Tyrion Lannister’s best moments on Game of Thrones provided some of the most memorable scenes of the series. While the cast of Game of Thrones was filled with terrific characters, Peter Dinklage’s portrayal of Tyrion Lannister was an immediate hit and remained a fan-favorite throughout all eight seasons. Looking back on his best moments, it is not hard to see why.
Tyrion was a complex and hugely entertaining character, further strengthened by Dinklage’s fantastic performance. He was one of the funniest characters on the show, delivering so many quotable lines. He was a tragic figure who broke our hearts, as well as an underdog we loved to see earn a much-deserved victory. Tyrion’s best moments on Game of Thrones highlight these great qualities and more.
Remembering Orson Lannister
Even with all the chaos around him, Tyrion always seemed like a man of action. That’s why it was so unusual to see him forced to wait for his fate to be decided during his trial by combat. Before it begins, Tyrion sits in his cell with Jaime and has a moment of reflection about their forgotten cousin, Orson Lannister.
Tyrion goes on to remember how Orson used to mindlessly crush beetles, with Tyrion eventually trying to stop him. It is an interesting, quiet moment where Tyrion is not trying to be clever but simply reflective. It also speaks to his compassion, as he’s disturbed by the mindless violence but also has compassion for Orson, who was forgotten by the world.
"I drink and I know things."
Tyrion Lannister is responsible for so many of the best lines in Game of Thrones, but this is perhaps the one that best encompasses his character. In season 5 of the show, Tyrion arrives in Meereen as an outsider, but it doesn’t take him long to establish himself as a valuable advisor to Daenerys Targaryen.
When Missandei questions Tyrion’s extensive knowledge on dragons, he simply explains, “I drink and I know things.” Certainly, those are two qualities that Tyrion is known for. It is a witty bit of self-deprecation, leaning into the negative aspects of his reputation. However, it also shows his confidence that comes with his considerable intelligence.
Freeing the dragons
As much as Tyrion knows a lot about dragons, it isn’t until he is on the other side of the world that he finally encounters the tremendous beasts. He is smart enough to be in awe of them while also being terrified of their power. The best moment that demonstrates this is when he decides to free two of Daenerys’ dragons from their chains.
It is a funny moment of Tyrion immediately second-guessing his decision, but it becomes a rather touching moment as Tyrion speaks to the dragons about how he dreamed of seeing one as a child. Seeing him earn the trust of these monsters is a powerful moment, even if he is terrified the whole time.
Revealing the story of his first wife
Many aspects of Tyrion’s backstory highlight the tragic life he lived before the events of the show. However, one of the darkest and most disturbing shines a light on his brutal relationship with his father, Tywin Lannister. While drinking with Bronn and Shae, Tyrion remembers his ill-fated first marriage.
Tyrion met Tysha when he and Jaime saved her from attackers. Tyrion fell in love and married her immediately. However, when Tywin found out, he made Jaime confess that Tysha was paid, and his father proceeded to teach Tyrion a sadistic lesson. It is a moment that scars Tyrion and establishes the cruel world he grew up in.
His wedding to Sansa
While Tysha was his first wife, we do see Tyrion marry again in the series, and once again, his father’s cruel hand plays a role in it. Tywin forced Tyrion to marry Sansa Stark, thus giving them a claim on the North. With neither the bride nor the groom happy with the arrangement, it is a rather awkward wedding, which Tyrion deals with by getting very drunk.
Dinklage is hilarious in the sequence, playing the silliness and absurdity of Tyrion. However, the best moment comes when Joffrey attempts to further humiliate Sansa in front of everyone, and Tyrion drunkenly makes a rather graphic threat. It is a cheer-worthy moment that is worth it just for Joffrey’s reaction.
Helping Bran
When Bran Stark is pushed from the tower in the first episode of Game of Thrones, Tyrion quickly becomes a prime suspect. However, when returning to Winterfell on his way back from The Wall, Tyrion shows the kind of compassion and generosity that a lot of people don’t give him credit for.
Despite Robb Stark giving him a cold reception, Tyrion provides Bran with designs for a saddle that will allow him to ride on a horse again, despite no longer having the use of his legs. It is an endearing early moment for Tyrion, who decides to ignore the hatred directed towards him and show kindness to someone else who is looked down on by society.
Putting Joffrey in his place
Tyrion often encounters evil people, and one of the most enjoyable things in the series is watching him put these villains in their place. It is especially fun when his insults and scoldings are directed at his spoiled nephew, Joffrey. One particularly memorable moment comes when Tyrion stops Joffrey from abusing Sansa Stark.
Tyrion openly insults Joffrey and points out that such cruelty got the Mad King killed. When Joffrey’s goon, Meryn Trant, claims Tyrion was threatening the king, Tyrion shows him the difference by telling Bronn, “If Ser Meryn speaks again, kill him.” It is a wonderful victory for Tyrion.
Weeding out the spy
Tyrion Lannister is the first person to take up the role of Hand of the King after Ned Stark, but he quickly proves he is much better at playing the game of deception than Ned was. Tyrion knows that the other members of the Small Council are not to be trusted, but he isn’t sure which of them is directly reporting to Cersei.
With the perception that all others might underestimate him, Tyrion tells each member of the Small Council a different plan, with one key detail switched for each of them, and waits to see which version Cersei hears. It is a great sequence that shows the cleverness of Tyrion, even when up against some proven schemers.
Taking down Janos Slynt
One of the most disturbing moments early in Game of Thrones was the extermination of Robert Baratheon’s illegitimate children, carried out by the City Watch. Though it happened without Tyrion’s knowledge, it is an act of evil that the new Hand of the King refuses to accept.
In a great scene, Tyrion invites the commander of the City Watch, Janos Slynt, to a pleasant dinner. Just as Slynt is enjoying himself, Tyrion comments on Slynt’s corruption, saying, “I'm not questioning your honor, Lord Janos. I'm denying its existence.” It is great to see Tyrion refusing to back down from such a vile character, eventually sending Slynt to the Night’s Watch.
His "confession"
Tyrion is mistreated by so many people, but he never backs down, even when in a rather precarious situation. Having been accused of killing Jon Arryn and held prisoner in the Eyrie, Tyrion finds that he has no option but to give the confession that his captors are expecting from him.
Instead of that, he proceeds to show them how little he thinks of their threats. Giving a hilariously earnest performance, Tyrion addresses the court with his "confession," detailing all of the childish, vulgar, and hilarious pranks he has pulled over the years. It is one of his funniest moments while also showing his contempt for authority.
Meeting Jon Snow
The first episode of Game of Thrones sees Winterfell welcoming King Robert Baratheon and his family. However, as the gathering shares a celebration together inside, the two outcasts of these powerful families meet for the first time outside. Tyrion strikes up a conversation with Jon Snow, showing that this show is as much about the overlooked underdogs as about the lords and ladies.
Tyrion’s flippant reference to Jon being a “bastard” doesn’t start them off on great terms, but he ends up giving the young man some very helpful advice. He tells Jon that he should not hide from that title, as the world will not forget what he is, so he might as well wear it like armor. It is an explanation that also speaks directly to Tyrion’s own outlook on the world.
Slapping Joffrey
The first episode of Game of Thrones may have introduced Tyrion as an endearing and misunderstood character, but the second episode made him a fan favorite. A lot of that is due to how quickly Joffrey cemented himself as a detestable character and how Tyrion was the one who was more than willing to put the spoiled prince in his place.
As Joffrey makes light of Bran Stark’s condition, Tyrion calmly but forcefully slaps his nephew in the face. When Joffrey protests, Tyrion does it again. To this day, it is an extremely fun moment to rewatch, cementing that Tyrion is someone who will not put up with that kind of behavior, no matter who they are.
Blackwater
Despite proving himself great in the position, Tyrion’s time as Hand of the King was short-lived but capped off in epic fashion. After proving that he can scheme with the best of them, Tyrion also proves that he is a surprisingly effective military commander during the Battle of Blackwater.
Facing Stannis Baratheon’s sizeable forces, Tyrion cleverly uses the wildfire to destroy most of the enemy fleet. It remains one of the most memorable action moments in the series. Tyrion further proves himself as a leader when he takes command of the soldiers’ final charge into battle. He gives a great speech that cements his underdog hero nature, capped off with the great line, “Those are brave men knocking at our door. Let's go kill them!”
Killing Tywin
So many of Tyrion’s best moments on Game of Thrones came from his conversations with his father, Tywin. However, there is no topping their final confrontation. After being sentenced to death by his father, Tyrion escapes his captivity and pays his father a visit to confront him on his years of hatred and abuse. The fact that he does so with a crossbow while Tywin sits on the privy makes it all the more intense.
With Tywin finally at least a little vulnerable, they have an honest discussion about how Tywin has always wanted Tyrion dead. With Tywin maintaining his stoic demeanor, it is not a completely cathartic experience. However, even as Tyrion kills him, he tells Tywin that, despite what he thought, Tyrion has always been his son and that he failed as a father.
Giving a speech at his trial
The murder of Joffrey Baratheon was met with elation from fans, only for those good feelings to quickly end when they realized who would be blamed. Tyrion’s trial for the murder was a frustrating farce with lies and treachery not only painting him as guilty but also being used to humiliate him. This is capped off with his lover, Shae, confessing that he was guilty.
The injustice finally becomes too much for Tyrion, and he explodes in this fiery speech that defines his character. Years of mistreatment by the people he helped save and those who were meant to love him finally become too much. Dinklage delivers his best performance in the role with this monologue that is as epic as some of Game of Thrones’ biggest battles.
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