The Winds of Winter is one of the most-anticipated fantasy books of the 21st century, and it could finally prove that Jon and Dany aren’t the most important players in George R.R. Martin’s books. While the characters give the Song of Ice and Fire series its name — and play critical roles in moving Martin’s plot forward — there’s someone else more crucial to the narrative.
Assuming The Winds of Winter keeps the major beats from Game of Thrones‘ ending, this will continue to be the case. While Dany and Jon are poised to alter the future of Westeros forever, they won’t be able to do so without one character’s journey. And while its predecessors already hint that Tyrion is the most important player overall, The Winds of Winter is likely to prove it.
Tyrion’s POV Chapters Suggest He’s The Most Important Character In A Song Of Ice & Fire
Tyrion Lannister is essential to Martin’s story in A Song of Ice and Fire, and the revelation that he has the most POV chapters in the books (49 in total, according to FandomWire) suggests he’s the most important player overall. He’s responsible for one of the most pivotal acts of the series — killing Tywin Lannister — and he’ll soon be behind another.
In Game of Thrones, Tyrion plays a huge role in getting Daenerys Targaryen to Westeros. He helps her become a ruler who can control Slaver’s Bay, and he aids in her efforts to reclaim the Iron Throne. Without Tyrion, it’s unclear how quickly Daenerys would get to Dragonstone. And Game of Thrones would look totally different without her doing so.
Dany making her way to Westeros and attacking King’s Landing is the only reason change happens at the end of the HBO series — even if it’s not the change Daenerys has in mind. Tyrion’s part in this outcome can’t be overstated. And the moment that serves as a turning point for him and his role in the story will happen in the sixth ASOIAF book.
The Most Important Moment Of Tyrion’s Story Will Happen In The Winds Of Winter
Tyrion and Daenerys have yet to meet in the Song of Ice and Fire books. However, the story is building to it, and it’s likely to finally happen in The Winds of Winter. While their interactions will probably differ from what unfolds in the show, we can expect Tyrion to still play a role in getting Daenerys across the Narrow Sea.
Tyrion meeting Dany is the most important moment of his narrative, as it serves as a turning point for the youngest Lannister sibling. It also becomes a turning point for the series overall, ensuring that Dany’s plot converges with the other major storylines.
Unless Martin takes a sharp turn from what happens in the show — and that seems unlikely — Tyrion meeting Daenerys will start a domino effect that comes to change everything. Without Tyrion, it’s hard to say if this would happen. That’s why The Winds of Winter is poised to demonstrate how crucial Tyrion truly is.
The Winds Of Winter Will Prove How Crucial Tyrion Is
The Winds of Winter will see many of Martin’s character arcs coming to a head, with Jon likely returning from the dead, Dany poised to set out for Westeros, and the fight between the living and the dead beginning in earnest. But more than anything, the sequel will demonstrate how crucial Tyrion really is, as he’ll serve as a catalyst for some of the biggest developments.
Tyrion meeting Daenerys will help get her to Westeros, which will, in turn, lead to her meeting Jon Snow. This all seems inevitable, and it’s probable that she’ll get wrapped up in The Winds of Winter‘s Others plot as well. Assuming Martin’s ending matches its screen counterpart’s, Tyrion will be the driving force behind everything that happens. And that all starts with the next book.
Source: FandomWire
- Publisher(s)
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Bantam Spectra
- Author(s)
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George R. R. Martin
- Genre(s)
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Fantasy