It’s hard to believe, but HBO’s Game of Thrones has reached the halfway point, and what’s a better way to celebrate this milestone than to take a look back at some of our favourite character moments? I can’t think of a thing. This week we’ll be showcasing fan favourites beginning with the…

Top 5 Arya Moments

Maisie Williams (the young actress playing Arya Stark) has proven she’s a force to be reckoned with. Already a scene stealer, Maisie has impressed not only fans, but cast and crew alike. She brings heart and depth to the tomboyish Arya and holds her own with screen veteran, Sean Bean. With so many great moments, it was hard to narrow it down to 5 but we’ve done our best.

5. A Needle from Jon~Episode 2

Jon: First lesson, stick’em with the pointy end.

Arya: I know which end to use.

Reasoning: The emotion in this scene is palpable. The misfits of the Stark household say their goodbyes and Jon presents his little sister with one final gift. Receiving Needle is a defining moment for Arya and I think this scene is everything book fans hoped for. It’s heartfelt, funny, and a great introduction to the character. We even get to see a direwolf!

4. Asking the Right Questions~Episode 3

Ned: Sansa will be married to Joffrey someday. She cannot betray him. She must take his side even when he’s wrong.

Arya: But how can you let her marry someone like that?

Reasoning: Arya runs through an entire list of emotions in this scene–She’s angry at Sansa, Joffrey, and the entire Royal Family, upset about the death of her friend and blames herself for his death, fears Ned will take away her sword, and is elated when he tells her she can keep it. Maisie does this effortlessly, still keeping the childlike qualities of the character. Arya asks the 1 million dollar question and her father has no answer for her. This scene showcases what two brilliant actors can do.

3. Taking Down the Guards~Episode 5

Arya: My father is Hand of the King. I’m not a boy, I’m Arya Stark of Winterfell and if you lay a hand on me my father will have both your heads on spikes. Now, are you going to let me by or do i need to smack you on the ear to help with your hearing?

Reasoning: This scene shows us the feisty girl we all love, covered in mud, and speaking her mind. She knows what respect she deserves and will say what needs to be said to get it. She doesn’t flinch at the vulgar language used by the guards and throws it back in their faces. The looks on the guards’ faces make it priceless.

2. That’s Not Me~Episode 4

Arya: Can I be lord of a holdfast?

Ned: You will marry a high lord and rule his castle, and your sons shall be knights, and princes, and lords.

Arya: No, that’s not me.

Reasoning: The second Ned/Arya scene in our top 5. In this, Arya simply states that girl things are not for her and she’d rather try to stand on a single toe and chase cats than have children and run a household. In only a few words, the audience sees just how strong this little girl is. The absurdity of her water-dance training and the straight forward message of her words warrants the number 2 position.

1. Arya Learns to Dance~Episode 3

Syrio: The grip must be delicate.

Arya: What if I drop it?

Syrio: The steel must be part of your arm. Can you drop part of your arm? No.

Reasoning: In a dour episode (and let’s be honest, series in general), the energy between Arya and Syrio stands out. Miltos Yeromelou plays Syrio a little over the top, with an essence of Inigo Montoya that can’t be denied. The glee in Arya’s eyes, as she realizes that her father has found a teacher for her, is fantastic. The swordplay is unique and interesting and the dialogue is quick and clever. Fans of the books have been waiting years to see this scene come to life and it plays just as well on screen as it does in the books. Maisie Williams’ dedication (she uses her left hand!) paid off and earns this scene the Nerd Vortex top spot.

Don’t agree with this list? What scenes did we miss? Tell us in the comments.

Check out the rest of our Game of Thrones Articles:

Game of Thrones: Top 5 Moments of Episode 10~Fire and Blood

Game of Thrones: Top 5 Moments of Episode 9~Baelor

Game of Thrones: Top 5 Moments of Episode 8~The Pointy End

Game of Thrones: Top 5 Moments of Episode 6~A Golden Crown

Game of Thrones 1-5: Top 5 Supporting Characters Who Need More Screen Time

Game of Thrones 1-5: Top 5 Tyrion Lannister Moments

Game of Thrones 1-5: Top 5 Daenerys Targaryen Moments

Game of Thrones 1-5: Top 5 Ned Stark Moments

Game of Thrones: Getting Past the Fantasy

Game of Thrones 1-5: Top 5 Arya Moments