Who does Varys really serve in Game of Thrones?

HE’S easily the most confusing character in a show which is notorious for, well, confusing people. So, whose side is Varys really on?

WARNING: If you haven’t seen up to season 4 episode 6 of Game of Thrones, and are concerned about spoilers, do not read on.

The first half contains spoilers up to Season 4. There is an additional section with book spoilers on the second half of this page. This second half contains spoilers for future episodes of Game of Thrones.

Who does Varys serve? (TV show):

Varys, The Spider, often insists he serves the realm, and he has served the realm, since the reign of the Mad King. Varys was a renowned spymaster and dealer of valuable information in Essos. As the Mad King Aerys II grew paranoid towards his subjects he heard about Varys and brought him to Westeros to be his master of whisperers. Varys served Aerys loyally, warning him against the betrayal of Tywin Lannister. Varys counselled Aerys to not open the gates of King’s Landing to Tywin’s “friendly” army. However, Aerys listened instead to Grandmaester Pycelle, and The Sack of King’s Landing was the result.

We don’t THINK he was on Joffrey’s side ...

After Robert’s Rebellion Varys was pardoned and taken on as the master of whisperers on The Small Council for Robert Baratheon. He has served the realm since then, putting on the appearance of a harmless member of the court. Few people see Varys as a threat, though he frequently spars with Littlefinger on the Small Council.

Season 1:

Varys is in King’s Landing when Eddard Stark comes to court, and offers his help. During this time Arya Stark overhears him secretly talking with Magister Illyrio. He is scheming to cause chaos and rebellion, in order to aid the Dothraki invasion by Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen. However, later in the meeting of The Small Council he supports Robert Baratheon in the assassination of Daenerys Targaryen. Ser Jorah Mormont is warned of the attempt by Varys, saving Daenerys. An interesting difference from the novels is Littlefinger’s knowledge of Varys and Illyrio’s meeting in the TV series.

Varys told Ned he was interested in “the good of the realm.”

Varys visits Ned Stark in prison, bringing him news of his daughters. He believes Ned will be spared if he admits guilt. Varys is shocked Ned trusted Littlefinger over himself, blaming Ned’s actions for the death of Robert Baratheon. Varys also seems to reveal his true intentions, saying to Ned he serves “The realm, my lord. Someone must.” He is disgusted that Ned Stark is executed and runs to Sansa’s aid when she passes out.

Season 2-4:

Varys supports Tyrion Lannister in his attempts to save King’s Landing, counselling him and becoming a trusted adviser and friend. He helps Tyrion bring Shae to court and keep her safe, showing concern for her welfare. He thanks Tyrion for saving them all from Stannis, even if none but Varys will remember his deeds. Varys also shares his past openly with Tyrion and seems to genuinely care for the realm and the people living in it. Due to his past and his castration at a young age for a wizard’s spell, he has a hatred of magic.

A shocking betrayal to Tyrion takes place when Varys testifies against him for the murder of Joffrey Baratheon. This raises several questions like did Varys have something to do with the return and testimony of Shae? It was Varys who advised Tyrion to send Shae away when Cersei Lannister found out about her.

Jon Snow is confused too. But he tends to be confused a lot.

Varys actions seem to suggest that he serves the revival of the Targaryen dynasty. He has conspired to bring Targaryens back on the Iron Throne but has also publicly supported their assassination. While undermining these efforts he also brings warning of Daenerys Targaryen’s growing power to The Small Council. He has aided Tyrion Lannister and Ned Stark, seemingly betraying Tyrion after a long alliance. Is Varys a force for good or evil and does he really serve the realm and its people first?

WARNING: There are spoilers for future events from books 3-5 of a Song of Ice and Fire. These events have not yet occurred in the TV series.

Who does Varys serve? (book):

In the books, Varys’ loyalty to the Targaryens is made very clear. After Ser Jorah Mormont’s betrayal is revealed to Daenerys Targaryen, Jorah says Varys wanted Daenerys watched but not harmed. When Tywin Lannister is murdered and Tyrion Lannister escapes his cell, Varys goes into hiding. He is not seen by characters for some time, and likely is lurking nearby, using the secret passages of the Red Keep. In A Dance with Dragons (Book 5) Varys is revealed to have switched the baby Aegon Targaryen with a tanner’s son. The swap was so Aegon Targaryen (“Young Griff”), believed to be dead, could be safely taken across the Narrow Sea. Varys plotted to keep Aegon in hiding, making sure he was trained be a true king for the good of the realm.

Dany doesn’t even know Varys exists. As far as we know.

At the end of A Dance with Dragons, Varys uses the secret passages of the Red Keep to kill Grandmaester Pycelle. He uses his “little birds”, young orphan spies he employs, to fetch Kevan Lannister, the current regent to King Tommen Baratheon. Varys shoots Kevan with a crossbow, showing regret that a good man such as Kevan must die, in order for the Targaryens to return. Kevan was working hard to bring peace to the realm, and his death will split the Lannister and Tyrell alliance, causing chaos. Aegon Targaryen, who has crossed the Narrow Sea, will return to a realm that is ready to accept him as ruler.

This article originally appeared on IGN.