The Deadly Deeds of Arya Stark: A Comprehensive List
For fans of HBO's *Game of Thrones*, the name Arya Stark is synonymous with survival, vengeance, and a surprising – albeit often justified – body count. As the second daughter of Lord Eddard Stark and Lady Catelyn Stark, Arya's journey from a tomboyish noble girl to a formidable assassin is one of the most compelling narratives in the series. While she didn't rack up the same number of kills as some other characters, the individuals she did eliminate were often significant figures in the game of thrones, and her methods were consistently unique and impactful. This article will delve into the specific individuals Arya Stark personally dispatched, providing a detailed look at each death and its context within the overarching story.
The First Souls Claimed: A Desperate Beginning
Arya's path to becoming a killer was forged in the fires of loss and desperation. Her early kills were born out of necessity and the grim realities of war.
- Polliver: This Lannister soldier was a brutal man who, under the command of The Hound, participated in the massacre of Arya's companions after the Red Wedding. He was responsible for killing Lommy Greenhands and stealing Needle, Arya's prized Valyrian steel sword. Arya, disguised as a boy, later confronted Polliver, engaging him in a sword fight. Despite her initial struggles, she managed to disarm him and, in a moment of cold fury, plunged her dagger into his throat.
- The Tickler: A torturer employed by Tywin Lannister, The Tickler was known for his sadistic methods. Arya encountered him while he was interrogating other prisoners. She utilized her skills in stealth and misdirection to get close to him and, when the opportunity arose, swiftly ended his life with her dagger.
Vengeance Served Cold: The Faceless Men's Influence
Arya's time in Braavos, training with the enigmatic Faceless Men, transformed her into a master of disguise and assassination. This period significantly expanded her repertoire of lethal skills and her targets became more calculated.
- The Waif: While not a direct "kill" in the traditional sense of being on a traditional kill list, The Waif was a fellow student of the Faceless Men who became Arya's rival and tormentor. After Arya chose to leave the Faceless Men, The Waif was tasked by Jaqen H'ghar to hunt her down and kill her. In a brutal rooftop chase, Arya ultimately overpowered and killed The Waif, proving she had surpassed her former trainer.
- Meryn Trant: A notoriously cruel knight of the Kingsguard, Ser Meryn Trant was a prominent figure on Arya's "list" from early in the series. He was known for his cruelty towards children and his involvement in the execution of her father, Ned Stark. Arya, using the guise of an elderly woman, infiltrated a brothel where Trant was known to frequent. She then revealed herself and, in a swift and brutal confrontation, used her training to kill him with a dagger to his eye.
- Walder Frey and His Sons: The architect of the Red Wedding, Walder Frey, and his sons were arguably the most significant targets on Arya's list. In a masterstroke of vengeance, Arya infiltrated the Twins disguised as a serving girl. She poisoned Walder Frey and his sons, serving them a pie made from their own flesh. After revealing her identity and her horrific deed, she then proceeded to kill Walder Frey himself, thus avenging the Red Wedding and the deaths of her mother, brother, and many others.
The Great War and Beyond: Facing Down the Night King
While the list of individuals Arya personally killed is relatively short, her ultimate act of heroism during the Battle of Winterfell cemented her legend.
- The Night King: In the climactic moment of the Battle of Winterfell, as all hope seemed lost, Arya Stark emerged from the shadows. Having been trained to move silently and strike with deadly precision, she leaped from a fallen gargoyle and plunged a Valyrian steel dagger into the Night King, shattering him into ice and ending his reign of terror. This single act saved the living and arguably the entire world.
A Stark Legacy of Lethal Skill
Arya Stark's kill count might not be the highest in *Game of Thrones*, but the impact of her kills is undeniable. She was a victim who became a victor, using her trauma and her training to exact justice – or at least vengeance – on those who wronged her and her family. From desperate street fights to sophisticated assassinations and ultimately, the defeat of the greatest threat Westeros had ever faced, Arya's journey is a testament to resilience, skill, and the dark, often necessary, path of a true warrior.
Arya Stark's path was one of pain and survival. She learned to kill because she had to, and she became incredibly good at it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arya Stark's Kills
How did Arya Stark kill Walder Frey?
Arya infiltrated Walder Frey's castle disguised as a serving girl. She then poisoned Walder Frey and two of his sons, serving them a pie made from the flesh of other slain Freys. After revealing her identity and her gruesome deed, she finally killed the elder Walder Frey himself.
Why did Arya Stark kill Meryn Trant?
Ser Meryn Trant was a cruel knight who was on Arya's death list for his participation in her father Ned Stark's execution and his general brutality, especially towards children. Arya saw him as a symbol of the injustice and cruelty of the Lannister regime.
Was the Night King the most important person Arya Stark killed?
From a world-saving perspective, yes. The Night King was the ultimate existential threat to humanity. While her personal vendettas against figures like Walder Frey were deeply important to her character arc and brought her closure, defeating the Night King had global implications for the story of *Game of Thrones*.
Did Arya Stark have a "kill list" that she explicitly followed?
Yes, from a young age, Arya harbored a "kill list" of people who had wronged her and her family. This list evolved over time as she encountered new enemies and gained new skills, but it served as a driving force for her motivations for many years.
