Game of Thrones: Who Are the Smartest and Dumbest Characters?

Game of Thrones is replete with characters who display a range of intelligence, from the sneakily clever like Petyr Baelish to the hopelessly dumb like the Faith Militant members who tried to kill a zombie Gregor Clegane. In this article, we will rank the smartest and dumbest characters based on their actions and decisions throughout the series.

Smartest Characters

1. Stark and Brynden Rivers

Their greenseer abilities grant them superhuman intelligence, making them the smartest of all. With a special connection to the greenseer magic, they can predict events and plan accordingly, often outmaneuvering others with foresight and strategy.

2-3. Petyr Baelish and Davos Seaworth (Equal Wisdom and Intelligence)

Baelish is a master manipulator, known for his cunning schemes and untrustworthy nature. When matched against Davos Seaworth, a seasoned sea captain and advisor, they both display remarkable wisdom and intelligence. They are two sides of the same coin, each serving their own interests.

4. The Red Witch (400 Years Old)

Though the Red Witch is described as 400 years old, she is still not as wise as Davos Seaworth. Her immortality does not confer her with the same level of practical and strategic intelligence as Davos, who has garnered wisdom through years of experience.

5. Lord Varys (The Spider)

He is highly intelligent but does not quite match the level of Melisandre. Varys's ability to gather intelligence and manipulate events from behind the scenes is unparalleled. However, he is still ahead of many other characters in terms of strategic thinking.

7. Lord Tywin Lannister

While Tywin Lannister is not as intelligent as Varys, he is still a formidable opponent. His practical intelligence and strategic acumen have played a significant role in the Lannister family's rise to power.

Dumbest Characters

1. Members of the Faith Militant (Zombie Gregor Clegane Target Case)

The Faith Militant members attempted to kill the zombie version of Gregor Clegane and were genuinely surprised when he didn't win. This shows a distinct lack of intelligence, as they should have anticipated the challenges zombies pose.

2-3. Zombie Gregor and Gregor Clegane (The Mountain)

Gregor Clegane, known as The Mountain, lost most of his intelligence in both his life and his zombie form. Giants might beat him in strength, but the best fighters often need to be smart as well.

4. Theon Greyjoy

Theon Greyjoy lacked intelligence from the beginning, and his actions (such as selling his sister into slavery) confirm this. His mental deterioration further proves his lack of intelligence.

5-6. Joffrey Baratheon and Tywin Lannister

Joffrey's ignorance and cruelty, and Tywin's insecure, complex character, expose their lack of intelligence. While Tywin managed to be a highly successful political figure, his personal intelligence is questionable.

7. Tommen Baratheon and Qyburn

Tommen Baratheon's lack of political intelligence and Qyburn's continued loyalty to a failing cause further showcase their lack of strategic thinking.

The Case for Petyr Baelish

Though Petyr Baelish is extremely popular, he is undoubtedly the smartest in Game of Thrones. He masterminded the War of the Five Kings by betraying Ned Stark, and has shown exceptional intelligence in gaining control of the Vale and manipulating the Boltons against the Lannisters.

While Tywin Lannister and Lord Varys are equally smart, Petyr Baelish's role in starting the war and maintaining complex alliances and betrayals makes him stand out as the most intelligent.

Daenerys Targaryen, while initially very strategic, veers off into folly with her slave crusade and belief that the people of Westeros will support her. Though her dragons were a good idea, imprisoning them was a colossal mistake. I would rank Theon Greyjoy and Joffrey as close seconds to Baelish.

Conclusion

Game of Thrones is a story of complex intelligence, with Petyr Baelish emerging as the undisputed winner in terms of strategy and cunning. Other characters, like Davos Seaworth and Tywin Lannister, are close contenders, but Baelish stands out.

Meanwhile, the Faith Militant, Gregor Clegane, and Theon Greyjoy reveal the importance of intelligence in political and strategic success. Their actions and decisions serve as a stark reminder that in the world of Game of Thrones, those who lack intelligence often face failure.