DeepSummary
The podcast episode delves into the early life of Varys, the eunuch and master of whisperers in the Game of Thrones series. It explores his origins as a slave and orphan in Lys, his time with a mummer's troupe, and the traumatic ritual where he was castrated by a sorcerer but chose to live. The episode examines Varys's transition from a thief and criminal in Pentos to becoming partners with Illyrio Mopatis, stealing and selling secrets.
Varys's methods of training orphaned children, known as 'little birds,' to be his spies are discussed, highlighting the cruel and inhumane treatment they endured. The hosts analyze whether Varys has noble intentions for the realm or purely selfish ambitions, questioning if his hatred for magic and sorcery is genuine.
The episode draws parallels between Varys and other characters like Arya, Daenerys, and Ned Stark, exploring the themes of power, control, and the consequences of traumatic childhoods. It considers Varys's potential reaction to the growing supernatural elements in the story and whether his well-executed plans will crumble in the face of the impending threats.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Varys's past and origins are shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts and potential fabrications.
- Varys's methods of training and exploiting orphaned children, known as 'little birds,' are cruel and inhumane.
- Varys's motivations and intentions for the realm are ambiguous, with debates around whether he has noble goals or purely selfish ambitions.
- Varys's claimed hatred for magic and sorcery is questioned, given his own potential involvement in supernatural rituals.
- Varys's character draws parallels to other characters like Arya, Daenerys, and Ned Stark, exploring themes of power, control, and the consequences of traumatic childhoods.
- The growing supernatural elements in the story, such as the White Walkers and the return of magic, may pose a threat to Varys's carefully executed plans.
- The episode raises questions about the truthfulness and reliability of Varys's accounts of his past, suggesting potential embellishments or fabrications.
- Varys's partnership with Illyrio Mopatis and their criminal activities, including stealing and selling secrets, are explored in detail.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Yet I still dream of that night, my lord. Not of the sorcerer, nor his blade, nor even the way my manhood shriveled as it burned. I dream of the voice, the voice from the flames. Was it a God? A demon? Some conjurer's trick? I could not tell you. And I know all the tricks. All I can say for a certainty is that he called it and it answered. And since that day, I have hated magic and all those who practice it.“ by Varys
- “I do think we're saying that it wasn't a ritual like we're seeing, like he's describing.“ by Sean
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Episode Information
History of Westeros (Game of Thrones)
History of Westeros
3/18/24
A look at the early life of the man who became the most devious in the Seven Kingdoms. We’ll delve into his days on the street, learning to steal and survive, to the mummer’s troupe and being sold for a ritual that maimed him. When left to die, he vowed to live, and what a life it was for the Spider… From near death to Prince of Thieves and a lifelong partnership with a certain bravo named Illyrio Mopatis.
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