31 Things We Learned from the Game of Thrones Women

Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

8. Listen to advice from wiser people, and always be willing to learn from your mistakes.

Daenerys Targaryen

Through her conquering and ruling, Daenerys hasn’t always had the most unbiased advisors. Ser Jorah was too in love with her to speak frankly or chastise her when need be. Meanwhile, Ser Barristan lacked the same methods, due to his desire to do right by the Targaryens when before he felt as though he’d betrayed them.

Enter Tyrion, who’s never been afraid to speak his mind, never mind the cost. His focus is on how best to rule, not how best to appease the ruler. He’s exactly what Daenerys needs in her Hand. Without Tyrion, Daenerys would have wreaked havoc upon Meereen in Season 6, and destroyed the armies and fleets the masters had brought—fleets she desperately needed to sail to Westeros.

Without Tyrion’s much-needed counsel, Daenerys may have continued on a downward spiral. That’s not to speak ill of Daenerys, but she lived her life as a prisoner longer than she has a ruler. She wasn’t raised beneath the umbrella of a Targaryen dynasty, nor is she familiar with the politics of Westeros. Daenerys needs Tyrion to teach her the ropes, or she would have gone on making more enemies than allies.

It goes to show that we need to listen to other people who have experienced what we’re trying to. They know the ups and downs, and can help us to navigate them.