Tyrion Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen, two of the most compelling characters in “Game of Thrones,” finally crossed paths in Season 5, Episode 7, titled “The Gift.” This meeting marked a pivotal turning point in the series, setting the stage for future alliances and conflicts that would shape the destiny of Westeros.
The Significance of Their First Encounter
The meeting between Tyrion and Daenerys wasn’t just a casual encounter; it was a confluence of intellect, experience, and shared ambition. Both characters were navigating precarious positions, burdened by familial legacies and the heavy weight of leadership. Tyrion, having escaped King’s Landing after being falsely accused of regicide, sought a purpose beyond survival. Daenerys, ruling Meereen, struggled to balance her vision for a just society with the harsh realities of power and the traditions of Slaver’s Bay.
Their initial conversation revealed a mutual respect born from understanding each other’s difficult pasts and recognizing their strategic value. Tyrion, with his sharp wit and political acumen, offered Daenerys invaluable counsel. Daenerys, in turn, saw in Tyrion a loyal and intelligent advisor, someone who could help her navigate the complex political landscape of Westeros and beyond. The formation of this alliance proved crucial to Daenerys’s future attempts to reclaim the Iron Throne.
The Events Leading Up to the Meeting
To fully appreciate the significance of their meeting, it’s essential to understand the events that led both characters to Meereen.
Tyrion’s Journey East
After the traumatic events of the Purple Wedding and the subsequent trial, Tyrion, wrongly accused of poisoning King Joffrey, fled King’s Landing with the help of Varys. They traveled across the Narrow Sea, eventually seeking refuge in Pentos, where they met Illyrio Mopatis. Illyrio arranged for Tyrion to join Jorah Mormont on his journey to Meereen, hoping to present him to Daenerys. However, their journey was far from smooth, fraught with danger and unexpected encounters.
Daenerys’s Reign in Meereen
Meanwhile, Daenerys, having liberated Yunkai and Astapor, arrived in Meereen, a city steeped in the traditions of slavery. She conquered the city and vowed to abolish slavery, but her reign was met with resistance from the former masters and growing unrest among the freedmen. Daenerys faced constant challenges, including assassinations, rebellions, and the re-emergence of the Sons of the Harpy, a violent group opposed to her rule. Her leadership was tested at every turn, forcing her to make difficult decisions that often had unintended consequences.
The Impact of Their Alliance
The alliance between Tyrion and Daenerys proved to be incredibly fruitful. Tyrion’s counsel helped Daenerys refine her strategies, navigate the complexities of Westerosi politics, and ultimately make decisions that significantly impacted her quest for the Iron Throne. He served as her Hand of the Queen, offering invaluable advice on matters of war, diplomacy, and governance. While their relationship faced its own trials and disagreements, their initial connection remained a cornerstone of Daenerys’s power base.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Why was Tyrion fleeing King’s Landing?
Tyrion was falsely accused of assassinating King Joffrey at his wedding, the infamous “Purple Wedding.” He was tried and initially sentenced to death, but managed to escape with the help of his brother Jaime and Varys. This ordeal solidified his disillusionment with his family and the corrupt political system of King’s Landing.
FAQ 2: What was Jorah Mormont’s role in bringing Tyrion to Daenerys?
Jorah Mormont, exiled from Westeros for treason, initially intended to bring Tyrion to Daenerys to regain her favor. He hoped that delivering a valuable asset like Tyrion would earn him a pardon and allow him to return to her service. He believed Tyrion’s knowledge and influence would be beneficial to Daenerys’s cause.
FAQ 3: What did Daenerys initially think of Tyrion?
Daenerys was initially wary of Tyrion, recognizing his Lannister lineage and the reputation of his family. However, she was intrigued by his intelligence, wit, and his genuine desire to help her. She saw in him a potential ally who could offer valuable insights into the political landscape of Westeros.
FAQ 4: How did Tyrion convince Daenerys to trust him?
Tyrion convinced Daenerys to trust him by demonstrating his understanding of power, his strategic mind, and his willingness to offer honest and often critical advice. He also revealed his own complicated history with his family, showcasing his empathy and a genuine desire to create a better world. He also subtly hinted at his strategic mind and his hatred for Cersei, thereby convincing Daenerys that he was on her side.
FAQ 5: What specific advice did Tyrion give Daenerys early on?
Early on, Tyrion advised Daenerys on how to effectively govern Meereen, suggesting strategies for dealing with the Sons of the Harpy and the challenges of abolishing slavery. He also counseled her on the importance of diplomacy and building alliances, particularly in Westeros. He advocated for a more measured approach to conquest, emphasizing the need to win hearts and minds.
FAQ 6: What was the immediate consequence of their meeting in terms of the storyline?
The immediate consequence of their meeting was the establishment of a formal alliance. Tyrion became Daenerys’s advisor, a position that granted him significant influence in her court. This alliance significantly strengthened Daenerys’s position and set the stage for her eventual invasion of Westeros.
FAQ 7: Did Jorah Mormont approve of Tyrion becoming Daenerys’s advisor?
Jorah Mormont was initially resentful of Tyrion’s arrival and subsequent appointment as Daenerys’s advisor. He saw Tyrion as a threat to his own position and his hopes of regaining Daenerys’s favor. However, he eventually came to respect Tyrion’s abilities and recognized his value to Daenerys.
FAQ 8: How did Varys contribute to Tyrion’s journey to Daenerys?
Varys played a crucial role in orchestrating Tyrion’s escape from King’s Landing and his subsequent journey to Daenerys. He believed that Daenerys was the best hope for Westeros and that Tyrion’s intelligence and experience would be invaluable to her cause. He considered it his duty to bring them together.
FAQ 9: What other significant events occurred in “The Gift” besides Tyrion’s meeting with Daenerys?
“The Gift” also featured significant developments at Winterfell, where Sansa Stark endured further torment at the hands of Ramsay Bolton. At Castle Black, Maester Aemon passed away. In Dorne, Jaime Lannister continued his attempt to rescue Myrcella Baratheon. These events underscored the multifaceted nature of the narrative and the interconnectedness of the various storylines.
FAQ 10: How did Tyrion’s understanding of the Great Houses of Westeros help Daenerys?
Tyrion’s extensive knowledge of the Great Houses of Westeros, their histories, their strengths, and their weaknesses, proved invaluable to Daenerys as she prepared to reclaim the Iron Throne. He was able to advise her on which Houses to trust, which to fear, and how to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries that defined Westerosi politics.
FAQ 11: What were some of the challenges Tyrion and Daenerys faced while ruling together?
Tyrion and Daenerys faced numerous challenges while ruling together, including disagreements over strategy, conflicting moral viewpoints, and the constant threat of assassination and betrayal. Daenerys’s increasingly ruthless approach to leadership also caused tension between them, highlighting the complex moral dilemmas inherent in wielding power.
FAQ 12: Did Tyrion and Daenerys’s relationship remain strong until the end of the series?
While their relationship was tested by numerous conflicts and betrayals, Tyrion remained loyal to Daenerys for a significant portion of the series. However, Daenerys’s descent into madness and her ultimate decision to burn King’s Landing strained their relationship to the breaking point, ultimately leading to Tyrion’s involvement in her downfall. Their complex and evolving relationship remained a central theme throughout the later seasons of “Game of Thrones.”