Everything you need to know about Tyland Lannister from House of the Dragon

House of the Dragon introduced us to various characters, some cunning and shrewd and others brash and arrogant. Among them is Tyland Lannister, a figure who played pivotal roles behind the scenes of the royal court.

As one of the ancestors of the more prominent Lannisters from Game of Thrones, his actions during the Dance of the Dragons were crucial. This article describes his journey as portrayed in both Fire and Blood and House of the Dragon, capturing his rise to power and eventual downfall in George R. R. Martin’s intricate world of Westeros.

Who was Tyland Lannister?

Credits: HBO

Tyland Lannister was a knight from House Lannister and served on King Viserys I Targaryen’s small council. He had an older twin brother, Jason Lannister, who inherited Casterly Rock. While Jason focused on the glory of his lordship, Tyland found his own place in the world as a cunning politician. His involvement in the Dance of the Dragons marked him as a key player on the Greens side, aligning with the ambitions of House Hightower and supporting Aegon II.

Quick Facts

• Tyland Lannister became Hand of the King after the Dance of the Dragons.
• He was tortured but refused to reveal the treasury’s location.
• Despite being blinded and mutilated, Tyland played a major role in politics.
• Wore a hood after his mutilation, leading to his nickname “The Hooded Hand.”

In House of the Dragon

Credit: HBO

Tyland Lannister’s role in the early episodes

Tyland Lannister first appears as a member of King Viserys’ small council, taking on the role of Master of Ships after Lord Corlys Velaryon leaves to fight in the Stepstones. During this time, Tyland is depicted as a pragmatic and sharp political figure.

In one early moment, he urges King Viserys to take action in the Stepstones, warning that the Triarchy is winning the war. His request, however, is ignored, as Viserys prefers to focus on his son Prince Aegon’s second nameday.

Tyland and the Court of King Viserys

As Lord Corlys grows politically distant after the war, Tyland comments on the changing dynamics of the court, famously quipping that they had merely traded a “Crabfeeder for a Sea Snake.”

He also plays a critical role during a small council meeting about the potential succession of Driftmark. Tyland doubts Lucerys Velaryon, questioning the young Velaryon’s command abilities and suggesting that he is unfit to lead Driftmark’s fleet, as Lucerys had not been raised in Driftmark and thus lacks naval experience.

Tyland’s involvement in Aegon II’s succession

After the death of King Viserys, Tyland becomes more actively involved in the court’s politics. Otto Hightower calls an emergency small council meeting to discuss King Aegon II’s succession, where Tyland plays a significant part in advancing the plot to crown Aegon over Rhaenyra Targaryen.

He supports Otto in laying out their long-planned strategy to secure Aegon’s claim to the Iron Throne. During the tense meeting, Tyland takes charge of the crown’s finances, informing the council that the treasury is now under their control and the gold will be divided for safekeeping. He also suggests a marriage alliance to gain the loyalty of Lord Borros Baratheon, using his unmarried daughters as leverage.

Tyland at the beginning of the war

In the later episodes, Tyland Lannister rises even higher in the political ranks, becoming Master of Coin under King Aegon II’s Green Council. His calculating personality is further highlighted as he handles the realm’s finances during the Dance of the Dragons. Tyland’s twin brother, Jason Lannister, rallies the banners of the Westerlands at the Golden Tooth, and Tyland supports Aegon’s military plans against the Black faction.

Tyland’s role in securing the Triarchy fleet

Tyland travels to an island to win the Triarchy’s fleet for the Green Team’s cause. To impress Admiral Sharako Lohar, Tyland fights her in a mud wrestling match. After winning, Lohar asks Tyland to sleep with her many wives. Admiral Lohar then agrees to help the Greens and, at the end of Season 2, is seen alongside Tyland with the fleet, setting up the Battle of the Gullet.

In Fire and Blood

Credits: RaccoonSpencer

In Fire and Blood, Tyland Lannister is portrayed as a cold and calculated politician, willing to go to great lengths for his cause. When Queen Alicent made him Master of Coin, he used his position to fund the Greens’ war efforts, even hiding the Crown’s gold. After the fall of King’s Landing, he was captured and brutally tortured by Rhaenyra’s forces, but he remained loyal to the Greens, refusing to reveal where the treasury was hidden.

After the Blacks lost power, Tyland was reinstated as Master of Coin under Aegon III’s regency. Despite his disfigurement, he continued to wield political influence and was eventually appointed as the Hand of the King.

Read More: Marilyn Manson to face Game of Thrones actress Esmé Bianco’s sexual assault lawsuit

Quotes

“That was some 20 years ago. Most of them are now dead.” – Tyland Lannister, on oaths sworn to Rhaenyra.

Quick Answers

Was Tyland Lannister loyal to Aegon II?

Tyland Lannister was loyal to Aegon II during the Dance of the Dragons. He was one of the key members of the Green faction, helping to secure the throne for Aegon after the death of Viserys I.

What happened to Tyland Lannister after the Dance of the Dragons?

After the Dance of the Dragons, Tyland was tortured by Rhaenyra’s forces but survived. He later returned to serve as Hand of the King under Aegon III despite being blinded and mutilated.

Who played Tyland Lannister in House of the Dragon?

Tyland Lannister was portrayed by Jefferson Hall in House of the Dragon, who also played his twin brother, Jason Lannister.

What was Tyland Lannister’s role in the Small Council?

Tyland served as both Master of Ships and later Master of Coin. He was a key member of the council, helping to fund and strategize the Greens’ war efforts.

Read More: In Game of Thrones Series Finale, a new era dawns on the Small Council

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