Arya Stark's Unfinished Kill List: Clues from the Books and the Show

Throughout the Game of Thrones series, Arya Stark's journey has been marked by revenge and the pursuit of those she deems responsible for the deaths of her family members. The number one target on her kill list has notably decreased over time, but the lingering entities and their fates remain uncertain. Whether on the pages or on the screen, there are several key points to explore regarding Arya's ongoing quest for justice.

In the show, the list of names was not fully completed. In the books, the compilation of enemies to avenge has significantly shrunk, leaving Arya with just a few names as the arc nears its end:

Books vs. Show: The Kill List Discrepancies

In the A Song of Ice and Fire series, the diminished kill list in the books differs from the show's portrayal. Notably, Raff the Sweetling, one of Arya's early targets, has already met his demise in the show. Similarly, Dunsen, another intended victim, is likely to be among Ser Harys Swyft's escort. Recent chapters suggest that Nymeria the wolf might end the life of Ser Ilyn Payne near Pennytree, implying Arya may still have a conflict with him. This leaves the formidable challenge of Ser Gregor Clegane, also known as the Mountain. As of the end of A Dance With Dragons, he remains on the list, although his death is enigmatic.

The Current Target Walker

Selecting from the four remaining names on her list: The Hound, Ser Meryn Trant, King Joffrey Baratheon, Melisandra, Thoros, Cersei Lannister, Ser Ilyn Payne, Polliver, the Mountain, Rorge, Walder Frey, and Tywin Lannister, only a few still stand.

The first name, The Hound, is not likely to be crossed off the list considering their companionship and evolving relationship. Their journey south to King's Landing suggests they might share more challenges and perhaps a shared fate.

Regarding Ser Ilyn Payne, the mute knight who played a crucial role in Ned Stark's execution, he consistently remains a complex figure, reappearing rarely in later episodes or chapters. His ambiguous fate adds depth to Arya's journey, suggesting she might encounter him again.

Cersei Lannister: The Main Streaker

Arya's primary drive to travel south is to take down Cersei Lannister, putting a final end to the reign of the queen. However, the fate of Cersei's younger brother, Jamie, as revealed through prophecy, creates a significant twist in the narrative. Jamie's prophecy that he would take Cersei's life aligns with the story's arc, painting a picture of inevitable conflict. Another potential contender is Tyrion, but this is less likely given the complex relationship between him and his sister.

Further Conclusions

Arya's kill list is a fascinating aspect of the Game of Thrones saga, offering both hints and riddles about the story's future. The diminishing list and the characters' fates reflect the broader narrative of revenge and justice. As the series approaches its conclusion, it's clear that Arya's path is both complex and dangerous, filled with unexpected turns and fierce rivals.