Spider: what's Varys up to?

Item: Spider: what's Varys up to?
Rating: 5
Author: PostSingularity Institute

by Alt Shift X

Humanities, Social Sciences & Thought Arts & Architecture ATFFilms, cinema ATFNFilm: styles and genres

🎙 Alt Shift X 👥 2.0M 📅 March 8, 2016 ⏱ 19 min 👁 5.9M 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-08-26

Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

VarysAegonBlackfyreGolden CompanyIllyrio

Summary

The video analyzes the character Varys from A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones, focusing on his mysterious motives and plans. It begins by recounting Varys’s backstory: born in Lys, sold to a sorcerer who castrated him, and later becoming a thief and spy. He eventually becomes the Master of Whisperers in King’s Landing, serving Aerys, Robert, and the Lannisters. The video argues that Varys’s actions, which seem contradictory, are part of a long-term plan to place Aegon Targaryen (also known as Young Griff) on the Iron Throne. It explains how Varys and Illyrio initially supported Viserys and Daenerys, but intended Aegon to be the true king. The video then presents the Blackfyre theory, suggesting that Aegon is actually a descendant of the Blackfyre line, not a Targaryen. Evidence includes the Golden Company’s support, the ‘mummer’s dragon’ prophecy, and symbolic clues. The video further speculates that Aegon might be Illyrio’s son, and that Varys might be related to Illyrio’s late wife Serra, possibly as her brother. This would give Varys a personal motive beyond serving the realm. The video concludes that Varys’s cold and calculating exterior may hide deep personal loyalties and love for his family, making his story more tragic and human.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Varys’s character, synthesizing information from the books and popular fan theories. It presents a coherent argument for Varys’s plan to install Aegon on the throne, and then builds a compelling case for the Blackfyre theory, using textual evidence and logical reasoning. The argumentation is well-structured, moving from Varys’s actions to the possible motivations behind them, and finally to the personal connections that could explain his dedication. The video also acknowledges the speculative nature of the theories, which adds to its credibility.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The video demonstrates a strong command of the source material, referencing specific events and quotes from the books. It clearly distinguishes between book and show canon, which is important for accuracy. The creator cites several external sources, including essays and Reddit posts, which are listed in the description. The title accurately reflects the content, as the video is indeed about Varys’s plans and motivations. The video’s analysis is rigorous and well-researched, making it a valuable resource for fans.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, as the video explores Varys's mysterious plans and motivations.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The video presents a well-structured and detailed analysis of Varys's motives, grounded in the books and supported by community theories. It clearly distinguishes between book and show canon, and acknowledges the speculative nature of the Blackfyre theory. The creator cites specific sources and references, enhancing credibility.

Chapters

Cited Sources

Blood of the Conqueror Part 2: The Mummer's Folly — Referenced as a major influence on the video's analysis of the Blackfyre theory.
Complete Analysis of the Blackfyre Theory — Cited as a source for the Blackfyre theory details.
PoorQuentyn's Tumblr post — Referenced for additional analysis on Varys and the Blackfyre theory.
Game of Thrones playlist — Link to more videos by the same creator.

Concurring Sources

Blood of the Conqueror Part 2: The Mummer's Folly — Supports the Blackfyre theory and the idea that Aegon is a Blackfyre.
Complete Analysis of the Blackfyre Theory — Provides extensive evidence for the Blackfyre theory.

Contribution & Novelties

The video synthesizes existing fan theories into a coherent and compelling narrative about Varys’s true motivations, going beyond simple speculation to present a character-driven interpretation. It connects the Blackfyre theory with Varys’s personal history and relationships, offering a fresh perspective on his actions.

Pour aller plus loin :

A Song of Ice and Fire — The book series that forms the basis of the analysis.
Blackfyre (House) — Background on the Blackfyre rebellion and its significance.
Varys (character) — Overview of the character in the books and show.
Golden Company — Details on the mercenary company and its history.

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in information quantity, quality, and reliability, indicating a well-researched and informative video. The technical level is slightly lower, reflecting that it is accessible to a general audience while still providing depth.

Reliability 8/10

💬 Positif. Sur les 30 commentaires analysés, les spectateurs expriment une forte appréciation pour l'analyse approfondie et la théorie Blackfyre, tout en critiquant la divergence de la série télévisée par rapport aux livres.