There is no shortage of villains in Game of Thrones, but probably the name that inspires the most hate is Lannister. Next, to the Starks, House Lannister is the main focus of the show and is responsible for some of the evillest acts seen in the series. They are a family that has built a legacy of power mostly through killing those who oppose them.
While not every member of House Lannister is all bad, they each have their own despicable moments. From murder to betrayals, the Lannisters helped shape Westeros through their dastardly deeds. Here are the worst things each Lannister has done on Game of Thrones.
Myrcella: Hiding Her Parentage
If there is an innocent member of House Lannister, surely it would have to be Myrcella. She is the only daughter of Cersei and Jaime who is seen with her family only briefly in the first two seasons, before being shipped off to Dorne in an arranged marriage.
Though Myrcella stays out of the family’s world-conquering plans, she did keep one of the darkest family secrets. After reuniting with Jaime in Dorne, Myrcella reveals she knows he is her father. Not only is she unbothered by this disgusting fact, but this is also a secret that has led to the death of many people.
Tommen: Giving High Sparrow Power
Like Myrcella, Tommen seems largely uninterested in the ambition of his other family members. He has the title of king thrust upon him and basically just does what he is told. While he first takes the advice of his grandfather, once Tywin is gone, Tommen becomes a puppet for someone else.
After the High Sparrow imprisons his wife and mother, Tommen is still afraid to act. Little by little, the High Sparrow begins manipulating Tommen’s weak mind. Eventually, Tommen gives virtually all the power to the High Sparrow, even ending trials by combat which is a decision that would have likely meant Cersei’s death.
Kevan: Letting Cersei Do The Walk Of Shame
Kevan Lannister is perhaps the most forgettable member of this powerful family. The brother of Tywin Lannister, Kevan oversees the Lannister home of Casterly Rock for much of the series. He eventually comes to King’s Landing after Tywin’s death and takes over as Hand of the King.
Though he is not afraid to put Cersei in her place, Kevan is certainly no Tywin Lannister. He is ineffective in the fight against the High Sparrow and even lets them parade Cersei through the street naked. Tywin might not have been a loving father, but he would never have stood for that.
Tyrion: Betraying Varys
Tyrion is the easiest Lannister to cheer for. He is charming, funny and mostly noble. He has killed people before, like Shae and Tywin, but it’s hard to say they didn’t have it coming. However, it is his support of Daenerys Targaryen that causes Tyrion to sink to his darkest moments.
Despite seeing the evil turn Daenerys is making, Tyrion is still willing to follow her, even when she talks about burning King’s Landing to the ground. When Varys tries to be the voice of reason, Tyrion reports his treason and Varys is burned alive.
Lancel: Joining The Sparrows
Lancel Lannister had an interesting journey through the series. He started as a pathetic and sniveling cousin to the main Lannisters who was secretly sleeping with Cersei. But after nearly dying in battle, Lancel re-emerges as a member of the Sparrows, having found religion.
Normally, someone renouncing their evil ways and devoting themselves to a more selfless cause would be good. In Lancel’s case, it may have made him worse. As a member of the Sparrows, Lancel carries out bigoted crimes including punishing the homosexuals of King’s Landing.
Jamie: Trying To Kill Bran
By the end of the series, Jaime Lannister was a character that most fans were cheering for. He was a complex and misunderstood man who was trying desperately to right the wrongs of his past. But some of those wrongs are very hard to overlook.
In the very first episode of the series, we get a glimpse at what Jaime is capable of. After Bran finds Jaime and Cersei have sex, Jaime pushes him out of a window, leaving him paralyzed. Though Jaime’s “king slaying” might be misunderstood, it’s hard to find a positive spin for this one.
Tywin: The Rains Of Castamere
Tywin Lannister is the domineering and intimidating head of House Lannister. His ruthless quest for power shaped the worst tendencies in his children and that might actually be his most evil contribution to the world. However, there are many specific acts of evil he has done to keep House Lannister in power.
The famous Westerosi song, “The Rains of Castamere” tells the tale of Tywin’s most horrific power play. After House Reyne rebelled against his father, a young Tywin marched the Lannister army to their home and slaughtered the entire house, cementing the Lannisters as a house to fear.
Joffrey: Executing Ned Stark
Just about everything Joffrey did could qualify for a spot on this list. As the spoiled son of Cersei and Jaime, Joffrey becomes an entitled and cruel king. While he is often obnoxious, Joffrey occasionally slips into the area of being sadistic. He seems to enjoy the ability to kill whenever he wants.
After his wiser council cut a deal with Ned Stark to admit his treason, Joffrey’s evil mind just gets the better of him. He calls for Ned’s head, killing off one of the noblest characters in the show and starting a war that would result in the death of countless people.
Cersei: Blowing Up The Sept
Cersei is another character who seems to do something awful with each new episode. She has had plenty of people killed and really likes torturing those who have done her wrong. But when she is backed into a corner, that’s when she is really dangerous.
After being summoned to trial by the High Sparrow, Cersei shows them that she is always willing to do the unthinkable to survive. As all her enemies gather in the Sept of Baelor, Cersei lights the wildfire hidden beneath and blows up the sept, instantly becoming one of the most terrifying characters on the show.
