Game of Thronesis filled with complex characters, from seemingly ordinary servants to fathers who are also cunning men of war. The fantasy drama series delivers high-quality entertainment, andfew characters command attention more than Tywin Lannister(Charles Dance). With his entry on screen skinning a stag while scolding his son with hard truths, Tywin makes it clear that unwavering conviction and a strong presence is where his power lies.
With fathers like Ned Stark (Sean Bean), whose honorable warmth is heavily favored by fans, and Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane), who often wielded his icy resolve, Tywin is defined by legacy and the merciless pursuit of power. He is a man who duels out little to no praise and instead imparts cutting wisdom, strategic guidance, and consistent pressure.Whether he is belittling a petulant king or manipulating his children as he demands greatness,Tywin’s words continue to be remembered by many fans of the hit fantasy series.
Game Of Thrones
10"We could arrange to have you carried."
Season 3, Episode 7: “The Bear and the Maiden Fair”
In Season 3’s “The Bear and the Maiden Fair,” Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson) sits on his throne as he confronts the Hand of the King and his grandfather, Tywin Lannister, revealing his displeasure regarding the relocation of the Small Council meetings. Aspiring to restore his authority, Joffrey rudely complains that the new location would force him to climb numerous stairs. Tywin, composed and unaffected, climbs the steps of the Iron Throne and stands in front of his shrinking nephew, delivering the line, “We could arrange to have you carried.”
Tywin delivers the quote with apparent politeness but makes it clear that the king is not the one in charge. Twyin hovers over his grandson, and even on his mighty throne, Joffrey looks incredibly small.The quote is filled with polite condescensionthat subtly belittles Joffrey’s authority, emphasizing Twyin’s dominance and Joffrey’s obvious insecurity. It’s always great when Joffrey gets schooled by more experienced characters, and this instance is no exception.
9"He’s a Lannister! Maybe the lowest of the Lannisters, but he’s one of us. And every day that he remains a prisoner, the less our name commands respect."
Season 1, Episode 7: “You Win or You Die”
In Season 1, Episode 7 ofGame of Thrones, Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) seeks advice from his father regarding the capture of his brother, Tyrion (Peter Dinklage). In a surprising turn of events, Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley), who is under the assumption that Tyrion may have attempted to kill her son, captured Tyrion, throwing all of Westeros into disarray.
It is obvious to viewers from the moment they meet the great Tywin thathe cares for little else other than his family’s legacy. Tywin’s declaration is a wonderful bit of character development, proving his unwavering commitment to the Lannister name while acknowledging his profound dislike for Tyrion. One simple linedisplays Tywin’s complexities as hebalances both political necessity and personal disdain.
8"Lowborn girls say, ’m’lord,' not ‘my lord.’ If you’re going to pose as a commoner, you should do it properly."
Season 2, Episode 7: “A Man Without Honor”
There are few things that fans love more than the interactions between this quick-witted duo.In Season 2 ofGame of Thrones, Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) is captured and assigned to serve Tywin. While concealing her nobility, Arya fumbles in her speech, and Tywin Lannister quickly corrects her, stating, “Lowborn girls say ’m’lord', not ‘my lord’. If you’re going to pose as a commoner, you should do it properly.”
This moment trulyhighlights Tywin’s perceptiveness and acuteness. He easily notes Arya’s wit and refined mannerisms despite her disguise, underscoring his ability to discern even the smallest nuances.The scene heightens the tension as fans suddenly witness a cat-and-mouse game that showcases Arya’s resilience and Tywin’s intelligence.
7"Explain To Me Why It Is More Noble To Kill 10,000 Men In Battle Than A Dozen At Dinner."
Season 3, Episode 10: “Mhysa”
“Mhysa" followsone ofGame of Thrones' best episodesand features a moral dilemma for fans and characters alike. In the aftermath of the Red Wedding, Tywin is questioned by Tyrion on the tactics taken to secure a victory over the Starks. Tywin delivers the quote, justifying the orchestrated massacre as a strategic move and highlighting his pragmatic ruthlessness.
As the Lannisters and the Northerners were embroiled in conflict, Tywin felt the underhanded tactics to be a quick means to end the war and consolidate power. Tywin’s statement is profoundly complicated andshowcases the constant moral complexities involved in Westerosi politics. It encourages viewers to reflect on the ethics of the decisions made and question whether Tywin is a villain, a genius, or both at once.
6"The house that puts family first will always defeat the house that puts the whims and wishes of its sons and daughters first."
It is consistently proven throughoutGame of Thronesthat power and legacy are everything. Following the events of thetumultuous war that led to significant power shifts, Tywin declares to his son, “The house that puts family first will always defeat the house that puts the whims and wishes of its sons and daughters first.”
Tywin is rather blunt as he speaks, intending to instill in Tyrion the necessity ofprioritizing their House’s interests above all else, including personal morals. The quote showcasesTywin’s belief and unwavering devotion to the Lannister namewhile also shedding light on the conflict between him and his children. Indeed, and while they occasionally value and utilize his words for their gain, the Lannister siblings do not uphold the same resolute stance on the preservation of their family’s legacy.
5"Wars swallow gold like a pit in the earth."
Season 4, Episode 5: “First Of His Name”
It is never a rare occasion for viewers of the Game of Thrones series to witness Tywin Lannister impart a few words of wisdom to his children. In the fifth episode of Season 4, Tywin has a sit-down with his daughter, Cersei (Lena Headey), confessing the Crown’s economic instabilitycaused by the War of the Five Kings.
Tywin’s statement highlights the importance of financial security, foreshadowing his plans to secure alliances to rectify the costly debt of war. Tywin’s pragmatic view is a quick reminder to both the audience and Cersei thatswords alone cannot win a war, something that stays with the queen for the rest of the series. The quote resonates well with audiences for itsbrutal outlook on the world ofGame of Thronesand its real-world truths about power and finances.
4"I need you to become the man you were always meant to be. Not next year, not tomorrow…now."
Season 1, episode 7: “You Win or You Die”
In his introductory scene, Tywin Lannister moves to ingrain, once again, the importance of family to his children. Tearing away from skinning a stag in his war camp — a rather symbolic act of the Lannister-Baratheon power struggle — Tywin grips Jaime’s face and states intensely, “I need you to become the man you were always meant to be. Not next year, not tomorrow…now."
Tywin is quite the no-nonsense kind of parent. When he moves to somewhat embrace his son and impart his views on youth, pride, and legacy, it could have been a touching moment—but even bythis point in the fantasy drama, viewers are keen on his pragmatism and ruthlessness, especially when it comes to his children. This quote ranks high on this list for its commanding delivery andmix of personal disappointment with a touch of strategic motivation, all in the name of furthering the clever man’s ambitions of ensuring his family’s legacy.
3"Jugglers and singers require applause. You are a Lannister."
Season 3, Episode 1: Valar Dohaeris
In true Tywin Lannister fashion, he often slays with his witty remarks filled with condescension, and, as usual, it is his son, Tyrion, who gets the brunt of his harshest comments. In the Season 3 premiere, following his bravery at the Battle of Blackwater Bay, Tyrion seeks recognition from his father and hopes to gain rewards for his great contributions to the battle. In common fashion,Tywin dismisses his son, stating, “Jugglers and singers require applause. You are a Lannister.”
It is made clear to viewers of thefierce high fantasy seriesthatTywin is both prideful and filled with disdain for his youngest child. The quote underscores Tywin’s belief that fulfilling family duty does not warrant external praise or validation while also belittling his son’s achievements with his petty jab. Biting and strangely humorous, this quote is one of the more memorable of theGame of Thronesseries and a pretty perfect encapsulation of the Tywin and Tyrion dynamic.
2"A lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinions of a sheep."
Tywin Lannister is astrategic and incredibly intelligent characterinGame of Thrones. During theSeason 1 episode, “You Win or You Die,“he uses his strategic mind to counsel his son, Jamie Lannister, as they prepare themselves for an upcoming conflict with the Starks.
With the intention of instilling resoluteness and pride into his son, Tywin delivers the line, “A lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinions of a sheep,” clearly emphasizing that those in House Lannister are the Lions —and, if he has anything to do with it, they always will be. The quote highlights not onlyTywin’s belief in his family’s supremacybut also his need to make sure his children’s resolve equals his own concerning his overreaching aspirations for their house.
1"Any man who must say ‘I am the king’ is no true king.”
King Joffrey Baratheon remains one of the most universallydespised charactersinGame of Thrones. The dressing down of the unpleasant character at the hands of his grandfather, Tywin Lannister, never went unappreciated. During Season 3, Episode 10, after learning about the Lannister’s victory over the Starks, Joffrey demands Robb Stark’s head, effectively disturbing the majority of his council members.
Joffrey is an entitled child who poses as a king, stating, “I am the king! I will punish you” after Tyrion insults him. Setting him straight in an unaffected tone, Tywin asserts, “Any man who must say ‘I am the king’ is no true king.“Tywin’s remark is blunt and blatantly true, resonating well with audiences as it exposes his true feelings towards his king and grandchild. It’s no surprise that it’s Tywin’s most iconic line and one of the most memorable in the show, as it alsosummarizes one of the recurring themes in the story.
