Arya Stark’s long and arduous journey back to Westeros culminates in Season 7, Episode 4, “The Spoils of War,” marking her reunion with her sister, Sansa Stark, at Winterfell. While a full family reunion doesn’t occur in this precise episode, it represents a significant step towards the Stark children finding their way back to one another.
The Long Road Home: Arya’s Journey to Winterfell
Arya’s post-Ned Stark execution journey is one of the most compelling narratives in Game of Thrones. Separated from her family, forced to witness brutality and hardship, and trained as a Faceless Man, Arya undergoes a profound transformation. This section examines the key milestones that led her back to the ancestral home of the Stark family.
From King’s Landing to Braavos: A Hardship-Laden Path
Following her escape from King’s Landing, Arya’s travels with Yoren of the Night’s Watch, then with Gendry and Hot Pie as part of the Brotherhood Without Banners, are filled with peril. She witnesses firsthand the ravages of war and the injustice inflicted upon the common people. This period hardens Arya, stripping away her naivety and replacing it with a thirst for survival and revenge. Her capture and servitude at Harrenhal under Tywin Lannister further solidify her resolve.
Training as No One: The Faceless Man Years
Arriving in Braavos, Arya joins the House of Black and White, training to become a Faceless Man. This period is crucial, shaping her into a highly skilled assassin. She learns to shed her identity, mastering the arts of disguise and subterfuge. While initially successful, Arya ultimately chooses to reclaim her Stark identity, rejecting the path of becoming “No One.” This decision sets her on the course for her eventual return to Westeros.
The Return to Westeros: Vengeance and Homecoming
Upon leaving Braavos, Arya begins systematically crossing names off her list, starting with Walder Frey. Her methodical pursuit of justice highlights her honed skills and unwavering determination. News of Jon Snow’s ascension as King in the North and his reclaiming of Winterfell fuels her desire to return home.
“The Spoils of War”: The Stark Sisters Reunited
This episode marks a critical turning point in the Stark siblings’ storylines. After years of separation and individual struggles, Arya’s arrival at Winterfell sets the stage for a much-anticipated reunion.
The Unspoken Connection: Arya and Sansa’s First Meeting
The scene depicting Arya and Sansa’s reunion is steeped in tension. They recognize each other, but the years of trauma and vastly different experiences have created a palpable distance. Arya is a seasoned warrior, while Sansa has navigated the treacherous political landscape of King’s Landing and Winterfell. Their initial interactions are cautiously optimistic, hinting at the challenges they will face in rebuilding their relationship.
Littlefinger’s Influence: Seeds of Discord
Littlefinger, ever the manipulator, attempts to exploit the differences between Arya and Sansa, planting seeds of distrust and suspicion. His presence casts a shadow over their reunion, threatening to unravel the fragile bond they are trying to forge. He hopes to drive a wedge between the sisters, allowing him to consolidate his own power in the North.
Beyond the Reunion: The Stark Alliance
Despite the challenges, Arya and Sansa, along with Bran, ultimately unite to protect Winterfell and defeat their enemies. Their reunion, while not without its complexities, is a vital step towards the Stark family reclaiming their rightful place in Westeros. They represent the resilience and enduring strength of the Stark bloodline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arya’s Reunion
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning Arya’s reunion with her family in Game of Thrones:
FAQ 1: Was Arya’s reunion with Sansa the only family reunion in Season 7?
No. Bran Stark also returns to Winterfell in Season 7, reuniting with Sansa and later Arya. This trio forms the core of the Stark presence at Winterfell during the later seasons. Jon Snow’s interactions with the Starks, though significant, are complicated by the revelation of his true parentage.
FAQ 2: What was Arya’s reaction to finding out Jon was King in the North?
Arya was undoubtedly proud of Jon’s accomplishments, but her primary concern was returning home to Winterfell and seeing her family again. Jon’s new position only solidified her desire to be reunited with her siblings. She respects his leadership but also holds him accountable to the Stark values.
FAQ 3: Why was the reunion between Arya and Sansa so tense?
Their drastically different experiences contributed to the tension. Sansa endured political maneuvering and betrayal, while Arya experienced violence and learned to become a ruthless killer. They had both become different people, making it challenging to immediately reconnect. Littlefinger’s manipulations further exacerbated the situation.
FAQ 4: How did Arya’s training as a Faceless Man affect her relationship with her family?
Arya’s Faceless Man training instilled a sense of detachment and secrecy. She struggled to fully open up to her family, which created a barrier in their relationship. Her ability to deceive and conceal made it difficult for Sansa and Bran to fully trust her initially.
FAQ 5: Did Arya ever fully forgive Sansa for her past actions?
While Arya may have initially held some resentment towards Sansa for her actions in King’s Landing, she eventually understood the pressures Sansa faced. They ultimately forged a strong alliance, recognizing the importance of unity in protecting Winterfell.
FAQ 6: What role did Bran play in the Stark reunion?
Bran, as the Three-Eyed Raven, had a unique perspective on events. He understood the importance of the Starks uniting against the greater threat. His knowledge and guidance helped to solidify their alliance, even though his emotional connection was sometimes distant due to his transformed state.
FAQ 7: Was there a reunion between Arya and her direwolf, Nymeria?
Yes, Arya encounters Nymeria in Season 7. However, Nymeria, now leading her own pack, chooses to remain wild, acknowledging Arya but ultimately rejecting a domesticated life. This symbolizes Arya’s own independence and chosen path.
FAQ 8: What was the significance of Arya giving Sansa the dagger Littlefinger used to betray Ned Stark?
Giving Sansa the dagger symbolized Arya’s trust in her sister and her willingness to defend the Stark family. It also served as a trap for Littlefinger, ultimately leading to his demise. The dagger represented both betrayal and justice.
FAQ 9: How did the Stark reunion contribute to the overall plot of Game of Thrones?
The Stark reunion was crucial to the fight against the White Walkers. United, the Stark siblings brought their unique skills and knowledge to the table, strengthening Winterfell’s defenses and providing vital support in the battle against the Night King.
FAQ 10: What were the emotional challenges the Stark children faced upon reuniting?
Each Stark child carried significant emotional baggage from their individual experiences. Learning to trust each other again, understanding their changed personalities, and coping with the trauma they had endured were significant challenges they had to overcome.
FAQ 11: How did the stark reunion differ from the reunions of other characters in the series?
The Stark reunion was particularly significant due to the central role the Stark family played in the overall narrative. Their separation and eventual reunion represented the resilience of hope and the enduring power of family in the face of overwhelming adversity. Other reunions, while emotionally resonant, did not carry the same weight in terms of the broader plot.
FAQ 12: Could Arya have ever truly become ‘No One’ or was she always a Stark at heart?
Arya’s choice to reclaim her Stark identity demonstrates that she could never truly relinquish her connection to her family and her past. While she honed her skills as a Faceless Man, her underlying motivation remained rooted in seeking justice for her family and avenging their suffering. She was always a Stark at heart, using her skills to protect those she loved.