Arya Stark and the Service of the Faceless Men: A Challenging Theory

Introduction

One of the most intriguing aspects of George R.R. Martin's fantasy series, 'A Song of Ice and Fire,' and its adaptation into 'Game of Thrones,' is the character of Arya Stark. Many fans and theorists have pondered the motivations behind her journey to the House of Black and White in Braavos, the service of the Faceless Men. Could Arya Stark have been sent there as a form ofpayment to the Faceless Men?

While this theory has been proposed, it is far from a straightforward or easy explanation. Let's delve deeper into the intricacies and improbabilities involved in this hypothesis.

The Theory in Question

The idea that Arya Stark may have been sent to the House of Black and White as payment for a debt to the Faceless Men, likely owed to another character, is indeed a fanciful theory. The journey to Braavos was not a direct or planned path for Arya. She made her way there on her own, navigating through problems and challenges that seemed to align perfectly with the ultimate destiny of joining the Faceless Men.

Her path to this destiny appears to be a series of unlikely and interconnected events, each of which could be seen as carefully orchestrated to bring her to Braavos. From her father's death to her encounters with Yoren, Jaqen H'ghar, and the Hound, her journey seems filled with too many coincidences to be mere chance. This theory posits that all these events were designed to ensure Arya ended up in Braavos so that she could be dedicated to the Many-Faced God.

Your Voyage of Fate: Unlikely but Not Unimaginable

While the theory is compelling, it is highly improbable. The most significant argument against it is that nobody, not even the Faceless Men or the people involved, forced Arya to join them. She made her own decisions and choices, which is one of the defining aspects of her character.

We don't know for sure what the process of 'dedicating' someone to the Many-Faced God entails. If people dedicated to the Faceless Men cannot choose to leave, then Arya could potentially be one of them. However, even if she was dedicated, we would have to ask who had the right to make such a deal. There is a high likelihood that Arya had the choice to drop out of her training, as the kindly old man repeatedly gave her that option.

Who Has the Right to Dedicate Someone?

The process of being dedicated to the Faceless Men and who has the right to do so is a crucial component of this theory. In the series, the "right" to dedicate someone to the Many-Faced God would usually belong to the person or entity that originally created the debt. The most logical candidates in Arya's case would be her father or her mother, who had actual legal and familial rights over her.

Eddard Stark, her father, was a principled and honest man. He would not willingly place Arya into a cult of assassins. Similarly, Catelyn Tully, her mother, who is a major POV character, would not make such a deal with a foreign cult. Both Eddard and Catelyn loved Arya and were deeply worried about her safety, especially given the volatile and dangerous circumstances of their time.

Conclusion

The theory that Arya Stark was sent to the Faceless Men as payment for a debt is a fascinating and intricate one. While it presents an interesting perspective on the events in the show, its improbabilities and the historical context of characters' actions suggest that such a conclusion is far-fetched. Arya's journey was a testament to her strength, resilience, and ability to make her own choices, rather than a predetermined path orchestrated by others.

Ultimately, the real story of Arya Stark lies in her journey, her choices, and her growth, rather than being bound by someone else's fate. Fans and theorists can enjoy exploring such theories, but the true narrative of Arya's story is one of a heroine who masters her own destiny.

Search for 'Arya Stark,' 'Faceless Men,' and 'Game of Thrones' online to uncover more intriguing theories and discussions.