Written by When it comes to master manipulators in Westeros, Varys is usually the first name that comes to mind. But House of the Dragon introduces a spymaster who deserves just as much credit—if not more.
Rising from obscurity without titles, wealth, or noble connections, Mysaria turns information into one of the deadliest weapons in Westeros. Her ability to adapt, survive, and influence powerful players makes a compelling case that she outplays the Spider where it matters most. Here are five reasons why Mysaria is the better strategist.
1. Mysaria Built Her Influence From Nothing
Sonoya Mizuno in House of the Dragon / Credits: HBO
While both Mysaria and Varys became some of Westeros’ most influential spymasters, the paths they took to power are very different. Varys serves as Master of Whisperers, and he operates with the authority and resources of the Iron Throne. He also came from humble beginnings, but much of his influence later stems from the privilege that comes with his official role.
Mysaria, on the other hand, worked her way to the top. She was initially introduced as a prostitute in House of the Dragon, but her circumstances changed when she finally allied with the Blacks. With her position, she built her network from the ground up using her wit, patience, and ability to earn the trust of informants.
She was able to turn limited resources into political power, which proved her exceptional strategic instincts. In that respect, Mysaria demonstrates a level of resourcefulness that arguably makes her the better strategist.
2. The White Worm Understands Public Sentiment
Sonoya Mizuno in House of the Dragon / Credits: HBO
Fans have seen how she advised Rhaenyra in several pressing matters, all of which yielded major results that proved to favor the Blacks, such as when she sent food-laden boats bearing Rhaenyra’s banners to King’s Landing and eventually gained the people’s sympathy.
As someone who came from the lower rim of Westeros, Mysaria knows the struggles and complaints of the smallfolk. Drawing from her own experiences, she devised a strategy that helped present Rhaenyra in a more favorable light among the people.
Varys, by comparison, rarely uses public opinion as a strategic weapon. His schemes are primarily focused on influencing kings, queens, and powerful nobles behind closed doors. His intelligence network is designed to gather secrets and manipulate the ruling elite, not to cultivate popular support among the common people.
Mysaria’s willingness to treat the smallfolk as an active political force gives her a broader and more adaptable approach to strategy, allowing her to influence events from the ground up instead of relying almost exclusively on the decisions of those in power.
3. Her True Intentions Are Harder to Read
Sonoya Mizuno and Emma D’Arcy in House of the Dragon / Credits: HBO
If there’s one question most fans have about Mysaria, it’s definitely this: “What’s her game?” She’s a very enigmatic character who doesn’t reveal the full extent of her plans or where her loyalties truly lie, despite aligning herself with Rhaenyra.
Mysaria maintains an air of mystery, making it nearly impossible for others to predict her next move or exploit her motivations. This ambiguity gives her the freedom to adapt as circumstances change, which is absolutely a great strategy.
Varys is way easier to understand. Most of the major players in Game of Thrones recognize that he is a master manipulator with an extensive spy network. Mysaria is often underestimated because she doesn’t project this same legendary status or openly advertise her philosophies in life.
4. Mysaria Avoids Becoming the Face of Political Schemes
Sonoya Mizuno in House of the Dragon / Credits: HBO
Related to the previous entry, Mysaria is often wary of exposing herself to the public. She generally avoids becoming the public image of political schemes, which reduces the chance of becoming an immediate target. Since she operates in the shadows, she avoids taking public credit or blame for major political actions.
Varys, by contrast, is often recognizable as a central architect behind major political plots in Game of Thrones. Although he works in secrecy, his position and reputation make him easier to associate with palace intrigue and regime-level manipulation. Over time, rulers and rivals come to suspect his involvement in schemes, which limits his ability to remain truly invisible.
Mysaria’s low profile and choice to stay out of the spotlight give her a strategic advantage in maintaining long-term influence without becoming an obvious target.
5. Unlike Varys, Mysaria Doesn’t Serve the Realm
Varys consistently claims serving the realm as his guiding principle, but Mysaria does not frame her actions around this duty to the entire kingdom. Instead, her motivations are more grounded in immediate realities, such as survival, personal experience, and the specific people she chooses to support.
She focuses on practical outcomes, such as when she talked Rhaenyra into recruiting Targaryen bastards to become dragonriders. Her suggestion proved to be effective, which gave the Blacks more advantage. She was only focused on serving the leader she supports, unlike Varys, who shifts his allegiance based on who sits on the Iron Throne.
This mindset leads him to back different candidates for the crown whenever he believes they better fit his vision of competent leadership. Because he cannot commit to a single ruler, it forces him to constantly rethink his choices, which slows down making political decisions.
Mysaria As A StrategistVarys As A StrategistShe built her influence from nothing.His influence stems from the privilege that comes with his official role.She understands public sentiment.His schemes are primarily focused on influencing powerful nobles.Her true intentions are harder to read.He is known as a master manipulator by major Game of Thrones players.She avoids becoming the face of political schemes.He is recognizable as a central architect behind major political plots in Westeros.She doesn’t serve the realm.His guiding principle is to serve the realm.
Which one would you trust, Mysaria or Varys? Let us know in the comments!
House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max.
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