Game of Thrones: the secret meaning of Arya's direwolf reunion scene

Maisie Williams as Arya Stark in HBO's Game of Thrones - HBO
Maisie Williams as Arya Stark in HBO's Game of Thrones - HBO

Contains spoilers

Stormborn, the second episode of Game of Thrones season seven, ramped up the action to satisfyingly full-on levels - but also had space for a moving reunion between Arya and her long-lost direwolf, Nymeria. (Confused about the name? In the show, both the wolf and the Sand Snake, played by Jessica Henwick, are named after the same ancient warrior queen.)

In the scene in question, Arya (Maisie Williams) was preparing to fight off a horde of hungry wolves before their leader, a giant, fully grown female direwolf, stepped in to intervene – and the young assassin recognised her childhood pet.

Maisie Williams as Arya with Nymeria in season one - Credit: GBO
Maisie Williams as Arya with Nymeria in season one Credit: GBO

Last time we saw the she-wolf, she attacked and bit Joffrey (an excellent accomplishment) before Arya forced her to flee for her own protection, heartbreakingly throwing stones at her to ensure that she would leave.

Now, it seemed that there was a chance that the pair would team up again, as Arya begged Nymeria to travel North with her.

Instead, however, the wolf refused to leave her pack. Recognising and understanding her decision – Nymeria had changed and grown wild, just like she herself had – Arya accepted it, uttering the words "that's not you".

The phrase, as sharp-eared fans might remember, deliberately echoed an exchange that the younger Stark daughter had with her father Eddard (Sean Bean) in season one.

When Eddard asked Arya why she had eschewed the ladylike hobbies and accomplishments favoured by her sister Sansa, Arya simply replied: "That's not me".

Her answer prompted her father to allow her to begin train in swordfighting, arguably setting Arya off on a journey that would culminate in her becoming the hardened survivor she is today. 

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