12 Iconic Quotes from Varys of Game of Thrones - Paste Magazine

12 Iconic Quotes from Varys of Game of Thrones

Varys is—and has always been—one of the most fascinating characters on Game of Thrones, and without a doubt, the most enigmatic. With his network of spies, the Spider knows all, but tells very little. Many times, it’s difficult to determine whether Varys is good or actually the embodiment of evil, but as the series goes on, the layers of his personality come to light. Here are 12 iconic from the character, portrayed to perfect effect by the great Conleth Hill.

1. On blessings in disguise

“A blessing, then. I suffered an early mutilation myself. Some doors close forever, others open in most unexpected places.”
In a tête-à-tête with Ned Stark, Varys asks him how Bran is doing, after the tragic fall (or push). Ned informs him that he will never walk again, but his mind is sound.

2. On the chessboard

“Delay, you say. Move fast, I reply. This is no longer a game for two players.”
In a conversation with Ilyrio Mopatis, overheard by Arya, Ilyrio and Varys plot the future of the throne.

3. On the location of… his testicles

“Do you know I have no idea where they are? And we had been so close.”
Littlefinger pokes fun at Varys being castrated, asking him if he has his testicles stored away. Varys responds with his usual sharp wit and elegance.

4. On trust

“Why is it no one ever trusts the eunuch?”
When Varys sneaks in the dungeon to visit Ned Stark, he brings him some water to drink. Ned doesn’t trust it, calling on Varys to taste test it. It’s true, it’s hard to trust Varys, but as he slowly reveals later in the series, perhaps he is the most reliable.

5. On power

“Power resides where men believe it resides. It’s a trick. A shadow on the wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow.”
As the small council grows smaller with Tyrion as Hand, Varys and Tyrion grow closer. Varys, impressed by Tyrion’s intelligence, poses him a riddle, and answers it with this inspiring response.

6. On the nature of gossip

“I have no proof, only whispers.”
When Tyrion comes to Varys hoping to find concrete answers as to whom it was that tried to kill him, Varys evades the question with this wise truth.

7. On the realm

“What do we have left, once we abandon the lie? Chaos? A gaping pit waiting to swallow us all.”
Varys often repeats that his loyalty lies with the realm, regardless of who is on the throne. In this conversation, Littlefinger challenges the lie they maintain in supporting a ruler that is not the rightful monarch. But Varys knows that, for many people, there is comfort in the lie.

8. On living without desire

“When I see what desire does to people, what it’s done to this country, I am very glad to have no part in it. Besides, the absence of desire leaves one free to pursue other things.”
In a conversation with Prince Oberyn, Varys explains that even before he was clipped, he had no desire for other men or women—and such a lack has had its benefits.

9. On effort

“Any fool with a bit of luck can find himself born into power. But earning it for yourself, that takes work.”
Once settled across the sea, Varys sits down and has a serious conversation with Tyrion, revealing more of his inner machinations than he ever has before. He’s been waiting for the Baratheon downfall for years, and believes Tyrion has a part to play in his plan.

10. On his ambition

“Peace. Prosperity. A land where the powerful do not prey on the powerless… Perhaps. And perhaps we’ve grown so used to horror we assume there’s no other way.”
Varys keeps his wishes well-hidden, and throughout the series, no one know whether to trust him or not—whether to like him or not. He finally reveals some insight into his patiently laid plan.

11. On leadership

“The Seven Kingdoms need someone stronger than Tommen, but gentler than Stannis. A monarch who could intimidate the High Lords and inspire the people. A ruler loved by millions, with a powerful army, and the right family name… Who said anything about ‘him’?”
BOOM. What Varys has wanted all along. Finally.

12. On listening

“The bird see in the west, the bird see in the east. If one knows how to listen. They tell me that you already found favor with the mother of dragons.”
Varys finds Tyrion, and explains how—without really explaining much at all.

Madina Papadopoulos is a New York-based freelance writer, author, and regular contributor to Paste. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and Twitter.

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