Game Of Thrones: The 7 Best Maesters

Summary

Maesters in Game of Thrones have complex backgrounds and play crucial, often overlooked roles.
Notable Maesters like Pycelle, Cressen, and Qyburn have a significant impact on the storyline.
Characters like Wolkan, Luwin, and Aemon showcase loyalty, dedication, and moral compass within the series.

Game of Thrones will surely go down as one of the greatest television shows in history, despite its controversial ending. Adapted from the renowned novel series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones brought Westeros to life on screen. It’s a dark and gritty fantasy series that tells a tale of swords, lies, and power. The series focuses on the journey of House Stark as they are drawn into a sinister revelation and must try to survive as the Seven Kingdoms begin to crumble.

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Dozens of characters are explored brilliantly in the series, which features some of the most entertaining backstories in fiction. However, several characters have fans wishing they were explored a little more in the show. Maesters are among the most mysterious and devious characters in Game of Thrones, portrayed as monks who dedicate their lives to science and knowledge. While some are noble and wise, others can be quite the opposite. Here are some of the best Maesters in Game of Thrones, ranked.

7

Grand Maester Pycelle

The Lowest Of The Low

First Appearance: Season One, Episode Three, “Lord Snow”

Grand Maester Pycelle was the despicable maester of King’s Landing, a loyal servant to whichever lord sat on the Iron Throne, and a frequent deviant. Maester Pycelle had a prominent role in Game of Thrones for multiple seasons, often portrayed as a bumbling old fool whose better years were behind him.

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The most notable thing about Maester Pycelle was his survival instinct, and he was often shown polaying the fool to disarm those with power and increase his own standing. It wasn’t until Tywin Lannister returned as Hand of the King that Pycelle revealed his true persona.

6

Maester Wolkan

A Noble Man Caught In An Ignoble Time

First Appearance: Season Six, Episode Two, “Home”

Maester Wolkan had a minor role in Game of Thrones, initially depicted while serving House Bolton as their Maester. As a purely peaceful man who had no stomach for the cruelty and viciousness of the Bolton family, Wolkan often found himself suffering in his charge.

One of his greatest regrets was being ordered to feed Myranda to Ramsey’s dogs. Wolkan would find himself a new station after the Battle of the Bastards and House Bolton’s defeat, serving Jon Snow and Lady Sansa Stark. In a much more reasonable position, Maester Wolkan finally thrives in his element.

5

Maester Cressen

A Tragic Loss Of Someone Who Tried To Do The Right Thing

First Appearance: Season Two, Episode One, “The North Remembers”

Maester Cressen served in the Citadel and was a trusted advisor to Stannis Baratheon. He was an old and seasoned Maester, dedicated to the old ways, and was unnerved by the direction that Stannis had begun to move due to the influence of the Red Woman.

Maester Cressen was shown to be a reasonable and patient man, well-favored by most who had experienced his company, including Shereen, whom he taught how to read. Crassens’ last act was done in an effort to save Stannis from his inevitable fate, as the Maester attempted to kill the Red Woman. Unfortunately, this backfired, and Cressen lost his life, giving him an unfortunate end.

4

Archmaester Ebrose

An Even Amount Of Wisdom And Common Sense

First Appearance: Season Seven, Episode One, “Dragonstone”

Archmaester Ebrose is perhaps the highest-ranking Maester to appear on Game of Thrones, debuting in the first episode of the seventh season, “Dragonstone.” Archmaester Ebrose is among the few Maesters on the council of Maesters who oversee the entire order. He is incredibly intelligent while remaining humble.

Ebrose comes off as wise and open-minded, unlike most other Maesters who wear their chains like crowns. Ebrose was the Maester who took Sam under his wing after seeing his potential. His time on Game of Thrones was short, but he left a strong impression on the series.

3

Maester Qyburn

A Pragmatic Man Of Science

First Appearance: Season Three, Episode One, “Valar Dohaeris”

Maester Qyburn replaced Maester Pycelle after his sudden passing in Game of Thrones season six. Qyburn quickly joined Queen Cersei’s side, finding his place rather quickly and making himself wholly available. He had a reputation for pushing the limits of discovery and science by experimenting on undesirable individuals without conscience or restraint.

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While Qyburn’s methods were highly volatile, his results and drive embodied what the Maesters were founded on. His argument was that the lives he sacrificed were justified by the number of lives he saved in the process.

2

Maester Luwin

A Maester Of Loyalty And Conviction

First Appearance: Season One, Episode Five, “The Wolf and the Lion”

Maester Luwin served in Winterfell under House Stark and was a close confidant to the entire family, even acting as a parental figure to the youngest Stark children. Luwin was the lead Maester who cared for Bran Stark after Jamie Lannister pushed him from the tower.

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Maester Luwin displayed extensive knowledge of medicine, history, and even tactics. After the death of Ned Stark, he charged himself with keeping Bran and Rickon safe from Theon Greyjoy, breaking his oath so he could to do what’s right. Maester Luwin died a good man, which is rare in Westeros.

1

Maester Aemon

A Dedicated Maester Of The Night’s Watch

First Appearance: Season One, Episode Three, “Lord Snow”

Maester Aemon appeared in season one, episode three, when Jon Snow joined the Night’s Watch. He is one of the oldest Maesters to appear in the series and one of the most interesting. With slowly declining health, Maester Aemon weathered the harsh conditions of the Wall adequately and never failed in his duties.

During the course of his presence, he acted as a mentor for the maturing Jon Snow, and was the reason he eventually became Lord of the Night’s Watch. Additionally, Aemon holds a dark secret: he is a direct descendant of the Targaryen bloodline, lost to history after becoming a Maester.