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 the show

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. 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 participates in 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: lopataFour

Appearance and Character

Tyland Lannister was tall, golden-haired, and resembled his twin brother Jason. After being tortured, he was left blind, maimed, and gelded. His fingernails, toenails, and ears were removed. His appearance caused new ladies at court to faint. To hide his disfigurement, he wore a silken hood during formal events.

Tyland was cunning and retained his sharp wits despite the torture. He served tirelessly in high offices and remained loyal to King Aegon III Targaryen. Tyland spoke gently to Aegon III and treated him with deference. He preferred to guide the young king rather than command him.

Early Life

Tyland was Jason Lannister’s younger twin. As a second son, he was denied lordship and sought his own path. In 112 AC, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen visited the Westerlands. During a feast at Casterly Rock, both twins competed for her hand, showering her with gifts, but she remained uninterested.

King Viserys I Targaryen later appointed Tyland as master of ships and Lord Admiral. Tyland became one of the youngest members of the Small Council. He worked alongside other members, including Lord Larys Strong.

The Dance of the Dragons

After King Viserys I’s death, Tyland attended a council meeting in Queen Alicent Hightower’s chambers. The council discussed succession throughout the night. Tyland argued that many lords who had once sworn to defend Rhaenyra were dead. He reminded the council that he had not sworn such an oath as a child.

Tyland sided with the greens and supported Aegon II. Alicent named him master of coin, replacing Lyman Beesbury. Tyland immediately seized the royal treasury. He divided the gold into four parts, sending it to the Iron Bank, Casterly Rock, Oldtown, and for bribes and hires.

Tyland supported Prince Aemond’s aggressive approach to dealing with Prince Daemon Targaryen and the rebellious river lords. His brother Jason led a Westerlands host supporting Aegon II but died at the Battle at the Red Fork in 130 AC. When Rhaenyra took King’s Landing, Tyland was tortured but refused to reveal the treasury’s location.

Hand of the King

After being released, Tyland returned as Master of Coin under Aegon II. During Aegon III’s reign, Tyland became Hand of the King. He wore a silken hood to hide his disfigurement. The smallfolk whispered that he was a masked sorcerer, calling him “the hooded hand.”

Tyland abolished Queen Rhaenyra’s taxes and gave loans to rebuild holdings. He constructed fortified granaries, repaired the Dragonpit, and strengthened city gates. He announced the construction of fifty war galleys, though only ten were completed. Tyland restored trade and avoided alliances in the Stepstones’ wars.

Tyland delayed filling the King’s Justice office, sparing Grand Maester Orwyle from execution. He allowed Orwyle to live comfortably in confinement. Despite serving Aegon II, Tyland loyally supported Aegon III as Hand of the King, focusing on restoring stability after the war.

Later Years and Death

In late 132 AC, Tyland sent men to reclaim Harrenhal, where Alys Rivers claimed to be Prince Aemond’s widow. She presented a boy as their trueborn son. Harrenhal forces overwhelmed Tyland’s men. Reports of dragons and magic emerged, but Tyland and most regents dismissed them as outlaws’ rumors.

In 133 AC, Winter Fever struck King’s Landing. Tyland closed city and Red Keep gates to curb the disease’s spread. He worked tirelessly but eventually fell ill and died within two days. King Aegon III and Septon Eustace attended him during his final moments.

Legacy

Tyland was not fondly remembered. Some Blacks despised him for urging Aegon II to execute Aegon the Younger. Some Greens disliked his loyalty to Aegon III. His veiled appearance led to rumors of him being monstrous or sinister. Many viewed him as a weak but scheming Hand of the King.

Archmaester Gyldayn noted Tyland’s cunning relocation of the treasury, which contributed to Rhaenyra’s downfall. Despite his actions during the war, he served Aegon III faithfully. After Tyland’s death, Lord Unwin Peake replaced him as Hand, though Aegon III preferred Tyland’s kindness and deference.

Read More: Who is Alyn of Hull? Everything you need to know about Alyn Velaryon from House of the Dragon Season 2

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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