Tyrion Lannister is one of the most popular characters in Game of Thrones, with a repertoire of iconic quotes. Throughout the HBO fantasy drama, the Hand of the King endures several hardships while navigating the web of political schemes in Westeros.
The last heir of House Lannister learns a great deal as he struggles to overcome other people's perception of him. Tyrion works his way from rock bottom to considerable positions of power throughout the series. He emerges from the finale as a survivor of the game of thrones with valuable life lessons that viewers can learn from.
Read As Many Books As Possible
In Tyrion's own words; "A mind needs books like a swords needs a whetstone." Much of Tyrion's success is owed to his studious reading, from which he developed a unique understanding of the laws and history of Westeros and Essos.
The last Lannister's love of books helped make him one of the cleverest political figures in the Seven Kingdoms. Tyrion kept his mind sharp with literature and ultimately survived the game of thrones.
Have A Sense Of Humor
Tyrion's sharp sense of humor survives many dark periods in his journey. His wit endears him to unlikely characters like Jon Snow and Varys. Tyrion leaves King's Landing subdued after killing his father in season 4, but regains his comedic disposition while ruling Meereen in season 6.
He endures many low-points throughout the series but still manages to deliver a one-liner here and there. As with his love of reading, Tyrion's wit is another learnable asset that aids his political plans.
Pay Your Debts
Tyrion is a Lannister, and Lannisters always pay their debts. The Hand of the King survives his captivity in the Vale by paying his gold to Mord and promising a fortune to Bronn the sellsword. This leads to a long-term friendship and both characters' ascension to the Small Council.
Out of his siblings, Tyrion honored this Lannister catchphrase most and routinely paid his debts to other people. This approach worked well as he survived the fiery fates of Jaime and Cersei.
Don't Underestimate Family Members
Tyrion's relationship with his siblings was complicated. He was close with his Kingslayer brother, but Cersei made no secret that she despised Tyrion throughout the series.
Despite her hatred and all the evil things she has done, Tyrion underestimates his sister in season 7 and 8. His love for his family taints his position as Daenerys' Hand, causing a significant rift in his personal and professional lives.
Give Advice To The Right People
Tyrion made several mistakes as Daenerys' Hand, but his biggest might have been following the Targaryen queen in the first place. A disillusioned Tyrion meets the Mother of Dragons in season 5's "The Gift." This leads to a lasting alliance that many fans initially considered a dream team.
Tyrion tries to advise Daenerys as her Hand but begins to question her sanity in season 8. His fears are proven true when the Dragon Queen snaps in "The Bells" and destroys King's Landing with Drogon.
Talk With Confidence
Tyrion manages to talk himself out of several close calls in Game of Thrones. His sharp tongue is another of his greatest assets and has saved his life more than once.
Tyrion uses his words to avoid death at the hands of the mountain clans in season 1 and even convinces them to join his cause and fight for him. This skill continues to aid him until the series finale, where he convinces the lords and ladies to crown Bran as king, despite his status as a prisoner.
Embrace Rare Opportunities
Tyrion embraces several unique opportunities in the show. In season 1, he travels to the Wall with Jon Snow to behold the magical structure — and urinate from its precipice. In season 6, Tyrion has a close encounter with Daenerys' dragons, Rhaegal and Viserion, in the catacombs of Meereen.
The Hand of the King embraces rare occurrences, which contributes to his long-term survival. Tyrion's affinity with the dragons endears him to their mother, and he is instrumental in bringing Jon and Dany together in season 7.
Don't Drink Too Much
Tyrion is famous for drinking and knowing things. The Hand of the King, like his sister Cersei, expresses an enthusiastic appreciation for wine. In season 6, he remarks that he would like to open a vineyard of his own in the future while talking with Grey Worm and Missandei.
Tyrion's love of wine is almost his undoing, however. In season 5, the exiled Lannister turns to alcohol as he grows more bitter and bleak after killing Tywin and Shae.
Stand By Your Friends
Although Varys saved Tyrion from execution in season 4, Tyrion led Varys to his execution in season 8. Admittedly, the Spider had turned on their queen, trying to poison Daenerys and replace her with Jon Snow. Regardless, Varys' fears came to fruition when the Targaryen queen burns King's Landing.
In hindsight, Tyrion should probably have remained loyal to his best friend. Tyrion could have freed Varys from captivity as well as Jaime, sparing his best friend and his brother from Drogon's' flames.
Don't Rely On The Same Tricks
In season 1, Tyrion manages to save himself from execution in the Vale by demanding a trial by combat. This works successfully for him and leads to his alliance with Bronn, but the same trick fails when he is charged with Joffrey's murder in season 4.
Tyrion rejects Tywin's scheme to send him to the Wall and demands a trial by combat. Oberyn Martell fights as his champion, but the Viper is savagely killed by the Mountain, and Tyrion is sentenced to death. This mistake offers vital life lessons about scheming, survival, and the game of thrones.