Jaqen H'ghar (Tom Wlaschiha) is one of the most enigmatic characters in Game of Thrones. His presence is shrouded in mystery, and his motivations raise numerous questions. While he may seem like a secondary figure at first glance, his influence on Arya Stark's development—and potentially on the overall storyline of the saga — is far deeper than it appears. In this article, we will explore Jaqen H'ghar’s role in the story, his philosophy, and his impact on the series’ final outcome.
The First Encounter with Arya
Jaqen is introduced in the series as a prisoner being transported in a cage along with two other criminals. Even at this early stage, it is clear that he is unlike the typical bandit — his speech is refined, his manners polite, and he shows no fear of his fate. When Arya saves him during an ambush on the caravan, he promises her three deaths as a token of gratitude. This marks the beginning of Arya’s journey into the philosophy of the Faceless Men.
Teacher or Manipulator?
After escaping Harrenhal, Jaqen gives Arya a mysterious coin and teaches her the phrase "Valar Morghulis," thereby sending her on a path to Braavos. His role goes beyond that of a mere secondary character; he becomes crucial in Arya’s destiny. Disguised as another Faceless Man, he becomes her mentor, teaching her to kill and to erase her identity. Yet, his true intentions remain unclear: does he genuinely want to make Arya a Faceless One, or does he recognise that she cannot fully abandon her identity, and instead aims to use the skills for her personal purposes?
The Philosophy of the Faceless Men and Its Influence on Arya
The Faceless Men follow the doctrine of serving the "Many-Faced God," believing that death is a gift. They are not merely assassins but rather a religious sect with a deep, complex philosophy. As their representative, Jaqen was tasked with either breaking Arya or reshaping her worldview. In the end, he not only trains her but shapes her into a formidable player in the game of Westeros.
Jaqen’s Role in the Larger Narrative
Although it might seem that his storyline only affects Arya, his role could be more significant. The Faceless Men are an ancient organisation with influence across various parts of the world. There were theories that they might have played a role in the destruction of the Night King or in other major events, though the series never explored this possibility. Nevertheless, it is Arya who ultimately kills the Night King, and one could argue that Jaqen's training played a crucial part in that. Indirectly, yes, he contributed.
Could He Have Influenced the Series’ Conclusion?
The answer is not straightforward. Had Jaqen not steered Arya onto the path of becoming an assassin, she might not have been able to fulfil her pivotal role in the battle against the dead. However, the series leaves many questions unanswered: What were the true goals of the Faceless Men? Why were they interested in Arya? Was Jaqen acting independently, or was he fulfilling the will of the order? These questions remain unresolved.
Conclusion
Jaqen H'ghar is a character steeped in mystery, whose role in the series seems small yet significant. He influences a key character, shaping her worldview and abilities, which ultimately help alter the course of events. Still, his personal motivations and connections to larger forces remain a mystery, making him one of the most intriguing characters in Game of Thrones.
