7 Worst Parents in Game of Thrones

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As a passionate film aficionado, I must say that HBO’s Game of Thrones, spanning eight thrilling seasons, introduced a plethora of powerful family units and legendary houses from the mesmerizing fantasy world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. From 2011 to 2019, this live-action masterpiece graced our screens, swiftly becoming one of television’s most cherished and successful shows.

Game of Thrones captivated audiences with its epic tales of the relentless struggle for the coveted Iron Throne among warring factions. However, it also delved into more intimate stories centered around Westeros’ core families, some of which were led by parents whose choices were often questionable at best.

Apart from a stellar grown-up cast, Game of Thrones also featured an array of brilliant young and child actors. Regrettably, some of these stars, who have become familiar faces today, played the offspring of truly despicable characters. This includes nobles, queens, and kings. While characters like Mace Tyrell, Robert Baratheon, Balon Greyjoy, and Tywin Lannister were incredibly wicked, these Game of Thrones parents surpass them as the most detestable.

7) Cersei Lannister

Throughout the entirety of “Game of Thrones,” Lena Headey’s character, Cersei Lannister, was one of the most significant figures. Initially, she was the wife of Robert Baratheon, then became the mother of two kings, and ultimately ascended to the position of Queen of the Seven Kingdoms herself. However, her unquenchable thirst for power, which led her to make ruthless decisions in order to manipulate and dominate her children, particularly Joffrey and Tommen who succeeded as Kings of the Seven Kingdoms, made her an abysmal mother. While Cersei did love her children deeply, it was evident that she loved herself even more.

6) Randyll Tarly

In contrast to his affectionate demeanor towards Dickon, Randyll Tarly (James Faulkner) displayed a strained bond with his eldest son, Samwell. As Samwell recounted to Jon Snow in the first season of Game of Thrones, Randyll despised his interest in books and wisdom over strength as a warrior, which led him to send Samwell to the Night’s Watch – essentially banishing him for eternity. Tragically, both Randyll and Dickon perish together, leaving Samwell with conflicting emotions: although his father harbored intense hatred towards him, they were still bound by blood.

5) Lysa Arryn

Lysa Arryn, portrayed by Kate Dickie, is among the few parents on this list who appeared to care deeply for her child, Robin. However, Robin’s upbringing was suspect due to Lysa’s excessive affection, which resulted in a spoiled, bratty, and entitled young man. Despite her strong-willed demeanor as Lady Regent of the Vale, Lysa’s overprotective love failed to prepare Robin for the grim reality of Westeros. Fortunately, following Lysa’s demise, Robin manages to break free from this immature persona.

4) Jaime Lannister

From my perspective, it was quite startling to learn that Cersei Lannister’s children, who were believed to be sired by her husband Robert Baratheon, were actually fathered by none other than her own brother, Jaime Lannister (Nikolai Coster-Waldau). In an attempt to conceal this secret from the world, Jaime took no part in raising his three children. Unfortunately, this distance made him an unintentional yet dismal parent in the realm of Westeros. He may have been a loving uncle, but as a father, he consistently fell short, only beginning to change his ways far too late – just in time to witness each of his children’s untimely deaths.

3) Walder Frey

In the popular series “Game of Thrones,” the detestable character Walder Frey was brilliantly brought to life by David Bradley. The patriarch of House Frey, Walder boasts numerous offspring from multiple wives, often forgetting even his own children’s names due to their vast number. He is a man marked by deceit, arrogance, dominance, and lechery – traits that extend even towards his own kin. Although he ensures they are provided for and kept alive, Walder exhibits no interest in their upbringing or care – a fact that might just be a blessing for them.

2) Stannis Baratheon

In the majority of his time on Game of Thrones, Stephen Dillane’s character, Stannis Baratheon, appeared as a loving and caring father towards his daughter, Shireen. However, this image drastically changed in season 5, episode 9, “The Dance of Dragons.” Here, Melissandre persuaded Stannis to offer Shireen as a sacrifice to the Lord of Light. Instead of resisting, Stannis chose to comply, resulting in the tragic act of burning Shireen alive. Although many Game of Thrones parents have committed heinous acts against their children, few surpassed Stannis in the brutality of this act, making him stand out as one of the most despicable characters.

1) Craster

In simpler terms, among all the troubling characters in the Game of Thrones, none can match the cruelty and disturbance of Robert Pugh’s Craster. While Stannis Baratheon felt remorse for his daughter Shireen’s death, Craster intentionally sacrificed his sons to the White Walkers. His daughters faced an equally horrific fate, as he married them upon reaching maturity and fathered incestuous children with them. This shocking and unrepentant behavior solidifies Craster as one of the most despicable and brutal figures in Westeros, making it challenging for any other character to surpass his level of cruelty or exploitation towards his own children.

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2025-08-17 01:18