Follow
George R. R. Martin’s universe might be filled with unjust, cruel, and bloody events, yet there’s a bit of wonder in all this chaos. One of the few heart melting stories is the strong connection between members of the Stark family and their kindred animal, the direwolf. Therefore, in Season 7, Episode 2, the TV show serves audiences with a hint of affection when Arya reunites with her Nymeria Direwolf briefly and heart-shattering.
George R. R. Martin Did Confess in the Past that He Intends to Use the Pack of Giant Wolves for a Grand Plot
However, Martin did reveal in the past the destiny of these creatures. Therefore, Nymeria might not be gone for good just yet. The two beings that are bound to each other haven’t seen one another since Season 1. This was when Arya decided that her spirit animal would be better off without her life threatening experiences and took different paths.
However, the books give us extra information on how strong this relationship is in reality. The little Stark girl kept having dreams where she communicates with Nymeria. On top of that, she has skin-changing experiences, but also merely in the land of fantasies as well.
However, the main hint about Nymeria Direwolf’s destiny came right from George R. R. Martin himself. Back in 2014, the writer ended his confession that he doesn’t like to reveal things before the books or movies with reference to a giant pack of wolves and that he intends to use this fictional edge for a giant plot twist as well.
“You don’t hang a giant wolf pack on the wall unless you intend to use it.”
Arya Might Take Her Reunion with Nymeria Direwolf as a Sign to Return Home to Her Own Pack
However, in the “Stormborn” episode, Arya and her kindred creature do meet. Nonetheless, Nymeria is now a queen herself over a pack of wolves that listen to her no matter how hungry they are. While the giant direwolf decided to turn her back on the Stark girl, she doesn’t allow any of her subjects to touch the child.
In the end, Arya whispers that “It’s not her.” She didn’t mean that she didn’t recognize Nymeria, but that it’s not like her to lose her independence. We know another Game of Thrones character who also fits this description (hint hint).
However, Nymeria might have done enough with just such a short reunion. She reminded Arya, better than Hot Pie ever could, that she still has a family like a pack of wolves where she belongs. Therefore, she postponed her ardent vengeance just to follow in Nymeria’s footsteps and see her family again. On top of that, Nymeria might come back only to save the life of the first member of her pack.
Image source: IMDB
