Who was a Better Advisor to Daenerys: Jorah Mormont, Lord Varys, or Tyrion Lannister?

Daenerys Targaryen's rise to power in the Game of Thrones series is fraught with challenges, and her advisors play a significant role in shaping her decisions. Among the advisors Jorah Mormont, Lord Varys, and Tyrion Lannister, who emerges as the most reliable and prudent mentor for Daenerys? Let's explore the nuances of their advice and actions.

Understanding the Context

Game of Thrones often blurs the line between loyalty and manipulation, making it challenging to determine the authenticity of each advisor's guidance. This essay will analyze their strategic and ethical advice, focusing on their roles throughout the series.

Jorah Mormont: A Pragmatic and Devoted Advisor

Jorah Mormont, a former knight and Lord of Bear Island, is one of Daenerys' most loyal and practical advisors. His advice is consistently grounded in pragmatic considerations, making him a reliable voice during critical moments of Daenerys' journey.

Advising on Strategic Alliances and Resources

Jorah advises Daenerys to pursue allies such as the Unsullied—loyal mercenaries fromAstapor. He recognizes that Daenerys lacks the financial resources, manpower, and military might necessary to prevail in the ongoing war against the Lannisters and the White Walkers.

Additionally, Jorah suggests avoiding the Dothraki Sea and venturing instead to the Red Waste, where he believes it is wiser to seek allies and resources beyond the immediate risk of multiple khalasar rivalries. This strategy demonstrates his foresight and strategic acumen. Jorah also warns against the Sellswords and Wizards of Qarth, grounding his advice in the realities of Daenerys' current standing and the potential pitfalls of trusting untested allies.

Lord Varys: The More Controversial Advisor

Lord Varys, the Spider, is a master of manipulation and intelligence. While his advice may be well-intentioned, it often comes laced with a web of political intrigue and questionable morality. Varys’ agenda is not always aligned with Daenerys' best interests, leading to concerns about his motives.

Misplaced Trust and Untimely Advice

Lord Varys advises Daenerys to consider intriguing political maneuvers that involve her removing powerful figures from power through deceit and manipulation. This advice is often based on a belief that maintaining the balance of power is crucial, even if it means undermining the very people Daenerys trusts. His advice is rooted more in self-preservation and political maneuvering rather than Daenerys' immediate needs.

Tyrion Lannister: Ethical but Misguided in Timing

Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys’ uncle, offers advice that is rooted in his own experiences of vulnerability, but this often leads him to underplay the severity of the current situation. His judgment is weakened by a lack of recent exposure to vulnerability, making his advice less pragmatic.

Inappropriate Timing and Misaligned Priorities

Tyrion advises Daenerys not to besiege the Red Keep in King's Landing, due to his belief in the potential negative outcomes of a prolonged conflict. However, his reasoning is flawed. A siege, while slow, is better than continuous warfare, which results in more casualties and less strategic advantage. Moreover, taking the city would have provided immediate resources and manpower, making Daenerys' forces more resilient.

Additionally, Tyrion's early attempts to negotiate with threats like the slavers in Qarth invite unnecessary risks to Daenerys' mission. His failure to understand the complexity of current political landscapes highlights his lack of recent experience in positions of genuine vulnerability.

Conclusion: Jorah Mormont as Daenerys' Best Advisor

While all three advisors have valid points, it is Jorah Mormont who consistently provides practical, straightforward advice that is not clouded by ulterior motives. His loyalty, strategic acumen, and pragmatic approach make him the most reliable advisor for Daenerys. In a world fraught with political intrigue and military challenges, Jorah's wisdom and dedication make him the gold standard for Daenerys' mentorship.

In conclusion, Jorah Mormont's advice is the most aligned with Daenerys' immediate needs and long-term vision, making him her best advisor in the tumultuous world of Westeros and Essos.