Arya Stark's Path to Blindness and Transformation in Game of Thrones

In Game of Thrones, the path of Arya Stark is a fascinating journey filled with intriguing twists and moments of profound character development. One of the most significant trials in Arya's story is her journey into blindness. Through this experience, she not only emerges stronger but also undergoes a profound transformation that prepares her for her ultimate fight against the Others.

Initial Incidents and Blinding

Initially, Arya's journey into blindness began as a result of a misguided action early in the show. In one critical scene, Arya decides to kill Meryn Trant, a Knight of the Guard, who was her intended target. However, her impulsive and selfish act resulted in her accidentally blinding herself during the process.

While in the show, the blinding incident happens due to an adversarial act, in the books, the storyline is narrated more intricately. Here, Arya is blinded as punishment for killing Daeron, a deserter from the Night’s Watch, whom Samwell Tarly had fought with en route to Oldtown. The legendary Kindly Man, also known as Jaqen H’ghar, poisons her drink, rendering her temporarily blind. He presents her with a choice: regain her sight or stay blind, hinting at the depth of her potential as a Faceless Man.

Blindness as a Training Ground

The period of blindness serves multiple purposes in Arya's development. It is a critical phase where she learns to rely on her other senses, a crucial aspect of the Faceless Man training. She must navigate the world without the use of her eyes, honing her skills in hearing, touch, and even her sense of perception through a warged form into a cat.

"To be honest, she was blind at the start. It was to get her to use her other senses to roam the world."

Confrontation and Redemption

During her time at the House of Black and White, Arya faces a series of brutal attacks, with someone beating her with a stick several times. Her enemy, the Kindly Man, reveals himself as the one attacking her. She discovers his identity and by returning the favor – she strikes him – she is offered the opportunity to regain her sight. In a twist, however, her regained vision is not the end of her transformation but a confirmation of her dedication and survival skills.

"The Kindly Man gave Arya a poison that has rendered her temporarily blind. He essentially tells her that if she doesn’t want to be blind anymore she can just say so and he'll restore her sight but she'll be out of the Faceless Man training program."

Fighting Skills and Survival

Perhaps one of the most significant outcomes of Arya's blindness is the development of her combat skills. The experience of not relying on sight has made her more agile and less predictable, increasing her survival chances. She uses her heightened senses and improved reflexes to fight and win against formidable opponents, such as the Waif, who is an Other. The winter that is coming emphasizes the importance of her new fighting style, which is not dependent on vision.

"Her time being blind will be instrumental in the war against the Others since winter has come."

Identity and Purpose

The journey into blindness also serves as a pivotal moment for Arya to reconnect with her identity. She clings to the idea of who she is – Arya Stark of Winterfell – as a reminder of her origins. Her moments of self-reflection highlight her determination to return home and achieve her purpose.

"Arya then finally opened her eyes and saw where she had to be."

Conclusion

Arya Stark's journey into blindness is a critical part of her transformation into a true warrior and an assassin. Through this experience, she learns to rely on her non-visual senses, enhances her combat skills, and strengthens her sense of identity. The lessons she learns continue to shape her character, preparing her for the battle against the Others and her journey home to Winterfell.