Understanding the Lannisters' Motivations: Why Did Arya’s Path Cross with Lannister Soldiers in Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 1?
Game of Thrones, with its intricate narrative and morally complex characters, frequently explores the multifaceted nature of heroism and villainy.
In Season 7, Episode 1, when Arya Stark encounters a group of Lannister soldiers on her journey, it raises an important question: Why did the Lannister army help Arya instead of continuing their march towards Cersei's orders?
Decoding the In-Game Explanation
From an in-universe perspective, the Lannister soldiers are portrayed as decent men who are simply following their duty. They are unaware of Arya's identity and do not recognize her as an enemy. Instead, they treat her with respect and kindness, even offering her food and a horse. This gesture highlights the complex nature of humanity, where good intentions can coexist with the demands of war.
The soldiers are presented as individuals who are separate from the unified, indoctrinated thinking of the larger Lannister army. This is a subtle yet critical message that even within the rigid structures of power and conflict, individual acts of humanity can still persist.
The Out-of-Game Explanation
When viewed out-of-universe, the scene serves a different purpose. It reinforces the idea that the Lannister army, like any other, is composed of a mixture of good and bad people. Arya, meanwhile, retains her humanity and has not become a "psychotic killing machine" as evidenced by the series' earlier events.
Moreover, the scene directly addresses a fan idea. Maisie Williams, who plays Arya Stark, expressed a desire to have a scene with Ed Sheeran. While this particular request was not fulfilled, the scene does showcase Arya’s human side, reflecting her complex emotional journey and her connection to her Stark heritage.
Exploring the Concept of Mob Mentality
The scene effectively demonstrates the concept of "mob mentality" versus individual behavior. In a large, organized group, people often prioritize the group's objectives and can lose sight of basic human empathy. This is exemplified by the Lannister soldiers who are part of a larger, more indoctrinated force, but who still show kindness to Arya.
On the other hand, when isolated from the larger group, individuals can revert to their inherent humanity. This is evident in the soldiers who, once away from the imposed order, recognize Arya as someone similar and in need of help. The soldiers' actions reflect Anne Frank's famous quote, "Most people are good at heart" (Anne Frank, Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl).
Conclusion
The encounter between Arya Stark and the Lannister soldiers in Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 1 is a powerful moment that explores the duality of human behavior in the context of conflict. It underscores the idea that even within the rigid structures of power, individuals can still display acts of kindness and humanity. This scene not only deepens our understanding of Arya and the Lannisters but also offers a poignant reminder of the inherent goodness present in humanity.