Mary Allen
Introduction: The Controversial Demise of the Hound
In the final season of Game of Thrones, one of the most controversial scenes was the death of the Hound, Sandor Clegane. Fans were divided on whether Arya letting him die quickly was a fitting end for his character or a disappointing resolution to his arc. However, it is important to examine the motivations and themes behind Arya’s decision.
Arya’s Motivations: Understanding her Character Arc
Throughout the series, Arya has been on a journey of revenge and redemption. She witnessed the death of her father, the destruction of her family, and endured countless traumas. However, as she trained with the Faceless Men and reunited with her siblings, she began to question the validity of revenge. By the time she encountered the Hound again, she had already crossed several names off her list and realized that killing does not bring true satisfaction.
The Hound’s Redemption: How he Changed
The Hound was initially introduced as a brutal and violent character, known for his loyalty to the Lannisters and his hatred for his brother, the Mountain. However, as he traveled with Arya and later fought for the Brotherhood Without Banners, he showed moments of compassion and regret for his past actions. He even faced his fear of fire in order to save Arya from the burning building in the Battle of Winterfell. This redemption arc added complexity to his character and made his eventual death all the more poignant.