Why did Arya want to kill Beric Dondarrion? This question has been a topic of much debate among fans of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, and the answer lies deep within the complex web of relationships and political intrigue that characterize the series. Arya Stark, a fierce and resourceful young woman, had her own reasons for harboring such a desire, which stem from a combination of personal vendettas, loyalty to her family, and the harsh realities of the Seven Kingdoms.
Arya’s initial motive for wanting to kill Beric Dondarrion was rooted in her loyalty to her family, the Starks. Beric, being a knight of the Night’s Watch and a member of the Dondarrion family, was a sworn enemy of the Starks due to the long-standing feud between the Stark and Dondarrion clans. As a Stark, Arya was bound by her family’s honor and had to seek revenge for the wrongs done to her family, including the death of her brother, Jon Snow, at the hands of the Dondarrion knights.
Moreover, Arya’s decision to kill Beric was influenced by her personal vendetta against him. After witnessing Beric’s brutal murder of her father, Lord Eddard Stark, Arya was driven by a desire for retribution. Beric’s actions, while justified by his oath to the Night’s Watch, were deeply personal and cruel, leaving an indelible mark on Arya’s young mind.
However, Arya’s motivation also extended beyond her personal grievances. The Seven Kingdoms were a land of constant power struggles and shifting alliances, and Arya recognized that killing Beric could serve a broader purpose. By eliminating a powerful member of the Dondarrion family, Arya could weaken the Dondarrion knights and, by extension, their influence in the realm. This strategic move was in line with her resourceful nature and her desire to protect her family and the North.
It is important to note that Arya’s feelings towards Beric evolved over time. As she grew older and encountered various hardships, Arya began to question her own beliefs and values. She learned to empathize with others, including Beric, and realized that her initial desire to kill him was driven by a mix of fear, anger, and the harsh realities of her world.
In conclusion, Arya’s motivation to kill Beric Dondarrion was a complex mix of personal vendettas, loyalty to her family, and the political landscape of the Seven Kingdoms. While her initial reasons were rooted in a desire for revenge and the protection of her family, she eventually came to understand the complexities of her actions and the world she lived in. This journey reflects the growth and maturation of Arya Stark as a character, making her one of the most compelling and memorable figures in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series.
