Why Renly Baratheon and Lord Varys Stand Out in 'A Song of Ice and Fire'
Renly's Leadership and Respect for Brienne of Tarth
In George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire', Renly Baratheon, the younger brother of King Robert, is often overlooked in the grand narrative. However, his actions provide a compelling lesson in leadership and equality. One of the most striking instances is when Brienne of Tarth, a strong and powerful knight, asks Renly for the honor of joining his Rainbow Guard, an elite force dedicated to his protection.Renly, a charismatic and just ruler, grants Brienne this honor without hesitation, a decision that signifies his respect for her as a capable and worthy individual. He responds, as befitting a king, with a sense of duty and honor:
“As champion you may ask of me any boon that you desire. If it lies in my power it is yours.”
In her request, Brienne articulates her desire to be personally sworn to Renly, stating, “I ask the honor of a place among your Rainbow Guard. I would be one of your seven and pledge my life to yours to go where you go, ride at your side and keep you safe from all hurt and harm.”
Renly's response is immediate and definitive:
“Done” he said. “Rise and remove your helm.”
When Renly presents the Rainbow Cloak to Brienne, she doesn't look like a burden or an afterthought. Instead, her smile and proud voice reflect her sense of purpose and honor as she pledges her life to Renly's service:
“My life for yours, Your Grace. From this day on I am your shield, I swear it by the old gods and the new.”
Renly's decision to place Brienne in such a prominent role demonstrates a level of fairness and equality that is rare in Westeros, where women are often marginalized. His respect for her abilities and his open-mindedness towards appointing her to such a critical position within his household guard is a testament to his character as a leader. This action also elevates Brienne's status, showing the reader that Renly values her for her courage and strength, rather than traditional notions of beauty and nobility.
Lord Varys: The Master of Whispers and His Strategic Mind
Lord Varys, often referred to as the Spider, is a pivotal character in the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. His mysterious and enigmatic nature makes him one of the most intriguing figures in the story. While he rarely appears in character moments, his impact on the narrative is immense.Varys’ character is portrayed as a strategist with a profound sense of morality, believing that his actions are ultimately for the greater good. Despite his often shadowy and manipulative methods, Varys is a master of his craft, manipulating the political landscape of Westeros to bring about a more stable and just society.
One of the key moments that highlight Varys' strategic brilliance is his involvement in the events leading to King Aerys II's death. He orchestrates a series of events that culminate in the King's demise, including deceiving Kevan Lannister with a parting speech that Kevan believes to be genuine. Varys' speech is both rhetorical and strategic, aiming to shift the narrative and align Kevan's perceptions with his own goals:
“Ser Kevan. Forgive me if you can. I bear you no ill will. This was not done from malice. It was for the realm. For the are many like you, good men in service to bad causes…”
While the scene remains in Varys' voice, the impact of his words is clear, reshaping Kevan's understanding of the events and aligning him with Varys' perspective. Varys' strategic manipulation is evident in his ability to foresee the consequences of Aerys venturing to the Harrenhal tournament, which ultimately leads to numerous pivotal events, including Jamie's induction into the Kingsguard and Aerys' death.
Additionally, Varys plays a crucial role in assembling the forces necessary to take back the throne, ensuring that both Aegon Targaryen and Dany (Daenerys) are prepared to ascend to the Iron Throne. His meticulous planning extends to providing strategic advice, such as helping Tyrion defend the city, guiding him to situations where he could be most effective, and even orchestrating his survival and ultimate success.
Analyze Varys' Motivations and Strategies
Varys' motivations are complex and multifaceted. He seeks to eliminate magical elements from the world, as he believes that magic contributes significantly to the problems that plague Westeros. This belief is supported by his statement: "Think about that… Of the total percentage of problems in the world—how much is magic?" This indicates his desire for a world governed by science and rational thought rather than superstition and sorcery.Moreover, Varys is unwavering in his dislike for Littlefinger. His antipathy towards Pycelle is evident, as evidenced by his willingness to kill him if he poses a threat to his plans. This further reinforces Varys' integrity and his commitment to the greater good, even at the cost of personal alliances.
From the onset, Varys' goal appears to focus on maintaining Targaryen rule, whether through Aerys or Aegon, and ensuring that the Lannisters and Tyrells are unable to forge peace, as this would be beneficial to his strategic vision. His advice to close the gates against Tywin was initially aimed at maintaining the power dynamics, but it backfired when Pycelle convinced Aerys to open the gates. However, Varys swiftly adapted, moving Aegon away from the immediate crisis, demonstrating his strategic flexibility and adaptability.