HBO's Game of Thrones came to an end more than a year ago now, but the series has remained an integral part of pop culture. It's unlikely fans will forget about Westeros or the characters who reigned over it for quite some time, and many have made those characters a permanent part of their lives by getting them tattooed to their skin.
Fans looking for inspiration will be able to find any number of Game of Thrones tattoos online, but those inclined toward House Lannister will appreciate the ones that call back to the house that always pays its debts. Here are 10 Lannister tattoos that only devoted Game of Thrones fans will understand.
A Mind Needs Books
"A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone." This quote comes from Tyrion Lannister in season one, and it's never brought up again, so only a fan who has reread or rewatched Game of Thrones would be likely to recognize it. Still, it's a powerful argument for obtaining knowledge from the smartest Lannister of the bunch.
And Tyrion's love of books certainly comes in handy as the series progresses, with his wit getting him out of a number of predicaments. Who knows if Tyrion would have survived without reading so much? You can visit the tattoo artist, Aschiii, on Instagram here.
For The Kingslayer
This tattoo combines multiple symbols that pay homage to one specific member of the Lannister family: Jaime. This tattoo puts Jaime's nickname front and center, serving as a reminder that he became the Kingslayer after killing the Mad King. Of course, devoted fans also know that Jaime saved many lives in doing so.
True fans of the show will also appreciate the smaller details of this tattoo, from the golden hand that represents Jaime's prosthetic later on in the series to the red ribbon that highlights one of the Lannister house colors.
The Opinions Of Sheep
This Lannister tattoo is based on something Tywin Lannister says to Jaime during the first season of the show, when Jaime wants to go charging in and save Tyrion from Catelyn Stark's clutches. During their conversation, Jaime being the Kingslayer comes up, and Tywin tells him that "a lion doesn't concern himself with the opinion of sheep."
While this tattoo puts a twist on the quote itself, it maintains the meaning behind it -- and thus, will still be recognizable to devoted fans. The lion and the crown are also small touches that allude to the Lannister family (at least, while they still reigned over Westeros).
The Rains Of Castamere
The red and gold lions on this tattoo clearly represent the Lannister family, but devoted fans will recognize the words as the lyrics to the "Rains of Castamere." A song that's more a less the anthem of the Lannister family, it tells the story of what happened to the Castamere family when they challenged the Lannisters.
Sadly, this is the same song that was played as a prelude to the Red Wedding -- a clear sign that they wanted to teach the Starks the same lesson as the Castameres.
Hand Of The King (Or Queen)
This art could easily pass as a regular lion tattoo if it wasn't for the red and gold gems and Hand of the King pin at the bottom. With those included, this definitely seems to be a tribute to the Lannister family -- and, more specifically, to Tyrion.
After all, Tyrion has served as Hand of the King -- and Queen -- on multiple occasions throughout the series. It's a detail only Game of Thrones fans might notice, but it's one that makes the art representative of the Lannister hold over Westeros -- which remains even after most of the family has perished.
I Drink And I Know Things
This tattoo features a red and gold wine glass with the Lannister sigil on it, a fitting symbol for a family that loves their wine (especially Tyrion and Cersei).
It also highlights one of Tyrion's most well-known quotes, a saying that devoted fans will be able to call upon without even thinking about it. During season six, Tyrion tells Grey Worm and Missandei, "That's what I do. I drink and I know things." Since then, it's become an iconic phrase that's been printed on plenty of merch -- and some skin, it would seem.
Burn Them All
One might hear the phrase "burn them all" and think of House Targaryen, but true fans will recall that Cersei Lannister also followed in the Mad King's footsteps by blowing up the Sept of Baelor while all of her enemies were inside of it.
This tattoo calls back to that moment, not just through the quote and image of Cersei, but also through its green background -- which is meant to represent the Wildfire she used to enact her revenge.
Cersei's Early Days
Given how much Cersei changes over the course of Game of Thrones, it may take a rewatch of the series to remember what she looked like during her early days on the show.
Of course, this tattoo shows Cersei when she first begins her quest for power -- and she looks jarringly different than her later-season self. For one, she's still got her long hair. She's also wearing the kimono-style dresses she used to show off during the earlier seasons, a perceptive detail to include. All in all, this is a reminder of Cersei's transformation as much as it is a dedication to her character.
Tyrion As A Deity
"I drink and I know things" may be the most well-known Tyrion phrase, but "I am the god of tits and wine" is a close second. Something he says during his third-season wedding to Sansa Stark, this has become an iconic line for the Imp, emphasizing his tendency to drink and sleep around during the show's earlier seasons.
The portrait of Tyrion that appears above the quote also pays plenty of attention to detail -- especially when it comes to the scars he receives during the Battle of the Blackwater.
Everything House Lannister
There's a lot going on in this tattoo, and it's very clearly dedicated to House Lannister. Devoted fans will notice just how many references call back to the family, though -- from their House saying and favorite quote, to the gold they're so well known for having.
The crown and swords also highlight the Lannister family's reign over Westeros, and their desire for power. And one can't forget a wine glass, especially if they're thinking of two specific members of House Lannister.