Little birds are spies and agents in the service of Varys, master of whispers on the small council. They are so-called because when asked about how he comes by his seemingly inexhaustible supplies of information, Varys often wryly says that "little birds" sung it to him. Many of the "little birds" are seemingly innocuous street children. Varys's network spans not only the length and breadth of Westeros, but also Essos as far east as Vaes Dothrak and possibly even Qarth.
History
Season 1
Varys tells Catelyn Stark that he has "little birds" all over the continent, even in the North, and they whisper to him interesting stories all the time. He is already aware of the Valyrian steel dagger that was used in the attempt on Bran's life, and knew that Catelyn and Ser Rodrik Stark were coming.[1]
Whilst walking in the Red Keep's gardens, Littlefinger identifies several of Varys's "little birds" to Eddard Stark, most notably several children.[2]
One of Varys's "little birds" even works in Vaes Dothrak. A young boy, this agent gives Ser Jorah Mormont a letter of pardon from King Robert Baratheon for his part in reporting on the movements of Daenerys Targaryen and he tells him he can go home. Ser Jorah is tempted, but relents and decides to remain true to Daenerys, helping thwart an assassination attempt on her.[3]
Season 2
Shortly before the Battle of the Blackwater Varys's little birds bring him tidings from the edge of the known world: Daenerys Targaryen lives, and has hatched three dragons.[4]
Varys, aware that Petyr Baelish has mistreated Ros since she came into his service, offers Ros a chance to work for him as a spy.[5]
Season 3
Ros continues to act as one of Varys's little birds.[6] This arrangement is eventually discovered by Littlefinger, who gives Ros to Joffrey for target practice before Varys can protect her.[7]
References
- ↑ "Lord Snow"
- ↑ "Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things"
- ↑ "You Win or You Die"
- ↑ "The Prince of Winterfell"
- ↑ "Valar Morghulis"
- ↑ "And Now His Watch is Ended"
- ↑ "The Climb"