Game of Thrones has its fair share of intelligent characters who aid powerful political figures in their rise to power. Some of these characters look out for themselves, while others genuinely want to give the best possible advice to help the realm succeed.
Either way, the intelligence displayed by these advisors proves why fans love these characters to bits. The sheer amount of love Game of Thrones fans have for these characters cements them as some of the best advisors in the series.
8. Jorah Mormont
Despite His Status As A Double Agent, Jorah Becomes A Loyal Advisor To The Queen He Loves
- Advised: Daenerys Targaryen
Jorah is one of the most loyal characters in the series, even if he started as a spy for Varys. However, seeing the young Queen in action inspired something in him, and he decided to shun his duties and serve her to the best of his abilities.
He may not be the smartest advisor in the series, but his loyalty more than made up for this. Unfortunately, Daenerys eventually uncovered his ties to Westeros and dismissed him from her service in a heartbreaking sequence.
7. Missandei
Gave Daenerys Sound Advice By Calling Upon Her Background And Knowledge
- Advised: Daenerys Targaryen
A slave who had resigned herself to her fate, Daenerys came in the nick of time and let her enjoy the sweet taste of freedom. She was forever indebted to the Queen after this moment and became one of her closest advisors.
Her local knowledge made her a valuable asset in Daenerys’ court, serving as the voice of reason who could talk her Queen down if she became too wild. Her death was the catalyst for the Targaryen to become the Mad Queen, even if the show handled this poorly.
6. Catelyn Stark
She Was Extremely Wise, But Couldn’t Force Her Son To Do The Right Thing
- Advised: Robb Stark
A loving mother who took over the role as the voice of reason in her husband’s stead, Catelyn’s pride willed her sons to bring honor to the name of House Stark once again. She helped Robb Stark become the King in the North and rally his troops to victory.
5. Davos Seaworth
He Was A Great Advisor, But Couldn’t Get Stannis To See The Light
- Advised: Stannis Baratheon, Jon Snow
Davos is one of the smartest advisors in the realm, starting as a lowly smuggler before eventually swearing fealty to Stannis Baratheon after being caught. He was deeply loyal to his liege and served as a trusted advisor who usually guided Stannis to do the right thing.
Unfortunately, there was only so much he could do to sway Stannis when Melisandre had him wrapped around his finger. After his king’s death, Davos became an advisor to Jon Snow and helped him make the hard choices.
4. Petyr Baelish, AKA Littlefinger
A Conniving Advisor Who Was A Bit Too Smart For His Own Good
- Advised: Robert Baratheon, Joffrey Baratheon, Robin Arryn, Sansa Stark
Littlefinger may be a weasel that fans hate, but that should take nothing away from how effective he was as a villain. Lord Baelish has served as an advisor to numerous powerful figures in the realm, using them to get stronger.
3. Tywin Lannister
A Master Of The Political Game
- Advised: Aerys Targaryen, Joffrey Baratheon
Tywin Lannister is one of the most devious and conniving characters in Game of Thrones, but his boundless charisma ensures that fans can’t get enough of this character despite his heinous actions. His wisdom helped him serve as Hand of the King to Aerys Targaryen, only to play an active role in his downfall.
He later tried to guide Joffrey in his rule as king, even though he had no faith in this spoiled brat’s ability to lead with an iron fist. Despite his intelligence as an advisor, his biggest crime was making an enemy out of Tyrion, leading to a humiliating moment where he was killed while relieving himself by the very son he hated.
2. Varys
A Eunuch Who Was Extremely Smart But Ultimately Bit Off More Than He Could Chew
- Advised: Robert Baratheon, Daenerys Targaryen
Varys is one of the smartest characters in the series and could’ve enjoyed a long and hearty life as an advisor. He aided Robert in his rule as king before eventually escaping with Tyrion to serve Daenerys instead.
He truly wished to look out for the realm, but was worried after seeing flashes of madness in Daenerys. This is where the show’s writing failed Varys, who made a convenient and uncharacteristic mistake that revealed his treachery to the Queen, causing him to be burned alive.
1. Tyrion Lannister
The Smartest Character In The Series Who Can Help Any King Or Queen Steady The Ship
- Advised: Joffrey Baratheon, Cersei Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen
There’s a reason why so many people consider Tyrion to be the smartest and most entertaining character in Game of Thrones. He was ridiculed throughout his life for being a dwarf, but made up for his physical limitations by expanding his knowledge whenever he could.
This allowed him to become a valuable advisor to Joffrey and Cersei, even though they dismissed him regularly to demean him. When he finally became a valuable advisor to Daenerys, he helped her make wise choices as a Queen, although Tyrion couldn’t stop her from going over the deep end when she sacked King’s Landing.
