For something to compliment Tywin Lannister, why not do Analyzing Evil videos on Joffrey Baratheon and Ramsay Bolton, who are more vicious and sadistic than Tywin.
He definitely does get dirty if needed. There was a scene they deleted where he was fishing and then gutting the fish. Deleted probably coz it's too much foreshadowing.
@@Gadget-Walkmen because Tywin has Roose Bolton gut Catelyn Stark and her lineage, and Catelyn came from the river lands, whose symbol is a fish. Given the broad symbology of the show, it’s pretty overt
@@TheKingsPride most people would NOT have known that at all as remembering the Symbols, banners, and signs of their houses. Most people would have completely forget ren or not even cared that Kathryn came from the “river lands” at all for you to even THINK that simply cutting a fish means it’s automatically foreshadowing at all. You just seem to big fan of the series to think that it comes anywhere CLOSE to being a “spoiler” at all. It’s not. FAR from it in anyway as most people would even notice Tywin cutting a fish as anything significant. Just as the same as most people didn’t know that Tywin gutting the Stag was meant to be symbolic of anything either, ALOT of people would not have know that or figured that out they simply don’t care about details like that at all.
Cersei you always reminded me so much of your mother sometimes that I tried hard to hide my sorrow behind my steel and today of all days on my deathbed I write to you as my son. My first born😎 son has emerged
Tywin Lannister is probably the only character that wasn't ruined in the show and is probably one of the most interesting and brilliantly written villain in the show and Game of Thrones book series and lore as a whole
The only one, really? What about Ned Stark, was he ruined? Robb Stark? Catlyn? You can safely say no character who died early was ruined, the writers had no opportunity to do so - because there were still the books as guideline. As soon as the book material dried out, it all went to shit.
@@ab4n1sg64 Yes he was. He specifically ordered Gregor Clegane, one of the most evil people in Westeros, to go into the Riverlands and r@pe, murder and pillage. Then there's what he did to Tyrion and Tysha when they were 13 and 12 years old respectively.
As great as the writing is, Charles Dance absolutely *killed it* with this role and deserves just as much if not more acknowledgement. Played to perfection, he’s a great actor. His work on “The Crown” was amazing also.
I always found it beautifully ironic how tywin despises Tyrion yet Tyrion has all the qualities as his son that tywin wishes Jamie had. Mentally, Tyrion was a spitting image of Tywin. Just as brilliant and cunning. Only difference being Tyrion wasn't heartless and knew how to enjoy life despite all the reasons he had to hate everything and everybody.
Tywin hated Tyrion because he caused the death of Joanna Lannister, the only woman or the only person he ever loved - and because Tyrion was a midget, which was commonly seen as a disgrace to a family, a punishment sent by the Seven gods, and Tywin couldn't do anything about it.
Consider that had Tyrion been born normal and his mother survived he likely would have turned out much more like Tywin. It’s largely circumstances and unique life experience that makes us who we are.
@@_Dovar_ And because Tyrion is the embodiment of the things he doesn't like about himself. -Tyrion is a brillant mind with an inferiority complex who cavorts with whores and despite his pretenses about not caring, he actually cares about how people see him, being willing to get revenge over any slight. This description is also applied to Tywin as well, as behind his armor, lies an insecure man obsessed with never being mocked and laughed at.
@@jizou1581 As George portrayed the Tywin and Tyrion characters in the book or as Charles Dance and Peter Dinklage portrayed those characters in the show? I haven’t read the books but I have heard that the character and story line were changed quite a lot for the show. That in the books Tyrion was far more angry, lecherous and debauched. Also that the sword blow to his face did remove his nose, that from that point forward he was too hideous to look at. So the book Tyrion certainly wouldn’t have become Hand to Joffrey or Dany. It was Peter Dinklage’s popular portrayal of Tyrion that brought all that about.
Tywin's death was perfect, like, actual perfection. He was a man who was obsessed with pride and nobility, and gets killed in humiliation while he's on the toilet. He also gets killed by the son he hated more than anyone else in the world. It's perfect writing, it's poetic.
The one thing you missed was Jaime's revelation about Tysha in the books. Tysha was never a whore, and Tywin concocted that lie just because she was small folk, and convinced Jaime to lie to his brother "for his own good". This action is not only fucking horrible, but it's only when Jaime confesses it to Tyrion that he makes the decision to kill Tywin.
Yeah... I'm definitely a tywin apologist, but I won't touch book tywin. He was far more evil in the books. In the show he really was just doing as he had to. Mostly to clean up after his failures of children lol. But yeah in the books... I liked he and aryas dynamic a lot more in the books, but the terror is just so much more potent.
@@dmitritelvanni4068 Tyrion confessed in the show that Tywin did that to Tysha also. Also him and Arya didn’t talk to each other once in the books. In the books it was roose Bolton that she briefly served at harrenhal
@@1162hunter shit honestly all the early tywin scenes were worth watching it for me. In his later days tho I definitely wasn't so enamored. He only turned colder and harder the more powerful he and his became.
I always thought the coldest thing Tywin ever did was when one of his lesser houses thought of rebellion; he didn’t respond with a letter or a sword, but rather a musician to play The Rains of Castemere
See I didn't know that they actually played the song to houses as a threat. Makes sense now how Catlyns face changed to a look of horror when she heard it.
@@louwinters508it also would be the song of the house she's at war with inside the halls of someone whom is supposed to be marrying into her family too.
Tywin spent his whole life "correcting" the reputation of his father and house turning it into something to feared and respected to be successful. The irony is Tyrion did the exact same "correcting" to Tywin during his life showing people that Lannisters don't have to be feared, just respected, to be successful. Tyrion was the complete template of Tywin in a package that Tywin completely disagreed with, ended up respecting, but ultimately still couldn't love, and this was his downfall. Genius writing.
Tyrion could have lived with being unloved by Tywin and hated by Cersei, Jaime loved him, he was respected by the House and the Lannister coin was ample enough so he could buy whatever love he didn't get... But Tywin actively tormented him.
@@marsneedstowels He did but he also respected him. Once he saw Tyrion could lead he made him hand of the king, master of coin, and gave him a Sansa to marry. He definitely tormented Tyrion but part of him had to admit to himself that Tyrion was the child that was most like him. Jaime only wanted to be a swordsmen and Cersei wasn't a leader. It was Tyrion that embodied all he had to teach and end of the day, no matter much he hated him, he had to acknowledge that.
@@b_e_thecreative Yeah i really love the irony too lol, the Tyrion that he hated the most and considers a "curse" is actually what he WISHES his ideal child would be and the one resembles him the most, but he can't put aside his hatred and thus being his downfall
Completely agree with this. Tytos downfall was his weakness which made him blind to his family’s position. Tywins downfall was that he was too focused on his family’s position. Well put Brett.
While Tywin certainly isn't a good person, I feel he is less evil than Littlefinger. Tywin wants power, but he wants to use power effectively, which means running the kingdom well, so order is maintained. Littlefinger, to borrow a quote, would burn the whole thing down, if he could be king of the ashes. It is a difference, I feel, between Lawful Evil and Chaotic Evil.
Hmm…certainly an interesting take. I feel that untill we know what little finger is seeking, we can’t for sure say he’s more evil than Tywin. Both men I do feel WOULD burn the world if it meant their goals were secure. We know both side with evil if it means they wins. Both men use manipulation to get their way. The difference is that little finger does NOT destroy his own house (yet). Tywin, for all of his pride, used violence and emotional abuse to coerce his children. This in turn caused all to develop long term mental problems that slowly ate away their strengths and their loyalty to him. In fact the throne is in chaos thanks to Tywin’s failure to be a decent human being to his family.
One of his largest flaws was by far his cold-heartness as while effective, didn't at all do any wonders in helping his children, his heirs and his legacy. When he dies, his family falls into disarray. Compare that to Ned for example, as while some wrongly call him a fool, his kindness and warm hearted nature lives through the legacy of his children who fight in his memory each and every day, and the entirely of the North as a whole lives through his memory and will never forget him. It is for that his family won the Game Of Thrones and secured Westerosi history and the Lannisters don't.
Yeah. And then Ned Stark wasn't stupid. He was just inexperienced in intrigue and plotting. There's a difference between being stupid and not knowing things because you never had the chance to learn them. And another flaw of Tywin is precisely the fact that he always underestimated the cruelty of his actions and did not think about the long-term consequences of what he did.
I found Tywins death scene really fitting. I always love when characters who’s power comes from their ability to manipulate and scheme are faced with a situation they can’t possibly talk their way out of.
After watching this video I realized that Tywin's scenes with Arya were desperately needed, as without them his villain status would've been unquestionable. Seeing Tywin act with kindness and empathy towards a small girl, commending her for her intelligence and figuring out that she is high born humanizes him a way the books didn't manage to get close to. They are the equivalent of Jamie's feverish speech to Brienne.
I actually disagree with Tywin being kind to Arya. Like he said, he enjoyed her but i dont think he had any emotions more than that towards her Why do you think a man, who many people wanted to see death at the time, would give a low born one of his meals without eating it and then pressures her into eating it? He was scared that hid food has poison in it and was willing to kill the little girl to find out
@@zeynaviegas Yea same, there is no fuckin way D&D threw that in, they are terrible, as soon as george was gone it started going downhill. Simply because they had less and less source material
Charles Dance brings an unmatched aurora of domineering prowess to his interpretation on the character from the literature. Waking up to see this in my feed gave me goosebumps. Thank you for another gripping & comprehensive character study of a villain who conceded an aurora of silent, yet terrifying imposition whenever he was onscreen.
The show was extremely well casted with a few exceptions. Jamie Searcy joffrey Robert Ned the list goes on and on it was truly a beautiful representation until they f***** it all up
Charles Dance should portray every authoritative figure in every movie/show. It's unbelievable how imposing and threatening he can be on the screen, which is perfectly encapsulated in his portrayal of Tywin. As of Tywin, it's truly ironic how Tyrion has all the qualities he wishes Jaime had. In the end, his irrational and petty hatred of Tyrion proved to be his fatal flaw.
@@dermiesemisanthrop2111 I was about to say, Charles Dance carries such a charismatic and imposing aura that it translates even to his voice alone. I can't think of anyone else who would've been a more fitting VA for Emperor Emhyr var Emreis. Between the stellar voice acting, the amazing character design, and the build-up from the previous Games, it made me wish to see a lot more of Emhyr in the Game. He was perfect.
What Tywin did to tysha is one of the most despicable acts in the books and I can’t believe that it was glossed over in the show. It completely changes Tyrion as a person and influences how Jaime sees cersi.
@@HATEPR00F im obvi not this person and dont know the arguments for this particularly but i can imagine its something like it made him see her as "more than just a whore" or something, alternatively made him think the secret was even more important because tyrion had just been fucking like, a lady, whereas jaime fucks his sister, so imagine what tywin would do? probably nothing, but jaime doesnt see it that way, in all likelihood
Tywin is such a grat character, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that "Rains of Castamere" would have been composed because of his actions, the man is such a legend!
If I remember correctly, he had it commissioned and would occasionally send bards to his vassals that are falling out of line to sing it as a not-so-subtle reminder.
Arguably one of the most intimidating and threatening characters to ever grace television. Tywin never killed anyone, picked up a sword or even struck anyone, but when he spoke, we listened.
I also saw Tywin as severely and acutely pragmatic more than Ramsey Snow evil .. He was like the male version of Olenna. They both lived a long time saw houses rise and fall , seen the good and bad with all the rulers of their time . They understand what had to be done to survive . They knew one wrong move would cost them everything and they made that one wrong move in the end . Still my some of my favorite characters
Olenna was the bomb diggity. Probably one of my favorite characters in the show. The bish was so upfront and didn’t take shit from anyone. Even her death was badass, “Tell that bitch Cersei I killed your bratty bitch son”. 😊. Ok I’ll die a painless death now :)
I think tywin's wife truly was the one exception to his otherwise cold calculating attitude toward everyone. If she were just his consort and a means to ensure the future of house lannister he would have most certainly remarried after her death, had more children, probably gotten rid of tyrion in the meantime, but he didn't. For tywin this is certainly a red herring, it seems like the only time his emotions had the better of his decision making. I believe of all the marriages in westeros, ironically, it was the cold, duty obsessed tywin that truly married his great love. I think tyrion his hatred of tyrion represents this. He "killed" her, but now that she's gone, he is a Lannister, one of few precious heirs to his name, his duty to his house compelled him to spare him, yet he loved his wife so much he wasn't able to cope with hear death in an healthy way, and blames his own son for it. If he was truly capable of being objective when it came to her as well, he would have understood that tyrion had obviously no fault, and he would have recognized and cultivated his talents to serve house Lannister, same way he did jaime and cersei, instead of relegating him in a corner of the family, antagonizing him and depriving him of any positive reinforcement or parental care. It seems fitting that his great love, turned into irrational resentment, the one thing that wasn't about duty, legacy or pragmatic opportunism, turned out to be his undoing in the end
I do not think their love was greater than Ned and Catelyn starks was (nor do I think it was worse). Both marriages were deeply committed. And both characters faced a circumstance that completely defied their traits and true nature. Tywin being pragmatic and ambitious yet showed neither of those things enough with Tyrion. And Ned being known for being honorable, loyal, and with integrity; yet allowed his reputation to be tarnished for 'infidelity' and raising 'his' bastard child with Catelyn. It's funny, because both characters were *immensely* different, yet they were the 2 I respected the most.
I wonder how much religion played into it. In a world where you genuinely believe the gods will punish you like Tywin thinks he's being punished, and you see a human as an embodiment of that punishment, would you be extra motivated to hate them? It's an interesting thought. As Tywins was a narcissist, I think it greatly helped his wife was also a young Lannister in the court when he was. I imagine they might have gotten the same strain of abuse in Aerys court, making it easier for Tywin to relate to her and thus...like her initially. I'm a romantic though so I hope he just found an ounce of love in his shriveled-up little soul.
@@sydneyw9407 Think about it like this. Every single sliver of resentment and contempt he felt towards tyrion was 100% because of the love he felt towards tyrions mother. Had Tywin been his usual logical and pragmatic self, he would have utilized him differently. Even the dwarfism would not have mattered. But because of how much he loved his wife, he just could not handle tyrion logically.
The thing is, Tywin is a hypocrite on so many levels. He claims that advancing the interests of the Lannister family is all that matters to him, but even if you disregard his refusal to remarry after his wife's death AND his horrible mistreatment of Tyrion, his general harshness and ruthlessness severely undermined the Lannisters in the end, and ultimately brought their downfall. All three of his children were constantly berated and disrespected by him, with the end result that all of them developed severe emotional problems; which, need I remind you, are generally NOT good qualities for a ruler to have. Not to mention that Tywin made little effort to prepare Cersei for court intrigue or politicking- and it showed. Because he saw women as simple pawns to be married off. Unlike, say, Olenna Tyrell or even Ned Stark, he completely failed to understand the importance of a positive relationship with one's children if one wishes to advance the interests of one's family. And his penchant for choosing shocking atrocities to deal with his enemies paid off sometimes, but backfired horribly other times. The treachery and cruelty of the Red Wedding crippled the Starks but didn't destroy them, and it ensured that the Northerners (And other Houses wary of being betrayed next) would never be fully loyal to the Lannisters. A rule based only on affluence, fear and violence may seem rock-solid at first, but it ensures that very few people will have your back should your money run out, or your military be crippled; in other words, everyone will abandon you when you need them most. The Starks triumphed in the end because many houses and peoples were still loyal to them even after they had practically lost everything.
@@dragonslair951167 Also, Tywin berates Tyrion for sleeping with prostitutes but he himself did it. Of course you see with Shay but in the room for the hand of the king is a tunnel to the brothel which hints that he himself was sleeping around but did not want to admit it. Tywin was a lot like Tyrion and he hated the fact that his objectively smartest child was, to him, a child. He probably assumed he was a product of the mad king raping his wife, which is all the more reason he hated him.
@@TheHighborn from the view point of people like the states he certain is a villain . Can even say from the suggestions of the show writers for sure , he’s suppose to be seen as a villain
@@TheHighborn he's a villain from the perspective of the North, and he performs villainous acts. One could say even the northmen perform acts of villainy, though. There are no clear cut good guys in A Song if Ice and Fire
One thing that was left out was how manipulative Tywin can be. Like when he sends Tyrion to King's Landing as acting Hand of the King. Tyrion asks him why, and Tywin says "because you're my son". Tyrion has spent his entire life up to this point yearning for his father's affection and approval, and Tywin knows it. It was indeed the most efficient way to ensure his son would do the best job he could as Hand, while also ensuring his loyalty. He deprived Tyrion of affection his whole life, to the point he could use it as leverage to control him.
It’s also important to point out at that time, Jaime’s fate was unknown. Until he was found, Tyrion was the only male heir. Tywin knew he needed to not only get his grandson in order and his daughter likewise, but he needed someone with his authority at Kingslanding. He may have hated Tyrion, but he needed his son to hold order until he arrived. He couldn’t ride to the capital immediately cause he needed to plan the Red Wedding.
yes but ALSO believe at that moment that jaime was dead at the time so he had to place all his trust into tyrion to do the job and see him as his successor at the time.
I want to add that Tyrion was disgusted by his father in that moment. In the TV show it was not obvious but there is a description of his feeling in the book.
The Prince and the Art of War. The prince when it came to ruling and The art of war when he was on the warpath because you can see clear references in his tactics and overall strategy. Basically, if your enemy will destroy themselves, then let them.
@@Undone545 that’s essentially what Tywin was. He truly was the “Crownless King”. It became VERY clear the more we see Tywin that he was the one ruling after Westeros after all these years, not Robert, Joffrey, or Tommen. He really was the one keeping the whole kingdom in line and he wasn’t even close to being king like AT ALL but that didn’t matter to him. As he said, “you really think a crown gives you power?” And to an extent, crowns clearly give power based on what they represent and mean to the people but Tywin has proven that the individual is VASTLY more important, influential, and more POWERFUL than a symbol of “power”.
I think Tywin is a deconstruction of Machiavellian schemer. A leader is to be loved or feared, but never, ever, be hated. Guess what? Tywin was universally hated by probably everyone outside Westerland, and the moment he kicked the bucket, they visited his funeral just to look at his rotting corpse.
It is both maddening and delightful that we never got a point-of-view chapter for Tywin in the Song of Ice and Fire books. Just like with real-life historical figures, we are forced to make our opinion of him based solely on his actions and his words, without the benefit of being privy to his thoughts, the way we are for other characters in the books.
@@lisboah I think with Voldermort, he's more on dimensional, great character but he's kind of the definition of evil. Whereas Tywin has a lot of depth to him.
@@ConnorL999 Voldemort has another level of depth, but whereas Tywin's is concerning his own character, the one of Voldemort is concerning his depravity.
Tywin’s take that Tyrion was caused by the gods spite sent to punish him may not be metaphorically too off the mark. Jamie and Tyrion are like the two halves of Tywin split. Jamie is the the glory, the warrior, the mane and fang. While Tyrion is the cool intelligence. The stalking beast in the tall grass. Beyond skilled in statecraft, control, and people. Jamie could never rule Casterly Rock, he was the image of what Tywin wanted but without the substance. Tyrion the reverse. It goes without saying he would rule well and profitably. Where his respect could be questioned, Tyrion was no stranger to using his scarred image to scare those into submission. The guiding hand of Tywin could have made the Dwarfs shadow loom larger than any glinting suit of armor. Together the brothers would have been unstoppable, and Tywin’s dreams likely would have been realized or closer to it. Perhaps a more glorious death than on the shitter. But it was because of his own mirthless and loveless life that he could not. His pride, and perhaps the first true emotional wound of his life. He couldn’t cope nor see his son as a part of him. He wouldn’t, and yet Tyrion was the part of him that let him live such a hard life. The Gods sent a test which he failed
@@franciscorivas9337 Season 5 was amazing (besides the underwhelming dorne plot) and 6 was FANTASTIC as well. don't be hating on everything that came after season 4 as there was PLENTY of gold there as well!
@@franciscorivas9337 nah strongly disagree there as there was WAY MORE than just “some good ideas” as a lot of the execution for the stories in the later two seasons was done fantastically well. Not everything was perfect but some things truly was amazing later on.
@@franciscorivas9337 LOL What? Season 6 was incredible and fantastic as I said as a whole, and FAR better than season 5. Season 7 is where things overtly got nonsensical! And we all know how season 8.
@@franciscorivas9337 LOL just no, Season 6 is FAR from the "downfall" at all. That's nonsense as season 6 had alot of amazing things going for it with the battle of the Bs and the White Walker threat rising.
Tywin is a masterclass in constructing an antagonist. Hell, with a few tunnings here and there, you can even turn him into an anti-hero. Undoubtedly a defining character for fiction in this century
I always sort of saw him as the closest to an anti-hero the IP ever had. He's only "evil" in the context of looking at it from the side of his enemies. Deadpool, for example, is often seen as an anti-hero and he does some really fucked up shit to people that don't deserve it. And I can judge Deadpool to the moral standards of today since he's supposed to live in a 'modern' world. You can't hold Tywin to that same moral standard. In the world he lives in, for the faction that he supported, he absolutely was a hero, making him by default the anti-hero to the faction that the IP wants us to side with.
@@wun1gee Couldn't agree more. In the books and in the show, Tywin was my favorite character alongside Jamie. The story is almost comedically postured towards the Starks who are portrayed as the honorable, loyal, and righteous protagonists when in reality they are oath breaking liars and hypocrites who are extremely arrogant and end up getting themselves killed from the consequences of their own actions. If the story had been written from the POV of the Lannisters Tywin would have been the harsher equivalent to Robb Stark or Ned Stark.
@@famousnobody4380 I've often thought that if Tywin and Olenna had been married when they were young, they'd have taken the Iron Throne together. What a power couple!
Tytos Lannister(The Laughing Lion) Tywin Lannister(The Stern Lion) Jaime Lannister(The Vain/Honorable Lion) Cersei Lannister(The Mad Lioness) Tyrion Lannister(The Little Lion) Ruthless, Brutal, Commanding, Prideful, Feared and Calculating. These are the words that tell you all about Tywin Lannister and why he was someone who was feared and respected in equal measure. His deeds were cold and smart and also merciless in the execution(like what happened with the Rains of Castamere). Tywin grew up in the shadow of his weak father Tythos(The Laughing Lion) and that constant reminder was an insult to his son(Tywin) and that in turned made him into someone who grew into someone who wasn't a laughing stock and after his time in the capital during his youth he mastered the art of the brutal political structure within it and how to navigate it and with that knowledge he became the Hand of the King on several occasions and even got some of the people silently praising Tywin has the "true ruler of Westeros" and not King Aerys(who was slowly losing his sanity bit by bit) and that in turn made him someone that no one would want to face in the game. Narcissism and Vanity. These are showed when Tywin deals with his children especially when it comes to his legacy and that he uses his past as way to sway them from their defiance and not to mention that his need to control his children shows small hints of his narcissism especially when he talks down to them for their "supposed" bad choices(like Tywin was talking down to Jaime when he attacked the Starks, which Jaime was later captured). But in this case the once great Tywin Lannister meet a fate that would in turn make him a future laughing stock in the eyes of the future and that was dying on the shitter by way of a crossbow at the hands of his "unworthy" son(Tyrion Lannister).
A prequel with young Tywin would be amazing to see. His story from youth to old age could cover several seasons. And you could get Charles Dance to cameo in some scenes with older Tywin. Pure excellence.
Start the first episode with him telling Jaime a story about his youth. Then flash back to the past while occasionally going back to him and Jaime throughout the series.
When I told all my friends that Tywin was one of my favorite characters they thought I was crazy. Yes the man was a stone cold calculating, sneaky, hypocritical prick to his friends and his enemies, but he got shit done didn’t let anything hold him back and basically dragged his family name out of the mud singly handedly from the age of like 17 on as well as run the 7 kingdoms behind the scenes for the better part of like 30 years. He commands respect unlike fictional character I’ve ever seen…and of course you gotta love Charles Dance
I think sometimes people forget that there's a difference between liking a character and liking that character as a person, which is possibly why your friends thought you were "crazy." XD I likewise think that Tywin is brilliantly written and one of the best fictional villains ever - but do I want to be in the same room as him? Hell no :P
It’s perfectly normal to like a character whose ethics are dramatically different from one’s own. What is more important is that the character is relatable to you in some way. Tywin Lannister is a character who could, from a certain point of view, be portrayed as a classical Aristotelian tragic hero. The hero who restored his House to it’s former glory, but was brought down by his flaws. It’s just that Martin doesn’t give us that perspective.
The true tragedy of Tywin is that he was born in such world that has the tendency of benefiting those that are ruthless-minded and willing to sacrifice others. Good-natured people such as his father and the Starks suffer for not having personal ambitions, or at least ambition enough to trample on others. In the meantime, individuals that betray others, even their own family, ascend both higher and faster. Tywin was smart enough to realize this, that in order to both survive and ensure that House Lannister prospered, he would have to have as little moral conscience as necessary and do whatever he deemed necessary to guarantee this.
In the books it’s looking like Ned’s Good Nature will do more to keep his family alive after his death than Tywin’s scheming will have done for his. Right now Roose is surrounded on all sides by Northerners who each have independent plots to install Bran, Rickon, Jon, Sansa, or Arya as Lord of Winterfell. Meanwhile the Lannister name has all but crumbled because Tyrion fled the country, Jaime just wants to be a good Kingsguard, and book Cersei is a buffoon who recently got deposed.
but is it realistic? i mean moral compass is not something u can just turn off. even if u "realize it" that it does not help the survival of your family. without a head injury or childhood trauma or borning this way you cannot become psychopathic. ... i guess you can act like it, but u ll be shit in that and u ll suffer from your conscience.
Behind Tywin's ruthlessness, penchant for excessive violence for anything he perceives a slight, lies a severely traumatized kid obsessed with never being mocked and laughed at, product of having to watch how his father Tytos, a good and kind man, but weak and eager to please, was perpetually mocked and laughed at, driving the House of Lannister to the ground. Not only traumatized, but also forced to grow up too fast to save his family from the brink of ruin. He couldn't give his children a childhood because he never had one.
There is a quote from one of the books by Tywin’s sister to Jaime, after Tyrion’s death. Tyrion was always Tywin’s true son, intelligent, sound of mind and capable, Tywin just couldn’t get past Tyrion being a dwarf and being laughed at.
The way tywin's decomposing body is described is extremely memorable. Some of George's characters are awesome. It's too bad there's never going to be a resolution to the story.
I know. Last I saw George was making a Playstation Game and a Sci Fi show or comic or something, all while everyone is accepting and lamenting the fact that he's obviously given up trying to finish the ASOIAF saga. It's like I have two years of my life missing since watching The Battle Of The Bastards on the show too. All I remember was watching that, then suddenly it was a new decade and we all had to start wearing masks at stores and staying away from eachother. And now we're living in a real life Cold War II too, when all we wanted to do was watch the Long Winter War on HBO by now.
@@WallKenshiro Video game development takes a LONG time, George's contribution to Elden Ring was actually several years ago during preproduction. Honestly, I choose to believe that George will finish the books. Maybe I am setting myself up for disappointment, but I would rather risk that than give up hope and disrespect the intentions of the man who created the world and books we all fell in love with.
Twenty-two characters named Jon, IIRC. There's such an absolute trove of characters in the book that exist beneath the great houses and their fancy family names that one forgets about people who go by more... humble names.
Agreed. But even if Oscars were applicable to cable TV shows, who do you award the Best Actor award to? There were so many steller performances by so much of the cast for the majority of the seasons. I think the Academy would have a difficult time indeed in deciding whose performance was the best overall.
@@tamiwatchesstuff I liked Pedro Pascal and Peter Dinklage too, but Charles Dance was in a league of his own, just take the "the king is tired" scene, he only spoke few words but his presence does most of the talking for him. Charles Dance was phenomenal as Tywin Lannister
Tywin Lannister is such a despicable man, yet he has a charisma and aura of control over any situation to him that you can't help but begrudgingly admire and respect him in some way no matter how much you may hate him.
Tywin is basically the greatest power broker and influencer in Westeros, soo much so that his death threw the entire series off a cliff and towards disaster. The most terrifying thing about Tywin is that he not only does he have the ability to do this evil, is that he can get anyone to follow his plans and believe that it was theirs. The greatest weapon is the one you don't see that killed you.
A lot of people don't realize this because a lot just watched the show. Johanna was Tywin's cousin. If you think of it that way Cercie Tyrion and Jamie were to an extent also a product of incest too so it could explain why by the time Jamie and Cercie had children Joffrey was destined to be flawed even in real history a lot of madness is traced back to incest.
Well its more higher chances of mental illness than madness. Tyrion being a dwarf was ironically Tywin's fault for marrying his cousin since that increases the chances.
@@LadyAsteria58 Yeah it is Tywins fault but in a medieval type world they wouldn't understand that. Some people have had some mad theories online that Tyrion is the Son of Joanna and the mad king because he did fancy her for a while when she was at court, until Tywin sent her back to Casterly Rock because of it. This is mentioned in the books so Who knows.
But see, in the medieval times up until I'd say the 20th century, marrying your cousin in a high profile family like the Lannisters did not have the stain taboo incest the way it does now. I honestly wish people understood this when they watch period piece movies/TV shows, and not apply 'modern morality' to these stories.
I always wondered why he never remarried someone after his wife's death. Jaime was a King's Guard and he despised Tyrion for a variety of reasons and therefore his family's legacy was on thin ice.
Imo, that was the one thing that the eternally pragmatic Tywin showed his humanity in. He truly loved his wife, and after he lost her, he couldn't bear the thought of remarrying. It was the only time he totally let his emotions make the decision for him
Because tywin is a proven hypocrite. He preaches all these things about family yet he does things that clearly goes against them such as sleeping with a whore on his bed when tyrion got criticized for it.
Remarrying would make him similar to his father, something he despised. He would use prostitutes for his lust, but he wouldn't attach any feelings to them.
Yes, he’s definitely the Michael Corleone of Westeros. Put them in each other’s places and I’d bet they’d make almost all of the same decisions. “It’s not personal. It’s just business.”
I’m glad you pointed out the biggest problem with Tywin, how he’s treatment of Tyrion was his undoing. The one thing I took from reading the books how another big mistake Tywin made was making himself hated, not just by his son but the entire (save for the Boltons) North with his and Lord Frey’s sacrilege of violating the Guest Right. Fear can keep people in line but once you make yourself Hated, they can and will eventually rise above that fear and act on the Hate. However as long as Tywin was alive he could’ve checked any potential threat. Once he died that fear was greatly diminished.
Furthermore, Tywin is always the reason why Dorne hates the Lannisters. And Oberyn's death fueled that hatred. And in fact Oberyn had offered himself as Tyrion's champion precisely because he knew with good reason that Tywin would never have handed over Gregor Clegane to him. And so Oberyn's death and Gregor's confession are Tywin's fault for having spoiled and protected that monster (because Tywin's ways always lead his henchmen to believe that they can do what they want without consequences because they hide behind him) forgiving, ignoring, and pretending not see his crimes, just because it was convenient for him to have him among his ranks. And what makes the Red Wedding more monstrous is not only having allowed them in general, but having allowed them even when they were not necessary. Because Tywin didn't allow that abomination because there was no other way to win the war, but because it was the easiest and fastest way. Tywin was winning even without cheating, but he still cheated, undermining the very foundations of society, just because that's was more easy. And this shows how much Tywin underestimates the importance of fairness and never thinks about the unexpected and long-term consequences of his actions. The truth is that Tywin's methods give you power and control but at the same time are an encouragement to turn against you at the first opportunity.
Something i find really interesting about Tiwyn is that his Grand desire for the Lannister legacy dies and crashes as soon as he is gone. Without him Cersei is blundering in the capital, the other houses no longer fear the "lion" and The man himself is seldom thoutgh of, if not as some distant memory. For contrast the "fool" Eddard Stark has a legacy that lives on. In the books people on the Lannister side remember tywin as a Great man yes, but their deeds don't go beyond simple words, in the final subduing of the riverlands the soldiers fight because they respect Jaime as a Commander and fellow soldier, the nobles that once supported the Lannisters now are trying to take power from them. On the other side, Northmen risk their lives for Stannis just for a chance to avenge Ned and his kin, noblemen plot for the return of the Starks. Even Jaime when he is given respect for his loss (tywin's death) he Only thinks of the Lost of his hand. While Even The clansmen of the North defere to the Starks, going to war for "Ned's Little girl" In life it may have been his undoing, but at the end, Eddard's Honor created a mightier legacy than all of Tywin's efective actions and ruthless plans.
“I want to live forever in a land where summer lasts a thousand years. I want a castle in the clouds where I can look down over the world. I want to be six-and-twenty again. When I was six-and-twenty I could fight all day and f*ck all night. What men want does not matter. Winter is almost upon us, boy. And winter is death. I would sooner my men die fighting for Ned's little girl than alone and hungry in the snow, weeping tears that freeze upon their cheeks. No one sings songs of men who die like that. As for me, I am old. This will be my last winter. Let me bathe in Bolton blood before I die. I want to feel it spatter across my face when my axe bites deep into a Bolton skull. I want to lick it off my lips and die with the taste of it on my tongue.” -Hugo Wull, ADwD, Chapter 42. Just awesome.
@@Andrew-22434 I think Ned thought of his people and being a leader for them, and eschewed power when he could (as Jon does) and Tywin the opposite. Not as much near or far focus, but what the point of being the leader was.
‘Fear is brittle tool’ That’s how Tywin ruled from the outset. The Rains of Castamere began the constant theme of Tywin’s legacy. So when he died… The Starks were known through much of history as being honorable and just. ‘The North remembers’ is a nod to that. Meaning, in part (there are definitely other connotations to the phrase-as in they remember the Long Night), that the North remembers the just rule of the Starks and that they will support the Starks. So you’re spot on. Just and honorable rule is more sustainable than fear. When Tywin died, that fear died with him. Cersei tried to pick up the mantle. And while she was feared, she went too far. Creating long lasting hostilities that people would never forget. Recall what Tywin did. The Rains of Castamere destroyed an entire house. Leaving literally no one to seek vengeance. The Red Wedding was much the same as far as Tywin knew. The Starks were all but finished. A crippled boy and a 6 year old we’re all that remained of a dying Stark house. Tywin didn’t leave a job half done. Or at least he didn’t mean to. Cersei just royally pissed people off and didn’t put out the fire completely. Think of all the survivors that lost family to blowing up the Sept of Baelor. Bad move. It’s sort of reminiscent of the Rains of Castamere. But much more sloppy. Castamere was neatly and tidily wiped out. Whereas Cersei left hundreds of loose ends floating on the wind.
As well as revealing that Tywin takes a very 'hands on' approach, the scene with him gutting the stag is also very telling. The stag is the symbol of House Barthaeon. The scene represents how the Barthaeons reign has ended because of the Lannisters and it is they who now rule King's Landing.
"Tywin was so clever he planned his own death for before the writing of the show became terrible." Underrated comment, even though it has 200 likes. Still underrated, it should be pinned, it is of such quality.
Tywin Lannister is the fictional version of Edward 1 of England. Both have similar upbringings under a weak father. Both demanded respect in cold and ruthless ways. Edward the 1st at the time of his death in 1307 was arguably the greatest king ever. Tywin was arguably the greatest character. If you look up Longshanks’ life, it is interesting and extremely similar to Tywins.
@@PrincessLockette Henry III was the father of Edward I. Henry was a weaker king because he constantly let people disrespect him and then turn around and let them off the hook. Simon de montfort married henry’s sister without his consent. Simon raised an army to limit the king’s powers and Henry was hesitant to fight back. Henry was not assertive and intimidating; Which is something Edward I definitely was.
I'm surprised that you didn't mention that Tywin didn't believe the rumors regarding Jamie and Cercei, even though they were true. It's amazing that he didn't even look into something like that throughout his life.
I mean the books have been out for years and we're used to their relationship. But for a father to entertain the idea that his twins might actually be fucking... I mean I'm sure he'd sooner believe that Jamie has lazer eyes. Plus he has noting to win by looking into it. Either it's a lie and the rumors must be silenced, or it is true and the rumors must be silenced.
He was wrong, at times. He could be cruel or stern. And he was merciless, if not murderous.... But he was too right about one thing. Wisdom not all the title or power or authority, is what makes a King. Even a mighty lord can doom themselves as a fool.
A near perfect episode! The only blemish for me is how the show treated ‘the trigger’ for Tywin’s death, the truth about Tyrion’s wife, and in this episode it wasn’t mentioned too.
Tywin was actually my favorite character. He was hard, power hungry and cruel to his son but he was also brave, wise and had a very strong code which he believed in firmly. I also loved the way he routinely schooled people🤣🤣
Great thorough Analysis of Lord Tywin Lannister, he's one of those characters that really needs the extra long video coverage to go over his full character, history etc. There was this one great video about body language and how Tywin used it, like when speaking to Joeffry who was sitting on the Iron Throne and had to look down at him, Tywin correcting that by approaching closer to tower over him. If possible, I would like to see an analysis of these villains... Oswald Cobblepot/Kauppelpaut the Penguin from the Gotham TV series Light Yagami from the Death Note Anime/Manga Zachary Hale Colmstock from Bioshock Infinite Wesker from the Resident Evil Games Jerome Valeska from the Gotham TV Series Caesar or Benny from Fallout: New Vegas Khan Noonien Singh from the Star Trek Franchise Apophis, Ba'al or Anubis from Stargate SG1.
Actually there’s two factors going into Tywins death. Tyrion shoots him with two crossbow bolts. However, Oberyn Martell was also poisoning Tywin with a substance that makes you so constipated that you actually die from the toxins of your own body. Either way, Tywin was soon to die.
@@Laotzu.Goldbug no. It’s not a poison that works overnight. He was giving it to Tywin already. He would have just gotten more and more constipated with time
@@Laotzu.Goldbug The theory is that Oberyn poisoned Tywin before dying to ensure his revenge, and that Tywin was on his way to a slow death. But it's just a theory.
@@tymegabucks9210 In the chapters leading up to his death Tywin seemed to be struggling with sickness or something - of course Tyrion found him on the toilet. Then after his death the point was repeatedly made about how odious his corpse was.
Truly an amazing in depth analysis on Tywin, never thought that he was the most important person from just the show, we don’t see him doing actual combat, but he had a lot of cunning plans and fluent quotable dialogue, finally doing him service. Would be really interested in a Joffrey Baratheon video, because I believe his cruelty has many factors at play, truly one of the most interesting characters in fiction and I’d love to understand more about him.
Good video. Though, Tywin's justification for the Red Wedding is full of shit. It wasn't just the murder of dozens of guests under the protection of their host (one of the greatest social obligations in Westeros, the violation of which threatens to provoke a breakdown of norms), but also the annihilation of the thousands of northmen outside the Twins who came along, murdered as they feasted with their treacherous allies. In itself, this was only possible by conspiring with Roose Bolton to eliminate thousands more northmen with a pointless battle at Duskendale to weaken Robb's forces. The peace made by Tywin is a desert where crows feast on the corpses.
For real. So many short-sighted, ignorant fans are like, “Aw man, Tywin is so cool, he’s the best” Meanwhile, he commits war crimes like they’re going out of style and says the most irredeemable things. Still, those same fans are like, “well yeah, he did those things because he’s a great man” Like, bruh, you people are the reason real-life Tywins exist in the world.
@@BLK_MN Lol yeah, his Name is Vladimir Putin. The current world’s mad man of our time whose on verge of bringing us to WW3 due to his imperialistic hubris and nonsense. Putin is literally Tywin Lannister of our time especially considering how people praise Putin as if he’s always right and “cool” to think he always has things under control in a badass manner when they are praising someone who would easily throw them under the buss when given the chance it suits them. It’s complete madness all around!
Imo. He was one of the smartest men alive. A great general and leader. A great lord with no rival bar 1 flaw. His unrelenting pragmatism causing him to do things most would deem monstrous. He wasn't cruel because he enjoyed it. He wasn't stupid or foolish. He was a complete pragmatist where morality didn't weigh anything. In some ways he may of thought some of his actions morally superior than the choices most would of made. "Tell me why it is more honorable to kill a thousand in battle than a dozen at dinner?" Here he his making a case that he actually has the moral high ground because objectively less death was caused in his mind regardless of what any may say or hide behind using honor. He was a truly horrific and scary individual... but nevertheless one of the greatest in some terms. Like his ability to plot and plan. Being greatly skill in 1 area doesn't mean we can't hold him accountable for the atrocities he committed all for his insecurities and pride.
@@BLK_MN You do realize people can enjoy villains and not agree with their actions right? I mean Darth Vader from star wars is a beloved fan favorite and he slaughtered innocents on mass including children.
@Cole Darby Darth Vader is interesting because Anakin is compassionate to a fault. When he is evil, his dream remains true to bring peace and order. Palpatine spent years manipulating, showing him the worst of humanity stroking Anakin's ego.
I disagree. The only reason Aerys didn't have a fully loyal House Lannister on his side was because he didn't marry his son to Cersei, a match which made complete sense in the world of Ice and Fire.
At the end at least, craziest thing was having contempt for Tywin when Tywin was the best ally he ever had. Everyone who hangs around the crown does so for their own gain, or at others behest for the gain of others. Tywin was one of the very few whose gain didn't come at the expense of the King, the crown or of house Targaryen.
It’s brilliantly dichotomous. Distrusting him with was the wisest and most foolish thing that could’ve been done. Tywin would always come out on top in the end, no matter what happened, because of his intelligence and restraint. Killing him would’ve even likely ruined him, even if doing so would’ve temporarily advanced Aerys’ position (which feels insane given that Aerys was king). It’s a fantastically complex situation wherein Tywin is still likely to prevail, no matter what situation arises.
I would not say. Tywin broke one of those rules after all. That is, that a prince must be both feared and loved, that if he cannot have both he must be feared, but that he must not be hated. Because there is a difference between being feared and being hated, because you can be feared even without being hated. Tywin, on the other hand, never understood the difference between fear and hatred, and had the arrogance to believe he could manage that hatred by sweeping it under the carpet. Hate that in fact is exploded with his death.
@@annajoyce7634ButTywin broke one of those rules after all. That is, that a prince must be both feared and loved, that if he cannot have both he must be feared, but that he must not be hated. Because there is a difference between being feared and being hated, because you can be feared even without being hated. Tywin, on the other hand, never understood the difference between fear and hatred, and had the arrogance to believe he could manage that hatred by sweeping it under the carpet. Hate that in fact is exploded with his death.
They say that oberyn martell had previously poisoned tywin with a poison called widows blood when he broken bread with oberyn and meryn trant. Widows blood literally causes you to shit yourself to death and die an embarrassing death. Thats why tywin was on the privy at the time and he wouldve died regardless of tyrions actions.
Analyzing Bloodraven would be interesting. We dont really know where he stands, but he could be a good example of one from the side we cheer for, who does bad things to reach his goals. He is the biggest Enemy of the Blackfyre, responsible for the death of most of them. And there are some theories that he is responsible for almost everything that happened in the last hundred years.
So the lion does concern himself with the opinion of the sheep, he devoted his entire life to changing his family's image in other's eyes. He was oblivious to his own children's incest and inbreeding. Tywin kept proving Aerys right with every action, he said that the gods have plucked a flower and sent him Tyrion to teach him humility. Tywin had three kids, two of them had an incestuous relationship and another was a monster in his eyes and an imp. He wanted his daughter to marry Prince Rhaegar whose father refused, he then married his daughter to Robert Baratheon whom he eventually grew to dislike and disrespect. He had a grandson who was pathetic by all standards, he wasn't a good fighter, he wasn't smart, he wasn't very charming, he was bratty, annoying, ill mannered and monstrous. The other grandson was too gullible. Tywin could have done things very differently that would make sure that his house was known for greatness throughout westeros which it wasn't, it was known for gold, power, cruelty and a lack of morality. They got the Casterly Rock through swindling if I'm not wrong. When Aerys refused, Tywin should have found another match for Cersei, a man who was going to take care of her, a man who was strong, kind and intelligent, that would make Cersei a little less destructive. He should have found a suitable match for Jamie as well and for Tyrion. He shouldn't have tried to marry his kids off to people that they didn't like, he himself married someone that he was fond of. And most importantly, he should have treated his kids like kids, he should have treated Tyrion better because especially because his wife died giving birth to him, she died to bring him into this world, she wouldn't have wanted her sacrifice to go to waste and for that child to be treated horribly. And killing Elia and her kids was one of the most pathetic things ever, she didn't ask for the war, she should have been sent back to her home with her kids, she wasn't at fault. Since Aerys was already dead and so was Rhaegar, there had to be a new king, sending Elia back would be the right thing to do. And Dorne would know that Rhaegar started the war and so did Aerys and the rebels weren't gonna sit at home, it would have kept Lannisters out of unnecessary conflict. More importantly you don't become powerful by Killing helpless innocent people. He should have been a better father to his own kids. Tywin did know that the king doesn't have the most power and that's true, Tywin didn't have to marry his daughter to a king, instead made his children such people that others wanted to marry them just like the Starks and the Tullys did. The Starks win at the end because they really believe in doing the right thing, not when it's convenient. They don't win because they've desperately wanted to, they win because they've lived their lives with honour. The house that puts bravery and honour and duty first will inspire loyalty beyond the grave, so many people want to kill the Stark children because they say that the north will rally behind them, why? Their parents were long gone. Only because the Starks are built different, they're not kings because it's their right but everyone wants them to be the king because they do their duty. Glory and gold might win wars, they'll never win loyalty, you only need one Petyr Baelish to use you as a piece in his game.
Ultimately Tywin is essentially the opposite of Ned Stark. They are both powerful and noble patriarchal figures of their families. However whilst Ned will be remembered as a wise leader and good father,Tywin will be remembered as a cruel monster and one of the worst fathers in history
It really gives a new light on his character when we realize that the guy is in fact a complete hypocrite regarding the "principles" he declares to hold and chastises others over.
@@darthkek1953 to keep it as simple as possible… it seems like his plan *might* be to have a massive battle/blood sacrifice to try to gain some kind of magical power or knowledge. He’s kind of fuckin wacko… a psychotic druggie pirate with Valyerian armor, captured priests, and magical artifacts.
Tywin Lannister is one of my favorite villains of all time. In my opinion, Tywin’s plotting is similar to Palpatine, though on a smaller scale and more overt. Tywin is able to play so many people against each other while maintaining strength in his position, and the range of his influence stretches far beyond anyone else’s. Excellent work as usual, Vile Eye! Would like to see you analyze Magneto in the future.
Tywin lack of emotions is not a strenth, but weakness. Ironically he teaches Tommen that justice is not the most important virtue for one could be susceptible to gullibility to the point of being murdered by hes own brother. Tywin´s blind recklessness drove hes own son to rage kill him on a privet. A flaw that enriches the charachter.
True. We also consider that he allowed the red wedding even though he could have won the war honestly, just because it was easier that way. He also doesn't understand that with that plan, even if he won THAT war, he destroyed any possibility of diplomacy with any future war with the north.
He is one of my favourite characters in GOT. Ironically another one of my faves is very different from him: Ned Stark. I think I enjoy both characters because they excel in different areas and captivate me for vastly different reasons.
@@Dai313031 maybe, they’re both duty and family driven leaders… Tywin is willing to do some underhanded/dirty shit to get the job done. I could see Tywin not liking Ned, mostly because Ned didn’t like Tywin and that’d hurt Tywin’s ego.
MFW I realize these two great men are never seen on-screen together... Imagine Ned going nuclear on Tywin for raising incestuous cretin and betraying Robert. Damn shame
Reminds me of one of my first bosses; He was an ex-military leader and he gave clear and precise orders. It was to my liking. But I made the mistake of trusting him.
Idk about anyone else, but when he rides in on the horse following the Blackwater Bay, the overall mood of the scene was enhanced by him. Just a certain sinisterness he carries that leaps off the screen
@@oxxy6678 Realpolitik is a way to refer to the practice of being extremely pragmatic and cynical. Someone who switches sides to always be on the winning side. Someone who isn't afraid of breaking taboos and doing immoral things if they further his or her goals. Someone who manipulates and lies according to the current needs. That's practicing realpolitik.
@@ScamallDorcha Not quite. The way you frame it realpolitik seems more sinister than it actually is/needs to be. Realpolitk is basically the "politics of the possible", without bounds to ideology or morals. A politician praciticing realpolitiks doesn't need to be immoral but he won't blindly follow his morals. A "realpolitician" might compromise and cooperate with someone evil in order to get closer to a morally good outcome - because it's the best that can be achieved under gives circumstances - instead of refusing to work or compromise with the evildoer and gain nothing. Of cause, Tywins goals - the continued power of his house - are more of a neutral character in of itself, neither good nor evil. But in order to achieve his goal he is willing to do evil if necessary or practical. Which very much makes him a "realpolitician".
High Sparrow gets an honourable mention. He walked into Kings Landing with no shoes and ended up with the king and the fate of Highgarden in his pocket . He played the game brilliantly, he only lost because Cercei set the board on fire and exploded it
One of the only changes I enjoyed with the show was Arya & Tywin's one on one talks. I mean, Tywin DID make her eat, what he assumed, was a poisoned dinner... But we learned so much more about his character and that he was never a sadistic evil... He was clever and pragmatic, and all he wanted was his legacy to be remembered. The "golden childen" he dreamed of became everything he hated... All but Tyrion (in the books, so far), but Tyrion was the one they laughed at. Could almost feel bad for him...
There's one aspect about Tywin hating Tyron that you missed and I can't blame you, as it's mostly speculation, but it has been hinted that Aeris R-ed Tywin's wife, and the latter suspected that Tyron was the result of this, which makes his wife's death even more tragic... In general, I really liked the character of Tywin, as one of the best rulers, but still a seriously flawed character. The actor really nailed him and I love all the scenes where he commands respect without ever saying it outright. Also, how he talked to Tommen about what makes a good ruler stayed in my memory (it's essentially the Socratic method, leading Tommen to believe that he came to the conclusion himself, but it's also showing IMHO that he actually cared about Tommen).
Honestly, he was easily my favorite character of the entire show, I have to admit that I haven't read the books yet but Charles Dance's performance made this character quite impressive. Dare I say that his death was not only shocking but also quite demeaning for a man of his stature, which made it the perfect revenge for Tyrion. Truly is a shame that they effed up the show so badly by the end and for nothing at that! They rushed the show in order to get their Star Wars trilogy that never happened in the end. Greed can be a very powerful motivator but can also be quite detrimental as we saw the results of someone biting more than they can chew.
I think Game of Thrones is a lesson in how your weaknesses betray you and what I loved is just as the downfall of Starks prove goodness (Catyln's treatment of Jon Snow is questionable and her rash persecution of Tywin Lanister) isn't enough. The downfall of the Lanisters prove pragmatic ruthlessness isn't enough - Tywin is destroyed by the son he hates and underestimates and his inability to understand his children as people is what undoes him. Cersei becomes a monster and mother of a monster because Tywin gives neither a moral compass or any healthy outlet for her drive or advice on how to temper it - a lot of her effed up relationship with Jamie is she wants to be him and have the opportunities he has as a man and by marrying her off for an alliance Tywin traps in a loveless relationship where she is not respected causing her to rebel and seek respect elsewhere and in a twisted sense Tywin's emphasis on family primes her to be incestous. The same goes for Jamie. He isn't given the ability to question his family and his blind loyalty to Cersei is his moral downfall and if you accept the TV series his literal downfall - he only develops real integrity from the negative example of the mad king and the positive examples of Brienne and Tyrion. It is Jamie's loyalty to his brother that will destroy his father as much as Tywin's disregard for Tyrion and Jamie's blind loyalty to Cersei will destroy the Lanister legacy along with Cersei. Tywin's ruthlessness will also lead to the destruction of his grandchildren too. Had Cersei listened to Ned she might have saved them as it is they all die.
Try campfire completely free by going here: www.campfirewriting.com/write?TVE_Q1_22
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@The Vile Eye -1:31-- video mark. “Schemes and Plots are the same things”- Tyrion Lannister
Can you do The Orphan someday?
For something to compliment Tywin Lannister, why not do Analyzing Evil videos on Joffrey Baratheon and Ramsay Bolton, who are more vicious and sadistic than Tywin.
I’m not sure if you’ll read this, but if you do I would love to see you analyze Clay Puppington from “Moral Orel.”
The man is literally introduced in the show by skinning a stag the symbol of house Baratheon . It tells you exactly who he is.
He definitely does get dirty if needed. There was a scene they deleted where he was fishing and then gutting the fish. Deleted probably coz it's too much foreshadowing.
@@nunyabiznes33 lol I don’t think it counts as foreshadowing at that point. It’s just a spoiler.
@@TheKingsPride LOL what? How is THAT a spoiler? how?
@@Gadget-Walkmen because Tywin has Roose Bolton gut Catelyn Stark and her lineage, and Catelyn came from the river lands, whose symbol is a fish. Given the broad symbology of the show, it’s pretty overt
@@TheKingsPride most people would NOT have known that at all as remembering the Symbols, banners, and signs of their houses.
Most people would have completely forget ren or not even cared that Kathryn came from the “river lands” at all for you to even THINK that simply cutting a fish means it’s automatically foreshadowing at all.
You just seem to big fan of the series to think that it comes anywhere CLOSE to being a “spoiler” at all. It’s not. FAR from it in anyway as most people would even notice Tywin cutting a fish as anything significant. Just as the same as most people didn’t know that Tywin gutting the Stag was meant to be symbolic of anything either, ALOT of people would not have know that or figured that out they simply don’t care about details like that at all.
I remember reading a quote “Tywin was lucky enough to die before the writing did”
The writing died with Tywin
I don't even want to think about what would have happened with him. 🤦🏿♀️
Okay.
@@premiumheadpats4150 "I never cared about legace and i love Tyrion"
Cersei you always reminded me so much of your mother sometimes that I tried hard to hide my sorrow behind my steel and today of all days on my deathbed I write to you as my son. My first born😎 son has emerged
Tywin Lannister is probably the only character that wasn't ruined in the show and is probably one of the most interesting and brilliantly written villain in the show and Game of Thrones book series and lore as a whole
Tywin got lucky. He died before the show got bad. Most characters who stuck around after Season 4 got it in some way
@@anatoldenevers237 Tywin was lucky that he died before source material ran out
He wasn't a villain.
The only one, really?
What about Ned Stark, was he ruined?
Robb Stark?
Catlyn?
You can safely say no character who died early was ruined, the writers had no opportunity to do so - because there were still the books as guideline.
As soon as the book material dried out, it all went to shit.
@@ab4n1sg64 Yes he was. He specifically ordered Gregor Clegane, one of the most evil people in Westeros, to go into the Riverlands and r@pe, murder and pillage. Then there's what he did to Tyrion and Tysha when they were 13 and 12 years old respectively.
As great as the writing is, Charles Dance absolutely *killed it* with this role and deserves just as much if not more acknowledgement. Played to perfection, he’s a great actor. His work on “The Crown” was amazing also.
Charles Dance has his bad movie roles (Ali G Indahouse)
@@joffreybaratheon4904 I think he was pretty funny in Ali G :D
He even does a cameo in Chernobyl during the trial. And was a solid villain in Last Action Hero.
@@joffreybaratheon4904 I think that he chose Ali G because he just likes working with SBH?
He was able to make Last Action Hero a pretty solid film beside Arnold.
I always found it beautifully ironic how tywin despises Tyrion yet Tyrion has all the qualities as his son that tywin wishes Jamie had. Mentally, Tyrion was a spitting image of Tywin. Just as brilliant and cunning. Only difference being Tyrion wasn't heartless and knew how to enjoy life despite all the reasons he had to hate everything and everybody.
Tywin hated Tyrion because he caused the death of Joanna Lannister, the only woman or the only person he ever loved - and because Tyrion was a midget, which was commonly seen as a disgrace to a family, a punishment sent by the Seven gods, and Tywin couldn't do anything about it.
Consider that had Tyrion been born normal and his mother survived he likely would have turned out much more like Tywin.
It’s largely circumstances and unique life experience that makes us who we are.
@@_Dovar_ And because Tyrion is the embodiment of the things he doesn't like about himself.
-Tyrion is a brillant mind with an inferiority complex who cavorts with whores and despite his pretenses about not caring, he actually cares about how people see him, being willing to get revenge over any slight. This description is also applied to Tywin as well, as behind his armor, lies an insecure man obsessed with never being mocked and laughed at.
@@mischevious i doubt he’d be as smart as tyrion came out
@@jizou1581 As George portrayed the Tywin and Tyrion characters in the book or as Charles Dance and Peter Dinklage portrayed those characters in the show?
I haven’t read the books but I have heard that the character and story line were changed quite a lot for the show. That in the books Tyrion was far more angry, lecherous and debauched. Also that the sword blow to his face did remove his nose, that from that point forward he was too hideous to look at. So the book Tyrion certainly wouldn’t have become Hand to Joffrey or Dany. It was Peter Dinklage’s popular portrayal of Tyrion that brought all that about.
Tywin's death was perfect, like, actual perfection. He was a man who was obsessed with pride and nobility, and gets killed in humiliation while he's on the toilet. He also gets killed by the son he hated more than anyone else in the world. It's perfect writing, it's poetic.
Tyrion was also responsible for looking after the plumbing in Casterly Rock earlier in his life.
And Tyrion by far was closet to Tywin. In the books Tyrion is more villainous than the loveable character Dinklage can't help but be.
@@jeffreyhill1011 I'm only caught up through book 3 but Tyrion is still incredibly likable.
@@NebulousJ he gets darker.
Killed with a crossbow too. Something of an uncouth or craven weapon.
The one thing you missed was Jaime's revelation about Tysha in the books. Tysha was never a whore, and Tywin concocted that lie just because she was small folk, and convinced Jaime to lie to his brother "for his own good". This action is not only fucking horrible, but it's only when Jaime confesses it to Tyrion that he makes the decision to kill Tywin.
Yeah... I'm definitely a tywin apologist, but I won't touch book tywin. He was far more evil in the books. In the show he really was just doing as he had to. Mostly to clean up after his failures of children lol. But yeah in the books... I liked he and aryas dynamic a lot more in the books, but the terror is just so much more potent.
@@dmitritelvanni4068 Tyrion confessed in the show that Tywin did that to Tysha also. Also him and Arya didn’t talk to each other once in the books. In the books it was roose Bolton that she briefly served at harrenhal
@@1162hunter shit you're right. It's been a couple years. The last book was still far away when I read the series.
@@dmitritelvanni4068 yeah that was one thing about the show that I liked more than the books was Tywin and aryas interactions
@@1162hunter shit honestly all the early tywin scenes were worth watching it for me. In his later days tho I definitely wasn't so enamored. He only turned colder and harder the more powerful he and his became.
I always thought the coldest thing Tywin ever did was when one of his lesser houses thought of rebellion; he didn’t respond with a letter or a sword, but rather a musician to play The Rains of Castemere
Except House Stark. They got the letter, the sword and the musician playing Rains of Castamere. The full package.
See I didn't know that they actually played the song to houses as a threat. Makes sense now how Catlyns face changed to a look of horror when she heard it.
@@louwinters508it also would be the song of the house she's at war with inside the halls of someone whom is supposed to be marrying into her family too.
@@andylymbo yes that's what I thought. That she just put two and two together. Not that the song also in general used as a threat.
@@andylymbo * supposed to be marrying into. The fact this needs to be mentioned is exactly why the Starks had it coming.
Tywin spent his whole life "correcting" the reputation of his father and house turning it into something to feared and respected to be successful. The irony is Tyrion did the exact same "correcting" to Tywin during his life showing people that Lannisters don't have to be feared, just respected, to be successful.
Tyrion was the complete template of Tywin in a package that Tywin completely disagreed with, ended up respecting, but ultimately still couldn't love, and this was his downfall. Genius writing.
Tyrion could have lived with being unloved by Tywin and hated by Cersei, Jaime loved him, he was respected by the House and the Lannister coin was ample enough so he could buy whatever love he didn't get... But Tywin actively tormented him.
@@marsneedstowels He did but he also respected him. Once he saw Tyrion could lead he made him hand of the king, master of coin, and gave him a Sansa to marry. He definitely tormented Tyrion but part of him had to admit to himself that Tyrion was the child that was most like him. Jaime only wanted to be a swordsmen and Cersei wasn't a leader. It was Tyrion that embodied all he had to teach and end of the day, no matter much he hated him, he had to acknowledge that.
@@b_e_thecreative Yeah i really love the irony too lol, the Tyrion that he hated the most and considers a "curse" is actually what he WISHES his ideal child would be and the one resembles him the most, but he can't put aside his hatred and thus being his downfall
Your use of “correcting” reminds me of Delbert Grady from “The Shining” and it fits.
Completely agree with this. Tytos downfall was his weakness which made him blind to his family’s position. Tywins downfall was that he was too focused on his family’s position. Well put Brett.
While Tywin certainly isn't a good person, I feel he is less evil than Littlefinger. Tywin wants power, but he wants to use power effectively, which means running the kingdom well, so order is maintained. Littlefinger, to borrow a quote, would burn the whole thing down, if he could be king of the ashes. It is a difference, I feel, between Lawful Evil and Chaotic Evil.
Agreed.
exactly he doesnt do evil for the sake of it because it achieves nothing but is willing to do what is necessary for stability and power
That's Neutral Evil, actually. It is Ramsay who is Chaotic Evil.
@@valtersplume3726 I agree. Littlefinger at least has a goal in mind, aside from the pleasure of torture and killing in itself.
Hmm…certainly an interesting take. I feel that untill we know what little finger is seeking, we can’t for sure say he’s more evil than Tywin. Both men I do feel WOULD burn the world if it meant their goals were secure. We know both side with evil if it means they wins. Both men use manipulation to get their way. The difference is that little finger does NOT destroy his own house (yet). Tywin, for all of his pride, used violence and emotional abuse to coerce his children. This in turn caused all to develop long term mental problems that slowly ate away their strengths and their loyalty to him. In fact the throne is in chaos thanks to Tywin’s failure to be a decent human being to his family.
I love how symbolic it was for Tywin to die on “the throne”.
The fact that Tywin hated whores only to f a whore out of spite against his son is extremely petty
Hahah, well put.
Awesome thought!
Ironic*
@@NoLimit_Niko Bionic**
One of his largest flaws was by far his cold-heartness as while effective, didn't at all do any wonders in helping his children, his heirs and his legacy. When he dies, his family falls into disarray. Compare that to Ned for example, as while some wrongly call him a fool, his kindness and warm hearted nature lives through the legacy of his children who fight in his memory each and every day, and the entirely of the North as a whole lives through his memory and will never forget him. It is for that his family won the Game Of Thrones and secured Westerosi history and the Lannisters don't.
100% true, VERY well said!
good take
Nice
Yeah. And then Ned Stark wasn't stupid. He was just inexperienced in intrigue and plotting. There's a difference between being stupid and not knowing things because you never had the chance to learn them. And another flaw of Tywin is precisely the fact that he always underestimated the cruelty of his actions and did not think about the long-term consequences of what he did.
Ned wasn't stupid by any stretch but he was certainly a fool.
Question: What was Tywin like as a child?
Answer: Shorter :)
Considering he bit his Grandfather as a toddler…I think it’s safe to assume Tywin came out of the womb a badass.
🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
An hour long episode of Analyzing Evil? Feels like Christmas morning.
It’s like April fools on Opposite Day
I truly enjoy this series and channel, to get an hour’s worth is truly a boon
Feels like Christmas morning, except I'm actually enjoying myself.
You read my mind.
Tywin is absolutely worthy of an hour long analysis.
The fact that Tywin worked as the cupbearer of King Aegon in his childhood really gives a new perspective on his interactions with Arya on the show
I found Tywins death scene really fitting. I always love when characters who’s power comes from their ability to manipulate and scheme are faced with a situation they can’t possibly talk their way out of.
He actually could've talked his way out. But he was foolish enough to refer to Shae as a wh0re when Tyrion told him not to.
In the books tyrion didn't mention Shae but his first wife when Tywin called her a whore which she wasn't he snapped and shot him
@@azunkor422book wise Tywin was a dead man. Tyrion went up there to murder Tywin and get his answer .
After watching this video I realized that Tywin's scenes with Arya were desperately needed, as without them his villain status would've been unquestionable. Seeing Tywin act with kindness and empathy towards a small girl, commending her for her intelligence and figuring out that she is high born humanizes him a way the books didn't manage to get close to. They are the equivalent of Jamie's feverish speech to Brienne.
i like to think this is one of the instances where the show had the chance to do something the author only later wished they had done
I actually disagree with Tywin being kind to Arya.
Like he said, he enjoyed her but i dont think he had any emotions more than that towards her
Why do you think a man, who many people wanted to see death at the time, would give a low born one of his meals without eating it and then pressures her into eating it?
He was scared that hid food has poison in it and was willing to kill the little girl to find out
@@zeynaviegas Yea same, there is no fuckin way D&D threw that in, they are terrible, as soon as george was gone it started going downhill. Simply because they had less and less source material
@@chichiro8625 Lmfao. If that was the case he'd have a food taster at hand at all times. Dont be a fool. It's clearly there to humanize him a bit
@@chichiro8625 he enjoyed her company, and was indeed a little kind to her
Game of thrones is the one show where most of the main characters deserve an “Analyzing Evil”
Wish We Could Joffrey Baratheon - Lannister, Cersei , Ramsey & Walder , Even the Night King Or The Mountain. Just Do A Series On G.O.T Characters.
LOL true that!
@@iconoclasttheunholy4540 all these characters would have a 1 hour video too!
Ned ?
@@chuck2469 Ned did execute a guy for no reason
Charles Dance brings an unmatched aurora of domineering prowess to his interpretation on the character from the literature. Waking up to see this in my feed gave me goosebumps. Thank you for another gripping & comprehensive character study of a villain who conceded an aurora of silent, yet terrifying imposition whenever he was onscreen.
The show was extremely well casted with a few exceptions. Jamie Searcy joffrey Robert Ned the list goes on and on it was truly a beautiful representation until they f***** it all up
THEY HAVE MY SON
Have you seen him dance in Ali G?
@@derbil7251 Charles Dance in drag was one of the funniest things I've ever seen! He's an incredible actor - a real living legend.
Charles Dance should portray every authoritative figure in every movie/show. It's unbelievable how imposing and threatening he can be on the screen, which is perfectly encapsulated in his portrayal of Tywin. As of Tywin, it's truly ironic how Tyrion has all the qualities he wishes Jaime had. In the end, his irrational and petty hatred of Tyrion proved to be his fatal flaw.
Look out for Jeremy Irons in Margin Call and say that again
He would be an amazing imperial Moff
@@kekero540 yoooo i was thinking the exact same thing
His portrayal of Emperor Emhyr Var Emreis in Witcher 3 is also great
@@dermiesemisanthrop2111 I was about to say, Charles Dance carries such a charismatic and imposing aura that it translates even to his voice alone. I can't think of anyone else who would've been a more fitting VA for Emperor Emhyr var Emreis. Between the stellar voice acting, the amazing character design, and the build-up from the previous Games, it made me wish to see a lot more of Emhyr in the Game. He was perfect.
What Tywin did to tysha is one of the most despicable acts in the books and I can’t believe that it was glossed over in the show. It completely changes Tyrion as a person and influences how Jaime sees cersi.
It was in violation of the rite of first night which was banned hundreds of years prior.
How'd it influence how Jaime sees Cersei?
What does it have to do with his relationship to Cersei? I'm just curious is all.
@@HATEPR00F im obvi not this person and dont know the arguments for this particularly but i can imagine its something like it made him see her as "more than just a whore" or something, alternatively made him think the secret was even more important because tyrion had just been fucking like, a lady, whereas jaime fucks his sister, so imagine what tywin would do? probably nothing, but jaime doesnt see it that way, in all likelihood
Compared to shit he did in the past, it doesnt change him much lol. Yes its too his son. But he's done so much worse shit.
Tywin is such a grat character, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that "Rains of Castamere" would have been composed because of his actions, the man is such a legend!
Yes, yes, he was such a force. Truly. Such a force.
Dude Charles dance to made tywin a straight up boss like he is tywin
If I remember correctly, he had it commissioned and would occasionally send bards to his vassals that are falling out of line to sing it as a not-so-subtle reminder.
Tywin was not evil but he was just following law of the nature of people .
Wow what a legend getting whooped by a 15 year old boy
Arguably one of the most intimidating and threatening characters to ever grace television.
Tywin never killed anyone, picked up a sword or even struck anyone, but when he spoke, we listened.
well not on screen anyway.
Actually, he was a pretty decent warrior, even as an old man.
@@Gadget-Walkmen or on page? Lol
He fought in the War of the Nine-Penny Kings
Do you not remember him leading the charge during battle of the blackwater
I also saw Tywin as severely and acutely pragmatic more than Ramsey Snow evil .. He was like the male version of Olenna. They both lived a long time saw houses rise and fall , seen the good and bad with all the rulers of their time . They understand what had to be done to survive . They knew one wrong move would cost them everything and they made that one wrong move in the end . Still my some of my favorite characters
bolton* ma boi got legitimatized
Nah, Olenna wasn't as cutthroat as Tywin. Unless you don't count the books.
Olenna was the bomb diggity. Probably one of my favorite characters in the show.
The bish was so upfront and didn’t take shit from anyone.
Even her death was badass, “Tell that bitch Cersei I killed your bratty bitch son”. 😊. Ok I’ll die a painless death now :)
I think tywin's wife truly was the one exception to his otherwise cold calculating attitude toward everyone. If she were just his consort and a means to ensure the future of house lannister he would have most certainly remarried after her death, had more children, probably gotten rid of tyrion in the meantime, but he didn't. For tywin this is certainly a red herring, it seems like the only time his emotions had the better of his decision making. I believe of all the marriages in westeros, ironically, it was the cold, duty obsessed tywin that truly married his great love. I think tyrion his hatred of tyrion represents this. He "killed" her, but now that she's gone, he is a Lannister, one of few precious heirs to his name, his duty to his house compelled him to spare him, yet he loved his wife so much he wasn't able to cope with hear death in an healthy way, and blames his own son for it. If he was truly capable of being objective when it came to her as well, he would have understood that tyrion had obviously no fault, and he would have recognized and cultivated his talents to serve house Lannister, same way he did jaime and cersei, instead of relegating him in a corner of the family, antagonizing him and depriving him of any positive reinforcement or parental care. It seems fitting that his great love, turned into irrational resentment, the one thing that wasn't about duty, legacy or pragmatic opportunism, turned out to be his undoing in the end
I do not think their love was greater than Ned and Catelyn starks was (nor do I think it was worse). Both marriages were deeply committed. And both characters faced a circumstance that completely defied their traits and true nature. Tywin being pragmatic and ambitious yet showed neither of those things enough with Tyrion. And Ned being known for being honorable, loyal, and with integrity; yet allowed his reputation to be tarnished for 'infidelity' and raising 'his' bastard child with Catelyn.
It's funny, because both characters were *immensely* different, yet they were the 2 I respected the most.
I wonder how much religion played into it. In a world where you genuinely believe the gods will punish you like Tywin thinks he's being punished, and you see a human as an embodiment of that punishment, would you be extra motivated to hate them? It's an interesting thought. As Tywins was a narcissist, I think it greatly helped his wife was also a young Lannister in the court when he was. I imagine they might have gotten the same strain of abuse in Aerys court, making it easier for Tywin to relate to her and thus...like her initially. I'm a romantic though so I hope he just found an ounce of love in his shriveled-up little soul.
@@sydneyw9407 Think about it like this. Every single sliver of resentment and contempt he felt towards tyrion was 100% because of the love he felt towards tyrions mother.
Had Tywin been his usual logical and pragmatic self, he would have utilized him differently. Even the dwarfism would not have mattered. But because of how much he loved his wife, he just could not handle tyrion logically.
The thing is, Tywin is a hypocrite on so many levels. He claims that advancing the interests of the Lannister family is all that matters to him, but even if you disregard his refusal to remarry after his wife's death AND his horrible mistreatment of Tyrion, his general harshness and ruthlessness severely undermined the Lannisters in the end, and ultimately brought their downfall. All three of his children were constantly berated and disrespected by him, with the end result that all of them developed severe emotional problems; which, need I remind you, are generally NOT good qualities for a ruler to have. Not to mention that Tywin made little effort to prepare Cersei for court intrigue or politicking- and it showed. Because he saw women as simple pawns to be married off. Unlike, say, Olenna Tyrell or even Ned Stark, he completely failed to understand the importance of a positive relationship with one's children if one wishes to advance the interests of one's family.
And his penchant for choosing shocking atrocities to deal with his enemies paid off sometimes, but backfired horribly other times. The treachery and cruelty of the Red Wedding crippled the Starks but didn't destroy them, and it ensured that the Northerners (And other Houses wary of being betrayed next) would never be fully loyal to the Lannisters. A rule based only on affluence, fear and violence may seem rock-solid at first, but it ensures that very few people will have your back should your money run out, or your military be crippled; in other words, everyone will abandon you when you need them most. The Starks triumphed in the end because many houses and peoples were still loyal to them even after they had practically lost everything.
@@dragonslair951167 Also, Tywin berates Tyrion for sleeping with prostitutes but he himself did it. Of course you see with Shay but in the room for the hand of the king is a tunnel to the brothel which hints that he himself was sleeping around but did not want to admit it. Tywin was a lot like Tyrion and he hated the fact that his objectively smartest child was, to him, a child. He probably assumed he was a product of the mad king raping his wife, which is all the more reason he hated him.
"The man that must say he is king is no king at all."
Tywin Lannister is perhaps the most influential man in Westeros that never was king
He did rule the seven kingdoms for a short time.
@@thomasrevere1728 as Hand, never as King
Bloodraven?
@@simonriley4131 you're not wrong haha
@@qjames0077 He made the decisions. He ran the kingdoms. I never said he was king.
Charles Dance absolutely killed it on the show. He was easily one of my favorite characters on the show.
One of?
Probably also why he was chosen to voice Emhyr in Witcher 3
he was my second favorite but then tyrion uhh continued existing in the later seasons and now i think tywins my favorite lol
The best part was that Charles Dance was that he'd always wholeheartedly defend Tywin's actions in interviews off the set. The role fit like a glove.
Tywin Lannister is one of the best antagonists ever written. A truly terrifying and powerful character.
I really do think, he is not an antagonist. He's just a character. The protagonist is the word. Not even the white king fits as an antagonist
@@TheHighborn He's not a protagonist
@@TheHighborn from the view point of people like the states he certain is a villain . Can even say from the suggestions of the show writers for sure , he’s suppose to be seen as a villain
@@TheHighborn he's a villain from the perspective of the North, and he performs villainous acts. One could say even the northmen perform acts of villainy, though. There are no clear cut good guys in A Song if Ice and Fire
Why do I fear and despise Cersei more than Tywin. Tywin is a teddy bear to me. Cersei is pure evil!
One thing that was left out was how manipulative Tywin can be. Like when he sends Tyrion to King's Landing as acting Hand of the King. Tyrion asks him why, and Tywin says "because you're my son". Tyrion has spent his entire life up to this point yearning for his father's affection and approval, and Tywin knows it. It was indeed the most efficient way to ensure his son would do the best job he could as Hand, while also ensuring his loyalty. He deprived Tyrion of affection his whole life, to the point he could use it as leverage to control him.
It’s also important to point out at that time, Jaime’s fate was unknown. Until he was found, Tyrion was the only male heir.
Tywin knew he needed to not only get his grandson in order and his daughter likewise, but he needed someone with his authority at Kingslanding. He may have hated Tyrion, but he needed his son to hold order until he arrived.
He couldn’t ride to the capital immediately cause he needed to plan the Red Wedding.
yes but ALSO believe at that moment that jaime was dead at the time so he had to place all his trust into tyrion to do the job and see him as his successor at the time.
I want to add that Tyrion was disgusted by his father in that moment. In the TV show it was not obvious but there is a description of his feeling in the book.
@@killthem9669 really? I thought he was actually slightly glad for once.
@@Gadget-Walkmen, not even in the slightest extent, he was mad that Tywin has given up Jaime for dead. True brother.
Tywin Lannister is that guy that read "The Prince" in high school and took it to another level
The Prince and the Art of War. The prince when it came to ruling and The art of war when he was on the warpath because you can see clear references in his tactics and overall strategy. Basically, if your enemy will destroy themselves, then let them.
He read "The Prince" and then wrote "The King"
@@Undone545 ok, you win
@@Undone545 that’s essentially what Tywin was. He truly was the “Crownless King”. It became VERY clear the more we see Tywin that he was the one ruling after Westeros after all these years, not Robert, Joffrey, or Tommen. He really was the one keeping the whole kingdom in line and he wasn’t even close to being king like AT ALL but that didn’t matter to him.
As he said, “you really think a crown gives you power?” And to an extent, crowns clearly give power based on what they represent and mean to the people but Tywin has proven that the individual is VASTLY more important, influential, and more POWERFUL than a symbol of “power”.
I think Tywin is a deconstruction of Machiavellian schemer. A leader is to be loved or feared, but never, ever, be hated. Guess what? Tywin was universally hated by probably everyone outside Westerland, and the moment he kicked the bucket, they visited his funeral just to look at his rotting corpse.
It is both maddening and delightful that we never got a point-of-view chapter for Tywin in the Song of Ice and Fire books. Just like with real-life historical figures, we are forced to make our opinion of him based solely on his actions and his words, without the benefit of being privy to his thoughts, the way we are for other characters in the books.
heh privy
Only a character like Tywin can justify an hour long analysing evil
Voldemort probably would, as well. The books go into a lot of detail regarding his life, far more than the movies ever did.
@@lisboah I think with Voldermort, he's more on dimensional, great character but he's kind of the definition of evil. Whereas Tywin has a lot of depth to him.
@@ConnorL999 Voldemort has another level of depth, but whereas Tywin's is concerning his own character, the one of Voldemort is concerning his depravity.
His evil is only surpassed by Darth Sidious/ Emperor Palpatine
@@dboymax1 And Lord Vitiate from the time of the Old Republic in Star Wars.
Tywin’s take that Tyrion was caused by the gods spite sent to punish him may not be metaphorically too off the mark.
Jamie and Tyrion are like the two halves of Tywin split. Jamie is the the glory, the warrior, the mane and fang. While Tyrion is the cool intelligence. The stalking beast in the tall grass. Beyond skilled in statecraft, control, and people.
Jamie could never rule Casterly Rock, he was the image of what Tywin wanted but without the substance.
Tyrion the reverse. It goes without saying he would rule well and profitably. Where his respect could be questioned, Tyrion was no stranger to using his scarred image to scare those into submission. The guiding hand of Tywin could have made the Dwarfs shadow loom larger than any glinting suit of armor. Together the brothers would have been unstoppable, and Tywin’s dreams likely would have been realized or closer to it. Perhaps a more glorious death than on the shitter.
But it was because of his own mirthless and loveless life that he could not. His pride, and perhaps the first true emotional wound of his life. He couldn’t cope nor see his son as a part of him. He wouldn’t, and yet Tyrion was the part of him that let him live such a hard life.
The Gods sent a test which he failed
great take
Excellent take. But I would add that Cersei represented his ego. The lion's pride.
I love this take
Bro, this is profound.
@@leonrobinson8180 that makes sense
Charles Dances must be one of the very few men left that can say, “My father was a Boer War veteran”. I find that remarkable.
Charles was born when his father was 70.
Man it's such a heartbreak re-watching this show and already knowing how absolutely dog shit the ending was. Such a great story.
ffs move on with your life
@@franciscorivas9337 Season 5 was amazing (besides the underwhelming dorne plot) and 6 was FANTASTIC as well. don't be hating on everything that came after season 4 as there was PLENTY of gold there as well!
@@franciscorivas9337 nah strongly disagree there as there was WAY MORE than just “some good ideas” as a lot of the execution for the stories in the later two seasons was done fantastically well. Not everything was perfect but some things truly was amazing later on.
@@franciscorivas9337 LOL What? Season 6 was incredible and fantastic as I said as a whole, and FAR better than season 5. Season 7 is where things overtly got nonsensical! And we all know how season 8.
@@franciscorivas9337 LOL just no, Season 6 is FAR from the "downfall" at all. That's nonsense as season 6 had alot of amazing things going for it with the battle of the Bs and the White Walker threat rising.
Tywin is a masterclass in constructing an antagonist. Hell, with a few tunnings here and there, you can even turn him into an anti-hero. Undoubtedly a defining character for fiction in this century
I always sort of saw him as the closest to an anti-hero the IP ever had. He's only "evil" in the context of looking at it from the side of his enemies. Deadpool, for example, is often seen as an anti-hero and he does some really fucked up shit to people that don't deserve it. And I can judge Deadpool to the moral standards of today since he's supposed to live in a 'modern' world. You can't hold Tywin to that same moral standard. In the world he lives in, for the faction that he supported, he absolutely was a hero, making him by default the anti-hero to the faction that the IP wants us to side with.
@@wun1gee Couldn't agree more. In the books and in the show, Tywin was my favorite character alongside Jamie. The story is almost comedically postured towards the Starks who are portrayed as the honorable, loyal, and righteous protagonists when in reality they are oath breaking liars and hypocrites who are extremely arrogant and end up getting themselves killed from the consequences of their own actions. If the story had been written from the POV of the Lannisters Tywin would have been the harsher equivalent to Robb Stark or Ned Stark.
@@ethanragbir8311 ey, Tywin and Jamie are my favorite characters too!
He was a major anti hero for most of his story, putting down the Black Fyre Rebellion and dealing with the treacherous Reins and Castemeres.
Anti heroes don't kill innocent babies and r32pe woman...do u people even read the books?
“You've served as a glorified bodyguard for two kings; one a madman, the other a drunk”….dude told Jamie he wasn’t shit 🤣😂🤣
If serving as a glorified bodyguard is the sum of your ambition then GO SERVE legendary
Factssssss 😂 him &’d Olenna Said Exactly What Was on their minds, no sugarcoating with them 👏🏾👏🏾
@@famousnobody4380 I've often thought that if Tywin and Olenna had been married when they were young, they'd have taken the Iron Throne together. What a power couple!
@@neuralmute most definitely! I have had that thought once -or- twice before 😂
@@famousnobody4380 And can you imagine what their kids would have been like?!?
Tytos Lannister(The Laughing Lion)
Tywin Lannister(The Stern Lion)
Jaime Lannister(The Vain/Honorable Lion)
Cersei Lannister(The Mad Lioness)
Tyrion Lannister(The Little Lion)
Ruthless, Brutal, Commanding, Prideful, Feared and Calculating. These are the words that tell you all about Tywin Lannister and why he was someone who was feared and respected in equal measure. His deeds were cold and smart and also merciless in the execution(like what happened with the Rains of Castamere). Tywin grew up in the shadow of his weak father Tythos(The Laughing Lion) and that constant reminder was an insult to his son(Tywin) and that in turned made him into someone who grew into someone who wasn't a laughing stock and after his time in the capital during his youth he mastered the art of the brutal political structure within it and how to navigate it and with that knowledge he became the Hand of the King on several occasions and even got some of the people silently praising Tywin has the "true ruler of Westeros" and not King Aerys(who was slowly losing his sanity bit by bit) and that in turn made him someone that no one would want to face in the game.
Narcissism and Vanity. These are showed when Tywin deals with his children especially when it comes to his legacy and that he uses his past as way to sway them from their defiance and not to mention that his need to control his children shows small hints of his narcissism especially when he talks down to them for their "supposed" bad choices(like Tywin was talking down to Jaime when he attacked the Starks, which Jaime was later captured).
But in this case the once great Tywin Lannister meet a fate that would in turn make him a future laughing stock in the eyes of the future and that was dying on the shitter by way of a crossbow at the hands of his "unworthy" son(Tyrion Lannister).
A prequel with young Tywin would be amazing to see. His story from youth to old age could cover several seasons. And you could get Charles Dance to cameo in some scenes with older Tywin. Pure excellence.
Start the first episode with him telling Jaime a story about his youth. Then flash back to the past while occasionally going back to him and Jaime throughout the series.
When I told all my friends that Tywin was one of my favorite characters they thought I was crazy. Yes the man was a stone cold calculating, sneaky, hypocritical prick to his friends and his enemies, but he got shit done didn’t let anything hold him back and basically dragged his family name out of the mud singly handedly from the age of like 17 on as well as run the 7 kingdoms behind the scenes for the better part of like 30 years. He commands respect unlike fictional character I’ve ever seen…and of course you gotta love Charles Dance
He also raped his daughter in law which benefited himself.
@@alexthelizardking You mean Tysha?
I think sometimes people forget that there's a difference between liking a character and liking that character as a person, which is possibly why your friends thought you were "crazy." XD I likewise think that Tywin is brilliantly written and one of the best fictional villains ever - but do I want to be in the same room as him? Hell no :P
It’s perfectly normal to like a character whose ethics are dramatically different from one’s own. What is more important is that the character is relatable to you in some way. Tywin Lannister is a character who could, from a certain point of view, be portrayed as a classical Aristotelian tragic hero. The hero who restored his House to it’s former glory, but was brought down by his flaws. It’s just that Martin doesn’t give us that perspective.
The true tragedy of Tywin is that he was born in such world that has the tendency of benefiting those that are ruthless-minded and willing to sacrifice others. Good-natured people such as his father and the Starks suffer for not having personal ambitions, or at least ambition enough to trample on others. In the meantime, individuals that betray others, even their own family, ascend both higher and faster.
Tywin was smart enough to realize this, that in order to both survive and ensure that House Lannister prospered, he would have to have as little moral conscience as necessary and do whatever he deemed necessary to guarantee this.
If Tywin had been born in 19th century America, he would have been a robber Baron.
He also raped his daughter in law. I'm sure he had his reasons.
In the books it’s looking like Ned’s Good Nature will do more to keep his family alive after his death than Tywin’s scheming will have done for his. Right now Roose is surrounded on all sides by Northerners who each have independent plots to install Bran, Rickon, Jon, Sansa, or Arya as Lord of Winterfell. Meanwhile the Lannister name has all but crumbled because Tyrion fled the country, Jaime just wants to be a good Kingsguard, and book Cersei is a buffoon who recently got deposed.
but is it realistic? i mean moral compass is not something u can just turn off. even if u "realize it" that it does not help the survival of your family. without a head injury or childhood trauma or borning this way you cannot become psychopathic.
... i guess you can act like it, but u ll be shit in that and u ll suffer from your conscience.
@@alexthelizardking What the fuck are you talking about?
Man, Charles Dance is one of the best actors I've ever seen.
and criminally underated.
Behind Tywin's ruthlessness, penchant for excessive violence for anything he perceives a slight, lies a severely traumatized kid obsessed with never being mocked and laughed at, product of having to watch how his father Tytos, a good and kind man, but weak and eager to please, was perpetually mocked and laughed at, driving the House of Lannister to the ground.
Not only traumatized, but also forced to grow up too fast to save his family from the brink of ruin. He couldn't give his children a childhood because he never had one.
There is a quote from one of the books by Tywin’s sister to Jaime, after Tyrion’s death. Tyrion was always Tywin’s true son, intelligent, sound of mind and capable, Tywin just couldn’t get past Tyrion being a dwarf and being laughed at.
Tyrion dies?
Error, should say Tywin’s death.
@@alicevaz5474 he ment Tywin
Funny enough, if tywin could put oast his own pride, he could've made Tyrion a dwarf to be feared
My boy Tywin gets his well deserved spotlight 👏 . I appreciate the time you put into these videos.
The way tywin's decomposing body is described is extremely memorable. Some of George's characters are awesome. It's too bad there's never going to be a resolution to the story.
I know. Last I saw George was making a Playstation Game and a Sci Fi show or comic or something, all while everyone is accepting and lamenting the fact that he's obviously given up trying to finish the ASOIAF saga.
It's like I have two years of my life missing since watching The Battle Of The Bastards on the show too. All I remember was watching that, then suddenly it was a new decade and we all had to start wearing masks at stores and staying away from eachother.
And now we're living in a real life Cold War II too, when all we wanted to do was watch the Long Winter War on HBO by now.
There's a theory that Tywin was poisoned
@@nicokrasnow1851 yea
oberyn
What the hell, didn't GRRM say he's comfortable with TWOW now? I understand why ADOS is up in the air however.
@@WallKenshiro Video game development takes a LONG time, George's contribution to Elden Ring was actually several years ago during preproduction. Honestly, I choose to believe that George will finish the books. Maybe I am setting myself up for disappointment, but I would rather risk that than give up hope and disrespect the intentions of the man who created the world and books we all fell in love with.
We will always have Tywin, for better or worse.
The role made for Charles Dance. What a tour de force that man is. ❤️
The lenght of the video already tells how complex and sophisticated this character is.
I'm not a fan of tywin but I have to admit it's hard to not respect him for what he achieved in his life.
What did he achieve exactly? He was getting ran ragged by a 15 year old boy
Ur too humble
I love that there’s a guy named Kevan running around a world full of names like Tywin and Daenerys. I hope there’s a Ser Kyle or Ser Frank somewhere
You would love Harry Strickland then lmao
I the books there is a Kyle Condon. And quite a few Franklyns.
SIR Mike🤣🤣🤣🤣
Twenty-two characters named Jon, IIRC.
There's such an absolute trove of characters in the book that exist beneath the great houses and their fancy family names that one forgets about people who go by more... humble names.
I think GRRM winked a bit hard when he included the Ser Chad / Lady Stacey / Maester Jermain love triangle storyline.
Charles Dance deserves an Oscar for his performance as Tywin Lannister
I agree, unfortunately Oscars are only for films.
Agreed. But even if Oscars were applicable to cable TV shows, who do you award the Best Actor award to? There were so many steller performances by so much of the cast for the majority of the seasons. I think the Academy would have a difficult time indeed in deciding whose performance was the best overall.
@@tamiwatchesstuff I liked Pedro Pascal and Peter Dinklage too, but Charles Dance was in a league of his own, just take the "the king is tired" scene, he only spoke few words but his presence does most of the talking for him. Charles Dance was phenomenal as Tywin Lannister
Tywin Lannister is such a despicable man, yet he has a charisma and aura of control over any situation to him that you can't help but begrudgingly admire and respect him in some way no matter how much you may hate him.
No that's Charles Dance.
@@alexthelizardking Charles Dance adds to the performance, he was perfectly cast here.
In the show maybe( mostly because of Charles dance) but sorry in the books I can only fell fear, not admiration…
@@alib8557 That's because in the books we mainly know him through the eyes of his children.
Tywin is basically the greatest power broker and influencer in Westeros, soo much so that his death threw the entire series off a cliff and towards disaster.
The most terrifying thing about Tywin is that he not only does he have the ability to do this evil, is that he can get anyone to follow his plans and believe that it was theirs. The greatest weapon is the one you don't see that killed you.
"Horrifying actions done in service to advancing the power of the powerful" is quite common in the world, not just the world of Ice and Fire.
A lot of people don't realize this because a lot just watched the show. Johanna was Tywin's cousin. If you think of it that way Cercie Tyrion and Jamie were to an extent also a product of incest too so it could explain why by the time Jamie and Cercie had children Joffrey was destined to be flawed even in real history a lot of madness is traced back to incest.
Well its more higher chances of mental illness than madness.
Tyrion being a dwarf was ironically Tywin's fault for marrying his cousin since that increases the chances.
@@LadyAsteria58 Yeah it is Tywins fault but in a medieval type world they wouldn't understand that. Some people have had some mad theories online that Tyrion is the Son of Joanna and the mad king because he did fancy her for a while when she was at court, until Tywin sent her back to Casterly Rock because of it. This is mentioned in the books so Who knows.
But see, in the medieval times up until I'd say the 20th century, marrying your cousin in a high profile family like the Lannisters did not have the stain taboo incest the way it does now. I honestly wish people understood this when they watch period piece movies/TV shows, and not apply 'modern morality' to these stories.
@@tamiwatchesstuff We know that, its just a ironic fact.
@@tamiwatchesstuff Everyone understands that...
“Plots and schemes are the same thing.”
-Tyrion Lannister
"Fewer." - Stanis Baratheon
I always wondered why he never remarried someone after his wife's death. Jaime was a King's Guard and he despised Tyrion for a variety of reasons and therefore his family's legacy was on thin ice.
Imo, that was the one thing that the eternally pragmatic Tywin showed his humanity in. He truly loved his wife, and after he lost her, he couldn't bear the thought of remarrying. It was the only time he totally let his emotions make the decision for him
Because tywin is a proven hypocrite. He preaches all these things about family yet he does things that clearly goes against them such as sleeping with a whore on his bed when tyrion got criticized for it.
Remarrying would make him similar to his father, something he despised. He would use prostitutes for his lust, but he wouldn't attach any feelings to them.
@@180Deadman it's ironic due to him talking about duty and legacy so much
Late reply, but everyone’s personal favorite insult is basically the thing they hate the most about themselves.
Tywin has a professionalism to him that other villains in the novels don’t have.
Which part ? hmm
Yes, he’s definitely the Michael Corleone of Westeros. Put them in each other’s places and I’d bet they’d make almost all of the same decisions. “It’s not personal. It’s just business.”
@@bluemarlin8138 it very much was personal considering what he did to his children
I’m glad you pointed out the biggest problem with Tywin, how he’s treatment of Tyrion was his undoing. The one thing I took from reading the books how another big mistake Tywin made was making himself hated, not just by his son but the entire (save for the Boltons) North with his and Lord Frey’s sacrilege of violating the Guest Right. Fear can keep people in line but once you make yourself Hated, they can and will eventually rise above that fear and act on the Hate. However as long as Tywin was alive he could’ve checked any potential threat. Once he died that fear was greatly diminished.
well said, goes hand in hand with the quote, "If you cannot be both it is better to be feared than loved but avoid being hated at all costs"
Furthermore, Tywin is always the reason why Dorne hates the Lannisters. And Oberyn's death fueled that hatred. And in fact Oberyn had offered himself as Tyrion's champion precisely because he knew with good reason that Tywin would never have handed over Gregor Clegane to him. And so Oberyn's death and Gregor's confession are Tywin's fault for having spoiled and protected that monster (because Tywin's ways always lead his henchmen to believe that they can do what they want without consequences because they hide behind him) forgiving, ignoring, and pretending not see his crimes, just because it was convenient for him to have him among his ranks. And what makes the Red Wedding more monstrous is not only having allowed them in general, but having allowed them even when they were not necessary. Because Tywin didn't allow that abomination because there was no other way to win the war, but because it was the easiest and fastest way. Tywin was winning even without cheating, but he still cheated, undermining the very foundations of society, just because that's was more easy. And this shows how much Tywin underestimates the importance of fairness and never thinks about the unexpected and long-term consequences of his actions. The truth is that Tywin's methods give you power and control but at the same time are an encouragement to turn against you at the first opportunity.
@@Gadget-Walkmen Yeah. Tywin is an apathetic, immature and superficial person who could not understand the difference between fear and hate.
Something i find really interesting about Tiwyn is that his Grand desire for the Lannister legacy dies and crashes as soon as he is gone. Without him Cersei is blundering in the capital, the other houses no longer fear the "lion" and The man himself is seldom thoutgh of, if not as some distant memory.
For contrast the "fool" Eddard Stark has a legacy that lives on.
In the books people on the Lannister side remember tywin as a Great man yes, but their deeds don't go beyond simple words, in the final subduing of the riverlands the soldiers fight because they respect Jaime as a Commander and fellow soldier, the nobles that once supported the Lannisters now are trying to take power from them. On the other side, Northmen risk their lives for Stannis just for a chance to avenge Ned and his kin, noblemen plot for the return of the Starks.
Even Jaime when he is given respect for his loss (tywin's death) he Only thinks of the Lost of his hand. While Even The clansmen of the North defere to the Starks, going to war for "Ned's Little girl"
In life it may have been his undoing, but at the end, Eddard's Honor created a mightier legacy than all of Tywin's efective actions and ruthless plans.
True! Tywin always thought in the short term and Ned always thought in the long.
“I want to live forever in a land where summer lasts a thousand years. I want a castle in the clouds where I can look down over the world. I want to be six-and-twenty again. When I was six-and-twenty I could fight all day and f*ck all night. What men want does not matter. Winter is almost upon us, boy. And winter is death. I would sooner my men die fighting for Ned's little girl than alone and hungry in the snow, weeping tears that freeze upon their cheeks. No one sings songs of men who die like that. As for me, I am old. This will be my last winter. Let me bathe in Bolton blood before I die. I want to feel it spatter across my face when my axe bites deep into a Bolton skull. I want to lick it off my lips and die with the taste of it on my tongue.” -Hugo Wull, ADwD, Chapter 42.
Just awesome.
@@Andrew-22434 I think Ned thought of his people and being a leader for them, and eschewed power when he could (as Jon does) and Tywin the opposite. Not as much near or far focus, but what the point of being the leader was.
‘Fear is brittle tool’
That’s how Tywin ruled from the outset. The Rains of Castamere began the constant theme of Tywin’s legacy.
So when he died…
The Starks were known through much of history as being honorable and just.
‘The North remembers’ is a nod to that. Meaning, in part (there are definitely other connotations to the phrase-as in they remember the Long Night), that the North remembers the just rule of the Starks and that they will support the Starks.
So you’re spot on.
Just and honorable rule is more sustainable than fear.
When Tywin died, that fear died with him. Cersei tried to pick up the mantle. And while she was feared, she went too far. Creating long lasting hostilities that people would never forget.
Recall what Tywin did. The Rains of Castamere destroyed an entire house. Leaving literally no one to seek vengeance. The Red Wedding was much the same as far as Tywin knew. The Starks were all but finished. A crippled boy and a 6 year old we’re all that remained of a dying Stark house.
Tywin didn’t leave a job half done. Or at least he didn’t mean to. Cersei just royally pissed people off and didn’t put out the fire completely. Think of all the survivors that lost family to blowing up the Sept of Baelor. Bad move.
It’s sort of reminiscent of the Rains of Castamere. But much more sloppy. Castamere was neatly and tidily wiped out. Whereas Cersei left hundreds of loose ends floating on the wind.
Excellent
As well as revealing that Tywin takes a very 'hands on' approach, the scene with him gutting the stag is also very telling. The stag is the symbol of House Barthaeon. The scene represents how the Barthaeons reign has ended because of the Lannisters and it is they who now rule King's Landing.
Tywin was so clever he planned his own death for before the writing of the show became terrible.
What do you mean?
@@grandmasterrevin5977 He dies before season 5 and in the books. An expectation in which anyone can jokingly say that Tywin already planned to die.
Sigma Male Grindset
His death's a very effective point to mark where the show turns to shit
"Tywin was so clever he planned his own death for before the writing of the show became terrible."
Underrated comment, even though it has 200 likes. Still underrated, it should be pinned, it is of such quality.
Thank you Charles Dance for bringing this epic character to life in the show. Just perfectly executed.✌️
Tywin Lannister is the fictional version of Edward 1 of England. Both have similar upbringings under a weak father. Both demanded respect in cold and ruthless ways. Edward the 1st at the time of his death in 1307 was arguably the greatest king ever. Tywin was arguably the greatest character. If you look up Longshanks’ life, it is interesting and extremely similar to Tywins.
Yes it's amazing when you know history how much of the books is just rewritten real world events and people 🤣
Can I just ask, how was Edward's father weak?
@@PrincessLockette Henry III was the father of Edward I. Henry was a weaker king because he constantly let people disrespect him and then turn around and let them off the hook. Simon de montfort married henry’s sister without his consent. Simon raised an army to limit the king’s powers and Henry was hesitant to fight back. Henry was not assertive and intimidating; Which is something Edward I definitely was.
@@brandonbeauchamp6576 the irony is that Edward was King John's grandson 🤣 assholery seems to run strong in that family.
I think Tywin might also have been partially based off of Godwin of Wessex as well
I’ve been waiting a while for any character from ASOIAF/GoT to be analyzed. Great stuff Vile Eye !
He’s the only one I care about since the show ruined every other character from the books.
You should do a character analysis of “Bishop” from the film “Juice”. The character was portrayed by Tupac, it’s a great film.
Or Wesley Snipes' character in New Jack city. That was a good one too.
Bro I been requesting this every video like every single onw
@@t.l.c.t.6250 And we will keep requesting it, until he eventually does it!
How bout tupac in bullet, either his character or rourkes character
I definitely agree
tywin making his own anime villain song and having Bards play it to threaten people is the most Tywin thing ever
I'm surprised that you didn't mention that Tywin didn't believe the rumors regarding Jamie and Cercei, even though they were true. It's amazing that he didn't even look into something like that throughout his life.
Ignorance is bliss.
I mean the books have been out for years and we're used to their relationship. But for a father to entertain the idea that his twins might actually be fucking... I mean I'm sure he'd sooner believe that Jamie has lazer eyes. Plus he has noting to win by looking into it. Either it's a lie and the rumors must be silenced, or it is true and the rumors must be silenced.
Even in the event that he believed the rumors, addressing it altogether would have gave it some legitimacy
He, along with his son Tyrion, is one of my favourite characters in literature.
He was wrong, at times. He could be cruel or stern. And he was merciless, if not murderous.... But he was too right about one thing.
Wisdom not all the title or power or authority, is what makes a King. Even a mighty lord can doom themselves as a fool.
A near perfect episode! The only blemish for me is how the show treated ‘the trigger’ for Tywin’s death, the truth about Tyrion’s wife, and in this episode it wasn’t mentioned too.
Tywin was actually my favorite character. He was hard, power hungry and cruel to his son but he was also brave, wise and had a very strong code which he believed in firmly. I also loved the way he routinely schooled people🤣🤣
Great thorough Analysis of Lord Tywin Lannister, he's one of those characters that really needs the extra long video coverage to go over his full character, history etc. There was this one great video about body language and how Tywin used it, like when speaking to Joeffry who was sitting on the Iron Throne and had to look down at him, Tywin correcting that by approaching closer to tower over him.
If possible, I would like to see an analysis of these villains...
Oswald Cobblepot/Kauppelpaut the Penguin from the Gotham TV series
Light Yagami from the Death Note Anime/Manga
Zachary Hale Colmstock from Bioshock Infinite
Wesker from the Resident Evil Games
Jerome Valeska from the Gotham TV Series
Caesar or Benny from Fallout: New Vegas
Khan Noonien Singh from the Star Trek Franchise
Apophis, Ba'al or Anubis from Stargate SG1.
"We can arrange to have you CARRIED"
Definitely would support a Light Yagami video as with one tweak, he can be a hero and even as a villain, you can argue the merits of his perspective
Actually there’s two factors going into Tywins death. Tyrion shoots him with two crossbow bolts. However, Oberyn Martell was also poisoning Tywin with a substance that makes you so constipated that you actually die from the toxins of your own body. Either way, Tywin was soon to die.
Wasn't Oberon already quite dead by then?
@@Laotzu.Goldbug no. It’s not a poison that works overnight. He was giving it to Tywin already. He would have just gotten more and more constipated with time
@@Laotzu.Goldbug The theory is that Oberyn poisoned Tywin before dying to ensure his revenge, and that Tywin was on his way to a slow death. But it's just a theory.
@@TechnicalHotDog where did it come from? what supports it? i’m actually interested lol
@@tymegabucks9210 In the chapters leading up to his death Tywin seemed to be struggling with sickness or something - of course Tyrion found him on the toilet. Then after his death the point was repeatedly made about how odious his corpse was.
Truly an amazing in depth analysis on Tywin, never thought that he was the most important person from just the show, we don’t see him doing actual combat, but he had a lot of cunning plans and fluent quotable dialogue, finally doing him service.
Would be really interested in a Joffrey Baratheon video, because I believe his cruelty has many factors at play, truly one of the most interesting characters in fiction and I’d love to understand more about him.
Good video. Though, Tywin's justification for the Red Wedding is full of shit. It wasn't just the murder of dozens of guests under the protection of their host (one of the greatest social obligations in Westeros, the violation of which threatens to provoke a breakdown of norms), but also the annihilation of the thousands of northmen outside the Twins who came along, murdered as they feasted with their treacherous allies. In itself, this was only possible by conspiring with Roose Bolton to eliminate thousands more northmen with a pointless battle at Duskendale to weaken Robb's forces. The peace made by Tywin is a desert where crows feast on the corpses.
He was so successful at presenting his ruthlessness as political merit that he managed to fool a large portion of the fandom as well
For real. So many short-sighted, ignorant fans are like, “Aw man, Tywin is so cool, he’s the best”
Meanwhile, he commits war crimes like they’re going out of style and says the most irredeemable things. Still, those same fans are like, “well yeah, he did those things because he’s a great man”
Like, bruh, you people are the reason real-life Tywins exist in the world.
@@BLK_MN Lol yeah, his Name is Vladimir Putin. The current world’s mad man of our time whose on verge of bringing us to WW3 due to his imperialistic hubris and nonsense.
Putin is literally Tywin Lannister of our time especially considering how people praise Putin as if he’s always right and “cool” to think he always has things under control in a badass manner when they are praising someone who would easily throw them under the buss when given the chance it suits them.
It’s complete madness all around!
Imo. He was one of the smartest men alive. A great general and leader. A great lord with no rival bar 1 flaw. His unrelenting pragmatism causing him to do things most would deem monstrous. He wasn't cruel because he enjoyed it. He wasn't stupid or foolish. He was a complete pragmatist where morality didn't weigh anything. In some ways he may of thought some of his actions morally superior than the choices most would of made. "Tell me why it is more honorable to kill a thousand in battle than a dozen at dinner?" Here he his making a case that he actually has the moral high ground because objectively less death was caused in his mind regardless of what any may say or hide behind using honor. He was a truly horrific and scary individual... but nevertheless one of the greatest in some terms. Like his ability to plot and plan. Being greatly skill in 1 area doesn't mean we can't hold him accountable for the atrocities he committed all for his insecurities and pride.
@@BLK_MN You do realize people can enjoy villains and not agree with their actions right? I mean Darth Vader from star wars is a beloved fan favorite and he slaughtered innocents on mass including children.
@Cole Darby Darth Vader is interesting because Anakin is compassionate to a fault. When he is evil, his dream remains true to bring peace and order. Palpatine spent years manipulating, showing him the worst of humanity stroking Anakin's ego.
The sanest thing Aerys ever did was mistrust Tywin
but also the best thing he did was have him as hand of the king. Easily.
I disagree.
The only reason Aerys didn't have a fully loyal House Lannister on his side was because he didn't marry his son to Cersei, a match which made complete sense in the world of Ice and Fire.
@@SolarArmadillo he had already lost trust a long time before that so the point you disagreed with holds more weight
At the end at least, craziest thing was having contempt for Tywin when Tywin was the best ally he ever had. Everyone who hangs around the crown does so for their own gain, or at others behest for the gain of others. Tywin was one of the very few whose gain didn't come at the expense of the King, the crown or of house Targaryen.
It’s brilliantly dichotomous. Distrusting him with was the wisest and most foolish thing that could’ve been done. Tywin would always come out on top in the end, no matter what happened, because of his intelligence and restraint. Killing him would’ve even likely ruined him, even if doing so would’ve temporarily advanced Aerys’ position (which feels insane given that Aerys was king). It’s a fantastically complex situation wherein Tywin is still likely to prevail, no matter what situation arises.
It seems obvious that Tywin was inspired by Machiavelli's The Prince
machiavellianism is definitely his most dominant trait
I would not say. Tywin broke one of those rules after all. That is, that a prince must be both feared and loved, that if he cannot have both he must be feared, but that he must not be hated. Because there is a difference between being feared and being hated, because you can be feared even without being hated. Tywin, on the other hand, never understood the difference between fear and hatred, and had the arrogance to believe he could manage that hatred by sweeping it under the carpet. Hate that in fact is exploded with his death.
@@annajoyce7634ButTywin broke one of those rules after all. That is, that a prince must be both feared and loved, that if he cannot have both he must be feared, but that he must not be hated. Because there is a difference between being feared and being hated, because you can be feared even without being hated. Tywin, on the other hand, never understood the difference between fear and hatred, and had the arrogance to believe he could manage that hatred by sweeping it under the carpet. Hate that in fact is exploded with his death.
They say that oberyn martell had previously poisoned tywin with a poison called widows blood when he broken bread with oberyn and meryn trant. Widows blood literally causes you to shit yourself to death and die an embarrassing death. Thats why tywin was on the privy at the time and he wouldve died regardless of tyrions actions.
Lol
Good shit an hour dedicated to one of favorite game of thrones characters from my favorite analytical TH-camr
Analyzing Bloodraven would be interesting.
We dont really know where he stands, but he could be a good example of one from the side we cheer for, who does bad things to reach his goals. He is the biggest Enemy of the Blackfyre, responsible for the death of most of them.
And there are some theories that he is responsible for almost everything that happened in the last hundred years.
I agree. All the more reason for martin to finish the damn books, smh.
So the lion does concern himself with the opinion of the sheep, he devoted his entire life to changing his family's image in other's eyes. He was oblivious to his own children's incest and inbreeding. Tywin kept proving Aerys right with every action, he said that the gods have plucked a flower and sent him Tyrion to teach him humility. Tywin had three kids, two of them had an incestuous relationship and another was a monster in his eyes and an imp. He wanted his daughter to marry Prince Rhaegar whose father refused, he then married his daughter to Robert Baratheon whom he eventually grew to dislike and disrespect. He had a grandson who was pathetic by all standards, he wasn't a good fighter, he wasn't smart, he wasn't very charming, he was bratty, annoying, ill mannered and monstrous. The other grandson was too gullible. Tywin could have done things very differently that would make sure that his house was known for greatness throughout westeros which it wasn't, it was known for gold, power, cruelty and a lack of morality. They got the Casterly Rock through swindling if I'm not wrong. When Aerys refused, Tywin should have found another match for Cersei, a man who was going to take care of her, a man who was strong, kind and intelligent, that would make Cersei a little less destructive. He should have found a suitable match for Jamie as well and for Tyrion. He shouldn't have tried to marry his kids off to people that they didn't like, he himself married someone that he was fond of. And most importantly, he should have treated his kids like kids, he should have treated Tyrion better because especially because his wife died giving birth to him, she died to bring him into this world, she wouldn't have wanted her sacrifice to go to waste and for that child to be treated horribly. And killing Elia and her kids was one of the most pathetic things ever, she didn't ask for the war, she should have been sent back to her home with her kids, she wasn't at fault. Since Aerys was already dead and so was Rhaegar, there had to be a new king, sending Elia back would be the right thing to do. And Dorne would know that Rhaegar started the war and so did Aerys and the rebels weren't gonna sit at home, it would have kept Lannisters out of unnecessary conflict. More importantly you don't become powerful by Killing helpless innocent people. He should have been a better father to his own kids. Tywin did know that the king doesn't have the most power and that's true, Tywin didn't have to marry his daughter to a king, instead made his children such people that others wanted to marry them just like the Starks and the Tullys did. The Starks win at the end because they really believe in doing the right thing, not when it's convenient. They don't win because they've desperately wanted to, they win because they've lived their lives with honour. The house that puts bravery and honour and duty first will inspire loyalty beyond the grave, so many people want to kill the Stark children because they say that the north will rally behind them, why? Their parents were long gone. Only because the Starks are built different, they're not kings because it's their right but everyone wants them to be the king because they do their duty. Glory and gold might win wars, they'll never win loyalty, you only need one Petyr Baelish to use you as a piece in his game.
Just wanna say this is a great comment
Ultimately Tywin is essentially the opposite of Ned Stark. They are both powerful and noble patriarchal figures of their families. However whilst Ned will be remembered as a wise leader and good father,Tywin will be remembered as a cruel monster and one of the worst fathers in history
It really gives a new light on his character when we realize that the guy is in fact a complete hypocrite regarding the "principles" he declares to hold and chastises others over.
Euron will always be my favorite evil doer in ASoIaF. His plans aren't just for the realm. His plans are on a horrifying cosmic scale
Sadly, the show made him into a clown.
Euron could have knocked off Darth Sidious off the s tier throne if done right in the show.
What was literary Euron's grand plans?
@@darthkek1953 to keep it as simple as possible… it seems like his plan *might* be to have a massive battle/blood sacrifice to try to gain some kind of magical power or knowledge.
He’s kind of fuckin wacko… a psychotic druggie pirate with Valyerian armor, captured priests, and magical artifacts.
@@The.Nasty. AKA, he's your average Skyrim player when they reach 1000 hours of gameplay. .
Tywin Lannister is one of my favorite villains of all time. In my opinion, Tywin’s plotting is similar to Palpatine, though on a smaller scale and more overt. Tywin is able to play so many people against each other while maintaining strength in his position, and the range of his influence stretches far beyond anyone else’s.
Excellent work as usual, Vile Eye! Would like to see you analyze Magneto in the future.
Tywin lack of emotions is not a strenth, but weakness. Ironically he teaches Tommen that justice is not the most important virtue for one could be susceptible to gullibility to the point of being murdered by hes own brother. Tywin´s blind recklessness drove hes own son to rage kill him on a privet. A flaw that enriches the charachter.
True. We also consider that he allowed the red wedding even though he could have won the war honestly, just because it was easier that way. He also doesn't understand that with that plan, even if he won THAT war, he destroyed any possibility of diplomacy with any future war with the north.
He is one of my favourite characters in GOT. Ironically another one of my faves is very different from him: Ned Stark. I think I enjoy both characters because they excel in different areas and captivate me for vastly different reasons.
You know, Ned could be the only other man Tiwyn could see as an equal.
@@Dai313031 maybe, they’re both duty and family driven leaders… Tywin is willing to do some underhanded/dirty shit to get the job done.
I could see Tywin not liking Ned, mostly because Ned didn’t like Tywin and that’d hurt Tywin’s ego.
MFW I realize these two great men are never seen on-screen together... Imagine Ned going nuclear on Tywin for raising incestuous cretin and betraying Robert. Damn shame
Reminds me of one of my first bosses; He was an ex-military leader and he gave clear and precise orders. It was to my liking. But I made the mistake of trusting him.
Charles Dance as Tywin might be the single best TV casting of all time.
Idk about anyone else, but when he rides in on the horse following the Blackwater Bay, the overall mood of the scene was enhanced by him. Just a certain sinisterness he carries that leaps off the screen
Finally , one of the best and complex characters of this masterful show and maybe the best antagonist in the whole television
After S6, it became less so.
Our blades are sharp,come and see....
I never really thought of Tywin as evil so much as just the ultimate practitioner of Realpolitik.
Exactly this. Exactly.
What is realpolitik..?
@@oxxy6678 Realpolitik is a way to refer to the practice of being extremely pragmatic and cynical.
Someone who switches sides to always be on the winning side.
Someone who isn't afraid of breaking taboos and doing immoral things if they further his or her goals.
Someone who manipulates and lies according to the current needs.
That's practicing realpolitik.
@@ScamallDorcha Not quite. The way you frame it realpolitik seems more sinister than it actually is/needs to be.
Realpolitk is basically the "politics of the possible", without bounds to ideology or morals.
A politician praciticing realpolitiks doesn't need to be immoral but he won't blindly follow his morals. A "realpolitician" might compromise and cooperate with someone evil in order to get closer to a morally good outcome - because it's the best that can be achieved under gives circumstances - instead of refusing to work or compromise with the evildoer and gain nothing.
Of cause, Tywins goals - the continued power of his house - are more of a neutral character in of itself, neither good nor evil. But in order to achieve his goal he is willing to do evil if necessary or practical. Which very much makes him a "realpolitician".
@@ScamallDorcha based
Tywin truly is the greatest player in A Game of Thrones. He died resting upon a porcelain throne.
High Sparrow gets an honourable mention. He walked into Kings Landing with no shoes and ended up with the king and the fate of Highgarden in his pocket . He played the game brilliantly, he only lost because Cercei set the board on fire and exploded it
um hello ?
Littlefinger by far (books only)
@@splitfries69 Do you have something to add?
@@kevincarter2020 Qyburn is even better. At the beginning, he was a disgraced Maester and became Hand of the Queen.
One of the only changes I enjoyed with the show was Arya & Tywin's one on one talks.
I mean, Tywin DID make her eat, what he assumed, was a poisoned dinner... But we learned so much more about his character and that he was never a sadistic evil... He was clever and pragmatic, and all he wanted was his legacy to be remembered.
The "golden childen" he dreamed of became everything he hated... All but Tyrion (in the books, so far), but Tyrion was the one they laughed at.
Could almost feel bad for him...
There's one aspect about Tywin hating Tyron that you missed and I can't blame you, as it's mostly speculation, but it has been hinted that Aeris R-ed Tywin's wife, and the latter suspected that Tyron was the result of this, which makes his wife's death even more tragic...
In general, I really liked the character of Tywin, as one of the best rulers, but still a seriously flawed character. The actor really nailed him and I love all the scenes where he commands respect without ever saying it outright. Also, how he talked to Tommen about what makes a good ruler stayed in my memory (it's essentially the Socratic method, leading Tommen to believe that he came to the conclusion himself, but it's also showing IMHO that he actually cared about Tommen).
Only tywin believes that. A lady of casterly rock would never let a grubby man get his hands on her. Even if he is king!
@@alexthelizardking What makes you so sure?
Dude I can't describe how happy I am about this episode. Tywin Lannister is one of my all time favourites.
Honestly, he was easily my favorite character of the entire show, I have to admit that I haven't read the books yet but Charles Dance's performance made this character quite impressive.
Dare I say that his death was not only shocking but also quite demeaning for a man of his stature, which made it the perfect revenge for Tyrion.
Truly is a shame that they effed up the show so badly by the end and for nothing at that! They rushed the show in order to get their Star Wars trilogy that never happened in the end. Greed can be a very powerful motivator but can also be quite detrimental as we saw the results of someone biting more than they can chew.
I think Game of Thrones is a lesson in how your weaknesses betray you and what I loved is just as the downfall of Starks prove goodness (Catyln's treatment of Jon Snow is questionable and her rash persecution of Tywin Lanister) isn't enough. The downfall of the Lanisters prove pragmatic ruthlessness isn't enough - Tywin is destroyed by the son he hates and underestimates and his inability to understand his children as people is what undoes him. Cersei becomes a monster and mother of a monster because Tywin gives neither a moral compass or any healthy outlet for her drive or advice on how to temper it - a lot of her effed up relationship with Jamie is she wants to be him and have the opportunities he has as a man and by marrying her off for an alliance Tywin traps in a loveless relationship where she is not respected causing her to rebel and seek respect elsewhere and in a twisted sense Tywin's emphasis on family primes her to be incestous. The same goes for Jamie. He isn't given the ability to question his family and his blind loyalty to Cersei is his moral downfall and if you accept the TV series his literal downfall - he only develops real integrity from the negative example of the mad king and the positive examples of Brienne and Tyrion. It is Jamie's loyalty to his brother that will destroy his father as much as Tywin's disregard for Tyrion and Jamie's blind loyalty to Cersei will destroy the Lanister legacy along with Cersei. Tywin's ruthlessness will also lead to the destruction of his grandchildren too. Had Cersei listened to Ned she might have saved them as it is they all die.