Power resides where men believe it resides. It’s a trick. A shadow on a wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow.” — Varys, from Game of Thrones.
What does this quote mean?
This quote from Varys is from Game of Thrones Season 2 Episode 3 “What is dead must never die” where he is talking to Tyrian Lannister. In this scene, Lord Varys tries to explain that power is largely an illusion that depends on what people believe rather than sheer size or strength.
Read also | Could Paramount’s $31-per-share offer spark a new bidding war for Warner Bros.?
His point is that even a seemingly small or weak individual can have immense influence if others perceive them as powerful.
Watch the full scene here
Lord Varys: Power is a strange thing, my lord. Do you like puzzles?
Tyrion Lannister: Why? Do I hear one?
Lord Varys: Three great men sit in the room: a king, a priest, and a rich man. A common sword stands between them. Each big man offers to sell the sword to kill the other two. Who lives, who dies?
Tyrion Lannister: Depends on the sell sword.
Lord Varys: Is that so? He has neither crown, nor gold, nor the favor of the gods.
Tyrion Lannister: He has a sword, the power of life and death.
Lord Varys: But if swordsmen rule, why do we pretend that kings hold all the power? When Ned Stark lost his head, who was really responsible? Joffrey? Executioner? Or something else?
Tyrion Lannister: I’ve decided I don’t like riddles.
Lord Varys: Power resides where men believe it resides. It’s a trick. Shadow on the wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow.
Watch the video here:
Who played Lord Varys in Game of Thrones?
Conleth Hill portrayed the character of Lord Varys in the series Game of Thrones. He brought the Master Whisperer to life with his calm, cunning and subtly menacing presence throughout all eight seasons.
game of thrones
The show aired from 2011 to 2019 and became famous for its complex political intrigue, sprawling cast, unpredictable plot twists and the struggle for control of the Iron Throne on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos.
Read also | Game of Thrones actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau shines in Odisha
George RR Martin wrote many novels and short story collections in addition to A Song of Ice and Fire. Some of his notable works include:
Dying of the Light (1977): His debut novel, a standalone science fiction story.
Windhaven (1981, with Lisa Tuttle): Sci-fi/fantasy novel about a world of flying ships.
Fevre Dream (1982): Historical vampire novel set on the Mississippi River.
Power resides where men believe it resides. It’s a trick. Shadow on the wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow.
The Armageddon Rag (1983): A mystery novel about rock music.
Tuf Voyaging (1986): A collection of linked science fiction stories about Haviland Tuf, an environmental engineer in space.
Key things
- Power is often an illusion that depends on perception rather than inner strength.
- Even seemingly weak individuals can have significant influence if others believe in their strength.
- Understanding power dynamics can lead to deeper insight into political and social structures.
