Unveiling Westeros’ Secret Weapon: The Most Influential Maesters of Game of Thrones!

Summary

Maesters in Game of Thrones have complex backgrounds and play crucial, often overlooked roles.
Notable Maesters like Pycelle, Cressen, and Qyburn have a significant impact on the storyline.
Characters like Wolkan, Luwin, and Aemon showcase loyalty, dedication, and moral compass within the series.

Game of Thrones, even with its debated finale, is undoubtedly destined for greatness among television shows, having been brilliantly brought to life from George R.R. Martin’s acclaimed novel series A Song of Ice and Fire. This gripping fantasy show unfolds the story of Westeros, a world steeped in deception, conflict, and power struggles. At its core lies the saga of House Stark as they are embroiled in a chilling secret and fight to endure amidst the impending collapse of the Seven Kingdoms.

In the series, numerous characters receive outstanding treatment, boasting some of the most intriguing backstories found in fiction. However, certain characters leave viewers yearning for more screen time. Among the enigmatic and cunning figures in Game of Thrones, the Maesters stand out as monkish scholars devoted to academic pursuits. Although some are honorable and insightful, others can be far from virtuous. Here’s a rundown of top-notch Maesters from Game of Thrones, ranked according to merit.

7. Grand Maester Pycelle

The Lowest Of The Low

First Appearance: Season One, Episode Three, “Lord Snow”

Maester Pycelle, who served in King’s Landing, was known for his unscrupulous behavior and loyalty to whoever held the Iron Throne. He frequently displayed deceitful actions and was often depicted as an elderly man past his prime on the television series ‘Game of Thrones’.

Maester Pycelle was a cunning servant in King’s Landing, who showed questionable loyalty to those sitting on the Iron Throne and was known for his underhanded actions. On the show ‘Game of Thrones’, he was portrayed as an old man who had passed his prime and often made mistakes.

One striking characteristic of Maester Pycelle was his keen survival sense, which frequently led him to act the jester, a tactic designed to diffuse power and elevate his own position. However, it wasn’t until Tywin Lannister resumed his role as Hand of the King that Pycelle truly revealed his true self.

6. Maester Wolkan

A Noble Man Caught In An Ignoble Time

First Appearance: Season Six, Episode Two, “Home”

Master Wolkan held a lesser part in “Game of Thrones,” first introduced as a servant to House Bolton, where he functioned as their Maester. Despite being a tranquil man devoid of any appetite for the savagery and brutality exhibited by the Boltons, Wolkan endured much distress in his duties.

One thing that weighed heavily on him was being forced to give Myranda to Ramsey’s dogs to be devoured. After the Battle of the Bastards and House Bolton’s fall, Maester Wolkan would find himself serving Jon Snow and Lady Sansa Stark in a new role. In his revised position, Maester Wolkan flourishes in his element.

5. Maester Cressen

A Tragic Loss Of Someone Who Tried To Do The Right Thing

First Appearance: Season Two, Episode One, “The North Remembers”

Master Cressen held a post in the Citadel and functioned as a trusted counselor for Stannis Baratheon. He was an elderly and experienced Maester, deeply rooted in tradition, and grew increasingly uneasy with the course Stannis seemed to be taking under the influence of the Red Priestess.

Master Cressen was known for his wise and patient demeanor, earning favor among many who encountered him, including Shireen, whom he tutored in reading. In a final attempt to save Stannis from his impending doom, Cressen made a move that ultimately proved futile – he tried to eliminate the Red Priestess. Tragically, this plan led to Cressen’s own demise, resulting in an undesirable conclusion for him.

4. Archmaester Ebrose

An Even Amount Of Wisdom And Common Sense

First Appearance: Season Seven, Episode One, “Dragonstone”

Archmaester Ebrose, as far as we know from ‘Game of Thrones’, might be the most prominent Maester character. He first appeared in the opening episode of the seventh season, titled “Dragonstone.” Archmaester Ebrose is one of the select few Maesters who form the council that governs the entire order. He exhibits exceptional intelligence and maintains a humble demeanor.

Ebrose appears as a wise and receptive character compared to most other Maesters, who seem to flaunt their chains as if they were royal crowns. In the world of Game of Thrones, Ebrose is the Maester who recognized Sam’s potential and took him under his guidance. Despite his brief screen time, Ebrose made a profound impact on the series.

3. Maester Qyburn

A Pragmatic Man Of Science

First Appearance: Season Three, Episode One, “Valar Dohaeris”

In the sixth season of Game of Thrones, Maester Pycelle passed away unexpectedly, with Maester Qyburn taking his place. Qyburn swiftly aligned himself with Queen Cersei and rapidly established a strong presence in her court. Known for his uninhibited exploration and scientific advancements, he often conducted tests on subjects deemed undesirable or unworthy, demonstrating a lack of empathy and self-restraint in his work.

Although Qyburn’s techniques were extremely risky, his outcomes and determination mirrored the principles the Maesters stood for. He defended his actions by stating that each life he ended was compensated by the many lives he preserved along the way.

2. Maester Luwin

A Maester Of Loyalty And Conviction

First Appearance: Season One, Episode Five, “The Wolf and the Lion”

Master Luwin was closely associated with House Stark at Winterfell, offering counsel to all members of the family and serving as something of a parental guide to their youngest offspring. It was under his care that Master Luwin tended to Bran Stark following Jamie Lannister’s fateful push from the tower.

Maester Luwin demonstrated a vast understanding of medicine, history, and military strategy. Following the demise of Ned Stark, he took it upon himself to shield Bran and Rickon from Theon Greyjoy, disregarding his vow to do what was morally correct. In the end, Maester Luwin passed away as a virtuous man, which is seldom found in Westeros.

1. Maester Aemon

A Dedicated Maester Of The Night’s Watch

First Appearance: Season One, Episode Three, “Lord Snow”

In the initial season, during episode three, it was Maester Aemon who made his debut as Jon Snow became a member of the Night’s Watch. He is among the oldest Maesters to feature in the series and undeniably intriguing. Despite his deteriorating health, he managed to endure the cold, unforgiving environment at the Wall without faltering in his responsibilities.

Throughout his tenure, he functioned as a mentor for Jon Snow, guiding him towards becoming the Lord of the Night’s Watch. Notably, Aemon harbors a hidden truth: he is a relative of the Targaryen dynasty, a connection that was lost to history upon his induction into the order of Maesters.

2025-07-05 04:54