Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is the Faceless Men's creed and a farewell in one: the Braavosi greeting that tells you death comes for everyone, answered with "valar dohaeris", all men must serve. Jaqen hands it to Arya as a key, and it becomes the thread of her story from here. Fans quote it as the show's grimmest sign-off, and it works as the series' own motto: nobody on this map is safe.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Game of ThronesShow the scene
The tenth episode of Game of Thrones season two, which aired on 3 June 2012, takes its title from the phrase. On the road in the Riverlands, Arya Stark, Gendry and Hot Pie meet Jaqen H'ghar, who has been waiting for them after the events at Harrenhal. He offers to take Arya to Braavos and teach her his skills, but she turns him down because she wants to find her family. Jaqen gives her a small iron coin and the words "Valar morghulis", to be spoken to any man from Braavos if she ever needs to find him again. He says goodbye using her true name, then changes his face as he walks away.
Sources (3)
- Game of Thrones wiki: Valar Morghulis (episode)Synopsis, In the RiverlandsReference checked
- Wikipedia: Valar MorghulisLead and plotReference checked
- Game of Thrones wiki: Valar DohaerisBehind the scenesReference checked
Context reviewed
