A Game of Thrones: The World of Tyrion Lannister (by Ben Newman)

A Game of Thrones (published in 1996) describes a fantastical world full of political intrigue and lore. The author, George R. R. Martin, does an amazing job of pulling readers into his fictional realm reminiscent of medieval England, when the world was ripe with royal houses and civil war. A Game of Thrones is the pinnacle of the fantasy genre, among the likes of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to spend time in this iconic world, in particular because of how the charismatic character Tyrion Lannister is presented. 

In A Game of Thrones we follow House Stark, one of the main houses (i.e., a noble collective governed by a patriarch) sworn to the King, as they tread into dangerous territory when Eddard Stark takes a position as the King’s Hand (protector of the realm, advisor to the king, and surrogate ruler in the king’s stead). Eddard’s acceptance of the role of King’s Hand throws House Stark into the middle of a great plot for the future of the Kingdom (involving conflict between House Stark and Tyrion’s house, House Lannister). Eddard is just one of the many protagonists showcased throughout the novel. The book takes on a new point of view in every chapter, with each chapter following a particular protagonist. Not only does the book have multiple main characters, but it also has three distinct storylines happening simultaneously. One such storyline is about the wall to the far north which defends the kingdom from an evil supernatural force. Another storyline is the main conflict telling a tale about increased tensions between two houses fighting for the throne (House Stark and House Lannister), and a third story is about a dethroned noble taking refuge on another continent.

When reading this merry-go-round of characters, it is easy to find the one who sticks out the most. Tyrion Lannister is the son of a powerful and wealthy lord, Tywin Lannister. In the novel, Tyrion suffers from dwarfism. This, in addition to his mother dying in birthing him earns him the disdain of his father. Despite this, Tyrion seems to be less hateful and unnecessarily violent than the other characters in the novel. Because of his condition that affects him not just physically but socially as well, Tyrion can relate to another major character who also suffers from an affliction, Jon Snow. Jon Snow struggles because he is the illegitimate son of Eddard Stark, born out of wedlock to an unknown mother, meaning that he is a “bastard” and will inherit no titles or land, and will not represent his father in any tournaments or councils. While Tyrion is not labeled a bastard as his mother was his father’s wife, he states that “All dwarfs are bastards in their father’s eyes” (47). They both feel like unwanted children.

It is not seldom that in fantasy novels you find some shunned child of a powerful person (usually a main character), but most of these characters in other novels are quite similar to each other and grow rather bland or predictable. This is not the case with Tyrion. Instead of becoming a brooding, mysterious, disowned heir of some powerful monarch, A Game of Thrones gives us a look into the perspective of this man looked poorly upon by society despite his royal status. He is thought of as ugly and ridiculed for his height and stunted legs. The book often tells the reader how Tyrion thinks of his appearance to others, and how he is berated with words like “Imp,” or “Halfman” by the Mountain Clans. One quote from the book reads, “Tyrion arrived late, saddlesore, and sour, all too vividly aware of how amusing he must look as he waddled up the slope to his father” (564).

Despite all the ridicule Tyrion experiences from those around him, he does not seem to have a hatred for anyone. Tyrion tries his best to endure the harsh words and offers his advice to those around him to not let the mockery of others become too discouraging. In the first conversation Tyrion has with Jon Snow, Tyrion says, “Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you” (47). Tyrion, in general, is a charismatic character. He often talks his way out of many situations that would seem inescapable. For example, *Minor Spoilers ahead* when Tyrion is cornered by the Mountain Clans, outnumbered, Tyrion weaves together tales of his “clan” and how powerful they are. He then goes on to make large promises to them, some of which are nigh impossible. *Spoilers over* This is a trademark for Tyrion and it is always fun when it happens. 

In conclusion, A Game of Thrones is a novel worth reading for its unique characters and intrigue. Tyrion alone is almost enough reason to read this book. I have enjoyed reading it, and am almost finished with the book. In addition, this book is fairly long (nearly 700 pages), which may seem a little intimidating at first, but as the reader continues with the novel one may feel gratitude for its generous length. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the resilient characters in who navigate an adventurous world, as presented in George R. R. Martin’s fantasy story. Because of characters like Tyrion Lannister, Martin’s novel has climbed the ranks to be one of my favorite books.