Is Varys manipulating Ser Barristan from afar?

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This video was co-written with the excellent @HistoryofWesteros
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[@seandavidgallagher4494]

AltShiftX and In Deep Geek should get some percentage of the profit for TWOW's sales because they keep the new book alive more than George or Random House does

[@TheMijoAaron]

Dude I think about this shit all the time. If anything George just needs to hire these fucking asoiaf experts/historians and help him finish this shit. I genuinely believe these people have it more memorized and organized than George lol

[@TheMijoAaron]

@@jessebourbeau1616 George hires Preston to help him finish his books. Please put me in that timeline.

[@BadPotat]

Actually I have to agree, these KZbinr have done, are doing, and will do far more for me than D&D ever have.

[@Zveebo]

It’s kind of weird to think that at this stage many people have probably spent more time watching IDG, AltShiftX etc videos about ASOIAF than they have reading the books and watching the shows. I honestly look forward to the TWOW as much for the decade of KZbin analysis it will give us as for the book itself.

[@colekuczek9812]

@@TheMijoAaron He’s admitted to already using the wiki and a lot of other fan resources because yeah, he admits he doesn’t follow his own work as well as these historians

[@ShawnHCorey]

"Is Varys manipulating...?" Yes.

[@alihijazi4451]

Exactly!! 🤣

[@memeaficionado]

Is varys manipulating varys?

[@alihijazi4451]

@@memeaficionado yes. Varys manipulates x, for all x in asoiaf

[@Avatar_of_Chairness]

Palpatine's behind it all!

[@ShawnHCorey]

@@Avatar_of_ChairnessAh. That explains so much.

[@sblinder1978]

9:22 Can't wait for Young Griff to summon a giant sandworm to Westeros

[@georgeatkinson1770]

Was just thinking hey, that looks like timmy 😂

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

Young Griff is secretly Muad' Dib.

[@chrishanson5767]

Lisan al Griff

[@veritasinvicta8128]

The great Lannister-Harkonnen alliance would rule the Seven Kingdoms after Tywin orders Cersei to marry the Baron. 👀🤔🙃

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

@@veritasinvicta8128I'm somewhere between laughing and crying at the thought of what that wedding night might be like...

[@rasmusliedberg3489]

“That’s what made Ser Barristan ragequit” Made me laugh out loud, that’s hilarious and quite accurate.

[@NukeMarine]

You listen to this and realize Varys likely had plans for both Ned and Robert's bastard shipping them both north to join the Night's Watch. Likely, both would have been "captured" en route and Ned given the option like Barristan to go to Essos to serve with fAegon. Of course Varys castling attempt was countered by Littlefinger who made to remove the rook (Ned) from the board. Seeing the bigger game at play is so much more fascinating with these deeper looks.

[@clownpendotfart]

Varys didn't do anything to capture Robert's bastard on the road.

[@theforce5191]

Varys was for the realm. He didn't favor anyone unless it was for the realm. So no, he wouldn't have those plans

[@greenboots_4661]

Ned fought against the Targaryans and openly supported Stannis. Varys would have no reason to expect Ned to help him.

[@Rumkitty2000]

Varys knew about Jon?

[@marvelerful1]

the Timmy Chamms AI Faegon art sent me omg I swear lmao

[@mrsnulch]

Same I was looking for this comment

[@thepunisher6674]

Barristan's betrayal could fit into Dany's three betrayals prophecy as the betrayal for blood, turning on her for Faegon who claims to be further in the line of succession

[@skynyrdjesus]

Barristan's first oath was to the Iron Throne, for which he was betrayed. His second oath was to Dany specifically. I can't imagine him breaking an oath for the first time at such an old age because of Westerosi law.

[@thepunisher6674]

@@skynyrdjesus Barristan wouldn't be betraying for Westorsi law but for what his code of honor says is right and because Faegon is said to be Rheagars son who is someone Barristan believed in. I could be wrong it is just a theory after all.

[@skynyrdjesus]

@@thepunisher6674 Oh, by Westerosi law I meant the line of succession. Either way though I don't see such a thing happening unless for some reason Barristan is sure Dany is dead. He stood by and watched as men he respected burned out of duty and loyalty to his word, and he's given his word to Dany.

[@thepunisher6674]

@@skynyrdjesus I do think barristan is a man who stands by his word but barristan also stands by his duty and as a kingsguard knight he swore to protect the rightful king and its entirely possible he stays loyal to dany but also entirely possible he betrays her for Faegon its all about where GRRM takes the story.

[@josharguello4313]

​@@skynyrdjesusI believe it's possible for Barristan to betray Dany. There are subtle hints peppered through Dance that he not always agrees or approves of Dany's decision. The next part goes into a lot of speculative territory but hear me out. It's very likely that Tyrion will come into Dany's service, as seen on the show. But unlike the show, Tyrion isn't serving Dany because he believes in her as a leader. He is using her as a tool for his revenge. Tyrion will feed and enable Dany's worst impulses, which might further alienate Barristan. If he believes that Dany is tainted with Targ madness, and if he believes Aegon is Rhaegar's son, that may be enough for him to switch allegiance. GRRM has often said that the only thing worth writing for is the heart in conflict with itself. What's a better internal conflict for Barristan than having to choose with Targ heir to serve?

[@willherondale6367]

9:30 Young 'Mua'dib' Griff

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

Just what I was thinking - his *eyes* should be blue, not his hair! 😆

[@chrisr4023]

The show did a bad job in portraying Barristan's internal conflicts during Joffrey's reign of terror. He was randomly never in the room when bad things happen.

[@LOSTKILLERDRAENEI]

I doubt Ser Barristan would betray Dany after she has given her trust to him. But he may have major problems with her and end up conflicted when he can't advise her as she goes into a conquering mood, the human heart in conflict with itself.

[@mrsnulch]

That’s some interesting hypothetical casting at 9:21. I could see that working haha

[@purplexninjamom]

Something I never thought about. But that makes sense. Nice. Thank you!

[@d00mf00d]

"a tower to die in and servants to bury me".

[@AndrewK23777]

Great vid IDG and HoW. Really well done as usual , some aspects haven't thought about in a while and some presented clues / evidence i've either forgotten or missed previously. Knowing Varys' current aim is to destabilize and weaken the current Westerosi monarchy and encourage some chaos in the realm until his champion (fAegon) makes his move. Makes perfect sense for Varys to be engineering Selmy's removal and influencing some of the manner of and reaction to that dismissal to push Barristan where V wants him to go. Selmy is a super honorable , loyal and legendary knight / kingsguard , losing him is a massive blow to the Lannisters ; despite Cersei and Joffrey predictably not realizing that. Whoever Selmy links up with automatically gets a degree of good favor , prestige and legitimacy. So makes sense to bring him over to team fAegon / Young Griff directly or indirectly and / or to Dany who is still potentially in their plans to link up with their claimant (Young Griff) via marriage or otherwise. Until they figure out no chance of that as DT is beyond their control. As the vid mentions still leaves the chance that placing Selmy on Team Dany for the moment leaves the possibility of him coming over to team fAegon later on. Less directly if they can persuade Dany to join forces with fAegon one way or the other (which isn't happening). Or more directly via playing on Selmy's prevailing long held ingrained loyalties to the Targs and defect over to team fAegon. Who Selmy may eventually view as the better Targ alternative. And with Varys' and Illyrio's plans for symbols of legitimacy with fAegon - likely the sword Blackfyre , ( I also suspect Aegon I's lost crown eventually) Jon Conn (former Hand to an actual Targ king & Targ loyalist who served / fought for the Targs) Rolly / Duck as fake Dunk , eventually Darkstar as fake Arthur Dayne etc. Bringing over Barristan an actual legendary warrior , knight and kingsguard (to multiple monarchs) with a stellar reputation who brings the prestige , legitimacy , honor and seriousness of their claim to another level ; would certainly fit their M.O.

[@marjoe32]

Kids wake up(i don't have kids) In Deep Geek just uploaded a video

[@samuelleask1132]

Muster the Rohirrim!

[@HabeeShirzad]

Whose kids you waking up? 🤔

[@ahmedshaharyarejaz9886]

If you get married and have kids, they will be old enough to read ASOIAF before the Winds of Winter is published.

[@vanessalory623]

Well, for sure he won't die in a pointless street fight against the Sons of the Harpy, so that's a relief. But if GRRM has shown us anything, it's that purely honorable people die, so chances are high we'll be losing Selmy soon. If WoW ever gets published, I'll be very interested in how it plays out 😏

[@Levacque]

He's also an old man, and I think we will see a lot of the "Old Man Goes Hunting for Non-existent Game" trope once winter sets in. It's an inherently noble, self-sacrificing action, so it would work well for Barristan.

[@shawnhenderson2091]

These are so fantastic, I hope you start doing Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings and Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere one day too, lots of lore and world building in those ones as well

[@scottanthonyweidner8692]

And John Gwynne’s novels

[@rustiouk760]

​@@scottanthonyweidner8692fab books, especially the first series

[@RA10H56]

Well said. I had some thoughts that things fell into line for the dragon queen to perfectly at times

[@WatashiMachineFullCycle]

I've read these books so many times and somehow I didn't pay attention to that line from Cercei about Varys being the one to suggest Barristan take the fall for Robert's death. That's an insanely good catch, and I think you're right on the money about him.

[@jeanpaulsinatra]

Seems to me that the biggest error in ASOIAF was Stannis leaving KL at Jon Arryn's death. If he allied with Ned and Barry Big Bollocks on the small council, Cersei would be pretty much fucked. Especially since the gravity of such a powerful bloc would draw Renly into its orbit

[@shaelynmartin1996]

I mean, really the biggest error was Catelyn just deciding on a whim to kidnap Tyrion because he said hi to her in a tavern. After sitting there and thinking about how she couldn't allow for war to happen. Thus causing a war. I mean, the majority of the conflict in the first book is directly caused from that singular decision and what comes of it. Everything from Ned sending off his men to get Gregor to stop pillaging to Jaime killing Ned's men and causing his leg to become broken, both actions leaving Ned basically defenseless when he needed it. I'd even argue that Tyrion not being in King's Landing indirectly caused Ned's death, since Joffery only seemed scared of and listened to two people: Tywin and Tyrion. Catelyn caused the game of thrones, got her husband and son killed, her eldest daughter held captive for years, her youngest daughter homeless, and her youngest sons out in the wild after nearly dying when Winterfell was taken over. Hell, she was the one who convinced Ned to accept the role of Hand in the first place due to her sister's letter. If chaos is a ladder, Catelyn was the winner of that race.

[@MeeraReads]

Stannis didn’t know Ned, only that Ned was Robert’s bestie. And Stannis couldn’t stand Robert. From his perspective, it was better to take the fleet and keep his position. Robert was in his 30s and reasonably healthy despite his weight and alcoholism. And Cersei straight up admitted that she had Robert done in much sooner than she intended. And as Littlefinger pointed out, Stannis was formidable in his own right but had zero charisma and little political sway. Stannis had part of the Crownlands but Renly had the Stormlands. And Renly was in the pocket of the Tyrells. No, there wasn’t much Stannis could have done unless Robert publicly disowned Cersei’s children, and even then there may have been a 3 way civil war

[@jeanpaulsinatra]

@@MeeraReads and doesn't have any reports about what he's like? Just assumes he's exactly like Bob? No wonder he lost if he's that bad at gathering Intel

[@MeeraReads]

@@jeanpaulsinatra there are reports and there’s *knowing* someone. Ned spent his whole life in the North, save for the war and being fostered with Jon Arryn as a boy. As Ned himself says, going south changes people, being at court changes people. Stannis knew Ned had a general reputation for being honorable and treating his own people well, but Ned had never been a member of the small council. Ned had never lived in the south. Intel can tell you what a person is doing, what moves they’re making and who their friends are. But acting like Stannis’ greatest flaw was not being a mind reader or not reading the books is a little absurd. He was a bad politician with a chip on his shoulder. That’s a big enough flaw, not sure why you’re looking for additional reasons to be nasty

[@lluewhyn]

"What do you imagine they'll think when they see Ser Barristan the Bold riding beside Robb Stark or Stannis Baratheon?" PR and Public Image management is a HUGE theme of the books, and why a subject like "honor" is a much more complicated subject in them as well. People like Ned are shown in the last book to have some advantages because of their reputation for justice and fairness over someone like Tywin, whose funeral is almost a point of mockery. The Show simplified this to "Whoever schemes and backstabs the most wins the Game of Thrones" and has themes like "Honor gets you killed".

[@andersfrieden567]

You could argue when people in the North rally behind Robb and later John Snow, it's because of Ned's reputation.

[@josharguello4313]

Barristan's sense of honor is interesting because to an outside observer, it may seem like no honor at all, quite the contrary, he may even appear as a bit of a turncloak. He was a member of the Kingsguard under Aerys. The Targaryens lose the war and then he is promoted to serve Robert, the very man that depose the king Barristan swore to protect. Then after he is dismissed, he seeks out Dany. And I fully subscribe to the idea that Barristan will switch sides again, to Aegon. During my last re-read of ADWD, I caught something interesting, during Dany's chapters. There were several instances were Dany was in audience with petitioners seeking her judgment. And in several if these occasions, Barristan disapproves of Dany's judgment. He is much too proper to openly disagree with his Queen. But the fact that GRRM takes the time to show us his reaction, even if it's just a disapproving glance, speaks volumes. GRRM is a gardener, and in these chapter, he is clearly planting seeds of discord which will later bloom. As book readers, we have some insight into Barristan's thoughts. We know that he's not a turncloak in the literal sense of the word. He is trying his best to live up to his sense of honor and duty in a complex world, where personal choices are seldom black or white. But I wouldn't be surprised if other characters have a different perception of Barristan's choices. And I'm speaking specifically about Dany. She will not be forgiving if Barristan deserts her to support Aegon. It's too bad we will never find out what happens next in the story, considering it's been over a decade and there is no TWOW in sight.

[@bhorrthunderhoof4925]

A very complicated intrigue indeed! I want to see more of In Deep Geek, much more!

[@doughnutnizzle2620]

I really love that the Faegon art is just ai Timmothy chalamey

[@richardtabor8686]

yuuuusss! I didn't know I needed this in my life today. ty for the content!

[@zanitzeuken]

09:52 Dany looking ROUGH....

[@carastone3473]

Ah! Now I get it. The show didn’t really give us any indication that Barriston didn’t feel good about being in Robert’s kings guard or joffrey’s; he just seems to immediately go to Dany after being forcibly retired and greatly insulted by Joffrey & Cersei. I wondered about his true loyalty because of that. I’m reading the books now, but am only on A Clash of Kings, so this was helpful. Thank you!

[@hardrocksuk]

Thanks! Great content as always :)

[@Derekivery]

The list of who Varys ISN'T manipulating is far shorter than the list of everyone he is.

[@jeanpaulsinatra]

Is Varys manipulating Hotpie? Is Varys manipulating Sam? Is Varys manipulating the 3EC?

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

@@jeanpaulsinatraHe's probably figured out a way.

[@capysarah]

​@@jeanpaulsinatrais Varys manipulating Ser Pounce?

[@jeanpaulsinatra]

@@capysarah that's so silly it can only be slander. Tell me, when did the eunuch get to you?

[@thekhan1987]

great video man. I enjoyed it

[@johntorres2565]

The answer to any question about Varys manipulating someone else has always been “yes.”

[@toddterrace153]

As always top notch!

[@ariyune7007]

If this is true I feel for Barristan, he really can't catch a break.

[@conniesuper9892]

Oooh...nice catch!!!

[@veritasinvicta8128]

I had absolutely forgotten that exchange between Cersei and Tyrion. It does make absolute sense that Varys would seek to weaken the Kingsguard. Yes, it does all make sense. Excellent surmisal.

[@toboraton]

Great video! Let's see one on if Jeffery was a good and just king!

[@briansamuel5846]

Nice work on the video bro

[@sidefack]

I'd always assumed that Varys had gotten in contact with Barristan and arranged him to go to Pentos but it makes sense in hindsight that Barristan could work out Varys' scheme and being on the council Barristan knew about Daenerys in Pentos.

[@user-zl4xv7nu9c]

I think it's noted that barristan isn't on Robert's small council despite being LC.

[@clownpendotfart]

@@user-zl4xv7nu9c That's only in the show. Barristan isn't disguising himself as Arstan there (since the audience would recognize him), and thus isn't keeping a secret about Jorah spying for Varys. Barristan discovers it much later when a pardon from King Robert arrives for Jorah.

[@Richard_Nickerson]

​@@user-zl4xv7nu9c Let's not mix show and book. It's like people correcting book information about Lord of the Rings with events from the Peter Jackson trilogy.

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

@@Richard_NickersonExcept that the Peter Jackson movies were mostly really well done.

[@Richard_Nickerson]

@@thing_under_the_stairs There are an incredible amount of changes to characters, plot, subplots, actual actions, dialogue, etc. Believe me, you will be sorely mistaken if you take the stance that someone could experience either version and be familiar with the other. I have a channel dedicated to Lord of the Rings called RichieNicksGeeking. I have read every Tolkien book, I have watched every BTS thing provided about the trilogy, I read the main Tolkien books annually for 2 decades, I make content on these things, I have written articles about them, I have dedicated a lot of my time and being to Tolkien. Please, please, PLEASE don't try to tell me that the movies and books are similar. It is an objectively incorrect stance. And even IF the trilogy was more accurate than it is, then it could inevitably never be absolutely perfect to the letter. "Don't mix movie/show with the book" is absolutely relevant, regardless of quality of adaptation. There ARE differences, and confusing the 2 as 1 is objectively a mistake.

[@EPYHDA1]

Ii think it is out of character for Barristan to switch sides without being dismissed first. Daenerys could dismiss him after he disagrees with her new methods publicly, as she warned him in Astapur, then he could go to Griff. He knew Connington, but it is not mentioned what they thought of each other, and Connington, by his own admission, is ready to go full Tywin and burn cities, "not to fail the son as he failed the father", so it would be an interesting choice for Barristan

[@byjordi2185]

Just imagine that Barristan kills Dany in the end The most bittersweet thing that could possibly happen The noblest of all figures ends in the same way the "counterpart" Jamie he despised the most. By killing the monarch he swore to protect for the greater good of the realm and all those innocents, :D

[@BestBFam]

Thank you for your fun to watch videos.

[@KipIngram]

You: "Is Varys manipulating..." Me (interrupting): "Yes."

[@spensirmclife6549]

Okay people have probably had this theory before but the reason Illyrio gave Dany the dragon eggs was probably if they hatch there be 3 dragons, when they are secretly supporting 3 supposed Targaryens where all of them would be able to weaken the realm. Viserys burning the country alongside Dany, but Young Griff claiming the third, slaying the new mad king and marrying Dany as start of a new dynasty

[@NEIGH6699]

Excellent, I didn't notice this

[@WeesanTV]

Nice video!

[@thatdude1853]

Could you make a video explaining King’s Blood? Is King’s Blood Targaryen blood, or is it the blood of anyone declared king or related to someone declared king?

[@AndrewK23777]

In Deep Geek has a vid labeled "What is Blood Magic" if memory serves and a substantial portion covers the King's Blood concept and his theories about it.

[@jeambeam3173]

It seems to be the later but its curious to how that works exactly. As Euron scarifices a women pregnant with his child for the Kings blood. My question then is to the Starks have Kings blood or does it magically become unimportant after they bend the knee to somebody else

[@samclontsii3548]

Another Friday banger!!!

[@charlesjermyn5001]

Well yes... I mean yes, how anyone could have doubt it: Varys fired Barry and a few months later he is dispatched as a body guard to Daeny who is Illyrio's protegee... how small the world is x)

[@Richard_Nickerson]

Is Varys manipulating ____? Yes. The answer is *always* yes.

[@MrBrianbeyer]

appreciate you

[@Luaeria]

“Rage-quit” gamer colloquialisms! I KNEW IT!!!!

[@alexmartin3143]

Lets just hope it’s not how he manipulated Kevan…

[@thekhan1987]

Faegon looks like Timothy Charlamet

[@freemantle85]

Aegon VI/Young Griff looks like Timothée Chalamet in those pictures

[@dromankass8655]

One thing I never quite got about Vary was how come he didn't get sent to the Black Cells alongside Ned during the succession crisis? I mean, there he is, going into the throne room along with Janos Slint, the Gold Cloaks, Littlefinger and Ned, and the Stark Guards to face down are apparently remove Joffrey as king. Now as we all know, Littlefinger springs his trap, holds a knife to Ned's throat and the Stark Guards are cut down by Janos and the Gold Cloaks & Lannister Guards. Littlefinger can obviously get out of this by telling Cersie and Joffrey that 'he was on their side all along, and be his actions has demonstrated loyalty to their cause by drawing out and foiling this Stark attempt to take power. (Though had Ned been willing to be more ruthless, take Renley's offer and seize Joffrey earlier, I'm sure that Littlefinger would have secure the loyalty of the Gold Cloaks for him, and been at Ned's side when he took the Iron Throne, and Cersie saw the inside of the Black Cells . . . ) But my question, is as Ned is captured in the Throne Room, and led off to the Cells, what does Vary do? Why isn't he killed or arrested along with Ned? He didn't seem to have been in on Littlefinger's betrayal, and Littlefinger hardly has an reason to keep his rival alive, why not have him killed in the confusion. And I can't see how Varys square this all with Cersie and Joffrey - what did he say 'Oh, I marched into the room with the Hand and all his men to remove your son from the throne, but I'm really on your side trust me?' Let me know how you think the Spider got out of that one? Mind you, had Vary actually ended up chained to the wall in one of the deepest, darkest Black Cells, he would most likely sighed to himself, waited three days for the murder and killing to stop, and the normal life in the Red Keep to resume, with the servants mopping up the blood, and then he would have reached up to a secret brick by his chains, pulled it out, taken out the key he'd put their years back, unlocked his chains, unlocked the cell door, put on his 'Jailor Outfit' that he uses to masquerade as a guard in the Black Cells, take the secret passage on the left, sneaked into the Royal apartments under cover of night, poisoned Cerci's wine with some Dornish Poison, and left the bottle and close by, then visited Joffrey and murdered him too, leaving a Golden Rose. Then exiting the Red Keep and the City, to take ship to Pentos, leaving King's Landing in chaos and the Realm closer to all out Civil War, as Dorne and the Reach are blamed by Tywin for these assassinations, and boy-king Toman can try and hold the throne without the help of the Tyrell alliance.

[@Magooch86]

I think the simple answer is that Varys knew that there were 2 possible eventualities: Ned takes Joffrey hostage or Ned gets arrested, and he planned for both. Littlefinger would need hard evidence to get Varys locked up, otherwise Varys could use his network to take Littlefinger down with him. It's safer if they keep their fragile truce.

[@clownpendotfart]

Varys wasn't one of the people like LF that Ned confided in about his plan.

[@andrewward5891]

Yeah Varys basically told Barriston “We got you a nice retirement condo in Boca Raton and a nursemaid to spoon feed you oatmeal”. Easy to see how Varys knew that would tick him off

[@whittenaw]

Alright you've convinced me

[@BlackAshes6]

I would love to see a deep dive as to who was the most “powerful and influential” person in the GoT universe

[@Hartiganjim69]

I always thought a great scene would be Jamie bursting into the throne room to find Barristan having had to kill a Mad Dany, and instead of judging him like Ned and later Barristan judged him, Jamie understands.

[@cardenuovo]

Keep up the ASOIAF content! Love it

[@BadPotat]

This clicks together so easily it makes so much sense. Also your Faegon images are AI yes but do you know if Timothee Chalamet was used cause if not then we know who they need to cast.

[@TheeLadyDivine]

It took me this long to catch the connection/meaning between Varys’ sobriquet of “The Spider” and the pulling of strings 🙃🤦🏻‍♀️

[@jeffcordova9633]

Lord Robert the good people of KZbin and the lands thank you for your content . The realm owes you a debt that can never be paid.. I honestly would not be surprised if he was, The way his character got killed off was crappy but I heard that’s what the actor wanted cause he didn’t like the direction D&D were going . Book Selmy? Hmmm I wouldn’t be surprised if he was manipulating selmy from far

[@unintelligentlifeform7180]

It makes sense that Verys orchestrated Selmy's dismissal. Verys is betting on a different horse and wants Selmy to be on the "right" side for all the reasons you mentioned. He is a knight of honor and his name carries weight. So who he stands beside in battle means something to many people in Westeros. Plus....He is still a dangerous fighter...despite his years.

[@andrewhead1840]

Hi Robert, I can’t find your playlist concerning why there must always be a stark in Winterfell and what is hidden beneath the Crips of Winterfell. I’ve gone to your oldest videos and tried to find it through there. That’s how I originally found it, but I can’t find it if you or someone could provide a link that would be much appreciated. :-) I’m trying to show someone the latest video in that playlist.

[@aegorbittersteel2154]

Yes for YOUNG GRIFF!!!!!!!

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

Looked like young Paul in the images...

[@tijnhollanders6932]

I. Cant. Wait. For WoW

[@carlrood4457]

So what was Varys and Illyrio's original plan? I'm talking way back when Varys went to work for Aerys. Unless Young Griff is several years older than he appears, there was no child for them to put on the throne.

[@AJDraws]

Something I have been wondering about lately that I would LOVE for you to discuss, or make a video on, is the following: You relayed a theory that the Seasons may be unbalanced because of an enormous magical fallout, or some kind of cataclysm that may be the creation of the Others by the Children of the Forest... Could it be possible that the Wall in the East at the Five Forts, may have been a similar construct created by either the Deep Ones or the Children from an even earlier cataclysm? As it says those cities are older than time and are made from Dragonglass (or is assumed to be) and as Asshai is clearly a victim of that calamity, being a shadow of its former self. And could it stand to reason that the inhabitants of K'dath and/or the builders of Bone Town (which are the same people in my head canon, as the bones are probably from victims of K'dath's rituals) are the cause of this? Since even the Cannibals and the Winged and Bloodless Men seem to fear K'dath and it is smack dab in the center of everything that the Five Forts was built to defend from? I saw a video on some figure similar to the Night's Queen, but more like Vlad Dracul in description who lived or ruled around Asshai or the Forts but can't seem to find it now. It would also be really intriguing to here your theory on what may have caused such tremendous wounds on Ancalagon the Black before he return from the East with the then sickly Aerea Targaryen? I saw an interesting theory that she may have been the victim of a parasitic worm, but what the devil could harm the Black Dread!? He obviously won, or escaped, but still. It must have been a significant foe, or foes to have inflicted the wounds described on his body! Perhaps another dragon? Perhaps a Giant astride a mammoth, but it seems to be described as claw marks.

[@SHARKVADERS]

I D G !!!!!!!!!!!

[@11bluekitkats]

Not trying to be weird but I see your comments on so many KZbinrs I watch it’s astounding!

[@JenksAnro]

Thanks dad love ya.

[@unintelligentlifeform7180]

I am interested to see what happens with Jon in all this....I feel confident that he will survive yet....maybe he doesnt? I feel like his parents are a major factor in the story and hopefully he has a bigger role to play. But once again, great video. I often wonder what things would be like if Ned had been allowed to serve at the Wall....would he and Jon be major players in the coming battles? Would the North even allow Ned to be placed at the wall?

[@larson0014]

I wonder what varys was doing when the mad king ruled, was he helping the small folk? doubt it. And why would he want to go back to that

[@Kriegerdammerung]

The more appropiate question would be who is not Varys manipulating?

[@danielallen4450]

I think when Barristan learns of Faegon and Dany starts going mad in Meereen, it's unfortunately more likely Barry will be TWOW's version of Varys, and get burnt alive, since Tyrion is also going through his enshitening arc currently, and since he can't sell Varys out ATM, it makes sense for him to get someone burnt, and I think that someone will unfortunately be Barristan

[@archmage_of_the_aether]

I grow to suspect one of the reasons Winds of Winter is taking so long, is JRRM subscribes to this Channel, and is aesthetically forced to rewrite the better idea into the book.

[@darrengibbs4216]

I have had similar thoughts many times in grave seriousness

[@clownpendotfart]

John Ronald Reuel Martin?

[@archmage_of_the_aether]

@@clownpendotfart Jorje Ronaldo Reagano del Martin

[@ShadeoftheEvening]

I give a definite YES

[@willtuesca8118]

Barriston isn't an oath breaker. Fagon or not, he's stuck with Dany

[@HouseGraham048]

If you remember barristan originally arrives to Dani as the squire for strong belwas who was a former pit fighter that illyrio hired to send to Dani. So yeah of course Varys was pulling the strings.

[@KRIL89]

Maybe we can get a Varys masterplan

[@eric2500]

When in doubt blame Bloodraven is north of the Neck...when in doubt in the South....😁!

[@deecawford]

Good thoughts. I think he will stay with his honor which is the last person he pledged himself to Dany.

[@sowitapid]

Varys spiriting people to the east is a permanent theme in the books. Some say Tyrek was sent east to further Varys and the fat mans plans.

[@Kaminsod1]

Always love these videos but i honestly doubt we will ever see the next book.

[@soilhalo27]

You should read and in depth the first law books by Joe Abercrombie. Unlike a song of ice and fire his books will end.

[@scottanthonyweidner8692]

8:18 - isn’t this a major, credible theory of a big part of why we don’t have Winds? That George wrote himself into a corner by killing off Kevan too soon?

[@PeculiarNotions]

Did you ever make the eight, Selmy?

[@ricardorivera6092]

Nice

[@k_b3948]

How did in LOTR horses run as fast as Shadowfax? Somehow I reckon it was answered already

[@annasanchez5959]

Ok, so getting Barristan dismissed is definitely something easily done for Varys. Making sure he got to Dany maybe was a little less certain. It might not have mattered though. If Barristan had stayed in Westeros and young griff rose up maybe Barristan would have joined his cause (assuming he could be convinced of legitimacy) anyway. As it happened he chose to go to Dany and did so by seeking illyrio. Illyrio had to have known that Barristan would out Jorah. There’s an aspect of this that bugs me. There’s a big possibility that revealing Jorah would cause Dany to wonder about illyrio. Jorah was spying for Varys but was also dealing with illyrio. Did Jorah not know that Varys and illyrio were plotting together? If he did a lot more might have come out had he been questioned more. We know he didn’t trust either one but he also said Varys wanted her watched but not harmed. What exactly did Jorah know?Suppose Jorah knew Varys and illyrio were working together. Even if Jorah leaned into the “they don’t want you harmed” thing nothing would convince Barristan to trust Varys and he would tell that to Dany. Anything to do with illyrio might seem suspect. Then sending Tyrion along to dany? How is Tyrion trustworthy enough for that? Illyrio even tells him about viscerys being an idiot and that he thought Dany would die in the Dothraki sea. Whaaat? The only safe way to bring him to Dany is if he’s dead. Can’t open his mouth that way. Also Dany, always afraid, running from place to place in Essos with her crazy brother vs young griff, taught, trained and protected by Haldon, Duck, Lemore, and Jon connington? How could this go well? Trust illyrio as far as you can throw him. Let me know if I’m making any sense.

[@williamst.romain7393]

He won't live long enough. I commented on one of Preston Jacob's videos that the Siege of Meereen is a lot like the Battle of the Pellannor Fields. Think of Barriston as being King Theoden. To begin it will look like he's winning. Then the elephants will be unleashed and his army will be scattered. One of the dragons will then attack his horse, like the fell beast. And you can guess the rest from there. Dany will probably arrive to save the day on Drogon with the dothraki following after, but it will be too late for Barriston.

[@janingvetjaland3451]

So many people talk about Barristan not living past Meereen and I think their could be something to it (as he dies there in the show and GRRM did have some say in the show) If thats the case I doubt we will ever find out, if he gets so far. How did he work together with Jon C back in the days, is it for better or worse that he backs up (F)Aegon?

[@YaraDara634]

How did that happen 🤔

[@moldyketchuphead]

Wait a minute! Is it possible that Varys also planned for Barriston to reveal Mormont's deceit so that he could win Danys trust quickly? Was Barriston meant as an upgrade? 😁

[@betterinsodapop]

At first glance, I somehow misread this as "Is Varys mainsplaining to Ser Barristan."

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

Considering who's got what junk, that might be difficult.

[@theforce5191]

When baristan was let go. Dany was still drogos' wife. The books dont even mention baristan or varys when she has her dragons hatch.

[@emrek99205]

13:08 this is the prolog to _*Dany Darko*_. At least that is how I interpret it.

[@Richard_Nickerson]

Why is every image of FAegon clearly Timothée Chalamet?

[@norbix-od7rt]

is that theory/observation your originally? never heard that varys is manipulating barristan before

[@DidMyGrandfatherMakeThis]

The spider serves the crown