Game of Thronesintroduces many characters over its eight seasons, butone of the HBO show’s introductions stands out as the greatest— and it really isn’t close. It makes sense that a sprawling fantasy series likeGame of Throneshas a huge cast. Even supporting players boast deeper motivations and fleshed-out backstories.George R.R. Martin’s bookshave even more characters to follow, so it’s crucial for both versions of the story to make memorable impressions with their most important players.
AndGame of Thronessucceeds on that front, especially when it comes to one of the most influential characters in the series. While Tyrion shows off his wits during his very first scene, and characters like Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister reveal what type of people they are,Tywin Lannister has the bestGame of Thronesintroduction overall. Tywin makes his entrance inGame of Thronesseason 1, episode 7, “You Win or You Die,” and it’s immediately clear what a great character he’s going to be.
Why Tywin Lannister Has A Perfect introduction In Game Of Thrones
Charles Dance Conveys The Character’s Power & Influence Instantly
“You Win or You Die” introduces Tywin during its opening scene, which features a conversation between the Lannister patriarch and Jaime. It’s a perfect introduction for the character, asCharles Dance has a powerful presence and instantly conveys who Tywin is. Tywin commands a respect that few other characters in Westeros do, and his first scene demonstrates why. He’s fierce and ruthless, even in discussion with his own son. As Tywin chastises Jaime for attacking Ned, and then for not killing him, viewers come to understand why he’s so feared among the Great Houses.
Tywin obviously knows how to play the game, and he has the power and influence to do so.
Tywin’s introduction also clarifies why the Lannisters have risen to such great heights.He has strong opinions about what it means to be a Lannister, telling Jaime that “The lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinion of sheep.“It’s clear that he’s not afraid of other lords, but he’s also insistent on upholdingthe Lannisters' reputation. He’s even willing to go to war for Tyrion’s sake if it means his family name commands respect. Tywin obviously knows how to play the game, and he has the power and influence to do so. This is all conveyed during a single scene.
Tywin’s Introduction Included Some Smart Foreshadowing
It Hinted At Robert Baratheon’s Fate Before It Happened
In addition to giving a clear indication of who Tywin is,the character’s firstGame of Thronesscene features brilliant foreshadowing. Tywin’s conversation with Jaime occurs as Tywin is skinning a stag, a task he goes about with the same competence and authority he demonstrates politically. The inclusion of the stag has a deeper meaning, though, as the animal is the sigil of House Baratheon. It’s no coincidence that Tywin is seen skinning a stag right before Cersei Lannister orchestrates Robert Baratheon’s death via “hunting accident” in “You Win or You Die.”
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The dead stag at the beginning of the episode alludes to Robert’s fate, and the fact that Tywin is the one skinning it is relevant.It hints that the Lannisters will overtake the Baratheons, something that happens almost immediately after Tywin is introduced. It’s thanks to Tywin’s commanding presence and political savvy that they manage to maintain their hold on power for so long inGame of Thrones. And that’s entirely believable thanks to the series' introduction of the character.
Tywin Was One Of Game Of Thrones' Most Important Characters
It’s fitting that Tywin Lannister has such a strong introduction, ashe’s one of the most important characters inGame of Thrones.He’s obviously critical to upholding the power structure in Westeros, and specifically, King’s Landing. Things fall apart quickly after Tywin’s death, particularly for the Lannisters. The family loses their hold over the other Great Houses, and the High Sparrow becomes bold enough to move against them. One gets the feeling that the later seasons wouldn’t have happened if Tywin had been there to forge alliances and stoke fear in his enemies.
Tywin Lannister dies inGame of Thronesseason 4, episode 10, “The Children.”
Tywin’s importance inGame of Thronesgoes beyond the actual story, too, extending to the feel of the show. His absence is palpable after Tyrion kills him in season 4, withGame of Thronestaking on a much different tone. Some of this has to do with the showrunners departing from the books and the central conflict turning around for the Starks and Targaryens. But there’s definitely something missing without Dance’s appearances, proving how influential Tywin was off-screen as well.
Game Of Thrones
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Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
