Unveiling Varys' Knowledge Gap: How Did He Miss the Revelation of Jon Snow’s Identity in Game of Thrones?

Game of Thrones fans often wonder how Varys managed to miss a crucial piece of information about Jon Snow, given his reputation as the Spider. In a recent episode, we see important revelations surrounding Jon Snow's true identity, yet Varys remains uninformed. This raises the question: How did Varys not know about this before anyone else?

Varys – The Master of Ruses, and Spies

Varys is one of the most indispensable characters within the context of House Lannister, often credited as a key strategist and spy. Known as the Spider, his extensive network of spies and informants operates across the Seven Kingdoms. With such an intricate understanding of all political movements and events, how could Varys overlook a major revelation?

The Revelation: Jon Snow's True Identity

On the show, Bran tells Jon that he is the bastard of Rhaegar and Lyanna, making him a Targaryen. Following this, Sam reveals to Jon that Rhaegar's marriage to Lyanna was annulled and that he subsequently married her, making Jon a trueborn Targaryen, hence being named Aegon. The reveal is a significant turning point as it unfolds the legitimacy of Jon's royal lineage.

After hearing this, Sam cautions Dany about revealing this identity. When they do share with others, the chain of events uncovers how Bran initially provided the information, which was relayed through Sansa to Tywin, and finally to Varys. The simplicity of this sequence reveals how straightforward the information should have been for someone as resourceful as Varys to piece together.

Varys as the 'Spider' and His Frustrations

Varys, who is depicted as a master strategist, has a reputation for being on top of the most critical intelligence. However, in the scenario, it is evident that Varys did not possess knowledge about this crucial aspect of Jon’s identity. The question arises as to why he was not aware of such a significant revelation even within his extensive network.

Given Varys’ strategic advantage and his network, one could hypothesize several reasons for his oversight. Perhaps he was too focused on the current political dynamics and the looming threat in King’s Landing, leading to his neglect of the broader family intrigue.

Implications and Speculations

The oversight of Varys regarding this event raises several implications for the plot. It can be seen as a safeguarding mechanism, ensuring that the Targaryen lineage remains a mystery to some, for the time being at least. It also adds a layer of suspense around Jon Snow's identity and his ultimate fate within the story.

Given the ongoing nature of the series and the likelihood that Jon's true identity will play a crucial role in future episodes, fans are left with a sense of intrigue as to how and when the broader audience will be made aware of this revelation.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

While it may seem straightforward in hindsight, Varys’ missed information about Jon Snow's identity adds to the layers of complexity in Game of Thrones. As the show continues, it will be interesting to see how Varys reacts and if he eventually discovers this critical secret. It’s a testament to the show’s intricate and rich narrative that such an oversight can still shake the viewer’s confidence in a character that is believed to be as perceptive as the Spider.