Did Lord Varys betray Daenerys in Game of Thrones? Explained

Game of Thrones, created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, ran from 2011 to 2019. The series took place in the made-up continents of Westeros and Essos, and it was about how different noble families fought for control of the Iron Throne. Lord Varys, the Master of Whispers, was one of the most important characters in this story.

Lord Varys was always loyal to the realm, rather than any ruler. The final episodes of Game of Thrones presented a moral dilemma for him with Daenerys Targaryen. As she became insane, he lost faith in her. He betrayed Daenerys out of fear she would become tyrannical.

Yes, Lord Varys betrayed Daenerys in Game of Thrones in season 8 episode 5. His treachery resulted from his conviction that Daenerys was unfit for rule in her current state.

Varys had serviced several kings over the series, always acting in the best interest of the realm. Fearing Jon Snow's instability, he tried to protect his claim to the throne and set plans to poison Daenerys, executing a last act of betrayal.

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Game of Thrones: Signs of Daenerys’ decline

Long before Varys was executed, his betrayal started. Varys noted Daenerys's increasing paranoia and agitation as she got ready to inherit the Iron Throne. Having dealt with Daenerys' father, the Mad King, he had always been dubious of the Targaryen family.

Varys dreaded Daenerys would follow in the footsteps of her father. Her growing savagery, including killing civilians and prisoners, persuaded him that she was growing dangerous.

Although he was her adviser, Varys managed matters on his own. He began telling the lords of Westeros that Jon Snow was the legitimate heir to the throne while exposing his actual ancestry.

Varys thought that Jon would be a better king, as he had shown himself to be fair and calm. Varys expected Jon's claim to the throne would stop Daenerys from reigning.

One of the most shocking events that happened in Game of Thrones was that Varys seemed to be planning to kill Daenerys. Varys told his "little bird," Martha, that he thought they should try poisoning Daenerys again, as she wouldn't eat her previous meals.

Again, it proved that Varys was ready to do anything to stop her, even if it meant killing her. He did something that was more than just political maneuvering; it was direct treason.

Varys's plans weren't kept a secret for long, which was certainly disastrous for him. Another trusted advisor of Daenerys, Tyrion Lannister, told her about Varys' betrayal.

Daenerys quickly acted on this information, even though she was already becoming more suspicious and paranoid. She sentenced Varys to death with Dragonfire because she kept her promise to burn anyone who betrayed her.

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Varys’ legacy: A moral dilemma

Varys was gracious about his death and knew that he had made the choice he did for the good of the realm. He thought that the people, or "small folk," should have a leader who would look out for their best interests. In his last conversation with Tyrion, he expected to be wrong about Daenerys, but his doubts never went away.

The choice Daenerys made to kill Varys was a turning point in her story. After he died, she let out her rage on King's Landing and set the city and its people on fire. Varys was afraid this would happen. So he betrayed them to try to stop it. Eventually, his worries were proven right when Daenerys turned into the Mad Queen, a leader who was angry and wanted power.

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Game of Thrones can be streamed on HBO.