Game of Thrones: Why Did Tyrion Kill Tywin Lannister?

Game of Thrones: Why Did Tyrion Kill Tywin Lannister?

As a long-time follower of the captivating saga that is “A Song of Ice and Fire”, I find it quite intriguing to delve into the complexities of Tywin Lannister’s demise, both on screen and in print. While the show offers a more sympathetic portrayal of Tyrion, the books provide a more comprehensive insight into the multitude of sins that Tywin has committed over the years.


One aspect that garnered significant attention for “Game of Thrones” during its original airing was its unique handling of character deaths. Unlike many other shows that attempt to convey intricacy by occasionally eliminating insignificant characters, HBO’s captivating fantasy show had a knack for letting major figures meet untimely ends with surprising regularity. From the shock of witnessing Ned Stark’s beheading or Joffrey Baratheon’s poisoning, to the satisfying moment when Tyrion Lannister took Tywin’s life, what drove him to pull the trigger in that final act?

House of the Dragon remains an engaging and entertaining series, yet viewers miss numerous characters from its precursor due to the deep connections they formed with performers in Game of Thrones. While both series boast impressive casts, it took audiences years to develop affection for Jon, Arya, and Tyrion in the earlier series. Now, fans are beginning to appreciate Rhaenyra, Alicent, and Aegon to a similar extent, but may never fully replace the intricate legacy left by their predecessors. Characters from the prior era continue to hold immense influence.

Why Did Tyrion Kill His Father, Tywin Lannister?

Game of Thrones: Why Did Tyrion Kill Tywin Lannister?

Two perspectives exist regarding Tyrion’s murder of Tywin: it can be seen as an act driven by intense emotion and retaliation for a lifetime of mistreatment. In the immediate aftermath, Tyrion killed Tywin because he had ruined the only genuine affection in his life – a woman named Shae. During their travels with the Lannister army in the Riverlands, Tyrion encountered Shae and brought her back to King’s Landing. Paralleling an earlier relationship between Tyrion and another sex worker, Tywin exploited Tyrion’s love for Shae by manipulating the situation when Joffrey died at the Red Wedding. Shae became a key witness against Tyrion, lying under oath to frame him and secure a guilty verdict. While Tyrion bears some responsibility for his treatment of Shae throughout their relationship, leaving her with limited options for support. Facing death, Tyrion demands a trial by combat. Unfortunately, his champion loses, and he’s left with no other choice but to escape King’s Landing. On his way out, Tyrion makes one last stop…

1. In his chambers, Tyrion approaches with undetermined intentions, preparing to meet Varys to set sail for the Free Cities. Upon entering Tywin’s room, he finds Shae lying bare in his father’s bed, a cruel parting gesture to Tyrion before sending him off to die. The atmosphere is thick with tension, but Shae remains unaffected, unwilling to make it a tearful farewell. Realizing the grave betrayal she has committed against him and her own danger, Shae attacks Tyrion with a knife. In a mix of self-preservation and furious jealousy, Tyrion strangles Shae with his father’s chain. Regretting his actions yet apologetic to his lifeless lover, Tyrion finds strength. He grabs Joffrey’s crossbow and confronts Tywin in the privy. After a heated exchange, Tywin belittles Shae repeatedly. In response, Tyrion shoots Tywin fatally and flees to the Free Cities.

What Events Led Up To Tyrion Killing Tywin?

In essence, a comprehensive overview of Tyrion’s life journey would encompass the storyline. Starting from Tywin’s harsh and abusive treatment towards Tyrion, born out of his contempt due to his dwarfism, as Tywin held him responsible for his wife’s death during childbirth. The family harbored resentment towards Tyrion, which he carried throughout his life. Despite Tywin’s initial granting of luxurious living due to their name, he never truly valued or accepted Tyrion.

You are a poorly crafted being, filled with malice, greed, and underhanded cleverness. Society grants you the privilege to carry my name and bear my emblem, for I cannot definitively claim you as mine. To instill humility in me, the gods have decreed that I must witness you strutting around, donning the proud lion emblem – a symbol once borne by my father, and his father before him.

1. Initially, Tyrion’s elder brother Jaime relinquished his claim to the castle by joining the Kingsguard. Tywin intended for Tyrion to become a member of the Night’s Watch, sending him to spend the rest of his life on the Wall, while Jaime would break his Kingsguard vows to seize Casterly Rock. However, Tywin hadn’t foreseen that Tyrion would request a trial by combat and make an escape after losing. The act of killing his father by Tyrion can be seen as a passionate crime born out of opportunity rather than premeditation. Shae was the final triggering event following a lifetime of mistreatment and abuse that ultimately led to Tyrion’s decision to pull the trigger, knowing that he was already on the run with death looming over him.

How Is Tywin’s Death Different In The Books?

Game of Thrones: Why Did Tyrion Kill Tywin Lannister?

1. The TV series presents a somewhat lenient portrayal towards both Tyrion and Tywin, as the scene shows Tyrion killing Shae without any immediate threat to himself. In the show, HBO’s Shae tries to defend herself, which might be seen as her striking the first blow, thereby providing some justification for Tyrion’s violence. On the other hand, the books do not offer him such a reason; he chokes her to death out of vengeance for her betrayal, both in this instance and during his trial.

In the series Game of Thrones, Tyrion’s murder of his father may be among the least questionable acts. The books delve deeper into Tyrion’s intentions for vengeance against multiple sins he feels wronged by. The show portrays the killing as more of an impulsive act driven by emotion, yet it’s hard to conceive that he hadn’t contemplated it for years. Tyrion ultimately killed his father after a lifetime of physical abuse and enduring numerous betrayals, culminating in a mix of intense feelings and the right moment. Forgiveness seems highly unlikely in this scenario.

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2024-08-20 02:03