Throughout Game Of Thrones, one of the most exciting aspects for a lot of fans was seeing how each character would enact their plan to get nearer to a reign on the Iron Throne. With so many ways to do something like that, including things like poisonings, mistruths, and other vile schemes, it only makes sense that dozens of characters made power plays at some point. One key position some characters held as they became dangerously close to the throne was that of the Hand of the King.

Being anyone of note in the world of Game Of Thrones is already dangerous enough, but being that close to the ruler was arguably the most dangerous place a person could possibly be. Even those meant to be the most trusted in the kingdom were up to no good. Surprisingly, many Hands of the King were relatively virtuous in some form, especially when considering those in other similar positions.

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What Is The Hand Of The King?

Acting as one of the most powerful and dangerous people in all of Westeros, the role of the Hand of the King is vital for a thriving kingdom. The position is typically appointed by the King himself, something that confers immense power to the Hand. While still capable of being trumped by the King, the Hand of the King has the ability to make decisions in the name of the King. Due to how powerful this role is, the Hand of the King is seen as a major leader in the hierarchy of the kingdom, at times being seen as even more valuable than rulers, especially thanks to their role as the lead of the King’s Small Council.

Precisely what the Hand of the King does will vary depending on who is currently in power. With a strong and wise leader like Bran the Broken, Tyrion likely didn’t need to exercise the full extent of the Hand’s power. At a time like that, Tyrion would only need to be responsible for ensuring that whatever Bran wanted to be implemented across the lands was accomplished and adopted widely. A notable example of a strong hand with a weak king comes from Tyrion’s father, Tywin Lannister, a man who essentially ruled the kingdom from the role of Hand of the King while under the reign of the Mad King.

Realistically, Eddard Stark’s thoughts put the role of the Hand of the King best in the novel A Game Of Thrones:

The Hand of the King is identified typically by a small brooch-like object, something that is attached to their garb. Not being left out to tackle their massive responsibility alone, the Hand of the King is able to bring their family along with them from wherever they previously resided in order to guide the King in King’s Landing. Despite the seemingly simple domestic situation, the role is still incredibly dangerous, and in fact, the entire Game Of Thrones series is brought into a spiral by the mysterious death of the Hand of the King, Jon Arryn.

Who Are Some Notable Hands Of The King?

Recognizable Hands of the King:

• Tyrion Lannister
• Tywin Lannister
• Eddard (Ned) Stark
• Otto Hightower
• Jon Arryn

The history of the Hand of the King is filled with plenty of notable houses from across Westeros. Long before the series ever began, members of the House Baratheon and House Tully served as Hands. One Hand of note for fans of House Of The Dragon is none other than Ser Otto Hightower of House Hightower, a powerful figure who shaped the land for many years. He would eventually face his own share of issues once King Viserys Targaryen took the throne, but it cannot be stressed enough just how powerful, cunning, and deadly Ser Otto Hightower was as a political player in the kingdom.

Tywin Lannister might be one of the most significant Hands from before the start of the series. Acting as the Mad King’s Hand for two decades, Tywin was essentially the true ruler of the kingdom. He would later take up the role under the rule of Joffrey and then under Tommen in order to aid their naivety, though he would eventually be killed by his hated son Tyrion, another notable Hand of the King.

Jon Arryn is a notable Hand for being the person whom the entire series conflict hinges upon. Outside of that, he was said to be a strong Hand for Robert Baratheon for nearly two decades. Once Ned Stark took the role of Hand for a short period, he didn’t have the time to do much of value, though it is easy to assume he would have been a strong Hand for Robert Baratheon if things had gone a different way.

Who Were The Best Hands Of The King?

It can be difficult to determine which Hands of the King were the best purely because of how dynamic the position was. It is easy to say that the best Hands were forced to show off their prowess in the role when faced with weak rulers. What this means is that while Tyrion Lannister is a fan-favorite character (thanks in large part to his great quotes), and likely would make a strong Hand of the King under Bran the Broken, others like Jon Arryn, Tywin Lannister, and even Otto Hightower all have stronger claims to being named as the best Hand.

Jon Arryn was said to have kept the kingdom afloat while serving as Hand to the relatively useless Robert Baratheon, but when Ned Stark briefly takes power before his execution, it becomes clear that the kingdom is still in rough shape. Thanks to this fact, it is probably fair to say that Tywin Lannister is the most effective Hand in the series, even if his most useful years aren’t ever seen on screen. He didn’t run the kingdom once, but instead on two separate occasions under three different rulers.

As Petyr Baelish puts it in A Game Of Thrones:

This quote applies perfectly to someone like Tywin Lannister, as his demeanor allowed him to come across as regal as any King while also ensuring no one tried to cross him.

Game Of Thrones can be streamed on MAX.

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones, based on the Song of Ice and Fire book series by George R.R. Martin, tells the sprawling story of warring families in Westeros. This includes the Starks, the Lannisters, the Baratheons, and the Targaryens. Along with human conflicts, Westeros is also threatened by the re-emergence of dragons, and an undead enemy from beyond the Wall.

First Episode Air Date

April 17, 2011

Where to watch

HBO Max

Spin-offs

House of the Dragon

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