The Role of Jaqen H'ghar and the Night King in Game of Thrones

In the complex narrative of HBO's Game of Thrones, the characters of Jaqen H'ghar and the Night King are often enmeshed in a web of intrigue and mystery. Many believe that Jaqen H'ghar trained Arya Stark to kill the Night King. However, the truth is more nuanced, and Jaqen's role in Arya's training and the Night King's defeat reveals a deeper understanding of the show's themes and motifs.

Was Jaqen H'ghar Training Arya to Kill the Night King?

Jaqen H'ghar, a Faceless Man from Braavos, did not train Arya to kill the Night King. His role was much more profound, involving the art of stealth, disguise, and the philosophy of death. Jaqen's primary mission was to train Arya as an assassin, equipping her with the skills and mindset needed for her journey through the Seven Kingdoms and beyond.

Throughout the series, Jaqen taught Arya the principles of the Faceless Men, emphasizing the concept of death and transformation. His teachings on the philosophy of death were crucial for Arya's personal growth and her eventual success as a deadly assassin. However, the specific mission to kill the Night King was not part of his initial training.

The Night King and the God of Death

The Night King's connection to the God of Death is a thematic element inherent in the show's overarching narrative. He was 'stealing' from the God of Death, a concept that transcends literal interpretation. More than half of the people on Arya's list of names were involved in raising the dead or were raised themselves. This includes figures like Cersei, the Red Woman (Melisandre), Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, and The Mountain. Each of these characters was a part of this 'stealing' phenomenon in one form or another.

Jaqen's knowledge of this specific connection to the Night King and the broader context of the God of Death allowed him to see the bigger picture. He recognized the cyclical nature of life and death, and understood that the Night King's defeat would be part of the natural balance restored by the Faceless Men. This insight led him to predict Arya's eventual journey to Winterfell and the impending arrival of the Army of the Dead.

Jaqen's Motives and Strategies

While Jaqen may not have explicitly trained Arya to kill the Night King, his actions and foresight served a greater purpose. By training Arya to be a powerful and versatile assassin, Jaqen was ensuring that the House of Stark would be in a position to withstand the coming storm. The Night King's defeat, although not the primary focus of Arya's training, became a significant part of her journey.

Jaqen was likely investigating the 'stealing' phenomenon, particularly focusing on the Night King as the biggest culprit. His presence at the Wall in Season 2 further supports this theory. When he finally let Arya go, it was with the knowledge that she would play a crucial role in the battle at Winterfell. Jaqen viewed her journey as part of a larger plan to restore balance and to make the House of Stark stronger in the face of the Night King's threat.

Conclusion

Jaqen H'ghar's role in Arya Stark's journey to the Night King's defeat was multifaceted. While he did not specifically train her for the task, his teachings and foresight played a significant role in her eventual success. The thematic connection of the Night King to the God of Death underscores the complex narrative of the show and the interconnected nature of its characters.

Overall, Jaqen's influence on Arya's development and the broader context of the Night King's defeat in the series highlight the deep, interconnected themes of life, death, and the pursuit of power that define Game of Thrones.