Why Did Arya Not Kill the Lannister Soldiers She Encountered in the Riverlands?

In the intricate web of A Song of Ice and Fire, Arya Stark emerges as a morally complex character, grappling with her own sense of justice and vengeance. The pivotal moment where she encounters a group of Lannister soldiers in the Riverlands serves as a crucial showcase of her internal conflict and character development.

Moral Dilemma

Arya's desire for revenge against the Lannisters and other enemies of her family is deeply seated, but she is not yet entirely hardened into the assassin she becomes later in the series. The moral dilemma she faces revolves around whether she should kill these soldiers. Filling her hands with blood is a choice that would alter her moral compass, shifting her from a still-innocent girl to a willing killer. By deliberating these actions, Arya's true character begins to unfold.

Personal Connection

One of the Lannister soldiers, Hot Pie, is a familiar face from her past. This soothing reminder of her former life, with its unmarred innocence, intensifies Arya's struggle. The sight of a familiar face from her childhood brings back memories of a simpler time, making the act of killing these soldiers an even greater moral transgression for her.

Pragmatism

Arya's pragmatic side is at play here. She recognizes that destroying these soldiers does not serve her ultimate purposes. Impulsiveness is not a quality she can afford if she wishes to survive and eventually avenge her family. Instead, she decides to gather more information. She is patient, biding her time to learn more about the Lannisters and her family's fate, ensuring that her actions in the future are better informed and strategically sound.

Character Development

This moment is a turning point in Arya's character. It highlights her internal struggle between her desire for vengeance and her innate sense of humanity. The decision to not kill the soldiers shows that she is still living, still human, with a conscience and a heart. This choice is pivotal in setting the stage for her future growth and the full realization of her complex character throughout the series.

Despite the Appearances

Despite the tarnished reputation many characters in Westeros hold, Arya Stark is not a deranged or psychopathic killer. Even in encounters with Lannister soldiers, she does not see them as mere enemies or obstacles. These soldiers, including Ed Sheeran (likely a character inspired by a historical figure or a creative liberty), offer her sustenance, shelter, and stories. They share their hopes and dreams for a peaceful end to the war, revealing themselves as ordinary men caught in extraordinary circumstances. Their simple humanity and non-threatening behavior make it even harder for Arya to justify taking their lives.

Arya's grudge is with the Lannisters and other traitors to her family, but not with every single soldier under their command. Many of these soldiers seem to be misguided individuals, simply trying to fulfill their duties to a queen they neither relish nor respect. Killing them would wipe away their individuality and history, turning them into mere enemies in a grander and more tragic conflict.

This encounter with the Lannister soldiers in the Riverlands is a profound moment that demonstrates Arya Stark's complex character, her journey towards becoming the fierce assassin she eventually becomes, and her deep-seated humanity.