33 Tywin Lannister Quotes from the All-Powerful ‘Game of Thrones’ Patriarch

Tywin Lannister, whether objectively good or evil, holds an air of authority that is enticing to viewers, making it difficult not to bestow him with some level of respect. Read 33 quotes by the patriarch below.

In the "Game of Thrones" series and novels, Tywin Lannister is the patriarch of the ruling family of Westeros, the Lannisters. He is dedicated to leaving a legacy behind that will bestow a good name on his family and is exceptionally well-versed in strategy, especially during wartime.

However, as a parent, he lacks fatherly compassion and his three children, Jamie, Cersei, and Tyrion, are all at his behest for approval.

Cersei, assuming that she is a woman, is never taken seriously and is instead married off as a means of strategy.

On the other hand, Tyrion is loathed by his father because his mother died during his childbirth and the fact that he is a "monster" or simply a little person, a hatred that would ultimately lead to Tywin's downfall. Find out more about him below by reading his 33 quotes.

Tywin Lannister’s quote: “Any man who has to say ‘I am the King’ is no true King.” | Source: AmoDays

Iconic Tywin Lannister Quotes

“You cannot eat love, nor buy a horse with it, nor warm your halls on a cold night.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

“Some battles are won with swords and spears, others with quills and ravens.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

“Explain to me why it is more noble to kill ten thousand men in battle than a dozen at dinner. The price was cheap by any measure.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

Tywin Lannister’s quote from George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones": “Some battles are won with swords and spears, others with quills and ravens.” | Source: AmoDays

“The lion does not concern himself with the opinions of the sheep.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

Tywin Lannister Quotes: Playing the Game

“So, the wolfling is leaving his den to play among the lions." — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

“Every day that he remains a prisoner, the less our name commands respect.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

“I want a full night's march before we’re on the move.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

Tywin Lannister’s quote from George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones": “So the wolfling is leaving his den to play among the lions." | Source: AmoDays

"This will be my last war. Win or lose." — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

Tywin Lannister Quotes about Family

“It’s the family name that lives on. It’s all that lives on. Not your honor, not your personal glory, family.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

"The House that puts family first will always defeat the house that puts the whims and wishes of their sons and daughters' first." — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

"[To Jaime Lannister] You spend too much time worrying about what other people think of you." — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

Tywin Lannister’s quote from George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones": “[To Tyrion Lannister] I always thought you were a stunted fool. Perhaps I was wrong.” | Source: AmoDays

"[To Jaime Lannister] When you hear them whispering 'Kingslayer' behind your back doesn't it bother you?" — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

“[To Tyrion Lannister] I always thought you were a stunted fool. Perhaps I was wrong.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

"[To Jaime Lannister] Attacking him was stupid...Lannisters don't act like fools." — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

"[To Cersei Lannister] You're my daughter! You will do as I command." — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

Tywin Lannister’s quote from George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones": “[To Joffrey Lannister] We could arrange to have you carried.” | Source: AmoDays

"[To Tyrion Lannister] Should I explain to you in one easy lesson how the world works?" — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

“If Tyrion is found guilty, he will be punished accordingly.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

"[To Cersei Lannister] Tyrion will do as he's bid. As will you." — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

“[To Joffrey Lannister] We could arrange to have you carried.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

“[To Joffrey Lannister] You're welcome to attend the meetings of your Small Council your Grace." — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

Tywin Lannister’s quote from George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones": “If Tyrion is found guilty, he will be punished accordingly.” | Source: AmoDays

“[To Tyrion Lannister] You are done with [expletive]. The next one I find in your bed, I'll hang.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

"I'm in the world a little while longer, to defend the Lannisters, to defend my blood." — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

More Quotes from the Lannister Patriarch

“When soldiers lack discipline, the fault lies with their Lord Commander.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

"Men at war commit all kinds of crimes without their superior's knowledge." — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

“I need you to become the man you were always meant to be. Not next year, not tomorrow, now.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

Tywin Lannister’s quote from George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones": “When soldiers lack discipline, the fault lies with their Lord Commander.” | Source: AmoDays

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“A King who runs will not be King for long.” — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

"Should I be concerned?" — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

"You think I'd be in my position if I lost a war?" — Tywin Lannister, “Game of Thrones,” George R.R. Martin

Tywin Lannister’s quote from George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones": “A King who runs will not be King for long.” | Source: AmoDays

Ultimately, Tywin met his downfall and death when he was murdered by his son Tyrion. He had unfairly accused Tyrion of murdering his grandson, putting him on a trial that could have resulted in his son's execution.

This was not the first, but yet the harshest action he had taken towards his son. Tyrion, on escape from waiting trial, murdered Tywin with a bow while the patriarch sat on the toilet.

Many point out that Tywin's death perhaps marked the eventual downfall of the Lannisters, the complete opposite of what he wanted to leave behind. Some point out that what is even more tragic is that with Tyrion being his most intelligent and equipped son, the two could have worked together as a powerhouse.

To dive deep into another authoritative yet more morally sound individual, read these 35 Qui Gon Jinn quotes.