Many of the characters of House of the Dragon are angling to seize control of the Iron Throne and, as is usual with this series, they express different ruling philosophies. Daemon, whatever his flaws, is remarkably clear-eyed about how family loyalty and power work. In this regard, he has a great deal in common with Tywin Lannister of Game of Thrones.
Hard and unbending he might be, but there’s no doubt Tywin really does know the truth about how the world works. Throughout his time in the series, much of his dialogue revealed why he would have made a very good ruler for Westeros.
"Any Man Who Must Say 'I Am The King' Is No True King."
Season 3, Episode 10, “Mhysa”
Tywin Lannister was one of the best characters of Game of Thrones. It’s easy to see why this would be so, since he was one of the few who was able and willing to put Joffrey in his place. This line does more than that, however.
It also shows that Tywin understands the nature of kingly power better than almost anyone else. While he might not have made a beloved ruler of Westeros, this line indicates that, at the very least, he would have promoted a great deal of order and stability, something often very lacking in this particular realm.
"Explain To Me Why It Is More Noble To Kill 10,000 Men In Battle Than A Dozen At Dinner."
Season 3, Episode 10, “Mhysa”
The Red Wedding is obviously one of the most unexpected moments in Game of Thrones. It was also one which earned Tywin a rebuke from many. In this quote, however, he reveals that, despite his apparent ruthlessness, he doesn’t wish to waste lives unnecessarily.
Given the tendency of Westerosi leaders to throw their mens’ lives away with abandon, this comment is especially remarkable. As a king, Tywin would no doubt ensure that casualties in his domains were kept to an absolute minimum.
“Do You Know What ‘Legacy’ Means? It's What You Down To Your Children And Your Children's Children.”
Season 3, Episode 10, “Mhysa”
Family loyalty means more to Tywin than almost anything else, which is why he maintains his loyalty to both Cersei and Tyrion, despite how much they try his patience. This adherence to his family is precisely what would make him such a good ruler for Westeros.
For a man like Tywin, holding the kingdom together would be the best thing he could do for his family. What’s more, being able to this on, and having it be his legacy, would be all the motivation he would need to be a good and wise and just ruler.
“A Lion Doesn’t Concern Himself With The Opinions Of The Sheep.”
Season 1, Episode 7, “You Win Or You Die.”
In many ways, Tywin Lannister is one of Game of Thrones’ most powerful characters. What’s more, he knows that this is the case, which is what allows him to act with so much authority. While it might make him unpopular, this attitude would also allow him to be the type of authoritative figure so often missing in Westeros.
Once he saw what needed to be done, he would do it, without having to dither and wait to see others' thoughts. As Viserys I’s inaction shows in House of the Dragon, this kind of decisive action can make or break a kingdom.
“The House That Puts Family First Will Always Defeat The House That Puts The Whims And Wishes Of Its Sons And Daughters First.”
Season 3, Episode 10, “Mhysa”
If there’s one thing that seems to trip up the rulers of Westeros, it’s an overindulgence of their children. This is certainly something that Twyin doesn’t have. As he repeatedly shows with his progeny, he will exert iron control over them, lest they bring the Lannisters, one of the most powerful houses in Westeros, into disrepute.
With this kind of iron hand, it’s easy to see why Tywin would be able to avoid the trap fallen into by so many of his predecessors. Had he been given the authority of the kingship, he might even have been able to bring Cersei into line.
“A Wise King Knows What He Knows And What He Doesn’t.”
Season 4, Episode 3, “Breaker Of Chains”
One of the most dangerous things for a ruler is thinking that they know everything. This is what trips up Daenerys, and it is also true of Cersei. This is not a flaw that Tywin has, however, and this quote reveals just why it is that he would make such a good ruler.
He is wise enough to recognize that sometimes a ruler must turn to others, such as their small council, to give them the knowledge they need to rule effectively. Since he goes on to become one of the kingdom’s most successful Hands, it’s easy to see why he would also be a good king.
“A King Who Runs Will Not Be King For Long.”
Season 2, Episode 8, “The Prince Of Winterfell”
Martial valor means a great deal in Westeros. If a man, particularly a king, isn’t able to face danger and possibly death head-on, then he will never be able to win the loyalty of his men and thus won’t be able to effectively lead them.
This is a truth that Tywin continually recognized, as he makes clear in this particular quote. If he sat on the Iron Throne, the people of the kingdom could take comfort in knowing that he would never run away from a battle and that, in fact, he would always lead it in one form or another.
“When Soldiers Lack Discipline, The Fault Lies With Their Commander.”
Season 1, Episode 9, “Baelor”
Tywin is unique in having an unflinching ability to look at the world as it is, rather than as he would wish it to be. In quotes like this one, he reveals a great deal about his governing philosophy. He is the type of person who will take responsibility for a failure, rather than trying to pawn it off on his underlings.
This is in marked contrast to some of the other less effective rulers of Westeros. It is precisely this willingness to take responsibility that sets him above so many others.
“We Look Like Fools, And They Look Like Heroes. That’s How Kings Fall.”
Season 7, Episode 7, “A Man Without Honor”
As one of those most responsible for the downfall of King Aerys, Twyin has always had a keen understanding of the precariousness of kingship. This is, indeed, what leads to this quote which, in turn, shows how skilled he would be as a ruler.
He is the type of person who would recognize that a certain amount of gravitas is necessary if a king wishes to stay seated upon his throne. He would, indeed, be precisely the kind of person that the people of Westeros would be able to look up to.
“Wars Swallow Gold Like A Pit In The Earth.”
Season 4, Episode 5, “First Of His Name”
One of the most important things any king of Westeros can do is to keep an eye on the treasury. Only a foolish king takes the realm into war, considering just how much money it costs to keep an army in the field.
As this quote reveals, this is something that Tywin knows very well, which is why he does everything he can to keep his grandson from getting embroiled in yet another armed conflict. With him on the Iron Throne, the common people could rest easy knowing that he would keep the realm from descending into armed conflict.