Valar morghulis

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Arya Stark slit the throat of the guard at Harrenhal's postern gate, she whispers Valar Morghulis as he dies - © Tim Tsang

Valar Morghulis translates to all men must die in High Valyrian.[1] It is a customary saying in Essos, and is traditionally answered with "Valar Dohaeris."[2]

Jaqen H'ghar teaches Arya these words when he departs and gives her a small coin.[3] Although he does not explain the meaning to her (nor does anybody else) she begins to use the words in her "prayer" of people she wants dead.[4][5][6][7][8]

Just before fleeing Harrenhal with Gendry and Hot Pie Arya Stark slits the throat of the guard at the postern gate, she whispers Valar Morghulis as he dies.

Later she says the words to Ternesio Terys, the captain of the Titan's Daughter. He replies with "Valar Dohaeris" and offers her passage to Braavos.[9]

In Braavos Arya goes to the temple of the Many-Faced God and she says the words at the closed doors and they open.[10]

References and Notes