Original artwork, not a still
What do we say to the god of death? Not today.
— Game of Thrones · 2011
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Syrio's creed is a call-and-response: death is the one god, and the answer to him is refusal. For Arya it becomes a lifelong mantra, and it is the courage that pays off years later at the Battle of Winterfell when she answers a god of death with the same two words. Fans quote it as a defiant answer to anything that feels like the end.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Game of ThronesShow the scene
In "The Pointy End" (Game of Thrones, season 1, episode 8, aired June 5, 2011; written by George R. R. Martin), Ned Stark has been arrested and Ser Meryn Trant of the Kingsguard arrives with Lannister guards to seize Arya. Syrio Forel, her Braavosi dancing master, refuses to hand her over and, armed only with a wooden training sword, disables the guards before Trant breaks his weapon in two. Syrio asks Arya what we say to the god of death, and she answers "Not today". He then tells her to run, and she flees while Syrio stays to face Trant.
Sources (3)
- Wikiquote: Game of Thrones/Season 1'The Pointy End' [1.08] sectionReference checked
- Wikipedia: The Pointy EndInfoboxReference checked
- Game of Thrones Wiki: Syrio ForelBiography and quoteReference checked
Context reviewed
