Varys' Suspicions About Daenerys Targaryen: Valid or Misplaced?

The game of thrones is a complex tapestry of political intrigue and power struggles. One pivotal episode revolves around Varys' mistrust of Daenerys Targaryen and his ultimate decision to betray her for the greater good. Was Varys' caution justified, or did he misinterpret Daenerys' intentions? Let's delve into these questions and explore the deeper implications of these events.

The Validity of Varys' Mistrust

Varys, the Master of Whisperers, was one of the main characters who consistently voiced concerns about Daenerys Targaryen's growing thirst for power. He feared her authoritarian tendencies and potential to become a tyrant. Varys' suspicions culminated in the final season when Daenerys, after the destruction of King's Landing, showed a willingness to rule through fear and violence. This behavior prompted Varys to conclude that she posed a threat to the realm. His decision to support Jon Snow and betray Daenerys was a result of his belief that she could not be trusted to lead justly. The tragic consequences of Varys' mistrust, as seen in his fate, underscore the complexity of loyalty and morality in the struggle for power in Westeros.

Scrutinizing the Starvation of King's Landing

One aspect of the game of thrones narrative that has garnered significant scrutiny is the decision to starve the population of King's Landing as a weapon of war. Critics argue that this strategy, proposed by Varys and Tyrion, is morally reprehensible and historically nonsensical.

Points to Consider: Speed and Efficiency: Historically, starving people to death has been a particularly savage method, often leading to a slow and brutal demise. The Nazis did not hesitate to use this tactic in Leningrad because it inflicted maximum hardship with minimal cost to themselves, highlighting its effectiveness but also its cruelty. Clairvoyance vs. Betrayal: The question arises whether Varys and other characters had a form of clairvoyance that foresaw Daenerys' future actions or if their actions pushed her towards destructive behavior. Daenerys was treated with suspicion and hostility by Varys and other characters long before she had done anything to merit it. This raises the possibility that their actions may have encouraged her to take extreme measures. Civilian Impact: The entire army, including the Northerners, engaged in rampant looting and violence within King's Landing. Historically, victorious armies often retaliate against defeated enemies, and in this case, the city was taken by storm, leading to a legitimate claim for plunder.

Chicken and Egg: Cause and Effect

The "chicken and egg" conundrum poses a critical question: Did Varys and the other characters foresee that Daenerys would act in a destructive manner, or did their actions contribute to her extreme decisions? Historical evidence and real-life scenarios demonstrate that the actions of leaders and advisors can indeed influence the decisions made by those in power. Varys' suspicion and betrayal, combined with the betrayals of others, likely created a toxic environment in which Daenerys could feel increasingly threatened, leading to her extreme actions.

Conclusion

The dilemma of Varys' mistrust and his subsequent betrayal of Daenerys Targaryen reflects the complex moral quandaries in the game of thrones. While Varys may have been correct in his suspicions about Daenerys' potential to become a tyrant, his methods and timing of betrayal ultimately contributed to the catastrophic events that followed. The lessons from this narrative underscore the importance of cautious leadership and the unintended consequences of even the most well-intentionedactions.