Skip to main content

Under what charges was this character executed in Game of Thrones, The Bells?


In the last episode of Game of Thrones (season 8, episode 5)



Daenerys executed her master spy, Lord Varys, for treason by burning him alive.



I do understand that he was favouring



Jon Snow



to be the king of the Seven Kingdoms because he thought that he would make a better ruler than Daenerys. Plus, he said several times during the show that




for him it doesn't matter who sits on the Iron Throne, because he fights for the people, so he will favour whoever he sees will be the best ruler for the people.



However, other than the obvious fact that was prompting



Jon Snow



to take the crown (in a private conversation, which never arrived to Daenerys because she had shut herself in the castle), I saw no actual treason that would justify his sentence.


From what I understood he just “knew the truth about the heir to the Iron Throne” the same as Tyrion did (and basically half the main characters of the show thanks to Sansa).


So was there a formal accusation held against him for his sentence, or was he executed just because Daenerys wanted to do so?




Answer



He was executed for treason, the main reason appears to be because he was conspiring outside of Dany's orders to inform everyone who Jon Snow is and that he has a better claim to the Iron Throne and so should sit on it instead of her.



Tyrion: Your Grace? There's something you need to know.


Daenerys: Someone has betrayed me.


Tyrion: Yes.


Daenerys: Jon Snow.


Tyrion: Varys.


[...]


Tyrion: If I have failed you, my queen, forgive me. Our intentions were good. We wanted what you want. A better world, all of us. Varys as much as anyone.



Daenerys: But it doesn't matter now.


Tyrion: No. It doesn't matter now.


Game of Thrones, Season 8 Episode 5, "The Bells"



Note though that Tyrion is aware that Varys would also try to assassinate Dany following their conversation in the previous episode so could have told her that off screen.



Varys: You know where my loyalty stands. You know I will never betray the realm.


Tyrion: What is the realm? A vast continent, home to millions of people, most of whom don't care who sits on the Iron Throne.


Varys: Millions of people, many of whom will die if the wrong person sits on that throne. We don't know their names, but they're just as real as you and I. They deserve to live. They deserve food for their children. I will act in their interest, no matter the personal cost.


Tyrion: So, what happens to her? Please. Don't.



Varys: I've spoken as honestly as I can. Each of us has a choice to make. I pray we choose wisely.


Game of Thrones, Season 8 Episode 4, "The Last of the Starks"



In "The Bells" it also appears that Varys is trying to poison her through the use of Martha bringing her food. However, Dany seems to be somewhat wise to an attempt to kill her and has locked herself away and isn't eating.



Varys: And? Nothing?


Martha: She won't eat.


Varys: We'll try again at supper.


Martha: I think they're watching me.


Varys: Who?



Martha: Her soldiers.


Varys: Of course they are. That's their job. What have I told you, Martha?


Martha: The greater the risk, the greater the reward.


Varys: Go on. They'll be missing you in the kitchen.


Game of Thrones, Season 8 Episode 5, "The Bells"



It’s also worth noting as mentioned in a comment that Dany made Varys promise to tell her to her face instead of going behind her back if he ever thought she was in the wrong. Whilst he has done that initially she ignored his advice and so now he’s going behind her back against her wishes so that probably plays a part in it too.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

harry potter - Did Dolores Umbridge Have Any Association with Voldemort (or Death Eaters) before His Return?

I noticed that Dolores Umbridge was born during the first Wizarding War, so it's very likely she wasn't a Death Eater then (but she is pretty evil -- who knows?). After that Voldemort was not around in a way that could affect many people, and most wouldn't know he was planning to rise again. During that time, and up through Voldemort's return (in Goblet of Fire ), did Umbridge have any connection with the Death Eaters or with Voldemort? Was she doing what she did on her own, or was it because of an association with Voldemort or his allies? Answer Dolores Umbridge was definitely not a good person. However, as Sirius points out, "the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters". Remember that he also says that he doesn't believe Umbridge to be a Death Eater, but that she's evil enough (or something like that). I think there are two strong reasons to believe that: Umbridge was proud to do everything according to the law, except when she trie...

What is the etymology of Doctor Who?

I recently decided to watch Doctor Who, and started viewing the 2005 version. I have the first two episodes from the first season, and I can't help but wonder what is the etymology of the name "Doctor Who"? And why does the protagonist call himself "the Doctor" (or is it "the doctor")? Answer In the very first episode of Doctor Who (way back in 1963), the Doctor has a granddaughter going by the name "Susan Foreman", and the junkyard where the TARDIS is has the sign "I.M. Foreman". Barbara, who becomes one of the Doctor's companions, calls him "Doctor Foreman" (probably assuming that is his name given his relationship to Susan), and Ian (another early companion) does the same in the second episode, to which the Doctor says: Eh? Doctor who? What's he talking about? "Foreman" is most likely selected as a convenient surname for Susan to use because it happened to be on display near where the TARDIS landed....

story identification - Animation: floating island, flying pests

At least 20 years ago I watched a short animated film which stuck in my mind. The whole thing was wordless, possibly European, and I'm pretty sure I didn't imagine it... It featured a flying island which was inhabited by some creatures who (in my memory) reminded me of the Moomins. The island was frequently bothered by large winged animals who swooped around, although I don't think they did any actual damage. At the end one of the moomin creatures suddenly gets a weird feeling, feels forced to climb to the top of the island and then plunges down a shaft right through the centre - only to emerge at the bottom as one of the flyers. Answer Skywhales from 1983. The story begins with a man warning the tribe of approaching skywhales. The drummers then warn everybody of the hunt as everyone get prepared to set "sail". Except one man is found in his home sleeping as the noise wake him up. He then gets ready and is about to take his weapon as he hesitates then decides ...