10 Shocking Deaths That Changed Game Of Thrones

2. Tywin Lannister

HBO

Many like to think they have power in Westeros. Few truly do. One man who unquestionably did was Tywin Lannister, the head of the house, Lord of Casterly Rock, and general overseer of everything that happened in Westeros dating back to the rule of King Aerys II Targaryen.

He was cunning and ruthless; a great man to call an ally, a fearsome one to call a foe. And above all else, he valued the Lannister name, and their position of power. While Cersei might call herself Queen Regent, and Joffrey plays at being King, it's really Tywin who is in control. And in those closing moments of Season 4, when Tyrion fires those fateful crossbow bolts, that control began to slip, a downward spiral that has led to the Faith Militant seizing power in King's Landing, and Cersei forced into the world's most harrowing Walk of Shame - which, in turn, led to her wildfire retribution.

It also meant that Tyrion, already slated for death, becomes the kinslayer everyone thought he was. Tywin Lannister didn't just pull the strings in the Seven Kingdoms, he made them. With his death, they've been completely severed, perhaps beyond repair.

Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.