SEASON 1: SHAPING ARYA’S IDENTITY

Introduction to Arya’s main interests : ‘ death ‘ (e.g. from her facial expression when she saw ser Hugh of the Vale dying to killing a boy by accident) and ‘ warfare ‘ (e.g: she’s rather interested in developing her fighting skills than learning embroidery; then improving her fighting skills with Syrio Forel)

: ‘ ‘ (e.g. from her facial expression when she saw ser Hugh of the Vale dying to killing a boy by accident) and ‘ ‘ (e.g: she’s rather interested in developing her fighting skills than learning embroidery; then improving her fighting skills with Syrio Forel) Shaping Arya’s character : character traits* (‘ outcast ‘ just like Jon, that’s why the two like each other so much; behaving like a ‘ tomboy ‘, strong feeling for justice (typical Stark trait) and not holding her tongue for anyone . Ned Stark’s death fueled her lust for revenge and bringing death to those who have wronged her.

: character traits* (‘ ‘ just like Jon, that’s why the two like each other so much; behaving like a ‘ ‘, strong feeling for justice (typical Stark trait) and . Ned Stark’s death fueled her lust for revenge and bringing death to those who have wronged her. Early seeds in Arya’s arc which will come to fruition later : Season 1 laid the basis for Arya’s hatred toward the Lannisters (esp. Cersei and Joffrey) for killing Ned and Nymeria and to betray their House >< Arya will somehow exact revenge on the Lannisters in S7-8; Arya saying goodbye to Jon <> Jon and Arya being reunited in S7-8; Arya and Nymeria part ways <> Arya and Nymeria are reunited in S7; Arya hating the Hound for killing the butcher’s boy <> Arya punishing The Hound for killing Mycah by bringing up evidence so his trial by combat in S3 can take place; Arya and Sansa arguing and not liking each other <> Arya and Sansa clash in S7; Ned telling Arya that the Starks need to work together if they want to survive winter <> Littlefinger playing out Arya and Sansa and later failing to do so in S7; Arya learning about Braavos <> Arya sailing to Braavos in S4; Arya seeing Syrio Forel getting killed by Meryn Trant <> Arya murdering Meryn Trant to exact revenge on SF in S5

: Season 1 laid the basis for Arya’s hatred toward the Lannisters (esp. Cersei and Joffrey) for killing Ned and Nymeria and to betray their House >< Arya will somehow exact revenge on the Lannisters in S7-8; Arya saying goodbye to Jon <> Jon and Arya being reunited in S7-8; Arya and Nymeria part ways <> Arya and Nymeria are reunited in S7; Arya hating the Hound for killing the butcher’s boy <> Arya punishing The Hound for killing Mycah by bringing up evidence so his trial by combat in S3 can take place; Arya and Sansa arguing and not liking each other <> Arya and Sansa clash in S7; Ned telling Arya that the Starks need to work together if they want to survive winter <> Littlefinger playing out Arya and Sansa and later failing to do so in S7; Arya learning about Braavos <> Arya sailing to Braavos in S4; Arya seeing Syrio Forel getting killed by Meryn Trant <> Arya murdering Meryn Trant to exact revenge on SF in S5 The encounter with Syrio Forel and how it shaped her character : philosophy behind the gods and belief (‘death’ being the only true god there is) as Arya is inspired by it in later seasons.

: philosophy behind the gods and belief (‘death’ being the only true god there is) as Arya is inspired by it in later seasons. Set up for S2 : Jaqen H’ghar in the cage; meeting Gendry, Hot Pie and Lommy Greenhands; Yoren bringing her to safety

: Jaqen H’ghar in the cage; meeting Gendry, Hot Pie and Lommy Greenhands; Yoren bringing her to safety Arya’s evolution in S1: from struggling with her identity (e.g: not feeling like a lady) to being forced to lose her own identity (e.g: having to flee KL and taking on the identity of Arry)

SEASON 2: ARYA STRUGGLING WITH HER OLD IDENTITY (OPTION 1: CHOOSING FOR HER OLD IDENTITY)

Meeting Jaqen H’ghar and his lasting impression are Arya’s main developments in the second season. Arya comes in contact with Jaqen (we don’t know whether it was orchestrated or not) — Arya’s again confronted by another method of killing (which seems to fit the true nature of her character) — Arya getting acquainted with the Faceless Men

are Arya’s main developments in the second season. Arya comes in contact with Jaqen (we don’t know whether it was orchestrated or not) — Arya’s again confronted by another method of killing (which seems to fit the true nature of her character) — Arya getting acquainted with the Faceless Men Continuing the shaping of Arya’s character : being groomed by two men with strong and sharp philosophies: Yoren (wanting to tell Arya not to become obsessed with thoughts of revenge as he was) and Tywin (furthering the oppression of her identity and become ‘no one’)

: Yoren (wanting to tell Arya not to become obsessed with thoughts of revenge as he was) and Tywin (furthering the oppression of her identity and become ‘no one’) Early seeds in Arya’s arc which will come to fruition later: Yoren telling about his prayer <> Arya being influenced by Yoren’s philosophy uses her own prayer of doomed men throughout S2-S8; Arya losing Needle because Polliver stole it from her <> Arya retrieving Needle from Polliver in S4; Polliver killing Lommy Greenhands in a cruel way <> Arya mimicking Polliver’s way of killing Lommy to kill Polliver himself in S4; Arya meeting Littlefinger in Harrenhal and learns more about his traitorous nature <> Arya executing Littlefinger in S7; Jaqen H’ghar giving the coin to Arya in order to seek him in Braavos <> Arya seeking out Jaqen H’ghar in Braavos in S5

Yoren telling about his prayer <> Arya being influenced by Yoren’s philosophy uses her own prayer of doomed men throughout S2-S8; Arya losing Needle because Polliver stole it from her <> Arya retrieving Needle from Polliver in S4; Polliver killing Lommy Greenhands in a cruel way <> Arya mimicking Polliver’s way of killing Lommy to kill Polliver himself in S4; Arya meeting Littlefinger in Harrenhal and learns more about his traitorous nature <> Arya executing Littlefinger in S7; Jaqen H’ghar giving the coin to Arya in order to seek him in Braavos <> Arya seeking out Jaqen H’ghar in Braavos in S5 Arya’s main interest being triggered again : ‘ death ‘. Arya has to become ‘the god of death’ herself. In season 2, she has the power to decide over the death of multiple characters (e.g the Tickler, Amory Lorch, ..)

: ‘ ‘. Arya has to become ‘the god of death’ herself. In season 2, she has the power to decide over the death of multiple characters (e.g the Tickler, Amory Lorch, ..) Another layer to Arya’s character : being extremely short-sighted (e.g.: killing three of her ‘minor’ enemies instead of ending the war immediately by ordering Jaqen to kill Tywin or Joffrey; wanting to kill Tywin in a rage without thinking about the consequences for herself)

: (e.g.: killing three of her ‘minor’ enemies instead of ending the war immediately by ordering Jaqen to kill Tywin or Joffrey; wanting to kill Tywin in a rage without thinking about the consequences for herself) Set up for S3 : the Brotherhood Without Banners frequently being mentioned by the Tickler; Arya choosing not to travel with Jaqen H’ghar but to go to her family instead

: the Brotherhood Without Banners frequently being mentioned by the Tickler; Arya choosing not to travel with Jaqen H’ghar but to go to her family instead Arya’s evolution in S2: being fueled by the opinions of strong men (Tywin, Yoren and Jaqen), she struggles with herself as she has to choose between her two identities, Arya Stark and Death (to exact revenge on her enemies [Jaqen’s offer to follow him to Braavos] or (to NOT exact revenge on her enemies and to go back to her family) [Yoren’s advice to not make the same mistake as he did]. She ultimately chooses for the latter.

SEASON 3: ARYA BEING DRAWN TO HER OTHER IDENTITY (REALIZATION THAT OPTION 1 DIDN’T WORK OUT WELL)

Arya starting her quest to find the remaining members of her family . In episode 2, the quest is being interrupted by the meeting with the Brotherhood Without Banners. She’s confronted with her past once again (reunion with the Hound). The Hound brings up Arya’s identity again (‘What in the seven hells are you doing with the Stark bitch’?).

. In episode 2, the quest is being interrupted by the meeting with the Brotherhood Without Banners. She’s confronted with her past once again (reunion with the Hound). The Hound brings up Arya’s identity again (‘What in the seven hells are you doing with the Stark bitch’?). Arya’s main quest is to go back to her family => quest in interrupted but later continued by the Brotherhood Without Banners => quest is interrupted again when the BwB decide to travel south first => Arya had enough of delaying her quest and decides to travel by herself once again => The Hound kidnaps her and decides to bring her home in exchange for ransom

=> quest in interrupted but later continued by the Brotherhood Without Banners => quest is interrupted again when the BwB decide to travel south first => Arya had enough of delaying her quest and decides to travel by herself once again => The Hound kidnaps her and decides to bring her home in exchange for ransom Another piece of evidence of Arya’s short-sightedness and quick temper : Arya demonstrating to Thoros that she can fight but Thoros easily defeats her; Arya trying to kill the Hound with a rock while he’s asleep. Another, more humane layer of her character: ‘ grief ‘ and ‘ empathy ‘ (grief: to Thoros ‘Can you bring back a man without a head?’) (empathy: to Gendry: ‘You can be my family’)

: Arya demonstrating to Thoros that she can fight but Thoros easily defeats her; Arya trying to kill the Hound with a rock while he’s asleep. Another, more humane layer of her character: ‘ ‘ and ‘ ‘ (grief: to Thoros ‘Can you bring back a man without a head?’) (empathy: to Gendry: ‘You can be my family’) Early seeds in Arya’s arc that come to fruition later : Arya saying goodbye to Hot Pie at the Inn <> Hot Pie being the key to linking Arya with Brienne’s storyline in S4; Arya meeting Melisandre and adds her to her prayer <> Arya will confront Melisandre once again in S7-8; Melisandre foreshadowing Arya taking on her new identity (eyes she’ll shut forever) <> Arya chooses a new path onwards S5

: Arya saying goodbye to Hot Pie at the Inn <> Hot Pie being the key to linking Arya with Brienne’s storyline in S4; Arya meeting Melisandre and adds her to her prayer <> Arya will confront Melisandre once again in S7-8; Melisandre foreshadowing Arya taking on her new identity (eyes she’ll shut forever) <> Arya chooses a new path onwards S5 Arya being confronted another time with the notion of ‘ death ‘: Arya experiences first-hand how the Red God brings Beric Dondarrion back to life. The different views on ‘death’ remains a strong influence on Arya’s arc. This time, Arya realizes how much ‘death’ can be controlled by outside forces and later by herself. Arya learns more about the Red God.

‘: Arya experiences first-hand how the Red God brings Beric Dondarrion back to life. The different views on ‘death’ remains a strong influence on Arya’s arc. This time, Arya realizes how much ‘death’ can be controlled by outside forces and later by herself. Arya learns more about the Red God. Planted seeds from previous seasons coming to fruition now : Arya confronts the Hound of killing the butcher’s boy when they meet again in the same inn; Arya seeking revenge for the butcher’s boy; Arya loathing the Freys for what they have done to her mother and brother <> Arya assassinating Walder Frey for orchestrating the Red Wedding in S6

: Arya confronts the Hound of killing the butcher’s boy when they meet again in the same inn; Arya seeking revenge for the butcher’s boy; Arya loathing the Freys for what they have done to her mother and brother <> Arya assassinating Walder Frey for orchestrating the Red Wedding in S6 Another major tragic event in Arya’s life leads her further to her embracing new identity ‘death’ (e.g: the death of her brother and mother)

(e.g: the death of her brother and mother) Another man ‘grooms’ Arya (mind parallels with Sansa’s arc). The Hound points out that Arya is way too soft and won’t survive if she doesn’t kill more easily. Arya’s appalled by the Hound’s philosophy at first.

(mind parallels with Sansa’s arc). The Hound points out that Arya is way too soft and won’t survive if she doesn’t kill more easily. Arya’s appalled by the Hound’s philosophy at first. Set up for S4 : The Hound being redeemed in Arya’s arc (starting with him bringing Arya home and not to the Lannisters); Arya killing her first man on purpose and being drawn to her other identity, ‘death’.

: The Hound being redeemed in Arya’s arc (starting with him bringing Arya home and not to the Lannisters); Arya killing her first man on purpose and being drawn to her other identity, ‘death’. Arya’s evolution in season 3: Arya first wants to seek out her family and by many struggles on her path, she finally reaches her destination. Being disappointed and hurt all over again, she’s becoming more drawn to her other identity, ‘death’.

SEASON 4: ARYA EMBRACING HER NEW IDENTITY (CHOOSING FOR OPTION 2)

Arya’s quest is continued, even though she is convinced it won’t work out well this time. The Hound decides to bring her to the Vale, to her aunt Lysa. On their way, they encounter Polliver. Arya first gains respect for the Hound when he helps her clearing her enemies out of her way. She’s slowly starting to understand the Hound’s philosophy behind his killing. When he talks about the backstory of his burned face, Arya starts to respect him even more. She starts to care for him (e.g treating his wounds). When the Hound and Arya arrive at their destination, Arya isn’t disappointed when she finds out that her aunt has died. Arya later encounters Brienne of Tarth who offers her the choice to travel with her as she will bring her home. She grabs the chance to escape both Brienne and The Hound as they are fighting each other. She wants to fulfill her quest on her own, as she always intended to do. Others slow down her path. Arya has fully redeemed the Hound, he’s no longer part of her prayer. She decides not to kill him but leaves him alone to die. She no longer wishes to exact revenge on him. We later learn that the Hound is still alive, due to Arya’s choice not to kill him. Arya travels to a nearby port and speaks to the captain of the ship. She first wants to travel to her half-brother, Jon Snow. The captain brings up ‘Braavos’ again and Arya decides it’s time to leave her old identity behind and to embrace her new one. With the realization that her old identity only caused her a lot of pain, she looks at Westeros for one last time and decides to move on in her life and to leave ‘Arya Stark’ behind for good.

Early seeds in Arya’s arc that come to fruition later : Arya having respect for Brienne as a warrior when they first encounter <> Brienne and Arya spar with each other in S7

: Arya having respect for Brienne as a warrior when they first encounter <> Brienne and Arya spar with each other in S7 Planted seeds from previous seasons that come to fruition now : Arya retrieving Needle and exacting revenge on Polliver for murdering Lommy; Arya chooses to sail to Braavos to seek out Jaqen H’ghar

: Arya retrieving Needle and exacting revenge on Polliver for murdering Lommy; Arya chooses to sail to Braavos to seek out Jaqen H’ghar Arya’s becoming more fascinated with/drawn to her other identity (g: her facial expression when she kills Polliver; telling the Hound that she likes to see Braavos one day; embracing another identity when they encounter the father and his young daughter in the Riverlands (playing the Hound’s daughter); The Hound making her realize that she needs to become a killer just like him if she wants to survive.; When she gets the chance to travel to Braavos, she no longer chooses for her family.)

(g: her facial expression when she kills Polliver; telling the Hound that she likes to see Braavos one day; embracing another identity when they encounter the father and his young daughter in the Riverlands (playing the Hound’s daughter); The Hound making her realize that she needs to become a killer just like him if she wants to survive.; When she gets the chance to travel to Braavos, she no longer chooses for her family.) Another evidence of Arya’s short-sightedness and quick temper : when the Hound is insulting Syrio Forel, Arya attacks him with Needle. The Hound responds angrily and slaps her.

: when the Hound is insulting Syrio Forel, Arya attacks him with Needle. The Hound responds angrily and slaps her. Arya being confronted with ‘ death ‘ again . This time, she encounters a dying man. They talk about the whole notion of ‘life’ and ‘death’. Arya learns that ‘death’ can also be a gift, to release someone out of his pain.

. This time, she encounters a dying man. They talk about the whole notion of ‘life’ and ‘death’. Arya learns that ‘death’ can also be a gift, to release someone out of his pain. Set up for season 5: Arya decides to start her quest alone this time. She chooses to leave her old identity, Arya Stark, behind and sails toward a new destination, Braavos.

Arya decides to start her quest alone this time. She chooses to leave her old identity, Arya Stark, behind and sails toward a new destination, Braavos. Arya’s evolution in season 4: Being more and more drawn to her new identity, Arya takes the decision to leave old Arya behind to give her other identity a chance.

SEASON 5: ARYA’S TRAINING TO FULLY POSSESS HER NEW IDENTITY AND HER FAILING TO DO SO

Arya starts her new quest, alone this time . She has fully embraced her new identity and seeks out Jaqen H’ghar, someone from her past as ‘Arya Stark’. The Faceless Man doesn’t let her inside the House of Black and White, which frustrates Arya. Arya drops her coin in the water and decides to give up on her quest already. The Faceless Man realizes that by dropping her coin into the water, Arya fully left her past behind. She also demonstrates to have a passion for killing as she kills the street thugs. The FM takes the decision to let Arya in, but Arya keeps referencing to him as Jaqen H’ghar as he wears the identical face. Jaqen makes Arya sure that he is no one, just like she has to become. He teaches Arya about the one true god, the Many-Faced God or ‘death’; an identity Arya has to take on herself. Arya plays the Game of Faces, a game she has played many times before (e.g: when meeting Tywin she had to play someone else). Arya also has to get rid of the things that remind her of her ‘old self’. She fails to do so, as she hides Needle somewhere. Arya quickly becomes good at telling lies. She’s permitted to the Hall of Faces and gets her next task: becoming someone else. Arya already knows how it feels to play someone else (e.g: Arry), so she has no trouble to embrace a new identity. In reality, Arya is finding herself once again during the training. She has to apply everything she has learned from others (Yoren forced her to play Arry; The Hound taught her more about killing an ill man; ..) to find herself again. She then crosses paths with another strong character trait of herself: lust for revenge. Arya bumps into Meryn Trant in Braavos and immediately follows him. Arya returns to the House of Black and White and the Jaqen realizes that Arya hasn’t left her old identity behind. Jaqen actually is a supporter of a combination of Arya’s identities (= a Faceless Man who has to clear out Arya Stark’s enemies /Arya and death combined.) Jaqen H’ghar and the Waif are both ‘no one’, both have been set up Arya’s quest to let her find her new identity. The Waif is, in contrast to Jaqen, a supporter of regular training and wants Arya to follow the same training as any other FM. Arya then betrays the FM and steals a face from the Hall of Faces to murder Syrio Forel. Jaqen and the Waif aka ‘no one’ seemingly punishes her, but she only goes on with her training. Arya is experiencing an illusion set up by Jaqen H’ghar. The Waif suddenly takes off her face and puts on the face of Jaqen. Arya suddenly sees her own face on Jaqen’s, an illusion to test if she’s afraid of her own mortality. If she wants to fully possess her new identity, she needs to not fear death any longer. She actually proves to be scared when she sees her own face and loses her sight. In fact, Arya isn’t really punished but rather advances in her training because there’s still a lot of work to do. She is made blind by Jaqen, so she can learn to rely on her other senses. Jaqen knows that being made blind will be in her favor sooner or later.

. She has fully embraced her new identity and seeks out Jaqen H’ghar, someone from her past as ‘Arya Stark’. The Faceless Man doesn’t let her inside the House of Black and White, which frustrates Arya. Arya drops her coin in the water and decides to give up on her quest already. The Faceless Man realizes that by dropping her coin into the water, Arya fully left her past behind. She also demonstrates to have a passion for killing as she kills the street thugs. The FM takes the decision to let Arya in, but Arya keeps referencing to him as Jaqen H’ghar as he wears the identical face. Jaqen makes Arya sure that he is no one, just like she has to become. He teaches Arya about the one true god, the Many-Faced God or ‘death’; an identity Arya has to take on herself. Arya plays the Game of Faces, a game she has played many times before (e.g: when meeting Tywin she had to play someone else). Arya also has to get rid of the things that remind her of her ‘old self’. She fails to do so, as she hides Needle somewhere. Arya quickly becomes good at telling lies. She’s permitted to the Hall of Faces and gets her next task: becoming someone else. Arya already knows how it feels to play someone else (e.g: Arry), so she has no trouble to embrace a new identity. In reality, Arya is finding herself once again during the training. She has to apply everything she has learned from others (Yoren forced her to play Arry; The Hound taught her more about killing an ill man; ..) to find herself again. She then crosses paths with another strong character trait of herself: lust for revenge. Arya bumps into Meryn Trant in Braavos and immediately follows him. Arya returns to the House of Black and White and the Jaqen realizes that Arya hasn’t left her old identity behind. Jaqen actually is a supporter of a combination of Arya’s identities (= a Faceless Man who has to clear out Arya Stark’s enemies /Arya and death combined.) Jaqen H’ghar and the Waif are both ‘no one’, both have been set up Arya’s quest to let her find her new identity. The Waif is, in contrast to Jaqen, a supporter of regular training and wants Arya to follow the same training as any other FM. Arya then betrays the FM and steals a face from the Hall of Faces to murder Syrio Forel. Jaqen and the Waif aka ‘no one’ seemingly punishes her, but she only goes on with her training. Arya is experiencing an illusion set up by Jaqen H’ghar. The Waif suddenly takes off her face and puts on the face of Jaqen. Arya suddenly sees her own face on Jaqen’s, an illusion to test if she’s afraid of her own mortality. If she wants to fully possess her new identity, she needs to not fear death any longer. She actually proves to be scared when she sees her own face and loses her sight. In fact, Arya isn’t really punished but rather advances in her training because there’s still a lot of work to do. She is made blind by Jaqen, so she can learn to rely on her other senses. Jaqen knows that being made blind will be in her favor sooner or later. Planted seeds from previous seasons that come to fruition now : Arya seemingly met Jaqen H’ghar, but it is really him?; The Hound learned her to give someone the quick mercy of death. Arya applies what he has taught her in a different way. She let an ill girl drink from the poisoned water. She dies thereafter.; Meryn Trant being crossed off Arya’s prayer and Syrio Forel being avenged.

: Arya seemingly met Jaqen H’ghar, but it is really him?; The Hound learned her to give someone the quick mercy of death. Arya applies what he has taught her in a different way. She let an ill girl drink from the poisoned water. She dies thereafter.; Meryn Trant being crossed off Arya’s prayer and Syrio Forel being avenged. Arya’s training consist of steps she has already taken in her life : taking on another identity (Arry vs. Lanna; as she was being forced by Yoren), giving the quick death of mercy (the dying man vs. the little dying girl; as taught by the Hound). It is Jaqen’s intention to let Arya have a blended identity: old Arya bringing death with the guise of Many-Faced God or Arya killing her enemies with many other faces.

: taking on another identity (Arry vs. Lanna; as she was being forced by Yoren), giving the quick death of mercy (the dying man vs. the little dying girl; as taught by the Hound). It is Jaqen’s intention to let Arya have a blended identity: old Arya bringing death with the guise of Many-Faced God or Arya killing her enemies with many other faces. Early seeds that will come to fruition in later seasons : Arya plays against the rules of the FM and becomes the enemy of the Waif. The Waif doesn’t want her to become Faceless >< Arya can clear the Waif out her way in S6; Arya secretly hides Needle >< Arya retrieves Needle in S6.

: Arya plays against the rules of the FM and becomes the enemy of the Waif. The Waif doesn’t want her to become Faceless >< Arya can clear the Waif out her way in S6; Arya secretly hides Needle >< Arya retrieves Needle in S6. Another evidence of Arya’s short-sightedness and quick temper : using a face from the Hall of Faces to kill Meryn Trant without thinking about the consequences of it

: using a face from the Hall of Faces to kill Meryn Trant without thinking about the consequences of it The FM seem to watch Arya’s steps extremely closely . How would they retrieve Arya’s coin from the water otherwise? They know that Arya has hidden Needle from them, they know that she went to see Meryn Trant. Jaqen knows about this and supports her ‘rebelling’, but the Waif doesn’t approve.

. How would they retrieve Arya’s coin from the water otherwise? They know that Arya has hidden Needle from them, they know that she went to see Meryn Trant. Jaqen knows about this and supports her ‘rebelling’, but the Waif doesn’t approve. Set up for season 6 : Arya being made blind references a new step in her training, she’s almost there. She may have the support of Jaqen H’ghar, but with playing against the FM’s rules, she has become the enemy of the Waif.

: Arya being made blind references a new step in her training, she’s almost there. She may have the support of Jaqen H’ghar, but with playing against the FM’s rules, she has become the enemy of the Waif. Arya’s evolution in season 5: Arya accepts her new identity and wants to be trained to become no one. She’s still struggling a lot to leave her old identity behind and fails nonetheless.

SEASON 6: ARYA FINALLY TAKES ON HER NEW IDENTITY

Arya’s still blinded and has to fulfill another task : to rely on her other senses. The Waif visits her and continues to taunt her on purpose. She wants to break her both physically and emotionally. Jaqen H’ghar also comes to seek her out and because of Arya’s strong determination of becoming faceless, Jaqen decides to permit her to enter the HOBAW again. Despite Jaqen has proven the Waif that Arya has a strong determination to become faceless, she still believes she isn’t one of them. The Waif continues to train Arya and against her expectations, the Waif is proven to be incorrect. The Waif desperately tries to confront Arya with her past so she can make a mistake. Arya Stark passes every test she has to go through so the Waif fails. Jaqen H’ghar is proven correct this time, much to the Waif’s annoyance. She’s permitted to see once again. Jaqen still supports Arya to have a blended version of her old and new identity and gives her another task. He confronts Arya on purpose with her old identity: she has to watch a play about her family. He realizes that Arya will fall back to her old identity and so gets against the principles of the Waif. He tells Arya that ‘one way or another, a face will be added to the Hall’. Or it will be Arya’s or The Waif’s, as he realizes that the Waif will come after her once she betrays the FM. Arya has gotten the instruction to kill Lady Crane, someone who reminds her of her mother. Arya starts to ask questions about Lady Crane to Jaqen, meaning that she’s starting to feel empathy for Lady Crane. Jaqen realizes that Arya’s beginning to indeed betray the FM and sends The Waif after her. Arya suspects Bianca, the younger actress, to have paid the FM but in fact, it is Jaqen who has set up the entire murder on Lady Crane. Arya starts to care more for Lady Crane and is visibly touched by the performance. She betrays the FM and tells Lady Crane that Bianca wants her dead. Being sent by Jaqen, the Waif witnesses Arya’s betrayal. Arya’s ‘final’ task was never to kill Lady Crane, but to kill ‘the Waif’. She has gotten to the point where she almost became no one, but he wants her to keep her identity in a way. Jaqen sends the Waif and ask to not let her suffer. Of course, he knows that the Waif won’t treat her softly, but he has to remain in his role. His plan has been working out up to now. Arya retrieves Needle, fully embracing her old identity again. She even decides to travel to Westeros again, but Jaqen won’t let her go until she’s fully passed his test. The Waif indeed finds Arya and stabs her to let her suffer. She’s convinced that Arya won’t make a chance against a trained Faceless Assassin. The Waif a different face again and murders Lady Crane. Lady Crane has sparked the memory of Arya’s mother, Catelyn Stark. So Arya does everything to fight back against the Waif. Arya’s blindness indeed had a critical meaning after all, because Arya is able to kill off the Waif in the dark. She has fully passed her task and Jaqen got rid of the Waif as he wanted to. He tells Arya that a girl finally is no one. Arya tells Jaqen that she’s Arya Stark of Winterfell and that she’s going home. This is what Jaqen wanted the whole time. Arya leaves the HOBAW and Jaqen remains behind with a smile on his face. Arya uses her recently acquired identity to kill off Walder Frey. She has become the Many-Faced God who comes the bring the Gift to everyone on Arya’s list. She’s able to kill Walder in cold blood and fully acquires all of the skills a FM possesses.

: to rely on her other senses. The Waif visits her and continues to taunt her on purpose. She wants to break her both physically and emotionally. Jaqen H’ghar also comes to seek her out and because of Arya’s strong determination of becoming faceless, Jaqen decides to permit her to enter the HOBAW again. Despite Jaqen has proven the Waif that Arya has a strong determination to become faceless, she still believes she isn’t one of them. The Waif continues to train Arya and against her expectations, the Waif is proven to be incorrect. The Waif desperately tries to confront Arya with her past so she can make a mistake. Arya Stark passes every test she has to go through so the Waif fails. Jaqen H’ghar is proven correct this time, much to the Waif’s annoyance. She’s permitted to see once again. Jaqen still supports Arya to have a blended version of her old and new identity and gives her another task. He confronts Arya on purpose with her old identity: she has to watch a play about her family. He realizes that Arya will fall back to her old identity and so gets against the principles of the Waif. He tells Arya that ‘one way or another, a face will be added to the Hall’. Or it will be Arya’s or The Waif’s, as he realizes that the Waif will come after her once she betrays the FM. Arya has gotten the instruction to kill Lady Crane, someone who reminds her of her mother. Arya starts to ask questions about Lady Crane to Jaqen, meaning that she’s starting to feel empathy for Lady Crane. Jaqen realizes that Arya’s beginning to indeed betray the FM and sends The Waif after her. Arya suspects Bianca, the younger actress, to have paid the FM but in fact, it is Jaqen who has set up the entire murder on Lady Crane. Arya starts to care more for Lady Crane and is visibly touched by the performance. She betrays the FM and tells Lady Crane that Bianca wants her dead. Being sent by Jaqen, the Waif witnesses Arya’s betrayal. Arya’s ‘final’ task was never to kill Lady Crane, but to kill ‘the Waif’. She has gotten to the point where she almost became no one, but he wants her to keep her identity in a way. Jaqen sends the Waif and ask to not let her suffer. Of course, he knows that the Waif won’t treat her softly, but he has to remain in his role. His plan has been working out up to now. Arya retrieves Needle, fully embracing her old identity again. She even decides to travel to Westeros again, but Jaqen won’t let her go until she’s fully passed his test. The Waif indeed finds Arya and stabs her to let her suffer. She’s convinced that Arya won’t make a chance against a trained Faceless Assassin. The Waif a different face again and murders Lady Crane. Lady Crane has sparked the memory of Arya’s mother, Catelyn Stark. So Arya does everything to fight back against the Waif. Arya’s blindness indeed had a critical meaning after all, because Arya is able to kill off the Waif in the dark. She has fully passed her task and Jaqen got rid of the Waif as he wanted to. He tells Arya that a girl finally is no one. Arya tells Jaqen that she’s Arya Stark of Winterfell and that she’s going home. This is what Jaqen wanted the whole time. Arya leaves the HOBAW and Jaqen remains behind with a smile on his face. Arya uses her recently acquired identity to kill off Walder Frey. She has become the Many-Faced God who comes the bring the Gift to everyone on Arya’s list. She’s able to kill Walder in cold blood and fully acquires all of the skills a FM possesses. Another evidence of Arya’s short-sightedness and quick temper : walking and staring publicly on a bridge in Braavos while she betrayed the Faceless Men was a short-sighted and stupid decision

: walking and staring publicly on a bridge in Braavos while she betrayed the Faceless Men was a short-sighted and stupid decision Planted seeds from previous seasons that come to fruition now : Arya being blinded had a purpose and was set up by Jaqen H’ghar; Arya’s wish to become a highly-trained assassin came true; Arya can clear the Waif out of her way; Arya avenged the Red Wedding by giving Walder Frey the same death as her mother’s.

: Arya being blinded had a purpose and was set up by Jaqen H’ghar; Arya’s wish to become a highly-trained assassin came true; Arya can clear the Waif out of her way; Arya avenged the Red Wedding by giving Walder Frey the same death as her mother’s. Early seeds that come to fruition in later seasons : Arya has left the HOBAW and decides to travel back to Winterfell >< Arya arrives in Winterfell in S7. Arya murdered Walder Frey to avenge the Red Wedding, yet she there are much more Freys to take care of >< Arya will go RW on all of the Freys in S7

: Arya has left the HOBAW and decides to travel back to Winterfell >< Arya arrives in Winterfell in S7. Arya murdered Walder Frey to avenge the Red Wedding, yet she there are much more Freys to take care of >< Arya will go RW on all of the Freys in S7 Jaqen H’ghar promised her way back in season 2 that he would teach her how to get rid of all of her enemies. He fulfilled his part and taught her so. Arya’s endgame has become clear now in ‘Game of Thrones’. She has to clear out some major players out of the Game. She brings death.

He fulfilled his part and taught her so. Arya’s endgame has become clear now in ‘Game of Thrones’. She has to clear out some major players out of the Game. She brings death. Set up for further seasons : Arya using her new ‘powers’ in future seasons.

: Arya using her new ‘powers’ in future seasons. Arya’s evolution in season 6: Arya’s quest to acquire the powers to become a highly-trained assassin came with many up’s and down’s. She always wanted to become a trained warrior (hence she trained with Syrio Forel way back in S1). She’s now ready to bring justice to those who wronged her.

SEASON 7 AND 8: ARYA’S NEW IDENTITY DOESN’T FIT IN HER PREVIOUS LIFE ANY LONGER.

Considering the leaks are true, we already know some parts of Arya’s storyline in season 7. Allegedly, Arya holds a banquet to poison all of Walder Frey’s sons. She also frees Edmure, so chances are great that Edmure get back Riverrun. Before Arya reunites with Sansa and Bran at Winterfell, she meets Nymeria again. Then she finally sees her sister and brother again, but as we learned in season 1, Arya and Sansa don’t get along well with each other. Littlefinger will take advantage of the situation and play out Arya and Sansa against each other to get rid of Arya. Arya doesn’t trust Littlefinger from the beginning as she saw him together with Tywin Lannister in Harrenhall. LF makes Arya sure that Sansa never was a true Stark by heart and wrote a letter to Robb to swear fealty to Joffrey. The two will almost come to a clash. Perhaps Arya will threaten to kill Sansa? Bran tells Sansa that Littlefinger is setting her up against Arya Stark. Sansa Stark takes a firm decision and shows her loyalty to her family by ordering Arya to have LF executed. Arya indeed executes LF.

Major conclusions in season 7: Arya and Sansa finally learn to work together, as Ned told Arya to do so way back in the first season. The sisters learn that the Starks must always work together if they want to survive winter. Arya and Sansa’s relationship will the prime focus in Arya’s storyline next season. Next to that, Arya will also reunite with Nymeria which is another great resolution in her arc. She’ll also spar with Brienne of Tarth, who she encountered in S4. According to the leaks, Jon finds out by a raven that Arya and Bran are in Winterfell. Jon and Daenerys travel North in the season finale, while Bran and Sam solve the puzzle behind Jon’s legitimacy.

How will Arya’s storyline end in season 8? Two theories on the subject matter:

THEORY 1: We know that the Waif spoke against Arya’s rebellion during her Faceless training and she can’t be the only one there with this opinion so the theory could go as following: Arya stays in Winterfell, meanwhile the Faceless Men are looking for Arya to execute her for rebelling against them. After season 7, Arya thinks that she’s safe and sound with her family but then one of the Faceless Men shows up and almost manages to kill Sansa Stark. The Faceless Men wears the face of the Waif. Arya’s able to intervene but realizes that she isn’t safe in the North any longer so she travels South. She doesn’t want to bring Sansa and Jon in danger. With Nymeria by her side, she travels South to King’s Landing. She decides to take off the last two names on her list: the Mountain and Cersei Lannister. On her way to King’s Landing, she crosses paths with the Hound who was also present during the Dragonpit Parlay. Arya tries to convince him to fight the Mountain. The Hound thinks that it’s true madness to fight the Mountain but Arya explains to him that she’s a trained assassin now. The Hound agrees if he gets to finish his brother. Arya first kills Qyburn and decides to wear his face. She first attacks the Mountain by surprise. It is the Hound who’s the one to finish him. We’ll get an amazing fight scene where Sandor is finally able to kill his brother. Unfortunately, Sandor is mortally wounded. Cersei, who’s left unguarded now that the Mountain is gone, is visited by Qyburn in the Throne Room. Qyburn tells Cersei that Arya Stark came to King’s Landing to kill her. Cersei instructs Qyburn to find the girl and to bring her to her. Qyburn takes off his face and tells Cersei that that wouldn’t be necessary. Arya reveals herself and mortally wounds Cersei with her knife. She brings forward Nymeria to finish Cersei for once and for good. She leaves the Throne Room and finds a dying Sandor Clegane. Sandor asks Arya to kill him this time, telling her that she has become a real killer. A better killer than he ever was. Arya stabs him fatally in the heart and leaves King’s Landing, hearing the bells tolling in the background. In the Riverlands, she finds out that the White Walkers have already invaded the North and will soon take the Riverlands as well. Not wanting to bring her family, she decides to stay in the inn of the Riverlands where she has another encounter with a Faceless Assassin. She quickly leaves the inn and heads more North where she finds herself in the middle of a battle. She sees Jon Snow among the men fighting and witnesses how Jon is about to be killed by a group of wights. Wanting to warn her brother, she is a by attacked Wight from behind and is heavily wounded. Collapsing on the ground, she shouts for Jon who doesn’t seem to hear her. Arya dies with Needle between her frozen fingers. Nymeria doesn’t want to leave her side. Having to flee the battlefield, Jon finds his sister back frozen to death. At first, he doesn’t know her but he seems to recognize Needle and Arya’s direwolf. Much to his anguish, he collapses after realizing that he has found back his sister. Jon, being in tears, takes Needle from Arya’s frozen fingers and takes her body South to burn her before she turns into a whight.

THEORY 2: Arya will not kill Cersei as she has chosen to return to Winterfell, not to cross off another name of her list. She meets Daenerys Targaryen and is reunited with Jon Snow in S8. The reunion will be heartbreaking, of course. Daenerys finds out about Jon’s legitimacy and responds in a way no one would have ever guessed. Daenerys eventually becomes the true villain of the series. After she has found out that Jon is the true heir to the Iron Throne, she desperately kills Jon Snow out of anxiety to have her power taken away by him. Jon, who really loved Daenerys, passes away. Daenerys thinks that they are plotting to clear her out of the way, just like they did with her father. She claims to be the Prince Who Was Promised and believes that she’s the one to save Westeros, not Jon Snow. It’s ultimately Arya who avenges Jon Snow’s death and kills Daenerys with Needle. Arya has always been short-sighted and quick of temper, she’ll seal the fate of Westeros by killing Daenerys. Westeros will ultimately fail during the invasion of the White Walkers and Cersei, who’s left alone with Jaime, experience first hand how the world collapses. Cersei will try to blow up King’s Landing with wildfire when the WW reach KL. In a final confrontation with Jaime, Cersei will try to blow up King’s Landing and therefore kill everyone inside King’s Landing including herself and Jaime. Jaime will try to stop this madness and tries to stop her by killing her. After realizing that he killed the only woman in his life, Jaime is so heart-broken that he doesn’t give a shit about the world anymore. He’ll die during the final explosion in King’s Landing, with a dead Cersei in his arms. Wouldn’t that be symbolic: together coming in the world and together leaving the world? Cersei becoming the ultimate heroine by saving Westeros from the doom, while Daenerys became the outright villainess. Back to Arya, Arya will die trying ferociously to save Westeros, but is frozen to death with only Needle between her frozen fingers.

Arya’s main focus has always been the notion of ‘giving death’, so I do think she’ll kill off a major character during her endgame. My bet is on either Daenerys, Jaime or Cersei. She told Jaqen in season 6 that she would go back to Winterfell, so I don’t think she’ll travel to KL first. According to the leaks, Arya goes to Winterfell after having the Freys all murdered. I think she’ll stay in the North, as she has already been in King’s Landing once. Her endgame will take place in the North, defending her family with Nymeria by her side. Arya’s known for taking short-sighted decisions, so it wouldn’t be too weird for her to kill the murderer of Jon Snow, Daenerys, and thereby sealing the fate for Westeros, having killed the Prince Who Was Promised.

Which theory do you like the most? Let me know in the comments below.