Introduction: Varys, the Spymaster and His Complex Motivations

Varys, the cunning spymaster in George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series and the HBO adaptation 'Game of Thrones', is deeply invested in Aegon Targaryen. This article delves into the intricate reasons behind Varys's allegiance, exploring his personal beliefs, political strategies, and personal gains.

Varys's Investment in the Targaryen Line

1. Restoration of the Targaryen Line: Varys believes in the legitimacy of the Targaryen dynasty and its right to rule Westeros. He views restoring the Targaryens on the Iron Throne as the best way to ensure stability and peace in the realm.

Political Stability and Vision for Westeros

2. Political Stability: Varys is motivated by a desire for political stability in Westeros. He has witnessed the chaos and bloodshed caused by the power struggles among the noble houses. By supporting Aegon, he hopes to end the ongoing conflicts and establish a unified ruler.

Personal Gain and Political Ambition

3. Personal Gain and Influence: By backing Aegon, Varys positions himself as a key player in the political landscape of Westeros. He aims to regain influence and power, particularly after the fall of the Targaryens following Robert's Rebellion. If Aegon successfully claims the throne, Varys would likely be in a position to shape policy and governance.

Manipulation for Strategic Gain

4. Manipulation of Events: Varys is a master of manipulation and intrigue. Supporting Aegon allows him to orchestrate events from behind the scenes, using his network of spies and informants to further his own agenda. This gives him a sense of control over the unpredictable political landscape.

The Many Facets of Varys

Varys is the elusive spymaster who seems to know all that goes on in King's Landing. Since we first met him, we don't truly know his motives or which side he is truly on. Here, we explore his backstory and the reasons behind his support for Aegon.

Varys's Uncertain Origins

Varys as a Slave and Thief in Lys: Varys stated that he was an orphan from a mummers' ship, but Pycelle gives more detail, revealing that Varys was a slave in Lys. He was originally enslaved by a sorcerer in Pentos, arriving there one step ahead of the slavers. This suggests that Varys had a rocky start, marked by his escape from slavery and his early career as a thief.

The Rise of Varys

Thief-Taker and Spymaster: In Pentos, Varys was known for being despised and beaten. He found himself in a precarious position, but managed to form an arrangement with Illyrio. Together, they built a successful business by taking the takings of lesser thieves and recovering valuables for a fee. This partnership allowed Varys to grow rich, and he then used his reputation as a "mouse" to gather valuable information.

The Strong Link to House Blackfyre

House Blackfyre's Reign and Fall: Varys's connection to House Blackfyre is evident through his backstory. He was the son of Maelys Blackfyre and was sold into slavery by the Blackfyre bannermen following Maelys's defeat. Despite his lineage, Varys later rose to become a spymaster and thief-taker, despite his stark contrast in appearance and approach to the warrior ideals of House Blackfyre.

The Blackfyre Conspiracy and Varys's Role

Sanctioning the Blackfyre Claim: Varys's involvement in the Blackfyre conspiracy is clear. He knew about Aegon Targaryen being the son of Illyrio's daughter and Maelys's intended heir. By aligning himself with Aegon, Varys was effectively carrying on a centuries-old Blackfyre cause, now through a descendant of the Targaryen line. This dual allegiance adds a layer of complexity to his motives and actions.

Conclusion: Varys's Ambition and Disguise

Varys's investment in Aegon is a complex interplay of idealism, political strategy, and personal ambition. He sees in Aegon a means to achieve his vision of a stable and prosperous Westeros while also securing his own position within the new regime. However, his true motives and allegiances remain shrouded in mystery, making him a quintessential character in the intricate web of 'Game of Thrones'.