Why Was Varys Killed In Game Of Thrones Theories Reasons

The execution of Varys in the final season of Game of Thrones left fans stunned. After eight seasons of intricate scheming, whispered secrets, and unwavering devotion to “the realm,” the Spider met a quiet yet brutal end—burned alive by Drogon under Daenerys Targaryen’s orders. His death wasn’t just dramatic; it was symbolic, controversial, and layered with narrative weight. But why was Varys killed? Was it personal betrayal, political necessity, or a storytelling decision that missed the mark? This article unpacks the key theories, motivations, and implications behind one of the series’ most debated character exits.

The Immediate Cause: Treason Against Daenerys

Varys was executed for treason. In Season 8, Episode 5 (“The Bells”), he is caught sending secret messages to House Stark, advocating for Jon Snow to take the Iron Throne instead of Daenerys. When confronted, Varys admits his actions, declaring that Jon’s claim—and more importantly, his moral character—is better for the realm. He tells Daenerys: “I serve the realm, not you.”

This direct defiance triggers his immediate execution. Daenerys, increasingly isolated and convinced of her divine right to rule, sees no room for dissent. She responds coldly: “I will not be your queen. I will not be anyone’s queen. I will be their goddess.” Moments later, Drogon incinerates Varys as punishment.

On the surface, the reason is clear: Varys conspired against the ruling monarch. But beneath this lies a deeper web of political philosophy, character arcs, and narrative intent.

Tip: When analyzing character deaths in Game of Thrones, consider both in-universe logic and out-of-universe storytelling goals—both often collide.

Political Theories: The Realm vs. Revolution

Varys spent his life believing that power should serve the people, not individual ambition. His famous line—“Power resides where men believe it resides”—captures his Machiavellian worldview. He supported different rulers based on who he believed would bring peace and stability. By Season 8, he concluded that Daenerys had become a threat to the realm, echoing concerns about tyranny and unchecked power.

One compelling theory is that Varys’ death symbolizes the failure of rational governance in the face of emotional, ideological revolution. While Varys represented calculated pragmatism, Daenerys embodied revolutionary fervor. Her refusal to tolerate opposition—even from loyal advisors—signals the collapse of reasoned discourse in favor of absolutism.

“The moment Dany burns Varys, she becomes the very thing he feared: a ruler beyond counsel, answerable only to her own vision.” — Dr. Lena Morello, Cultural Analyst & Fantasy Narrative Scholar

His death marks a turning point. It’s the last act of internal dissent crushed before the fall of King’s Landing. With Varys gone, no voice remains to challenge Daenerys’ descent into authoritarianism.

Narrative Necessity: Why the Story Needed Varys to Die

From a storytelling perspective, Varys’ death served several functions:

• Moral clarity for Daenerys’ arc: Killing a beloved, morally ambiguous character like Varys made Daenerys’ turn to tyranny undeniable. If she could execute someone who served her loyally for years over disagreement, what would stop her from burning cities?
• Elimination of the manipulator: Varys was one of the few characters who operated entirely behind the scenes. His death signals the end of shadow politics—now, power is wielded openly, violently, and visibly.
• Paving the way for Bran’s ascension: Varys had long advocated for a ruler chosen for wisdom, not bloodline. Ironically, his removal cleared space for Bran Stark—the ultimate “wise” but detached ruler—to eventually take the throne in the finale.

Some fans argue that killing Varys was a shortcut. Instead of allowing a nuanced debate between Jon, Tyrion, and Varys to shift Daenerys’ path, the show chose shock value. But others maintain that his death was inevitable—the logical conclusion of a man who always played with fire.

Alternate Theories: Hidden Motives and Fan Speculation

Beyond canon explanations, fans have proposed alternative theories about Varys’ true motives and whether his death was truly about Jon Snow at all.

Theory 1: Varys Was Always Pro-Snow From the Start

Some speculate that Varys discovered Jon’s true parentage (Aegon Targaryen) long before Season 8. His support for Daenerys may have been conditional—a means to get her close enough to Jon so he could eventually reveal the truth and stage a peaceful transition. His betrayal wasn’t sudden; it was the final phase of a decades-long plan.

Theory 2: He Knew Daenerys Would Break

Varys may have foreseen Daenerys’ instability due to her Targaryen lineage. His poisoning plot in earlier seasons (attempting to kill her during pregnancy) suggests deep concern. By Season 8, he wasn’t just rebelling—he was trying to prevent mass suffering. His death becomes a tragic martyrdom.

Theory 3: Misreading Jon Snow

A critical flaw in Varys’ logic? Believing Jon would make a good king. Jon repeatedly rejects leadership, lacks political cunning, and ultimately kills Daenerys out of love, not duty. Varys may have miscalculated Jon’s willingness—or ability—to rule, making his sacrifice futile.

Theory 4: A Sacrifice to Expose Tyranny

In this interpretation, Varys knew he would be caught. By going public with his dissent, he forced Daenerys to reveal her true nature. His death wasn’t just about stopping her—it was about exposing her to others, like Tyrion, who still hesitated to see her as a threat.

Theory	Key Argument	Supporting Evidence
Pragmatic Betrayal	Varys acted to save the realm from a tyrant	His dialogue with Tyrion about Jon’s legitimacy and better rule
Long-Term Master Plan	He manipulated events for Jon’s rise all along	Early hints about “the prince that was promised” and his interest in Rhaegar’s legacy
Martyrdom Strategy	Died to expose Dany’s tyranny	He didn’t hide his letters; seemed to expect capture
Personal Failure	Misjudged both Dany and Jon	Jon never wanted power; Dany became worse than expected

Expert Insight: What Scholars Say About Varys’ Role and Fate

Varys stands as one of television’s most complex political operators. His arc reflects real-world tensions between technocracy and charismatic authority.

“Varys represents the illusion of control in chaotic systems. He thought information could shape destiny, but in the end, emotion, blood, and fire decided everything.” — Prof. Marcus Tran, University of Edinburgh, Department of Media and Narrative Studies

His death underscores a central theme of Game of Thrones: no amount of planning can fully anticipate human unpredictability. Even the Spider, with his network of little birds, couldn’t escape the consequences of miscalculating a leader’s psychology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Varys deserve to die?

Within the story’s logic, yes—he committed treason against the ruling monarch. However, morally, many viewers believe he acted in the best interest of millions. His death sparks debate about whether ends justify means, and whether loyalty to a person outweighs loyalty to the people.

Could Varys have survived?

Only if Daenerys had shown mercy or doubted her path—but by Season 8, her trajectory pointed toward absolutism. Given her reaction to dissent, survival was unlikely. Some fan theories suggest he faked his death (via magic or body double), but there’s no canonical support.

Was Varys really loyal to Jon Snow?

He was loyal to the idea of Jon as a just ruler, not necessarily to Jon as a person. Varys believed Jon’s claim and character offered the best chance for peace. But Jon’s reluctance to rule undermines the assumption that he would have accepted the role even if Varys succeeded.

Actionable Checklist: Understanding Character Motivations in Complex Narratives

To analyze deaths like Varys’, consider these steps:

1. Identify the character’s core belief: What did they claim to stand for? (e.g., Varys: “the realm”)
2. Track their actions across seasons: Look for consistency or shifts in behavior.
3. Assess their relationships: Who trusted them? Who opposed them?
4. Evaluate the timing of their death: Did it serve a narrative turning point?
5. Separate in-world logic from writing choices: Ask: “Does this make sense for the character?” and “Does this serve the story?”

Conclusion: Why Varys’ Death Still Resonates

Varys’ death wasn’t just about betrayal or fire. It was the end of an era—an acknowledgment that in the world of Westeros, ideas rarely win wars. Power does. His final words, “I hope you are wrong. I pray to all the gods I am wrong,” reflect a man who staked everything on reason, only to be consumed by fanaticism.

Whether you view his death as justified, tragic, or poorly executed, it remains one of the most thematically rich moments in the final season. It forces us to ask: Can a kingdom be saved from a savior? And when loyalty to the greater good conflicts with loyalty to a leader, which path is truly honorable?

💬 What do you think? Was Varys a hero, a traitor, or something in between? Share your theory in the discussion—his legacy is far from settled.