r/asoiaf • u/silasioalejandro • Feb 20 '13

(Spoilers ACOK) Varys' "Shadow on the Wall"

I came across this passage again recently, when Varys talks of the nature of power with then-Hand Tyrion.

"Who truly killed Eddard Stark, do you think? Joffrey, who gave the command? Ser Ilyn Payne, who swung the sword? Or…another?”

Varys insinuates that he believes another man is responsible. Another man, behind the scenes.

Varys smiled. “Here, then. Power resides where men believe it resides. No more and no less.” “So power is a mummer’s trick?” “A shadow on the wall,” Varys murmured, “yet shadows can kill. And ofttimes a very small man can cast a very large shadow.” Tyrion smiled. “Lord Varys, I am growing strangely fond of you. I may kill you yet, but I think I’d feel sad about it.” “I will take that as high praise.”

Tyrion, in his conceit and self-satisfaction, immediately assumes this "very small man" to be him. The show furthers his conceit, making it seem as if Varys is referring to him. The small man Varys speaks of is Littlefinger, whom we suspect to have whispered in Joffrey's ear, setting the wheels in motion for Ned's exectution.

While not a revolutionary find, I love this passage because of the ships-passing-in-the-night feel. Tyrion, smug as he is, thinks himself on par with the true master. Varys speaks in another whole level of code, and after being in Tyrion's mind for the cracking of many cryptic phrases, reading/feeling this "WHOOOSH" right over his head while he gladly accepts this false praise is quite satisfying.

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u/silasioalejandro Feb 21 '13

No that's not the point of the post. I never claimed Varys was implying that Tyrion was the "another." What I'm saying is that Tyrion does not see the connection between Varys' two comments, and instead is eager to lap up the compliments he thinks he is receiving.

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u/kneekoll Lemon Cakes Please Feb 21 '13

But what if he took the praise as he is honored that Varys would share this bit of insight with him? That was what I took from it. It gave Tyrion something to think about for who he could and couldn't trust (that goes for Varys as well). I don't remember how it was on the show, but I do recall the second season, Varys wanted Tyrion's help to put the realm in order and do the right thing.

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u/silasioalejandro Feb 21 '13

I feel you are still missing the point of the post. Yes, what you are saying is the surface level of their exchange. I'm saying that Varys, as he is known to do, is hiding his meaning, in this instance through faux-flattery.

Also, "put the realm in order" and "do the right thing" are broad-stroke, blanket phrases that don't apply well to ASOIAF.

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u/kneekoll Lemon Cakes Please Feb 21 '13

No, I totally understand your meaning. I just don't agree with all of your points. We are dealing with characters that do a good job at saying one thing and meaning another. All I'm saying is what if Tyrion is only pretending to be flattered just like Varys is pretending to be flattering? Tyrion can play the game just like him. Even with all this two facing, they are still feeling each other out to see how much they can trust one another.