Who Votes For Tyrian To Get Executed

Robert Peston

2 min read

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30-11-2024

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George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones isn't known for its straightforward justice system. Tyrion Lannister's trial, a pivotal moment in the story, perfectly exemplifies this chaotic and often arbitrary legal process. So, who actually votes to condemn him to death? Let's examine the key players and their motivations.

The Accusation and the Trial

Tyrion stands accused of regicide – the murder of his nephew, King Joffrey Baratheon. The trial itself is far from impartial, a sham orchestrated by those who wish him ill. The process is dictated by the whims of powerful individuals, rather than adherence to any objective legal standard.

The Seven Judges and Their Votes

The trial is overseen by seven judges, each with their own agendas and biases. Their votes ultimately determine Tyrion's fate:

• Lord Tywin Lannister: Tyrion's father, and a central figure in the plot, harbors a complex and deeply conflicted relationship with his son. Though he initially presents a facade of impartiality, his personal feelings and the Lannister family's reputation significantly influence his judgment. He effectively votes for Tyrion's death, albeit indirectly by manipulating the outcome of the trial.

• Cersei Lannister: Tyrion's sister, consumed by hatred and paranoia, uses her influence and power to ensure Tyrion's conviction. Her vote is a resounding yes for execution.

• Mace Tyrell: Lord Tyrell's focus is on maintaining power and securing his family's interests, not justice. He votes pragmatically, factoring in the potential fallout and his desire to maintain amicable relations with the Lannisters. While not overtly expressing a desire for Tyrion's death, his vote is strongly suggestive of a guilty verdict.

• Lord Baelish (Littlefinger): A master manipulator, Littlefinger's vote is driven by self-interest and his desire to further his own ambitious schemes. He plays both sides, and his vote can't be definitively interpreted as either for or against Tyrion, but his influence steers the trial toward a guilty verdict.

• Prince Oberyn Martell: Driven by a powerful desire for revenge against the Lannisters, Oberyn's vote initially seems certain to be a condemnation of Tyrion. However, his true aim is a trial by combat, aiming to exact personal vengeance rather than focus on whether Tyrion actually committed the crime.

• The High Septon: While ostensibly a religious figure, the High Septon is largely a pawn in the game of power, his judgment is heavily influenced by the actions of more powerful players.

• Other Judges: The remaining judges, mostly minor lords and ladies, tend to follow the lead of more influential figures, further skewing the trial's outcome.

Ultimately, the structure of the trial allows for the de facto elimination of impartiality. While not every judge explicitly calls for Tyrion’s execution, the collective votes, driven by personal agendas and power dynamics, effectively seal his fate, leaving him with a trial by combat as his only avenue for survival.

The Trial's Significance

Tyrion's trial isn't merely about his guilt or innocence; it's a microcosm of the larger power struggles and moral ambiguities that define A Game of Thrones. The voting process highlights the corrupting influence of power and the fragility of justice in a world governed by ambition and revenge.