Arya Stark’s Epic Kill List: Who Did She Take Down in Game of Thrones?

In her youth, Arya Stark encountered genuine atrocities, and throughout the series known as “Game of Thrones,” she, along with her relatives and companions, were repeatedly deceived. After speaking with recruit for the Night’s Watch, Yoren, Arya compiled a list of names to be exacted revenge on those who had harmed her. Every night before bed, she would recite these names aloud.

In this narrative, Arya Stark personally took the lives of four individuals from her list, with likely more deaths had the opportunity arisen. This list significantly shaped Arya’s character, serving both as a catalyst and an identity marker for her throughout the TV series. This article will delve into Arya’s kill list as portrayed in the show, which varies slightly from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire books, with certain additions and omissions.

This article contains major spoilers for Game of Thrones, including character deaths.

10. Joffrey Baratheon

Ordered The Execution Of Arya’s Father, Eddard Stark

Manner of death: Poisoned at his own wedding.

As a passionate fan of the small screen, I can’t help but acknowledge that among all the characters, Joffrey Baratheon from “Game of Thrones” is undoubtedly one of the most detested figures, not just within the series, but across television history. It comes as no surprise then, that he found himself on Arya Stark’s list. In fact, his actions during the first season alone were enough to stir up a storm of hatred in young Lady Stark.

Firstly, Joffrey’s cruel and merciless nature towards innocent people like Sansa Stark and the City Watchman, Jaqen H’ghar, left an indelible mark on Arya. Secondly, his involvement in the death of her dancing master, Syrio Forel, was a devastating blow that fueled Arya’s desire for vengeance against the young king.

Initially, by deceiving his parents, King and Queen, Joffrey led Arya into a predicament, which ultimately resulted in the death of her friend Mycah. Moreover, in place of Arya’s direwolf being put to death for biting Joffrey, Lady, Sansa’s direwolf, was killed instead. Secondly, Joffrey arranged for Arya’s father, Lord Eddard Stark, to be executed rather than showing him mercy. Unfortunately, Arya would not have the chance to avenge Joffrey, as he was poisoned at his wedding reception.

9. Cersei Lannister

Demanded The Direwolf, Lady To Be Killed

Manner of death: Crushed by the collapsing Red Keep.

Besides being seen as an evil Lannister by Arya Stark and perhaps suspecting Cersei in her father’s execution, there might be a specific incident that led Arya to include Cersei in her nightly prayers. In the first season itself, Cersei ordered the killing of Arya’s direwolf, Nymeria. When Nymeria went missing, the unfortunate outcome fell on Sansa’s innocent direwolf, Lady.

After the initial season, Arya had no further encounters with Cersei, and it seems likely that Cersei’s demise was not a major concern for him. As for Cersei’s Lannister family member, Cersei perished along with her lover and brother, Jaime, when the Red Keep’s walls came crashing down upon them.

8. Walder Frey

For Orchestrating The Red Wedding

Manner of death: Throat slit by Arya in his own hall.

In the TV series, Walder Frey appears on Arya’s kill-list due to his part in arranging the Red Wedding. However, intriguingly, he doesn’t feature on her list in the books, as in the storyline, she remains oblivious about the true events and the identity of those responsible for the deaths of her mother and brother.

In the tenth episode of Season 6, Arya exacts revenge on Walder Frey by slitting his throat. This act comes after he has consumed a pie, which was mysteriously prepared with the remains of those who had been instrumental in the infamous Red Wedding.

7. Ser Meryn Trant

Killed Syrio Forel, Who Was Practically Unarmed

Manner of death: Murdered by Arya in a brothel.

In the initial season, Ser Meryn Trant, a member of the Kingsguard, was among those who triggered Arya’s wrath, as he appeared to slay her defenseless combat instructor, Syrio Forel. Had Arya witnessed how Ser Meryn mistreated her sister, Sansa, she would have had additional reasons for her anger, given that the knight repeatedly abused and humiliated Sansa at Joffrey’s command by beating her and stripping her.

Not only were Arya’s acts of revenge heinous, but the most disturbing detail is that she carried out her vengeance against Ser Meryn Trant in a brothel, where he was brutally abusing young girls.

6. Tywin Lannister

For Being At War With Robb Stark

Manner of death: Killed by his son, Tyrion.

In the novels, Arya Stark never interacted with Tywin Lannister, and her ‘to-do’ list primarily targeted individuals who caused harm to her or others in her vicinity. However, the TV series replaced Roose Bolton’s relationship with Arya at Harrenhal with that of Lord Tywin, resulting in some compelling scenes between them. Many consider this adaptation as one of the strengths of the show compared to the books.

Although Tywin appeared friendly towards her, he was actually engaged in conflict with Robb, her brother. Including her on the list appears to be a move driven more by politics than genuine favoritism. In the event of Tywin’s death, Robb would have a better chance at success. To a young Stark girl, all Lannisters seemed wicked. In the end, it was his own son, Tyrion, who ended up killing Tywin in the privy.

5. The Hound, Sandor Clegane

Killed Mycah, The Butcher’s Boy

Manner of death: Died fighting his brother.

As a die-hard Game of Thrones fan, I can recall how Sandor Clegane, famously known as ‘The Hound’, initially found himself on Arya’s hit-list following his role in the tragic demise of her friend Mycah, the butcher’s boy, during season 1. However, a surprising twist unfolded when The Hound took Arya captive, and over time, this formidable duo evolved into somewhat of an uneasy alliance, or at least learned to coexist. With the passage of seasons, The Hound’s name was mercifully crossed off Arya’s death list.

Away from Arya’s retribution, Sandor Clegane was destined to engage in a final battle with his brother, the Mountain. This confrontation would occur when he rammed him through a wall, causing them both to fall into the flames below.

Or simply:

Sandor Clegane, freed from Arya’s vengeance, was set for a fatal showdown with his brother, the Mountain. The encounter would transpire as he shoved him through a wall, resulting in their descent into the raging inferno below.

4. The Mountain, Ser Gregor Clegane

Tortured Prisoners At Harenhal

Manner of death: Killed fighting his brother.

Among the indelible characters in “Game of Thrones,” Ser Gregor Clegane, or The Mountain, stands out as one of the most ruthless, earning a place on Arya’s hit-list through his brutal acts, which included tormenting men, women, and children at Harrenhal. In the books, not only The Mountain but also other accomplices like Raff the Sweetling, who took part in these heinous deeds, were marked by Arya for retribution.

Arya wasn’t the only one determined to end Gregor Clegane’s life; Oberyn Martell attempted first, managing to inflict serious wounds that seemed to kill him, but Qyburn miraculously brought him back. Later, Arya’s rival brother took matters into his own hands and sent them both to a fiery demise in King’s Landing.

3. Ser Ilyn Payne

Executed Arya’s Father, Eddard Stark

Manner of death: Still alive.

In this narrative, Ilyn Payne served as the King’s Executioner, making him the one tasked with beheading Lord Eddard Stark using his own sword, Ice. After witnessing her father’s unjust execution, it was only natural for Arya to harbor a grudge against Ilyn Payne, who would later come into possession of her father’s sword.

In the TV show, Wilko Johnson, who played the character, sadly developed cancer and had to leave the role after the second season. Ilyn Payne was not replaced, so his storyline remains unresolved in the series. On the other hand, in the books, this character eventually forms an unexpected bond with Jaime Lannister, serving as a friend and sparring partner.

2. Polliver

Murdered Arya’s Friend Lommy & Stole Needle

Manner of death: Killed by Arya with Needle.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d rephrase that as follows: In the books, I find Arya has numerous Lannister soldiers serving under Gregor Clegane on her hit list, but in the series, it’s only Polliver who appears. In the second season, this Polliver mercilessly slays the boy Lommy Greenhands using none other than Arya’s very own sword, Needle, which he had just pilfered from her.

Later on, he would find himself wishing otherwise, as Arya and The Hound found themselves at a tavern where Polliver and his companions were relaxing. With Arya carrying him due to receiving a beating, she seized Needle back and repeated the same words that Lommy had heard earlier, before thrusting the sharp end into Polliver’s throat.

1. Beric Dondarrion, Thoros Of Myr, & Lady Melisandre

The Two Outlaws Betrayed Gendry & Sold Him To The Red Woman, Who Tortured Him

Manner of death: Beric & Thoros were killed by wights, while Melisandre died of old age.

Three characters – Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, and Lady Melisandre – who didn’t initially appear on Arya’s list from the books have been added due to events exclusive to the show. Specifically, Beric and Thoros were portrayed as betraying Gendry and selling him to Melisandre, a depiction not found in the original novels. Additionally, while Melisandre did torture Gendry in both the books and the series, she used a method unique to the show – draining his blood with leeches with the intention of eventually sacrificing him for her dark rituals.

Arya might have felt upset with Beric Dondarrion because he let The Hound escape, even though Beric had admitted to his crimes following their trial-by-combat. As for Beric, Thoros of Myr, and Melisandre – three characters who quickly left Arya’s thoughts and eventually joined her side – Beric died heroically while protecting Arya during the battle in The Long Night episode. Thoros met his end beyond the Wall, and Melisandre chose to pass away naturally by taking off the amulet that sustained her life.

2025-05-26 18:38