Arya Stark exacts her long-awaited revenge on Walder Frey in Season 6, Episode 10, “The Winds of Winter.” This act marks a pivotal moment in Arya’s journey and a significant closure to the infamous Red Wedding.
A Dish Best Served Cold: Arya’s Path to Frey
Arya Stark’s journey towards vengeance is one of the most compelling narratives in Game of Thrones. Witnessing the brutal murder of her mother, brother, and members of the Stark bannermen at the Red Wedding, Arya is robbed of her innocence and sets upon a path of calculated retribution. This journey takes her from the Riverlands, where she becomes acquainted with the Hound, Sandor Clegane, to Braavos, where she trains as a Faceless Man. This rigorous training, while ultimately rejected in its entirety, equips her with the skills of disguise, assassination, and relentless focus that she ultimately uses to eliminate those on her kill list, starting with Walder Frey.
The Red Wedding, orchestrated by Walder Frey in collusion with Roose Bolton and Tywin Lannister, is a betrayal of guest right, a sacred tradition in Westeros. The violation of this tradition underscores the depravity of the perpetrators and fuels the audience’s desire for justice, a justice that Arya Stark embodies. Her quest is not merely a personal vendetta; it is a symbolic act against the corrupt power structures that plague Westeros.
“The Winds of Winter”: Arya’s Triumphant Return
Returning to Westeros, Arya wastes no time in crossing Walder Frey’s name off her list. She infiltrates the Frey stronghold, the Twins, disguised as a serving girl. Her calculated approach highlights her honed skills and unwavering determination. The scene is masterfully crafted, building suspense as Arya serves Walder Frey his sons baked into a pie.
This act of cannibalism, referencing the legend of the Rat Cook, a figure who violated guest right and was punished by the gods, is a chilling statement about the severity of Walder Frey’s transgressions. It serves as a symbolic representation of Walder Frey consuming the consequences of his actions. Arya’s cold delivery of the line, “The North remembers,” before slitting Walder Frey’s throat solidifies her transformation from a traumatized child into a hardened assassin and a force for reckoning. This act resonates deeply with viewers who have long awaited justice for the Red Wedding.
FAQs: Decoding Arya’s Revenge
Here are some frequently asked questions about Arya Stark’s vengeance on Walder Frey:
When exactly does Arya kill Walder Frey?
Arya Stark kills Walder Frey in the final moments of Season 6, Episode 10, “The Winds of Winter.” It’s a concluding scene, immediately following the aftermath of Cersei Lannister’s explosive actions in King’s Landing.
How does Arya disguise herself to kill Walder Frey?
Arya uses the skills she learned as a Faceless Man to assume the appearance of a serving girl within the Twins. The exact process of how she acquires the face is never fully explained on screen.
What does Arya say before killing Walder Frey?
Arya Stark says, “The North remembers,” before slitting Walder Frey’s throat. This is a clear reference to the Red Wedding and the Stark family’s enduring memory of the betrayal.
Why did Arya kill Walder Frey in that specific way?
Serving Walder Frey his sons baked into a pie is a symbolic act. It references the legend of the Rat Cook, who violated guest right and was punished by the gods. It also serves as a final humiliation and a brutal form of revenge.
What are the implications of Arya killing Walder Frey?
The murder of Walder Frey effectively eliminates the head of House Frey. This act has significant consequences for the power dynamics in the Riverlands and further destabilizes the political landscape of Westeros.
Did anyone help Arya kill Walder Frey?
There is no indication that Arya had any accomplices in killing Walder Frey. She acted alone, relying on her skills and cunning. The element of surprise and her ability to infiltrate the Twins undetected were crucial to her success.
How long was Arya on her way to kill Walder Frey?
The exact timeline is ambiguous, but it is implied that Arya’s journey from Braavos to the Twins took a considerable amount of time. The period spans from the end of Season 6 to the beginning of Episode 10. The time also allows for her to plan and execute her revenge flawlessly.
What was Walder Frey’s reaction to Arya before she killed him?
Walder Frey appears to be completely unaware of Arya’s true identity. He sees her as a serving girl and is seemingly pleased with the feast prepared for him. His arrogance and complacency contribute to his downfall. He is completely oblivious to the danger.
Was Walder Frey the only target on Arya’s list?
No, Walder Frey was one of many names on Arya’s kill list. Others included Cersei Lannister, Gregor Clegane (The Mountain), and Melisandre. Her list served as a constant reminder of the injustices she had suffered.
What happened to the remaining Freys after Walder’s death?
Arya continues her vengeance by poisoning all the remaining male members of House Frey present at the Twins. This act ensures the complete decimation of Walder Frey’s lineage and serves as a warning to others who might consider betraying the Starks.
How does Arya’s revenge on Walder Frey impact her character development?
Killing Walder Frey reinforces Arya’s transformation into a hardened assassin. However, it also raises questions about the moral cost of her vengeance. The experience influences her future choices and her relationship with her family.
Is Walder Frey’s death a satisfying moment for Game of Thrones viewers?
For many viewers, Arya’s revenge on Walder Frey is a highly satisfying moment. It provides a sense of closure to the traumatic events of the Red Wedding and serves as a testament to Arya’s resilience and determination. It’s a powerful example of poetic justice in a world often devoid of it.