Game Of Thrones: What If... Tyrion Lannister Wasn't A Dwarf?

Basically, he'd be a dead man.

If Tyrion Lannister wasn't a character in Game Of Thrones, the entire show would be a far less entertaining spectacle. If Tyrion Lannister wasn't a dwarf, King's Landing would be an incredibly different city to live in. Much is made of 'the Imp' throughout the series, and from the beginning until now, he's grown from a wine and woman-loving dwarf into a wine and woman-loving, outcast, 'kingslaying', city-saving, strategic dwarf. He's George R.R. Martin's self-proclaimed favourite and probably the Number 1 of almost every fan, and though his face turned up dead in the Season 6 teaser, he surely can't be going anywhere, right? RIGHT?! But what if Tyrion wasn't born as a dwarf? How different would his character been? How would he be viewed by his family? And most importantly, what could it have meant for the future of Westeros? There are a million different possibilities, but here's a selection of the biggest changes to the course of history had Tyrion been born a few feet taller...

10. He Wouldn't Be Judged Instantly

The simple fact of the matter is that Tyrion has been defined by his dwarfism throughout his entire life. It is the first thing people see when they approach Tyrion, it is the one feature he is judged upon, and despite having arguably the greatest political brain in the Seven Kingdoms, he's not respected solely thanks to his size. On the other hand, Jaime has been revered as the 'Prince Charming' type figure within Westeros. He's the skilful swordsman, the mighty warrior and 'noble' knight (apart from that minor bit where he kills the King of Westeros he was sworn to protect...) Had Tyrion been born a taller man, he wouldn't be instantly judged wherever he went, and his great ideas would be taken seriously.
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What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.