Arya Stark regains her sight in Season 6, Episode 8, titled “No One.” This pivotal moment marks the culmination of her grueling training with the Faceless Men and signals a turning point in her journey back to Westeros.
The Price of Becoming No One
Arya Stark’s path in Game of Thrones is defined by resilience and adaptability. After witnessing unimaginable horrors, she sought refuge and training in the House of Black and White, dedicating herself to becoming a Faceless Man. However, this path demanded complete relinquishment of her identity, a challenge Arya struggled with. This struggle manifested in her incomplete commitment to the training and her continued attachment to her past, particularly her list of people she wanted to kill.
The Blind Beggar
Following her betrayal of the Faceless Men by killing Meryn Trant, Arya was punished by becoming blind. This blindness wasn’t a literal removal of her eyes, but rather a magical affliction inflicted by Jaqen H’ghar. She was forced to beg on the streets of Braavos, enduring harsh conditions and constant attacks from the Waif, who constantly challenged her resolve.
Enduring the Training
Even without her sight, Arya continued her training. The Waif relentlessly attacked her with a wooden staff, testing her reflexes and pushing her to rely on her other senses. She learned to “see” the world through sound, touch, and smell, honing her fighting skills in the darkness. This period was crucial in developing her heightened senses and making her an even more formidable warrior.
“No One”: A Turning Point
The episode “No One” is significant because it represents Arya’s ultimate confrontation with the Waif and her final decision regarding her identity. It demonstrates her understanding of the Faceless Men’s teachings while simultaneously rejecting their core philosophy.
The Final Confrontation
After being stabbed multiple times by the Waif, Arya seeks refuge with Lady Crane, an actress she was initially tasked to kill. However, Arya has grown to respect Lady Crane and warns her of the Waif’s impending attack. Despite her efforts, the Waif finds and kills Lady Crane, forcing Arya to flee. She leads the Waif on a chase through Braavos, utilizing her knowledge of the city and her honed senses to her advantage.
Regaining Sight
The climax occurs in the darkness of Arya’s room. She lures the Waif into a trap and, using her newly honed senses and fighting skills, defeats her. After killing the Waif, Arya returns to the House of Black and White and confronts Jaqen H’ghar. He acknowledges her growth and allows her to reclaim her identity as Arya Stark. In this moment, Arya’s sight returns, signifying her reclamation of her identity and her rejection of the “No One” persona. She is no longer bound to the Faceless Men’s orders. She’s Arya Stark, and she’s going home.
FAQs About Arya’s Blindness and Recovery
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Arya’s blindness and the events surrounding her recovery of her sight:
FAQ 1: Why was Arya blinded in the first place?
Arya was blinded as punishment for disobeying Jaqen H’ghar and the Faceless Men. Specifically, she killed Meryn Trant, a name on her list, without authorization. This act of vengeance was considered a betrayal of the Faceless Men’s code, which demanded that they only kill those who are paid for.
FAQ 2: How long was Arya blind?
Arya was blind for the majority of Season 6, starting from the end of episode 5, “The Door,” until episode 8, “No One.” This translates to roughly three episodes where she was visually impaired.
FAQ 3: What skills did Arya learn while blind?
During her blindness, Arya sharpened her other senses. She became highly attuned to sounds, smells, and touch, allowing her to perceive her surroundings and anticipate attacks. She also significantly improved her fighting skills, learning to defend herself effectively without relying on sight.
FAQ 4: How did the Waif contribute to Arya’s training?
The Waif acted as Arya’s primary tormentor and training partner during her blindness. She relentlessly attacked Arya with a wooden staff, forcing her to adapt and improve her defensive skills. While cruel, the Waif’s methods were instrumental in honing Arya’s other senses and combat abilities.
FAQ 5: Was Arya’s blindness a magical condition?
Yes, Arya’s blindness was a magical affliction inflicted by Jaqen H’ghar. It wasn’t a physical injury to her eyes, but a magical block that prevented her from seeing. This is evidenced by its sudden onset and sudden cure.
FAQ 6: What was the significance of Arya choosing to save Lady Crane?
Saving Lady Crane represented Arya’s humanity and her refusal to fully embrace the Faceless Men’s philosophy. It showed that she still had a conscience and was unwilling to blindly follow orders that went against her moral compass. This act of defiance ultimately led to her confrontation with the Waif and her regaining her sight.
FAQ 7: Why did Jaqen H’ghar let Arya go?
Jaqen H’ghar allowed Arya to leave because she had ultimately passed his test. He likely knew all along that Arya would never fully become “No One.” By reclaiming her identity and leaving the House of Black and White, she proved her strength, adaptability, and independent spirit, qualities that Jaqen seemingly admired.
FAQ 8: How did Arya defeat the Waif in the dark?
Arya defeated the Waif by using her knowledge of her surroundings, specifically her room, to her advantage. She turned off the candle, plunging the room into darkness, and relied on her sharpened senses to anticipate the Waif’s movements and strike decisively. The darkness negated the Waif’s advantage and amplified Arya’s.
FAQ 9: What does Arya’s regained sight symbolize?
Arya’s regained sight symbolizes her reclaiming her identity and her independence. It represents her rejection of the “No One” persona and her decision to forge her own path. She is no longer bound by the Faceless Men’s code and is free to pursue her own goals, including vengeance on those who have wronged her family.
FAQ 10: How did Arya’s training with the Faceless Men ultimately benefit her?
Despite her initial struggles and the harshness of the training, Arya’s time with the Faceless Men provided her with invaluable skills. She became a master of disguise, deception, and assassination. She learned how to blend in, observe, and strike with deadly precision. These skills would prove crucial in her future endeavors.
FAQ 11: Did Arya ever truly become “No One”?
No, Arya never truly became “No One.” While she initially attempted to shed her identity and embrace the Faceless Men’s philosophy, her attachment to her past, her family, and her list of enemies prevented her from fully relinquishing her sense of self. This is ultimately why she was able to leave the House of Black and White and reclaim her identity.
FAQ 12: What impact did Arya’s blindness have on her character development?
Arya’s blindness was a pivotal moment in her character development. It forced her to confront her inner demons, hone her senses, and develop a deeper understanding of herself. The experience made her more resilient, resourceful, and determined. It solidified her as one of the most formidable and complex characters in Game of Thrones.