Original artwork, not a still
A Game of Thrones · 1996
Fear cuts deeper than swords.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Arya uses a remembered lesson to keep panic from deciding her actions. Fear becomes dangerous when it prevents her from noticing the next possible move.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for A Game of ThronesShow the scene
Syrio’s teaching becomes a refrain in Arya’s thoughts in A Game of Thrones. In Arya IV, while she tries to escape the Red Keep’s dangerous underground passages, she recalls his instruction and steadies herself. The novel credits the lesson to her Braavosi fencing master; it is distinct from the television “Not today” exchange.
Sources (2)
- Arya's Syrio lessons (AWOIAF chapter 50) — reference 1Arya's Syrio lessons (AWOIAF chapter 50); selected line and sceneReference checked
- Arya's Syrio lessons (AWOIAF chapter 50) — reference 2Arya's Syrio lessons (AWOIAF chapter 50); selected line and sceneReference checked
Context reviewed
