Race: Human (Valemen)
Sex: Male
Faction: House Arryn
Overall Rating: 5.6
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Arena Status: Active (S1)
Hailing from the world of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, a saga where the game of thrones is played with as much cunning and strategy as with steel and fire, few characters embody the spirit of this treacherous game better than Petyr Baelish, commonly known as Littlefinger. Renowned for his political acumen and manipulative tactics, Littlefinger's influence permeates the entire series, his every action contributing to the intricate dance of power that is the heart of the series.
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| Petyr Baelish, Littlefinger |
[Spoiler Alert: This introduction includes major plot points and character developments.]
Petyr Baelish makes his first appearance in the inaugural novel of the series, A Game of Thrones. He holds the position of Master of Coin on King Robert Baratheon's Small Council. From the very beginning, Baelish is presented as a character who possesses an uncanny ability to play the political field. Born to a minor house in the Fingers – a region known for its unremarkable and impoverished nobility – Baelish's ascension to the Small Council is a testament to his ambition, cunning, and strategic genius.
His humble origins underpin his motivations and are integral to understanding his character. As a youth, Baelish fell hopelessly in love with Catelyn Tully, but his affections were not reciprocated due to his lower status. This unrequited love, coupled with a duel lost against Brandon Stark, Catelyn's betrothed, further fuels his ambition and desire to climb the social ladder, a theme that resonates throughout his story arc.
In A Clash of Kings, the second novel, Baelish's political machinations intensify. He plays a pivotal role in securing the allegiance of House Tyrell to King's Landing, thereby ensuring a victory for the Lannisters at the Battle of Blackwater. For his services, he is rewarded with the title of Lord Paramount of the Trident, proving that his ruthless ambition is yielding results.
In A Storm of Swords, Baelish's manipulative prowess reaches its zenith. [Spoiler Alert] It is revealed that he was instrumental in the demise of Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King whose death sets the events of the series into motion. He also engineers the infamous "Purple Wedding," resulting in the assassination of King Joffrey. These actions demonstrate his capacity for long-term strategy and his willingness to sow chaos to climb the ladder of power.
However, Littlefinger's most audacious move comes with his manipulation of Sansa Stark, Catelyn's daughter. After spiriting her away from King's Landing, he takes her to the Eyrie, where he marries and later [Spoiler Alert] kills Lysa Arryn, thereby gaining control of the Vale. All the while, he grooms Sansa to become a player in the game of thrones, seeing in her a blend of Catelyn's allure and his own cunning.
The later novels, A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons, continue to explore Littlefinger's manipulative strategies as he consolidates his power in the Vale and continues his dangerous dance with Sansa Stark. His plans take on a more ambitious scale as he seeks to control more than just coin and whispers, aspiring to a tangible seat of power.
While not a warrior brandishing a sword, Petyr Baelish wields the weapons of knowledge, manipulation, and subterfuge with the proficiency of a seasoned knight. His ruthless ambition and refusal to be confined by his low birth make him one of the most dynamic and intriguing characters in the series. His actions underscore a key theme in Martin's narrative: power lies where people believe it lies. Baelish is a testament to the idea that in the game of thrones, you win or you die – and winning doesn't always require a throne or a crown, but sometimes just a sharp mind and a relentless spirit. Through charm, deceit, and a masterful understanding of the political landscape, Littlefinger has proven time and again that he is not to be underestimated. His story serves as a reminder that even the smallest pieces on the board can cast a long shadow.
Littlefinger's Raw Power
When strictly assessing "raw power" in terms of physical prowess, fighting abilities, or inherent magical talents, Petyr Baelish, fondly known as Littlefinger, indeed falls short in comparison to many characters in the broad spectrum of fantasy literature.
In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, where direwolves roam and dragons take to the skies, Littlefinger is an ordinary man. He possesses no towering stature or muscle, no warrior's training that we know of, and certainly no magical bloodline or mystical abilities. In a face-off against a sword-wielding knight or a spell-casting sorcerer, Baelish wouldn't stand much chance. His power, instead, resides in the realm of strategy and manipulation, but that's a conversation for another category.
When placed alongside iconic fantasy figures like the wizard Gandalf, who can command divine flame, or Conan the Barbarian, whose physical strength and battle prowess are legendary, Baelish's "raw power," is essentially non-existent. Even within his own realm, compared to the supernatural resilience of Beric Dondarrion, the monstrous strength of Gregor Clegane, or the mystic talents of Melisandre, Littlefinger is a mere mortal with no extraordinary physical or magical powers.
Therefore, within the parameter of raw power as traditionally defined in the fantasy genre, Petyr Baelish ranks at a 1. He is a testament to the fact that while raw, physical power certainly plays a significant role in fantasy, it isn't the sole measure of a character's influence or importance to the narrative. His lack of traditional power, in fact, contributes to his unique appeal as a character who triumphs through intellect and manipulation rather than through force or magic.
Petyr Baelish's Tactical Ability
Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger, is a master of tactics in a world where power is as often won through deception and intrigue as it is on the battlefield. His tactical ability is marked by his cunning, his uncanny ability to manipulate situations, and his knack for playing the long game.
Littlefinger's rise from a minor noble to a significant player in Westeros's political landscape is a testament to his exceptional strategic mind. He deftly maneuvers through the treacherous waters of Westerosi politics, always staying a few steps ahead of his adversaries. For instance, his orchestration of Jon Arryn's death reveals his ability to set in motion events that not only remove obstacles in his path but also create new opportunities for him to exploit.
He further showcases his tactical brilliance in the way he handles the War of the Five Kings. His ability to convince the Tyrells to ally with the Lannisters is a strategic masterstroke that significantly alters the course of the war and elevates his status. Similarly, his arrangement of Joffrey's assassination at his own wedding, a seemingly impenetrable event, shows his audacious plotting and ability to pull strings from behind the scenes.
Moreover, Littlefinger's manipulation of Sansa Stark is an ongoing tactical game. By presenting himself as her ally in a hostile world, he cultivates her trust, intending to use her Stark lineage to his advantage in his quest for power.
However, when comparing Littlefinger's tactical ability to characters across all fantasy universes, we encounter figures like Paul Atreides of Dune, whose prescience and leadership effectively reshape an entire universe, or the brilliant military strategies of Ender Wiggin from Ender's Game. In this wider context, Littlefinger's tactical ability, while impressive within his own realm, may not hold the same weight. Hence, on a universal scale, he would rank around a 7. His strategic maneuvering and manipulation skills are top-tier, but when compared to characters with world-shifting, strategic abilities, there are limits to his influence.
Littlefinger's Influence
Petyr Baelish's real power emerges in the form of influence and persuasion, which he wields like a master fencer, always finding the right points to exploit. In the game of thrones, where whispers can be just as deadly as swords, Littlefinger's ability to persuade, manipulate, and control is unparalleled.
Starting as a minor lord from the smallest of lands, Baelish's meteoric rise to become the Master of Coin and later the Lord Protector of the Vale is nothing short of remarkable. He achieves this not through brute force or magical prowess, but through his uncanny ability to manipulate people and circumstances to serve his ends. His influence permeates the Seven Kingdoms, shaping events from behind the scenes.
His machinations begin with the orchestration of Jon Arryn's death, which sets off a chain of events leading to the War of the Five Kings. He persuades Lysa Arryn to poison her husband and write a letter to her sister, Catelyn Stark, accusing the Lannisters of the murder, igniting tensions between the major houses. Later, he masterfully manipulates the Tyrells into allying with the Lannisters, drastically changing the course of the war.
Moreover, Littlefinger’s influence is strongly felt in his interactions with Sansa Stark. He effectively grooms Sansa, molding her from a naive young girl into a player in the ruthless game of thrones, all while keeping her under his control.
However, when comparing Littlefinger's influence and persuasion against the landscape of all fantasy universes, characters like Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter, who swayed the entirety of the wizarding world, or the charismatic Kelsier from Mistborn, who led a rebellion against an omnipotent ruler, come to mind. Therefore, while Littlefinger is a master manipulator within his own realm, on a universal scale of 1-10, he would receive a 7. His influence is profound, but the extent to which he can persuade and control is confined to the political circles of Westeros and doesn't extend to influencing entire nations or worlds.
Petyr Baelish's Resilience
In terms of resilience, Petyr Baelish, otherwise known as Littlefinger, is a master of survival in the treacherous political landscape of Westeros. His ability to navigate, endure, and overcome the most volatile situations is a testament to his incredible adaptability and indomitable will.
Starting with his humble beginnings as a minor lord from a lowly house, Littlefinger faces many setbacks and challenges throughout his life. Yet, he consistently proves his ability to bounce back from these obstacles stronger than before. Despite a devastating loss in a duel for Catelyn Stark's love in his youth, which could have been the end for many a man in his position, Baelish doesn't allow it to crush him. Instead, he uses it as a stepping stone to climb higher, to secure more power.
When Eddard Stark, the Hand of the King, dismisses his counsel, Baelish doesn't just withstand the setback but thrives, turning the tables to his advantage by betraying Stark, aligning with the winning side and furthering his political reach. This knack for turning setbacks into opportunities is a clear mark of his resilience.
Littlefinger's resilience is further evidenced in his ability to survive amidst the most treacherous, powerful, and often deadly figures of the realm. He's surrounded by knights, lords, and ladies, all playing their part in the perilous game of thrones, yet Baelish endures, ever moving forward in his pursuit of power.
However, when comparing Littlefinger's resilience to other characters across the entire fantasy genre, we see figures like Rand al'Thor from The Wheel of Time, who overcomes immense physical and psychological trauma, or Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings, who endures the unbearable burden of the One Ring. Such characters display extraordinary resilience in the face of almost insurmountable adversities. Therefore, on a scale of 1-10, when compared to all fantasy characters across all universes, Littlefinger would be positioned at around a 6. His ability to bounce back and adapt is impressive within his context, but there are characters in the fantasy genre who have shown even greater resilience.
Littlefinger's Versatility
In the realm of versatility, Petyr Baelish, commonly known as Littlefinger, shines brightly. He is neither a knight bearing the physical prowess to overcome opponents on the battlefield, nor a sorcerer with a myriad of spells at his disposal. His power lies in his adaptability, the breadth of his skills, and his ability to play different roles as the situation demands.
Littlefinger is a master of finance, managing the royal treasury as Master of Coin and even creating new sources of revenue that lead to the financial prosperity of King's Landing. His economic acumen is key to his rise in power, earning him a seat on the Small Council.
Moreover, his chameleon-like ability to shift identities and allegiances depending on the situation is another example of his versatility. He is a friend to Eddard Stark one moment, and his betrayer the next. He is an ally to the Lannisters, but also arranges the murder of their patriarch, Tywin. This adaptability in his personas and alliances exemplifies his versatile nature.
Littlefinger's versatility extends to his capacity for manipulation and psychological warfare. He is proficient at reading people, understanding their desires and fears, and using this knowledge to manipulate them for his ends. This ability enables him to operate effectively in a variety of situations, further enhancing his versatility.
However, in the grand tapestry of fantasy characters, others possess a broader range of skills and adaptabilities. Characters such as Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings, with his wizardry and wisdom, or Hermione Granger from Harry Potter, with her extensive knowledge and magical abilities, exhibit a greater range of capabilities. Therefore, on a universal scale of versatility, Littlefinger would merit a 7 out of 10. His adaptability and breadth of skills are impressive within his world, but when compared to characters who possess both supernatural and intellectual abilities, his versatility, while significant, has its limits.
Petyr Baelish's Alignment
Determining the alignment of Petyr Baelish, known as Littlefinger, presents an interesting challenge. Alignment, in this context, typically falls under a matrix, with one axis being the ethical dimension (lawful, neutral, chaotic) and the other being the moral dimension (good, neutral, evil). With Littlefinger, his place within this matrix is not easily pigeonholed into a single category, as he seems to operate across multiple spectrums, demonstrating both pragmatism and self-interest.
On the ethical dimension, Littlefinger exhibits traits aligning with the 'chaotic' category. He is not one to follow laws or traditions but rather manipulates them to suit his ends. He thrives in chaotic situations and often acts as a catalyst to create disorder and upheaval, using the confusion to advance his own interests.
However, to label him as simply chaotic would be a disservice to the complexity of his character. Littlefinger also understands the value of laws and societal expectations and is more than willing to exploit them when it serves his interests. He operates within the framework of Westerosi law and custom, using it as a shield to mask his true intentions. Thus, one could argue that he also displays 'lawful' traits.
On the moral dimension, Littlefinger gravitates towards 'evil.' While 'evil' may seem a harsh term, in the context of alignment, it refers more to selfishness and a disregard for the well-being of others, rather than outright malevolence. Littlefinger is undeniably self-serving, often betraying allies and causing widespread suffering in his relentless pursuit of power. His orchestrations often lead to disastrous consequences for others, showing a lack of empathy or concern for those caught in his schemes.
However, like many complex characters, Littlefinger is not entirely devoid of redeeming qualities. He shows a certain charm and charisma, and even a twisted sort of love towards Sansa Stark. But these traits are often overshadowed by his manipulative and ruthless actions.
Therefore, taking into consideration his adaptability, cunning, and self-interest, the most accurate alignment for Petyr Baelish would be 'Chaotic Neutral.' This alignment represents characters who follow their whims, hold their personal freedom above all else, and do not feel a strong inclination towards good or evil. They may shift allegiances as it suits them and do not necessarily respect the laws and traditions of society. This seems to encapsulate Littlefinger's unpredictable, self-serving nature and his penchant for exploiting both chaos and order to further his own ends. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Petyr Baelish Arena Art
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| Petyr Baelish is visited by Hermaeus Mora |
Littlefinger's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #83 (of 107) |
Overall Conclusion on Petyr Baelish and Position Across Planes of Existence
When evaluating Petyr Baelish, it's crucial to consider the context of his character. As a player in a world driven by political machinations and interpersonal intrigues, Littlefinger demonstrates an exceptional aptitude in navigating through these intricate webs. He is a character who rose from a relatively insignificant background to become a central figure, primarily through his cunning, adaptability, and ruthless ambition.
His raw power rating is at the lowest end of the spectrum, standing at 1 out of 10. However, raw power in the context of Littlefinger does not entirely mean physical strength or magical abilities. Instead, it refers to his power over people, his power to influence events, and his power to maintain control amidst chaos. Littlefinger's power is derived from his mind and the meticulous machinations he employs, which should not be underestimated.
In terms of tactical ability, influence/persuasion, resilience, and versatility, Littlefinger's scores range from respectable to impressive, demonstrating his strengths in these areas. His ability to manipulate people and situations to his advantage, his aptitude for bouncing back from setbacks, and his capacity to adapt to various situations show that he is not a character to be easily discounted.
However, Littlefinger's overall score of 5.6 out of 10 might appear modest when compared to the broad landscape of fantasy characters that include godlike entities, powerful wizards, and supernatural beings. But this rating does not diminish his significance within his narrative context.
Littlefinger's strength does not lie in his ability to cast world-altering spells or engage in epic battles; rather, his strength lies in his ability to manipulate, survive, and prosper in a world where a sharp mind can be as deadly as the sharpest sword. His tools are whispers and secrets, and with these, he's able to topple kings and change the course of his world's history.
It's worth noting that a character's 'power' is not solely derived from physical prowess or supernatural abilities. Characters like Littlefinger bring a different type of power to the table - the power of the human intellect and the human will. This is perhaps more relatable and thus, in its own way, more compelling.
Hence, an overall rating of 5.6 is a fair assessment of Littlefinger's standing across the multiverse of fantasy characters. It recognizes his distinct type of power, celebrates his intellectual prowess, and acknowledges his ability to change the world around him, not through brute force or magic, but through intelligence, cunning, and sheer force of will. And in the game of thrones, as in many aspects of life, these qualities can often be the most powerful tools of all. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
