Game Of Thrones: Impressive Things Tywin Lannister Did

Highlights

Tywin Lannister, despite not being king, wielded immense power through his political skill and brutal tactics in Game of Thrones.
Born into wealth and responsibility, Tywin inherited his position and restored the reputation of House Lannister through ruthless actions.
Tywin's strategic moves, such as annihilating House Reyne and marrying off his children for political gain, secured power for his family.

Despite never being the King of the Seven Kingdoms, Tywin Lannister is one of the most influential and powerful figures in the setting's politics and overall story. He served as the Hand of the King under his Grandson, Geoffrey, doing his best to maintain stability in the realm, even if he had to resort to morally questionable means for its sake.

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However, even before the show's beginning, Tywin held considerable power and sway, proving himself to be a decisive leader both feared and respected by many across the Seven Kingdoms. His past deeds and participation during Baratheon's Rebellion earned Tywin this reputation, which he maintained until his death.

6 Inherited A Fortune

Became An Heir To The Lord

Tywin Lannister arrives at Harrenhal in Game of Thrones.

While Tywin's deeds earned him a reputation, there is no denying that he was born quite lucky. His house was the wealthiest and most influential in Westeros, and Tywin had impressive riches from their goldmines. All of this was Tywin's by birthright. However, being born into such a privileged position did not come without drawbacks.

Tywin was destined to also shoulder a great burden of responsibility. His father, Tytos, was one of the weaker lords in the house's history, not having the backbone to stand up to his court and wasting much of its coin on worthless causes. This resulted in the Lannister's reputation declining in the years before Tywin's birth, and in many ways, his father's weakness set Tywin an example of what not to do.

5 Had An Extensive Family

Continued The Bloodline

Tywin and Cersei debate in Game of Thrones

As expected of any respectable lord, Tywin Lannister was concerned about continuing his bloodline and raising children who could carry on his legacy and show none of Tytos's weaknesses. Tywin married his cousin, Joanna Lannister, similarly to how Targaryens used to preserve their bloodline. She bore him three children, twins Jaime and Cersei, and Tyrion. However, while giving birth to Tyrion, Joanna died, which was one of the reasons Tywin grew to resent his youngest son.

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Tywin raised all of his children to the highest possible standard. When Jaime was diagnosed with a learning deficiency, Tywin made sure to increase the intensity of his son's lessons, eventually teaching him how to read despite being told that it was likely that he would never learn to read.

4 Annihilated House Reyne

Restored His House's Status

Casterly Rock next to the Lannister sigil with the words "Hear Me Roar"

One of Tywin's most famous acts as he sought to restore the fractured reputation of his house was putting down the rebellion of House Reyne of Castamere, which rose against Lord Tytos, growing accustomed to his indecisiveness and weak will. Tywin, however, showed that he was very different from his father as he didn't hesitate to attack them.

Tywin annihilated House Reyne without mercy, a bloodbath immortalized in the famous Westeros song "The Rains of Castamere." This also showed to people of all kingdoms that Lannisters always pay their debts, and that the saying does not just refer to coin.

3 Became The King's Hand

Took Part In Political Intrigues Of the Time

game-of-thrones-mad-king-aerys-targaryen Cropped

Due to his decisiveness and political skill, Tywin earned favor with King Aerys and became his Hand. Tywin held the position for over twenty years, serving the King who would later become mad with honor and dedication. Tywin's calculated nature provided a necessary balance to Aerys's fury.

However, this service ended when Aerys denied Cersei the opportunity to marry his son, Rhaegar, and made Jaime the captain of the Kingsguard, preventing him from having children. In Tywin's eyes, this was huge act of disrespect, as it robbed the Lannister of his heir. His pride would not allow Tywin to continue his service after such acts.

2 Played A Part in Rebellion

Breached The Gates

Tywin Lannister at Harrenhal in Game of Thrones.

During Robert Baratheon's rebellion, Tywin demonstrated his cunning and pragmatism as he remained neutral during most of the war, waiting to see which side would win. After the Battle of the Trident, it was clear that the Baratheon rebellion would inevitably prevail over the Crown, and this pushed Tywin to act.

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Tywin and his army marched towards the King's Landing under the guise of helping King Aerys, which in reality, was a trap. After the Mad King opened the gates, Tywin's men began to brutalize everyone and plunged the city into chaos. This was the final battle of the Rebellion, which finally marked the end of Targaryen's rule over Westeros.

1 Ensured Political Power For Him And His Family

Tightened His Grip Around King's Landing

Tywin Lannister in the Battle of the Green Fork

While Tywin did not retain his position of King's Hand after the Baratheon Rebellion, he still wanted to maintain power in the capital city and make sure that he remained influential. His son, Jaime, became the commander of the Kingsguard prior to the Rebellion, and despite this preventing him from inheriting Casterly Rock, this would still place a Lannister in an influential position.

However, the most important political move was his daughter, Cersei Lannister, marrying King Robert Baratheon and becoming the Queen of Seven Kingdoms. This ensured that the next King or Queen sitting on the Iron Throne would have the blood of a Lannister coursing through their veins.