Who Gave the Best Advice to Daenerys: Tyrion, Jorah, or Barristan?

An Analysis of Strategic Advice in Game of Thrones

Throughout the series A Song of Ice and Fire and its adaptation Game of Thrones, Daenerys Targaryen faces numerous challenges, often relying on the advice of experienced and influential figures in her life. The question arises: who among Tyrion Lannister, Jorah Mormont, or Barristan Selmy provided the most effective counsel?

Tyrion Lannister: A Skeptical Adviser

Tyrion Lannister, a complex and often conflicted character, frequently offered daenerys advice rooted in pragmatism and self-interest. His counsel was often seen as detrimental to the broader interests of the realm. For instance, Tyrion advised Daenerys against destroying the Yunkish lords when they resumed slaving. As history unfolded, this led to an attack that nearly destroyed Meereen. Furthermore, Tyrion’s consistently poor advice suggests that he may have enjoyed seeing his family’s adversaries one-up Daenerys, indicating his true motivations might have been more personal rather than strategic.

Jorah Mormont: Shrewd but Immoral

Jorah Mormont, known for his shrewdness and practical approach, was often the voice of caution. However, his advice was typically impractical for a war leader, especially in the context of a quasi-medieval world. He urged Daenerys not to destroy the Yunkish lords, which only led to an attack that nearly destroyed Meereen. Additionally, Jorah’s suggestion to Khal Drogo to sell children into brothels was morally reprehensible, despite its practicality. Jorah’s underlying motives, including his desire to see Daenerys succeed without fully believing in her cause, further clouded his judgment.

Barristan Selmy: Ethical and Effective

Barristan Selmy stood out as the most principled of the three advisers. Selmy’s values aligned more closely with Daenerys’s ethical principles, making his counsel more aligned with her vision. ‘Sometimes it’s better to answer injustice with mercy,’ Selmy once said, a statement that could have dramatically altered Daenerys’s actions. This advice was particularly poignant when Daenerys crucified 130 people, later discovering that not all were guilty. Barristan’s perspective, that avenging wrongs can be just as destructive as the injustice being avenged, highlights the moral complexity of Daenerys’s choices.

Reflections on Leadership and Strategy

While the show portrayed Daenerys as a violent leader to be tamed by wiser advisors, the outcomes highlighted the futility of this narrative. When Daenerys followed her own military instincts, as seen in her victory over the Unsullied, she excelled, much like Napoleon. Conversely, when she followed her advisors’ subtle and often morally compromising strategies, as with the capture and crucifixion of the Yunkish lords, she faltered, similar to Ethelred the Unready's ineffective governance.

The Future of Tyrion: A Promising Advisor?

Going by the books, Tyrion's potential as an advisor remains uncertain, but his ongoing efforts to bring the Second Sons into Daenerys's fold at the start of War of the Five Kings suggests a commitment to her cause, though with a practical and pragmatic approach. This may indicate a more effective and guiding partnership in the future.

Conclusion

Barristan Selmy emerged as the most principled and effective advisor to Daenerys among the three. His ethical guidance, as highlighted in his memorable lines about mercy and justice, underscores the importance of moral and strategic reasoning in leadership. Jorah’s shrewdness came at the cost of ethics, while Tyrion’s advice was consistently motivated by self-interest. As Daenerys contends with the complexities of leadership and war, the words of these advisors continue to reverberate, reminding her and us of the delicate balance between compassion and strategy.