13. "It's not what we do, so much as why we do it." | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

25 Tyrion Lannister Quotes That Make Him The Greatest Role Model

"Those are brave men knocking at our door, let's go kill them!"

1029
25 Tyrion Lannister Quotes That Make Him The Greatest Role Model

In This Article:

"A Lannister always pays his debts," is what they say; but Tyrion has been paying debts he never owed since he was born. Being born a dwarf, Tyrion faces prejudices from nearly everyone he meets. He is very aware of the fact that he is hated by most and uses that hatred as a weapon to make himself stronger. Tyrion is the wittiest, smartest and cockiest character in "Game of Thrones," and even he knows that. Tyrion has become a role model for many because of how he handles everything he has been through, and perhaps these quotes from him will convince you that he truly is one of the best fictional characters out there.

1. "... a mind needs books like a sword need a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge."

Tyrion is always very aware of his strengths and weaknesses. He knows he is not a great fighter who can win battles with a sword. He can, however, win battles with his mind.

2. "Once you've accepted your flaws, no one can use them against you."

Tyrion has been told since he was born that he, in himself, was flawed. He accepted his status as the "imp" or "half-man" and used that hatred to build a steel fortress that he wouldn't let anyone break down. He refuses to let what anyone will say about him hurt him.

3. "Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armour, and it can never be used to hurt you."

This one's similar to the above quote, but a little bit more emotional. Tyrion was speaking to Jon Snow at this point and, if you're going to take advice from anyone, Tyrion is the one to listen to.

4. "Scars have the strange power to remind us that our past is real."

Both mental and physical scars have plagued Tyrion's life. Being blamed for the death of his mother, being falsely accused of murdering the king and having his face quite nearly split in half in battle have all been among these scars.

5. "Death is final, whereas life is full of possibilities."

An optimist statement at its best, a sarcastic joke at its worst.

6. "The powerful have always preyed on the powerless. That is how they became powerful in the first place."

The Lannister family is very powerful; we all know this. Tyrion, however, has never felt much of this power. He can see the world for what it really is, while those living high and mighty in their castle walls may be blinded by the ways of the world.

7. "I try to know as many people as I can. You never know which one you'll need."

It is no secret that Tyrion often calls upon others to aid him, and he certainly has a way with getting people to trust him.

8. "When you tear out a man's tongue, you're not proving him a liar. You're only telling the world that you fear what he might say."

Tyrion is one of the few people who doesn't resort to immediate torture or maiming of a possible outlaw. When is comes to drawing the truth out from people, Tyrion is fairly good at achieving his goal.

9. "Let them see that their words can cut you, and you'll never be free of the mockery."

An all too familiar tale for Tyrion, as he's been mocked and ridiculed simply for being born differently. He knows all too well that had he not been born a Lannister, he may not have been important enough to keep alive.

10. "I wish I was the monster you think I am."

It would have been much easier for Tyrion to actually be a combination of all the things he is accused of being. He wouldn't have to defend himself anymore, because just think of how tiring that must be.

11. "A day will come when you think you are safe and happy, and your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth."

When a threat comes form Tyrion, you know it's time to watch your back.

12. "I will let the gods decide my fate, I demand trial by combat."

Although Tyrion wouldn't be the one fighting, trial by combat was the fairest chance he would get at clearing his name. It's lucky for him that the gods remain on his side.

13. "It's not what we do, so much as why we do it."

Every action must have a reason behind it. As long as you have a valiant reason behind a horrible act, there's a chance that you may be forgiven.

14. "Killing and politics aren't always the same thing."

The only Lannister who believes this phrase, no doubt.

15. "There has never been a slave who did not choose to be a slave. The choice may be between bondage and death, but the choice is always there."

And what a difficult choice it is...

16. "People often claim to hunger for truth, but seldom like the taste when it is served."

Tyrion is often the one spreading truth, because he is one of the only ones who does not fear it. He is, however, also the recipient of the angry backlash when he speaks the truth.

17. "It's hard to put a leash on a dog once you've put a crown on its head."

Now who are we referring to here? Hmm.

18. "Everything's better with some wine in the belly."

Something we can all relate to, yes?

19. "Sometimes possession is an abstract concept. When they captured me, they took my purse, but the gold is still mine."

The gold may still be yours, but if you can no longer use it, is there any point in keeping it in your possession?

20. "Turns out, far too much has been written about great men and not nearly enough about morons."

Reading is something Tyrion does often. Among all his books, he has probably found the most interesting tales to be about those who were fools during their lifetime.

21. "In my experience, eloquent men are right every bit as often as imbeciles."

Sometimes, it's easier to make the lie sound like the truth, rather than come out brashly and honestly. And half-lies decorated in flowers are more pleasing to the eye than are ugly, jagged truths.

22. "...and now I've struck a king, did my hand fall from my wrist?"

One of his more comedic lines. We all know Tyrion is not afraid to put Joffrey in his place. Smacking him across the face seems to be one of his favorite pastime activities.

23. "I'm not questioning your honor, Lord Janis, I'm denying its existence."

It's best to be cheeky when you have nothing to lose.

24. "Bronn, the next time Ser Meryn speaks, kill him. That was a threat, see the difference?"

If only Ser Meryn Trant had spoken one more time...

25. "You might find it difficult to rule over millions who want you dead."

Cersei is no stranger to being disliked. Even the actress who plays her, Lena Headey, has earned some hate for how well she plays the role.

With a single season of "Game of Thrones" remaining, it is tough to say who will survive. Tyrion Lannister, however, is probably in the clear. After all, he is one of the wisest characters and no doubt will do everything he can to keep himself alive. By now, I'm sure you've realized why it is that Tyrion is a fan-favorite; his wits and humor have kept him in the forefront of the series, where he will surely remain. If you are looking for someone to root for, maybe now you will take on Tyrion as your favorite.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

84121
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

10472
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments