‘Game of Thrones’ Spin-off Finds Tyrion Lannister Replacement

Few characters in fantasy are as well-written (and well-loved) as Game of Thrones‘ Tyrion Lannister. Peter Dinklage’s portrayal, coupled with George R.R. Martin’s intricate development, made Tyrion one of the most memorable characters in the series. While the first franchise prequel, House of the Dragon, doesn’t boast any Tyrion-esque characters (and understandably so), its second prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, might have the cure for what ails viewers.

Following the adventures of Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall and his squire, Egg, the six-episode first season is less royalty-focused and more concerned with the “little guys” of Westeros, as it were. With the tourney at Ashford Meadow as the backdrop, Dunk and Egg encounter a host of eccentric characters, including one whose popularity has skyrocketed, even after only two episodes. Lyonel Baratheon is a bona fide fan favorite, and thanks to Daniel Ings’s magnetic performance, it’s plain to see that the series has found its Tyrion Lannister replacement.

Lyonel Baratheon Is the Tyrion Lannister of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’

Lyonel Baratheon in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

Ser Lyonel “The Laughing Storm” Baratheon enters the scene when Dunk stumbles into his tent in Season 1, Episode 1, “The Hedge Knight.” He garnered his famous moniker for his tendency to laugh at his opponents during tourneys. It’s abundantly clear from the get-go that Lyonel is up for anything. He’s a party animal, an amalgam of “frat bro” energy and charismatic comrade who can wax philosophical even when deep in his cups. Sound familiar? He undeniably exudes Tyrion energy, and not just because he loves a good cup of wine (although that’s important here, too).

One might argue that the Baratheon traits are strong – and they are. He boasts an intriguing mix of Renly, Stannis, and Robert Baratheon. He’s possibly their great-grandfather, too. Lyonel possesses Renly’s inherent charm with a dash of Stannis’s extremist behavior (he did threaten to burn Dunk as a heretic). He also has Robert’s penchant for imbibing and seeking adventure. The tug-of-war competition in Season 1, Episode 2, “Hard Salt Beef,” is proof positive of this.

Lyonel Baratheon Is More Than the Life of the Party

Dunk and Lyonel Baratheon in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

However, the Tyrion comparisons might be more apt. Whereas the aforementioned Baratheons’ characteristics are more pronounced, Lyonel feels closer in personality to Tyrion. He’s multifaceted and nuanced. Like Tyrion, he’s chasing that next dopamine hit in a way that suggests he could be trying to suppress something dark.

Tyrion arms himself with clever quips and his vast knowledge to mask his pain, while Lyonel wields his reputation for being a good-time Charlie as a distraction tactic. He tries to appear less complicated than he actually is. During his drunken chat with Dunk, one can see glimpses of someone far more complex (like Tyrion), especially as he dispenses profound wisdom before hilariously admitting he’s inebriated (which we’ve seen from Tyrion on more than one occasion). Not to mention, like Tyrion, Lyonel is always equipped with a cutting one-liner. They’re also both courageous characters. They even bear a physical resemblance.

Lyonel isn’t a main character in The Hedge Knight novella like Tyrion is in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, making his prominence in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms surprising. Even more so when considering that the creative team decided to make him similar to Tyrion. Whether the comparisons will still hold when the season concludes, only time will tell. For now, fans can enjoy Lyonel Baratheon drinking and knowing things.