The Game of Thrones TV show and the book series are full of subtle hints and foreshadowing that leave the fans and theorists wonder what will end up happening in the end-game. Some of these include: Sam being the narrator of the entire story, Varys the ‘Merman’ theory, and many more. Such is the theory of Arya Stark and Gendry ending up together as man and wife.
It’s a matter of a long-debate among many theorists and YouTubers if this would actually end up happening. Well, we believe that since the final season and the final two books are on the way, all we can do is speculate:
Hints in the TV series:
“I have a son, you have a daughter”
In the pilot episode of Season 1, the King Robert Baratheon arrives at Winterfell to name Eddard Stark his hand. He visits the Crypts of Winterfell and mourns for his betrothed Lyanna Stark and says to Ned, “If your sister had lived, we would have been bound by blood… well, it’s not too late…I have a son, you have a daughter, we’ll join our houses.”
In reality, Robert had no trueborn sons and all of his bastard children except Gendry (along with Edric Storm in the books.) are dead. So, it’s highly probable that we will see the only surviving heir of House Baratheon marrying Arya in the final season.
“I can be your family”
Gendry, Arya, and Hot Pie, who break out of Harrenhal with the help of Jaqen H’ghar, come across the Brotherhood without Banners. Hot Pie finds a living serving as a baker at and an inn, while the other two continue their journey with the brotherhood.
Arya begins learning archery with Anguy, while Gendry works as a blacksmith, helping the brotherhood with their armour and weaponry. In the fifth episode of the third season, they both argue over whether to continue with the Brotherhood or not. Arya wants Gendry to go North with her, to serve Robb Stark’s cause. But, he disagrees and says that he’s done with serving people.
“These men are brothers. They’re a family…I’ve never had a family,” he says.
“I can be your family,” says Arya.
“You wouldn’t be my family. You’d be ‘my lady’,” Gendry replies.
So, we can expect this two-minute-scene to pay-off in the final season as now that all major characters in the story are coming together, bringing a major reunion at Winterfell. If keenly observed, the ‘Stark theme’ playing in the background can also be heard, which was played a number of times when reunions took place – whether it’s Jon and Sansa, Bran and Sansa, or Arya and Sansa.
Hints in the Books:
Arya’s first P.O.V. Chapter
A YouTuber named Bridge4 pointed out that it is foreshadowed in the very first P.O.V. chapter of Arya. While she is learning sewing with Sansa and the other ladies of Winterfell, Septa Mordane praises Sansa’s work and comments,
“Arya has the hands of a blacksmith.”
This is a subtle hint of Arya connecting with the blacksmith in the show, none other than Gendry of House Baratheon.
Arya and Gendry as friends
In the books as well, Arya, Gendry, and Hot Pie’s meeting with the Brotherhood happen in a similar fashion, except a dialogue of Gendry. In a Storm of Swords, trying to protect Arya, Gendry confronts the Brotherhood and says,
“She’s not alone.”
Another instance is when Yoren’s party to the Wall get captured by Lannister men. Yoren is killed. Gendry and others are captured, apart from Arya, who later realises that she cares for her friend. While trying to save Gendry, she gets captured too.
Two hearts that beat as one
“Two hearts that beat as one” is a song sung in the books. For the first time, it is sung by Tom Sevenstrings, a singer in the brotherhood at Peach in the Stoney Sept. Arya and Gendry share glances and smile upon this. Another instance is when it is sung by Mance Rayder present at the wedding of Ramsay Bolton and “fake Arya”- Jeyne Poole (Sansa in the show).
With the reference of Arya in the two instance where this song is sung makes it probable that she and Gendry will end up together.
When Arya becomes possessive for Gendry
During one of the journeys of the two, they happen to be in a brothel. Some men there try to bother Arya. Gendry protects her by telling them, “She’s my sister. Leave her be.”
Arya doesn’t like being called Gendry’s sister. She angrily replies, “Why did you say that? You’re not my brother.”
Gendry possibly understands that she has a crush on him and tries to tease her by saying that he’ll sleep with one of the girls in the brothel. This upsets Arya. In her another P.O.V., she angrily tells Gendry to go back to the brothel, which clearly shows her jealousy and possessiveness towards him.
Beyond the books and the series:
We already know that George RR Martin has suggested a bitter-sweet ending for Game of Thrones. We can’t entirely figure out what ending would that be? Which characters will die and who will survive in the end game of the series? But, one thing is probable that many characters will end up becoming something they never wanted from life – Jon a king, Daenerys losing claim to the Iron Throne, and who knows, even Arya would have to settle down as a lady after she cuts off all the names from her ‘kill-list’.
And, who would be a better suitor for her than Gendry, the last living heir to House Baratheon?
So, what do you think would be the end-game for Arya’s character in the series? Tell us in the comments.
