The Life and Lies of Lord Varys: Complete Theory | ASOIAF

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 21 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 739

  • @kongming7684
    @kongming7684 Рік тому +159

    58:00 Tyrek Lannister

    • @HOTD108_
      @HOTD108_ 10 місяців тому +22

      Ned Stark was last seen ahead.

    • @sherronjones1780
      @sherronjones1780 10 місяців тому

      🎉🎉😢😢😅😅😅😢😅😢😢😊😊😢😊😢😅😢😢😅😢😢😢😅😢​@@HOTD108_

    • @sherronjones1780
      @sherronjones1780 10 місяців тому

      🎉🎉😢😢😅😅😅😢😅😢😢😊😊😢😊😢😅😢😢😅😢😢😢😅😢​@@HOTD108_

    • @whensomethingcriesagain
      @whensomethingcriesagain 9 місяців тому +13

      ​@@HOTD108_Pretty sure he was last seen apigeon

    • @niropaxum958
      @niropaxum958 2 місяці тому

      why do they speak of the horse in this video I wonder

  • @skepticinall
    @skepticinall Рік тому +1081

    Have to say the people who watched the show and thought Balish was the mastermind really needed to read the books and pick up the subtle hints. There's so much that shows varys is not only the mastermind behind basically everything, the things he doesn't control he adapts to his advantage in so many better ways than Balish. Varys was and still is in the books a hell of a force to be reckoned with.

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +189

      Varys and Littlefinger have a lot in common but Varys is the superior player.

    • @skepticinall
      @skepticinall Рік тому +46

      I agree. It's easy to compare them in many ways. But in so many others varys is heads and shoulders above littlefinger for the long view.

    • @matthewdavis9715
      @matthewdavis9715 Рік тому +82

      Have to agree. I think the big difference is that Varys starts with a goal and works towards it meticulously, adapting when needed. While LF remains fluid and unpredictable until the final moment, allowing him to always end on the side that benefits him the most. That’s why Varys’ moves are subtle while LF’s are always brash and sloppy to a degree.

    • @Rhaenyssupporter
      @Rhaenyssupporter Рік тому +32

      Little Finger is a cunning fool while Varys is a master genius

    • @emmapadgett1181
      @emmapadgett1181 Рік тому +15

      Was just thinking that myself. As a TV before book person I kind of treat them now as two different things. Even second book in I can see the books are so much better.

  • @alanpennie8013
    @alanpennie8013 Рік тому +240

    I don't think Varys is torturing Kevin out of wanton cruelty.
    I think he's putting on a show for the benefit of unseen watchers and listeners (as well as the readers of the series).
    Which of course means there's good reason to disbelieve what he says.
    Varys played Tyrion (and Ned earlier on) extremely well.
    He's much better at ingratiating himself than Littlefinger is because he's much better at concealing his real ruthlessness.
    We shouldn't forget that Varys deceived D&D, who made him a sincere friend of Tyrion in the show.

    • @yhvvcbhjjggjk-id1re
      @yhvvcbhjjggjk-id1re Рік тому +66

      To be honest any body could deceive d and d

    • @lindadeal3344
      @lindadeal3344 Рік тому +11

      Love these compilations by various people and I enjoy the various takes on the individuals in the books by very different readers so interesting!! Thank you George and I love your books!!

    • @zehsackett6132
      @zehsackett6132 9 місяців тому

      ​@@yhvvcbhjjggjk-id1re Even Renly

    • @ivandankob7112
      @ivandankob7112 8 місяців тому +9

      D&D kinda never knew how to write a character smarter than them

    • @drisraptor2992
      @drisraptor2992 8 місяців тому

      it is impossible to do so, the only way you can write a smart character when you are not smart is by making everyone else an idiot , which thety did@@ivandankob7112

  • @mothturtle7897
    @mothturtle7897 Рік тому +614

    It's such a shame we didn't get Varys's scene with Kevan in the show. Conleth Hill would have slayed that scene.

    • @alanpennie8013
      @alanpennie8013 Рік тому +53

      Oh yeah!
      They gave it to Qyburn.
      Which was fine, but it was sad Varys got so little to do in the last three seasons.

    • @malekartorian3054
      @malekartorian3054 Рік тому +65

      I feel like Kevan got snuffed. Sucks because hes the chillest Lannister

    • @samanthab1923
      @samanthab1923 Рік тому +32

      Hated how things ended for him on the show. Actor wasn’t to keen either

    • @alanpennie8013
      @alanpennie8013 Рік тому +4

      @Chaim Mendel
      End of book five I think it was.

    • @TraciPeteyforlife
      @TraciPeteyforlife Рік тому +6

      I was deeply disappointed that we didn't get it. A greatly missed opportunity for something epic.

  • @carlrood4457
    @carlrood4457 Рік тому +500

    There's one real world concept people might need to keep in mind when Varys refers to "The Realm". Louis XIV said "L'État, c'est moi", "The state is me." If you look at the movie Excalibur, there's the concept of "The land and the king are one".
    The King IS The Realm. Varys is doing what's best for (F)Aegon, who he views as rightful king, aka "The REALM".

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +113

      Ohhhh I like this a lot. Varys does enjoy word games. Thanks for sharing

    • @mistermaestersirthomas9164
      @mistermaestersirthomas9164 Рік тому +49

      It bleeds into the trope of the king and the realm being metaphysically connected; presented with the Starks and the absence/the hurt/deaths of Starks causing chaos in their realm with the Northman ravaging.

    • @loucypherdamorningstar
      @loucypherdamorningstar Рік тому +1

      Why didn’t Varys aid Rhaegar

    • @comradeconrad3636
      @comradeconrad3636 Рік тому +13

      ​​@@loucypherdamorningstarhe was the one person who told Areys to bar the door and to keep the gate closed not to trust or let Tywin in the city. The grand measter convinced Areys that tywin was on there side and doomed the mad king. Vary did help the targs as much as he could he was in on smuggling Dany and visarys to dragonstone to protect them.. he aided them more then most.

    • @B-TRU86
      @B-TRU86 Рік тому

      Àaààaa1

  • @momo1177
    @momo1177 Рік тому +278

    probably the most underrated mind in the fandom

  • @biggiejinx
    @biggiejinx Рік тому +241

    There's also Saera Targaryen's (Jaehaerys daughter) linage. She lived in LYS and had some bastards. Her offspring even showed up to put a claim in at the great council. Illyrio's wife's name was Serra from Lys... Very similar. Haha, Serra is probably a blackfyre but could be a direct descendent of Saera....

    • @s-core8087
      @s-core8087 Рік тому +18

      This has been my theory since reading F&B

    • @Slender_Man_186
      @Slender_Man_186 11 місяців тому +14

      Honestly, it would make a lot of sense for the Blackfyres to just be a big red herring and instead have Young Griff be a descendant of Saera instead, that’s in GRRM’s style, think about how he misdirected us with Jon.

    • @ralphthompson9033
      @ralphthompson9033 9 місяців тому +4

      You guys are sleeping on the Brightflames

    • @jacobenke7936
      @jacobenke7936 9 місяців тому +13

      @@ralphthompson9033 I've wondered about that as well, or more likely some combination of all of them. The Essos story involving Illyrio/Aegon/Varys makes no sense if Aegon is actually a Targaryen. Wedding Daenerys to Drogo makes no sense. The Dothraki would never sail, and to actually follow through on it would be political suicide for whoever they supported. (also it would cost more than most countries have in their treasury and eat Westeros barren)
      That makes it a way to get rid of Viserys/Daenerys. Killing them off would be known, but by doing something so public it draws attention to them and away from where it otherwise should be. It also ensures Pentos is safe from the Dothraki.
      It would be far better for fAegon's cause to marry Daenerys immediately, if he were actually a Targaryen, but Varys and Illyrio don't do it for some reason. Personal hatred would be the only possibility I can think of. The plan is adjusted, or so Young Griff has been led to believe, but only because Dany came into her own power by birthing dragons.

    • @KaiHung-wv3ul
      @KaiHung-wv3ul 8 місяців тому +4

      Lol he's a Blackfyre, a Brightflame, Saera's, and Moon Boy's for all I know.

  • @bossman6798
    @bossman6798 Рік тому +173

    Could explain why varys keeps his head shaved. He has the Targaryen hair

  • @BlackstreetBoys2Men
    @BlackstreetBoys2Men Рік тому +65

    House Blackfyre; Black or Red a dragon is a dragon

    • @HyphyJuice916
      @HyphyJuice916 9 місяців тому

      Yeah but only one side has dragons. That side is definitely a winning side. I'm not sure if he's said it in this video yet, idk if book Varys hates magic like he does in the show, but if he frowns upon magic I can see him not being a fan of dragons flying around Westeros. Even if he doesn't mind dragons he's been hiding this boy for a long time or at least helping him so maybe he's grown fond of young griff being on the throne. Varys is clearly far more ruthless in the book but I have no doubt he can still care for someone. If he doesn't he's much more cold than I thought he was. I haven't read the books yet. I'm only half way through the first so I haven't seen Varys do much yet.

  • @henrypercy9457
    @henrypercy9457 Рік тому +102

    In GoT Season 2, the episode of the Kings Landing Riot, Varys can be seen in the crowd just seconds before the dung is thrown at Joffrey.

    • @ocsjc13
      @ocsjc13 5 місяців тому +10

      Just checked that's not him lol

    • @baldwin3243
      @baldwin3243 4 місяці тому +5

      Okay but in the books it's obviously a littlefinger job, not varys.

  • @rossginn5333
    @rossginn5333 Рік тому +129

    Varys is such a badass. No pride, all skill :-)

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +27

      One of my favorite players (even if he is a scumbag)

    • @RewindThatwithMsKay
      @RewindThatwithMsKay Рік тому +3

      Love him!! ❤

    • @gnickthegnome1981
      @gnickthegnome1981 7 місяців тому

      Even just "Lord Varys, the Spider" is such a chilling name for somebody to have. captures his character fantastically.

  • @schizoidahole
    @schizoidahole Рік тому +21

    I agree that a lot of the evidence for the Blackfyre theory is circumstantial, but what ties it all together for me and pretty much confirms it in my head is the fact that Aegon has The Golden Company working under him.

  • @mellowenglishgal
    @mellowenglishgal Рік тому +78

    It never made sense to me why Varys, who claims to be working for the good of the realm, betrayed Rhaegar’s impending coup to impose a regency on Aerys’ rule: he ensured there could be absolutely no chance Rhaegar would stabilise the realms! And now I realise it was completely intentional because Serra Blackfyre had either given birth to or was expecting Aegon! And he had the perfect opportunity to turn Aerys against Rhaegar and provoke civil war!

    • @clownpendotfart
      @clownpendotfart 8 місяців тому +5

      Varys was hired by Aerys, the actual king. The information he gave Aerys appears to have been accurate (just as his warning about Tywin at the gates was). And any child not yet born could not be "expected" to look at all like Aegon, ultrasounds don't exist in Essos.

  • @alexandergangaware429
    @alexandergangaware429 Рік тому +24

    "...there we can find a Targaryen whose blood no man can question: Daenerys Stormborn"
    Preston: So are you saying I am no man, or that I can't question?

  • @whensomethingcriesagain
    @whensomethingcriesagain 9 місяців тому +5

    A useful note is that Varys' arrival in Aerys' court coinciding with his degradation into severe paranoia would mean he arrived at some point around the Defiance of Duskendale in 277, and he'd already spent an unknown number of years growing his reach as a spymaster in the East, probably at least half a decade. This would definitely corroborate the timeline you presented, with Varys being castrated and becoming a spymaster in the late 260s or early 270s.

  • @AnakinBlackfyre
    @AnakinBlackfyre Рік тому +62

    I'd be so hyped if a new blackfyre rebellion happened before the story ends. I don't think it will happen but imagine if it did.

    • @theophrastusbombastus1359
      @theophrastusbombastus1359 2 місяці тому

      There may not be another Blackfyre Rebellion, per se, but there will be another Dance of Dragons

    • @AnakinBlackfyre
      @AnakinBlackfyre 2 місяці тому

      @@theophrastusbombastus1359 that would mean Aegon gets a dragon somehow. I hope he gets a cool death at least that whole side story has been fun from the start.

  • @shozanhanma2709
    @shozanhanma2709 Рік тому +19

    Others in the comments section said they disagree with your theories; to me, this video isn't about that. Whether the theory is correct or not. The whole point of the series is to look deeply into the human condition and character, and this video does it brilliantly.
    For example, I never really considered how cruel the way he killed Kevin Lannister was until you explained it.

  • @Knives7777
    @Knives7777 4 місяці тому +4

    Never forget That Varys moonlighted for over 15 years as a random jailor and went to work every day just ont he off chance he needed to talk to a prisoner in the black cells. That man defines dedication.

  • @Rocsanna
    @Rocsanna Рік тому +98

    This is the first time I have come across this channel, I'm not even halfway through the video and I'm hooked.
    I have no idea what youtube is doing, why hasn't it ever recommended you before?! Unbelievable fail of the famed algorithm!
    I look forward to checking out your other content. Great job on bringing together this well of information!

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +13

      Thank you! I'm not sure why UA-cam isn't pushing my content but I'm still learning about being a content creator and how to take advantage of the Almighty Algorithm
      (and its good to know people that haven't seen the separate videos are coming across this compilation!)

    • @feanordidnothingwrong
      @feanordidnothingwrong Рік тому

      Probably because he's talking so fast the algorithm can't understand what the video's about 😂

  • @cernunnos_lives
    @cernunnos_lives Рік тому +84

    It would be hilarious if Varys wasn't a eunuch at all. And i agree with a lot of your analysis. We still haven't seen more about what is motivating Varys.
    Even if young Griff isn't what he appears, he believes he is. And will act accordingly (making his world better than what it was). He would still make a better monarch than most. I think Varys knows this too. And this is his way to make his world better (even if it's fake). It will still unify his world under a king that works for his people.

    • @hi-ls6lt
      @hi-ls6lt Рік тому

      I want him to be an eunuch though. Having a cock is meant to give you all the power in Westeros but a man without one might just be the most powerful player in the realm. Would be brilliant.

    • @swayback7375
      @swayback7375 11 місяців тому +9

      You put a lot of faith in a random kid that’s been told he’s special…
      He shows some concerning things, like flipping the board and commanding Tyrion to pick up the pieces, even Jon con is worried about him by the the time they’re in Westeros.
      He’s the mummers dragon, all flash, not real.

    • @jacobenke7936
      @jacobenke7936 7 місяців тому

      Are we talking about the same Varys who rips the tongues out of slave children?

    • @atlas956
      @atlas956 3 місяці тому

      I’m not entirely sure that Varys believes that Young Griff is the actual Aegon. He probably doesn’t, considering that he seems to think that truth doesn’t necessarily matter if the lie is convincing and convenient enough. Either way, if he isnt Aegon, Varys probably got rid of the counter-evidence or witnesses a long time ago already. I wonder what he’s going to do about Daenerys eventually though… legally, she might have less of a claim, but she’s objectively more believable and powerful than any story that Varys could possibly craft.

  • @seanthorpe66
    @seanthorpe66 8 місяців тому +3

    That Terry Pratchet quote just earned you a subscribe 👍

  • @OcarinaSapphr-
    @OcarinaSapphr- Рік тому +48

    Marwyn's also one of the few maesters who takes magic seriously (at least openly)- the rest of them act like they wouldn't touch it with a bargepole, _except_ to debunk it.
    I know you kind of just blew past that fact, but it did strike me as interesting- & he may be set to become integral to Sam's storyline...

  • @ariadneblue2201
    @ariadneblue2201 Рік тому +13

    This is one of the best asoiaf videos I've seen! Varys is definitely one of the more interesting characters and I loved all the parallels you drew between him and Arya.

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому

      Thank you for your kind comment. Glad you enjoyed it

  • @TaurusWitch29
    @TaurusWitch29 Рік тому +9

    Why did it never occur to me that Varys is a Blackfyre? Him shaving his head could be a choice for a hidden heritage. It makes sense for why hes only loyal to himself but has a long-term plan for fAegon.

  • @robdean6893
    @robdean6893 Рік тому +23

    Watching this whole video is going to put me in quite the headspace for work!

  • @witchboy44
    @witchboy44 Рік тому +16

    Always love stumbling upon an obscure ASoIaF UA-camr that makes good theories, keep up the good work brother

    • @ivandankob7112
      @ivandankob7112 8 місяців тому

      If you haven’t subscribed to David Lightbringer yet, you should.

  • @GeminibBorn
    @GeminibBorn Рік тому +30

    Hell yea! It's time to get our Varys on!
    Thank you, Kevin! I think this is a great channel!

  • @carlrood4457
    @carlrood4457 Рік тому +105

    On tinfoil hat thing is that when you put Serra's name into Varys', you get VarSerrays, which is phonetically similar to Vyseris. There was also a daughter of King Jahaerys I, Saera Targaryen, who ended up in a brothel in Essos.

    • @StigaWorldCup
      @StigaWorldCup Рік тому +3

      So Saera was a sister to Viserys & the aunt of Rhaenyra.

    • @claiternaiter446
      @claiternaiter446 Рік тому +2

      She was viserys’s aunt. She was his parents’ sister.

    • @Slender_Man_186
      @Slender_Man_186 Рік тому +18

      That’s not tinfoil, that’s some grade-A Valyrian Steel foil.

    • @jmicjm
      @jmicjm Рік тому

      Her being a targaryen doesn't make sense, because they famously don't get sick

    • @carolineshepperd5375
      @carolineshepperd5375 Рік тому +10

      @@jmicjm not true 100% of the time, see Daenerys Targaryen, daughter of jaeharys and older sister to Sara Targ who died of the shivers

  • @ilikemitchhedberg
    @ilikemitchhedberg Рік тому +4

    Sometimes I grow wary and hopeless for the Books that were Promised... yet at other times, the waiting makes the series more enchanting.

  • @shilohscott
    @shilohscott Рік тому +5

    I wish this version would have been in the show. His actions make more sense when you consider his backstory. His last scene in the show would have been more impactful if he was the villain in the book. It also would have aligned with Dany’s mission to break the wheel.

  • @nshocckerr
    @nshocckerr Рік тому +23

    Young Griff I always saw as the Perkin Warbeck of the book. Since there's so much of an allegory to the war of the roses, I always thought he read as that vs Henry Tudor.

  • @ssocar96
    @ssocar96 2 місяці тому +2

    Something most people tend to ignore is that the male heir to the end of the male Blackfyre line could be Bittersteel who was always next to the Blackfyres always loyal. He married a Blackfyre daughter.... The line of Bittersteel could still exist and through marriages with the daughters of Blackfyre they could keep the line pure. Varys could be the product of these, Maternally Blackfyre but of the Bittersteel Paternally. Varys could also be a nickname for Viserys much like how Aegons can be called Egg.

  • @ggecko108
    @ggecko108 Рік тому +49

    This was a fantastic long-listen. Amazing story and piece of theory craft. I almost never watch videos half as long for the full distance. Tbf here I had to break it up into several sessions, but I came back. +2 subs and some likes on your other videos. Likely the most underrated channel in the fandom. Great depth and much more than the typical fast paced sugar high. Only a matter of time until your channel blows up and goes big time, wd.

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +7

      It really means a lot you took the time to watch the whole thing even if it took multiple sittings. I was worried that the run time might put off viewers but it seems long form feature length videos can actually work on this channel. Thanks for the support

    • @tessastewart6792
      @tessastewart6792 Рік тому +3

      ​@@KevinPendragon these videos are great for long library sessions, so thank you for making them!

  • @sasake6863
    @sasake6863 Рік тому +7

    This video was amazing. I especially like the begining explaining how varys is actually a villain in the books, compared to the anti hero from the show

  • @stillpraisingthesun1612
    @stillpraisingthesun1612 Рік тому +12

    I disliked how the show made him a more sympathetic character. In the books he definitely feels like a villain.

    • @jacobenke7936
      @jacobenke7936 7 місяців тому +1

      They did that to a lot of characters. The tone of the books is much darker.

  • @deadsoon
    @deadsoon Рік тому +28

    I got this video recommended even though I haven't watched the series nor read the books, but goddamn it's such an engaging and interesting theory that has plenty of evidence and narrative congruence! You put my reading comprehension skills to shame lol

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +1

      You're too kind. Thank you !

    • @eartheater3956
      @eartheater3956 Рік тому +1

      How would you think he put your reading comprehension skills to shame if you haven't read the books?

    • @bossman1989
      @bossman1989 Рік тому +1

      @@eartheater3956 They're a bot

  • @alexx5064
    @alexx5064 Рік тому +6

    I don’t think you talk too fast! sounds good to me ✨

  • @kaemonbonet4931
    @kaemonbonet4931 Рік тому +5

    Tyrion never meant to kill varys right there in the dark. Tyrion is acutely aware of his ability, the point was to push him and see which direction he moves. The great threat varys always poses is that no one is confident in their read on him. Tyrion hoped to understand his opponent better and somewhat correctly concluded he could put him on a backburner.
    Ultimately varys helped destroy him and release him so he was right but if he had avoided guilt at the trial, he would have ended up like kevin. Any stablizing force for westeros has to be knocked out before the dragon returns. 19:27

  • @atlas956
    @atlas956 3 місяці тому

    regardless of if any of this is true in the end or not, i think it does a beautiful job of examining Varys as a character and speculating how he could have turned out the way he is doing the things he does.
    Character motivations and the way they conflict and interact is such a strength of the series as a whole

  • @marcushahn3483
    @marcushahn3483 Рік тому +9

    When Varys says he does things for the realm and for peace I get the feeling he's thinking very large and long term and may be the one time he was being truthful in his own way.
    Having a well raised dragon prince on the throne would solve many issues that have been typical in the realm for a long time.
    He has no scruples, and is a despicable character, but one can imagine that he may believe the means justify the ends.
    GRRM writes characters so grey it's easy to pidgeon hole them.

  • @rickymoen9482
    @rickymoen9482 Рік тому +11

    Ugh i want to reread these books so badly but id rather wait until winds of winter has a release date so all the little details r still fresh in my head

  • @shara1979
    @shara1979 8 місяців тому +11

    The "Spy"der. 🙂

  • @scottjones845
    @scottjones845 11 місяців тому +1

    You sir just got yourself another sub! I love it when people make these lengthy vidoes covering GoT characters or historical events and or theories and not just push out these 7-10 minute videos basically rushing through giving out the skinny to cater to an audience that they believe all have low attention spans. So much care and work you put in for these, i tip my hat to you!

  • @krystalccameron7689
    @krystalccameron7689 Рік тому +4

    Well bloody done my boy!!!! Knocked it out the park.

  • @tauane7649
    @tauane7649 Рік тому +2

    That Star Wars reference was a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one!

  • @DarkIllusia
    @DarkIllusia Рік тому +2

    Very fun to think about I like most of this. For a mastermind it has never made sense why he treated Dany and Griff so differently. Dany was never set up to win. I wonder if he regrets ever giving her those eggs.

  • @WritingWithAli
    @WritingWithAli Рік тому +8

    This is the best theory vedio I've watched, and believe me I've watched a lot. Keep it on

  • @channelrandom2225
    @channelrandom2225 Рік тому +14

    Love this one of my favorite theories

  • @Dnb123oowee
    @Dnb123oowee Рік тому +5

    Rare instant sub + like
    You’re going to get much bigger. Your passion is infectious

  • @londonarbuckle8601
    @londonarbuckle8601 11 місяців тому +2

    The idea of Varys being of noble blood really does juxtapose him nicely against Petyr Baelish’s more modest family tree.

  • @Ahrimanh86
    @Ahrimanh86 Рік тому +19

    You have more than earned your sub sir. I greatly appreciate this video. Thank you.

  • @oldnewdude9095
    @oldnewdude9095 Рік тому +6

    Long video, but well worth it. Great job as always

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +1

      Thanks man. It's been a while. Hope you're doing well and keeping up with the series

    • @oldnewdude9095
      @oldnewdude9095 Рік тому

      Yeah, I have a lot of catching up to do but when this popped up I knew I had to watch. Still doing my little thing, it's just fun to talk out loud about this wonderful world. Stay safe and keep up the outstanding work.

  • @mildlydazed9608
    @mildlydazed9608 Рік тому +4

    First time viewer. Really good thoughts and it's always nice to see Varys get the recognition he deserves.

  • @jswagaudio
    @jswagaudio Рік тому +4

    This was a great vid watched the whole thing. Really appreciate the SCP video music in the background, really helped stimulate my adhd brain

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for sticking with the video! I love the SCP series as well.

  • @natasha-em1qo
    @natasha-em1qo Рік тому +6

    Great video 👏 I love the historical comparisons

  • @R_Galaxy42
    @R_Galaxy42 Рік тому +2

    This video is up there with ASX’s Tyrion video 💯💯💯 Amazing job, dude!!

  • @piedpiperofmetal
    @piedpiperofmetal 7 місяців тому +1

    Your best work so far, my brother
    Awesome 👌

  • @JJJ854
    @JJJ854 Рік тому +14

    What are Varys and Illyrio's plans for Daenerys now? I understand they expected her to die on the Dothraki Sea and the dragon eggs to never hatch. So what are their plans now? Are they trying to get Aegon to marry Daenaeys and then kill her to secure the throne and maybe steal her dragons? Or do they want Daenerys to fill the role they had planned for Viserys by letting her invade Westeros and having Aegon somehow defeat her and appear as the "true king?"

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +10

      It appears the plan Varys and Illyrio have now is for Dany to marry Young Griff to lend some legitimacy to his claim. Her dragons and her armies will also help Young Griff claim the throne. After that victory, the future is a bit uncertain. If Varys is a Blackfyre and he hates House Targaryen as I assume he does, it is doubtful he will want Dany and Young Griff's marriage to last long term. It is possible that Varys would plot and scheme to have Daenerys killed (or otherwise discarded).

    • @clownpendotfart
      @clownpendotfart 8 місяців тому +1

      @@KevinPendragon He could have killed both Targaryens long ago when they were in Illyrio's manse.

  • @mrc-rrn
    @mrc-rrn Рік тому +3

    what a great video. varys is one of my favorite characters in asoiaf

  • @LoRosa0224
    @LoRosa0224 Рік тому +2

    Such an engaging video to get me through my last day at this job thank you dearly👏🏽

  • @thecomet6276
    @thecomet6276 4 місяці тому

    Well, great video!!
    The one thing we never question about Varys is him being a eunuch. I don’t think he really is. I think he either completely made it up or just got circumcised.

  • @KevinPendragon
    @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +78

    I've gotten a lot of comments about how fast I talk and multiple requests asking me to slow down. While I can't fix my audio performance on this video, I can tell you my newer videos are much slower paced. That being said, thanks to everyone who has helped make this video one of the top preforming videos on my channel.

    • @LilBrownieD
      @LilBrownieD Рік тому +24

      I disagree, I think the pace is perfect, but that's just me!

    • @MrEnjoivolcom1
      @MrEnjoivolcom1 Рік тому +12

      Your speech is absolutely fine.

    • @jay-1800
      @jay-1800 Рік тому +12

      Honestly I don’t mind it. IF people are that upset they can set the playback speed at .75. You’re covering a lot of info and longer videos can be tricky to edit and format

    • @Sophie-if1jc
      @Sophie-if1jc Рік тому +5

      Yeah the speech seems fine to me

    • @malekartorian3054
      @malekartorian3054 Рік тому +5

      I really like the way you talk. Imma binge all your theory vids

  • @rainyleefa1984
    @rainyleefa1984 6 місяців тому

    I disagree with most of your theories and observations but I give you props for the work you put into this video all the same.

  • @bearislandjosh5279
    @bearislandjosh5279 Рік тому +2

    I've really enjoyed this video, possibly because everything in it fits perfectly with my own ideas. Excellent work I'm looking forward to watching the other two next.

  • @derpmcmaster4248
    @derpmcmaster4248 Рік тому +8

    I thought Varys maybe would've really had the best outcomes for the realm and smallfolk in mind. This video changed my mind. Great work.

    • @MrFredstt
      @MrFredstt 9 місяців тому

      I think still think he does to some extent just that he thinks his own pet project, fAegon, is the way to do it

    • @clownpendotfart
      @clownpendotfart 8 місяців тому

      Per GRRM, he is ultimately a good person and is misunderstood by the readers.

  • @conniesuper9892
    @conniesuper9892 Рік тому +7

    Reaaallly enjoyed this!Great work!Thank you so much🙂

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому

      Glad you enjoyed. Thank you for the kind comment

  • @fisherlard
    @fisherlard Рік тому +1

    Commented something smart-arsed before listening through. Remedying that. This is the heat 🔥

  • @WezelLispProductions
    @WezelLispProductions Рік тому +16

    Counter point:
    You say that young Griff isn't a targaryen and is a pretender partially cuz quaith tells Dany to beware the mummer's dragon, and Dany sees the mummer's dragon in her vision. What if it's not a warning that Young Griff isn't actually Aegon, but instead is a warning of his allegiance. Like instead of calling him a "Mummer's Dragon" because he's a fake dragon, but he's called a "Mummer's Dragon" because he is a Dragon that belongs to a Mummer, that mummer being Varys. So instead of being
    Aegon, the Mummer's Dragon, the False Dragon, Pretended to the Throne
    he is actually
    Ageon, the Mummer's Dragon, Varys' Dragon, Thread in the Spider's Web

  • @schmalzilla1985
    @schmalzilla1985 Рік тому +19

    Varys is known to use glamor, so his hating magic seems like a half truth at best, and an outright lie at worse. Not telling how far he's delved into the study of it. He might know just enough, and be adaptable enough to make very good use of it.

  • @jordanlogelin372
    @jordanlogelin372 Рік тому +2

    Awesome Video! Varys is truly one of the mysterious characters of Westeros

  • @cupidsfavouritecherub9327
    @cupidsfavouritecherub9327 Рік тому

    The algorithm really blessed me today, never watched the show but I read the books and didn't catch half this stuff. this is a great vid lol subscribed

  • @nancycampbell8671
    @nancycampbell8671 Рік тому +2

    Wow, this was really interesting! Lots to digest and, I think, that it deserves another listen to.

  • @Guinnessdrnkr1234
    @Guinnessdrnkr1234 5 місяців тому

    18:44 I love how you used the OG audio book for this clip. Roy Dotrice is the GOAT

  • @NoSageMeadow
    @NoSageMeadow Рік тому +15

    "He only has the one [head]" from Jaime, referring to Tyrion's head, could be a reference to Varys' potential two-headed father

  • @tulsacollins1721
    @tulsacollins1721 Рік тому +19

    Great video, I wonder if Martin will ever finish the story or at least the next book.

    • @emmapadgett1181
      @emmapadgett1181 Рік тому +5

      I sometimes wonder if he's lost his love/lust for the story. Just hope I am wrong.

    • @tulsacollins1721
      @tulsacollins1721 Рік тому +4

      @@emmapadgett1181 I hope he hasn’t totally moved on. I dread what another author might do if commissioned to “finish” the story.

    • @sadkyoya6283
      @sadkyoya6283 Рік тому +6

      ​@@emmapadgett1181 have you ever tried to write a book? I can clearly say that 10-15 years could be reasonable time to write one if your story goes this deep and you need to properly untangle everything you wrote before

    • @joelglanton6531
      @joelglanton6531 Рік тому +1

      @@tulsacollins1721 IMO he really needs to hire some ghostwriters. The story became too complicated with the last two books.

  • @Josh-the-man
    @Josh-the-man Рік тому +3

    Never got any of your videos recommended, but I can't wait to watch it all.

  • @melaniedelacruz3206
    @melaniedelacruz3206 Рік тому +1

    from the Philippines here fond of watching these series 😘🫶🌷

  • @Firmth
    @Firmth Рік тому +23

    It's hard for me to accept that griff is illyrios son when it means illyrio has to do a Jamie and pretend his own son is someone else's. Not that I have any alternate theories.
    Really enjoyed the series, though. Lots of good stuff.

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +9

      And just like Jaime, it doesn't seem like Illyrio has much love for his son. Jaime had zero feelings for Joffrey. But it may be that Young Griff isn't his son at all. That's just one idea. Thank you for the compliment and comment!

    • @thatoneblackdude3333
      @thatoneblackdude3333 Рік тому +10

      @@KevinPendragon faegons just a means to an end to try and honor his dead lover is how I see it , illyrio is not a good person so him using his own son even pretending his son isn't his is on brand in my opinion.

    • @carlrood4457
      @carlrood4457 Рік тому +6

      False parentage is a recurring theme. There's Ned & Jon, which is kind of the opposite scenario. In F&B/HotD, there are the "Strong Boys". There's even Sansa posing as Littlefinger's bastard daughter.

    • @J10005
      @J10005 Рік тому +5

      @@KevinPendragon Didn't he have a box of gifts supposedly for Young Griff? If he didn't care about him I doubt Illyrio would go out of his way to remember what sweets he likes as a child.

  • @Hq13454
    @Hq13454 Рік тому

    I randomly clicked on this video, but then you used a STP quote. 😁. Now I need to keep listening and catching up

  • @viatorinterra
    @viatorinterra Рік тому +3

    I've watched this so many times over by now. In any other story, Littlefinger and Varys would be the PoV character heroes we'd be rooting for. ASoIaF keeping their motives and actions secret and leaving us to piece together what they mean to do makes them appeal so much more.

  • @rustygray5058
    @rustygray5058 6 місяців тому

    Some great thoughts here - I especially liked the Blackfyre theory. But I tend to trust more of what Varus says than most do. You mentioned Wheel of Time in here, and one of the big recurring themes in that series is honest people able to fool people who are too clever and cunning by just telling the truth and letting them assume it is a lie or trick. I think that Varus truly believes that he is serving the realm, and I think that he genuinely believes that letting Cersei run it into the ground so that Danaerys and/or Aegon can sweep in and simply put their crowns on is the best way to do that.

    • @rustygray5058
      @rustygray5058 6 місяців тому

      Also, the one thing that bothers me about all of these is how hard they are to put together. When you read R+L=J, it's like a good riddle - you don't have to check if the answer is correct, because it's obvious once you hear it. None of these theories sound like "oooh, of course"; they all sound like "hmmmm, I guess maybe?"

  • @RegularCody
    @RegularCody Рік тому +3

    Nice Palpatine reference.
    A surprise, to be sure

  • @shubhransudas3433
    @shubhransudas3433 Рік тому +2

    Came across this video today in love with this channel already subscribed waiting for new content!

  • @alialmuhanna4938
    @alialmuhanna4938 Рік тому +3

    Thank you for combining the videos. It’s much appreciated.

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +1

      You're welcome. Thank you for watching the compilation

  • @billygrant7887
    @billygrant7887 Рік тому +1

    Best video on Varys. Here’s to hoping you’ll do a video on Littlefinger next!!!

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому +1

      There is definitely a lot to say about Littlefinger

    • @matthiasthulman4058
      @matthiasthulman4058 8 місяців тому

      ​@KevinPendragon Having been reading the books again, I strongly second this suggestion.
      Por favor, good sir

    • @archivesoffantasy5560
      @archivesoffantasy5560 6 місяців тому

      @@KevinPendragonGreat video, nearly finished it. One question though, why would Varys and Illyrio not kill the Targ siblings Dany and Viserys? Why help them and even give them dragon eggs? That seems counter intuitive if they’re loyal to the Blackfyres.

  • @tylerbarrett6652
    @tylerbarrett6652 Рік тому +9

    Okay... so I want to bring up another possibility for you to consider. When Maekar died and yet another council was held to determine an appropriate successor, it was first offered to Aemon... who refused it... and they finally decided on Aegon the Egg... but he was NOT the only choice. Aerian Bright Flame had an infant son with his wife in Lys, according to the texts... named Maegor. Who really wanted another Maegor on the throne? Better the grown up Aegon than another Maegor. Isn't it possible that Varys is Maegor? or Maegor's son? His beef with the other Targaryens being that he was passed over, right? In order to get his revenge it almost makes sense for him to seek out a Blackfyre survivor of a female line... and wasn't Illyrio's wife Saera from Lys also? Let's not forget that the original Targaryen outcast - Saera, daughter of Good King Jaeherys and Alysand (sp?) ended up in a Lys pillow house. A case could be made that a good many of the Targaryen outcasts have teamed up for vengeance, right? The BIG problem being that none of them know the true enemy... the Great Other who shall not be named. They don't realize why it is important for a united Westeros... The true enemy will come from the north... but these petty Targarayen outcasts have no way of knowing where the true threat is... do they?

  • @rushinkaratedo3480
    @rushinkaratedo3480 8 місяців тому

    Fantastic theory.
    A thousand thanks for the insight.
    Very plausible!!!

  • @matthewdavis9715
    @matthewdavis9715 Рік тому +2

    Hey Kev, just dropping by to say job well done on yet another great video.

  • @griffindeck5772
    @griffindeck5772 11 місяців тому +2

    This was an amazing video thank you sir you have a new subscriber !! I like the longer vids

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  11 місяців тому +1

      I hope you enjoy my other longer theory videos. I would recommend the Quentyn video

  • @gavomorg762
    @gavomorg762 Рік тому +6

    Great line that is mate@13.14 "IT IS NOT A HALF TRUTH BUT A WHOLE LIE"👏 .Great content too .Only came across you a few week ago and im really enjoying the vid .Keep em comin buddy

  • @Shane2sweet1
    @Shane2sweet1 9 місяців тому

    Great video, I think the Blackfyre theory is probably pretty accurate. Varys is great at changing his plan on the fly though... I think Daenerys and Viserys were sent out with the Dothraki to never return. Even Varys was in favor of murdering Danny with Robert's approval but Ser Jorah wrecked that plan. Then Drogo and Viserys died and Danny hatched dragons, so the plan changed again. He sent Ser Barristan and Groleo out to fetch Danny and bring her to Pentos and Aegon was supposed to go there too and the two would be wed... but Tyrion screwed that up for Varys when he convinced Aegon to west and reclaim his throne instead of meeting Danny... But the plan is still for Aegon to wed Daenerys. Jon Con knows this and refuses to wed Aegon to get an alliance to help the reclaiming of the throne, saying Aegon must be available whenever Daenerys shows up... It's going to be interesting to see how this plays out

  • @piercemaciain4847
    @piercemaciain4847 9 місяців тому +1

    As soon as the concept of sacrificing king’s blood was introduced I assumed that he was of royal blood and that is why he was castrated. When you couple that with the shaved head and other circumstantial evidence it seems to look likely. Now GRRM could be giving us a red herring but I don’t think so in this case.

  • @Queenfloofles
    @Queenfloofles Рік тому +1

    Nice use of the STP quote. Man at Arms is a great book. Don't you wish George wrote at the same speed as Terry 'Two books a year', the world is richer for his many books.

  • @molson9059
    @molson9059 Рік тому +30

    There is always the possibility that Young Griff was the child of Reagar and Lyana. Septum Lamore could be Ashara Dayne and Jon Snow could still be Stark. The show had a habit of amalgamating two characters into one. Seems like Martins goal is to keep the mystery alive thereby making readers crave more content. Then again there are so many other possibilities that to settle on a single theory would be a folly.

    • @comradeconrad3636
      @comradeconrad3636 Рік тому +4

      Tyrion would have noticed Septon Lamore having purple eyes especially after noticing young griffs but he says nothing of purple eyes. He's trying to figure her out that entire time he was on the pole boat like he did with Griff and young Griff tyrion is not oblivious or dumb he would have questioned her purple eyes matching the king if she had them. No way she's ashara and if she is it's poor writing and not like GRRM.

    • @starking2162
      @starking2162 11 місяців тому

      @@comradeconrad3636Tyrion basically never talks about a woman’s eye color, especially if he finds her attractive which he definitely does find Lamore attractive. The lack of him mentioning her eye color is irrelevant given we technically didn’t know a full description of dany’s dragons right off the bat, or any number of small details which could spoil a surprise or mystery.

    • @comradeconrad3636
      @comradeconrad3636 11 місяців тому

      @@starking2162 I do agree with that last part if there is any withholding it's to not give the plot away but I still think it's weak writing to have him on a boat with a character who if is Ashara the eye color would give it away or prove it but then have him do exactly that with young Griff on that same boat in the same chapters. It just makes no sense it doesn't do anything for the plot it just leaves loose ends and questions and tyrion is a dwarf he survive by being observant and by understanding what people want there secrets there ambitions he's a problem solver so it would be weird for him to not notice the eyes if they were purple especially after young Griff being called out like why not have her be his mom for the ruse she has the stretch marks he points out you don't think he wouldn't see matching eyes and think maybe the mother? I'm not trying to bash the theory but it's weak writing and GRRM Is anything but that and does nothing for the plot.

    • @comradeconrad3636
      @comradeconrad3636 11 місяців тому

      @@starking2162 and he is always thinking about his sisters eyes when they are talking from emeralds to flakes of gold he compares then to his dad's calls them wildfyre he does too mention women's eyes I'm pretty sure thats the first thing he thinks about when he meets shay calls them brown doe eye's

  • @pamjames9077
    @pamjames9077 Рік тому +2

    I love your content, so different from the rest. Keep up your great work ❤

  • @izzyjoshuadavis
    @izzyjoshuadavis Рік тому

    All of this video seems so spot on and insightful. I hope it's all true.

  • @iwd8921
    @iwd8921 Рік тому +22

    I've always thought the Dragons black or Red were a gigantic redherring, covering for a green/gold.
    Namely that Varys or Young Griff is actually a Brightflame through Maegor, Aerion's son.

    • @philipus.
      @philipus. Рік тому +5

      Lmaooooo justo, imagine 180 years later, the Greens win

  • @benjaminalderson5644
    @benjaminalderson5644 Рік тому +12

    I imagine that in the end Varys will fail and die, being proven wrong about his assertion of power. He says power lies where people think it lies, and he will manipulate and lie to achieve it. Jon will prove that power is earned through respect and integrity, and Dany will prove that power lies with WMD dragons.

  • @barbados3592
    @barbados3592 4 місяці тому

    what you said at the end about varys was so awesome bro. 😂

  • @TheToma305
    @TheToma305 Рік тому

    I wasn't on the fence, but that last revelation sealed the deal lmfao. Well done!

    • @TheToma305
      @TheToma305 Рік тому

      I subbed in other words and look forward to browsing your content!

    • @KevinPendragon
      @KevinPendragon  Рік тому

      Thanks and I hope you enjoy