The Kill Count of Arya Stark in Game of Thrones: A Comprehensive Analysis

Throughout the intricate and dark world of Game of Thrones, the character of Arya Stark stands out as one of the most intense and determined. Known for her relentless quest for vengeance and survival, Arya has become a symbol of strength and resilience. As of the end of Season 6 and Book 5 of A Song of Ice and Fire, what is the full extent of her kills?

The Official Kill Count: Five

According to the official list, Arya Stark has killed a total of five individuals by the end of Season 6 and Book 5:

The Tickler: A torturer for the Lannisters, killed by Arya in Braavos. Meryn Trant: A member of the Kingsguard who she finds in Braavos. The Waif: A fellow acolyte of the Faceless Men whom she kills in a confrontation. Ser Meryn Trant: Killed in retaliation for her family's past wrongs and crimes. The Freys: While she does not kill them herself, Arya orchestrates their deaths as part of her revenge plan.

Arya's Favorite Kill Count: Four

Arya's fanbase remembers her killing four people specifically:

Walder Frey: The Night King's father, who brings down House Stark. Meryn Trant: The man who killed Syrio Forel, Arya's sword instructor. Polliver: The man who killed Lommy, Arya's friend, and took her sword, Needle. Rorge: The man who threatened to kill Arya. Ser Ilyn Payne: While he was on her list, he was only removed due to his involvement in the justice system, where he was just doing his job.

Additional Notable Kills in Season 6

Season 6 of the show introduces a few more notable kills by Arya:

The Waif: As mentioned in the official list. Walder Frey, his sons Lothar and Black Walder Rivers, and the maidservant whose face she wears: These individuals are killed to complete House Frey's revenge mission and to bring down House Stark. Meryn Trant: He is also killed in this season, as part of Arya's broader revenge plan. Rorge: He is killed by Arya after attacking the Hound. Pollivar: He is killed with his own stolen sword, Needle.

Lesser Known Kills

In Book 5, Arya is described as killing or wounding several individuals:

A stableboy in King's Landing. A guard at Harrenhal. Daeron the Singer/Deserter of the Night's Watch as Cat of the Canals. The old man in Braavos as her first contract with the Faceless Men with the poisoned coin. Raff the Sweetling in Braavos as Mercy.

Final Thoughts

The kills of Arya Stark are a testament to her relentless pursuit of justice and revenge. From the initial confrontations to the broader house and political intrigues, Arya's journey has seen her evolve from a young girl to a seasoned warrior. The kill count serves as a reminder of the harsh realities and moral complexities of the world she inhabits.