Do the Old Gods Approve of Sansa Stark?

The saga of Westeros often revolves around the characters' beliefs and allegiance to various deities, particularly the Old Gods and the Seven. Sansa Stark, a central character of A Song of Ice and Fire series, has had a complex relationship with these gods throughout the narrative. Let's delve into her journey and explore whether the Old Gods approve of Sansa.

Young Sansa and the Old Gods

From a young age, Sansa Stark was taught to revere the Old Gods. Raised in the North, under the influence of her father and the Old Gods, Sansa committed herself to their worship. The children of the North are deeply connected to the will of the gods through traditions like the warging ability, and Sansa's lineage is no different. Her direwolf, Lady, was a testament to this belief, embodying the Old Gods' connection to the Starks.

Transition to the New Gods

But as Sansa grew older, her life changed dramatically. Her mother’s influence waned, and she came to Joffrey Baratheon, the cruel and manipulated boy-king, where her faith shifted. Under his tyrannical rule, she deviated from her initial devotion and started praying to the Seven, or the New Gods. Following Joffrey’s imprisonment and torture, Sansa felt abandoned by the Seven and turned back to the Heart Tree in the godswood of the Red Keep. This shifted her religious practice, but did it mean she had forsaken the Old Gods?

Belief and Approval

Despite her journey, Sansa’s essence remained deeply rooted in the Old Gods. The A Song of Ice and Fire series underscores that characters’ beliefs can evolve with experience and adversity. GRRM (George R.R. Martin) has explicitly stated that all Stark children, including Sansa, have the potential to be wargs, a testament to the Old Gods' continued influence in their lives.

Considering Sansa’s connection to the Old Gods through her blood and her familial lineage, it seems unlikely that the Old Gods would disapprove of her. As a Northman taken to the Vale, Sansa has maintained a sense of her heritage and the Northern tradition. While she may not have continued her warging abilities, her devotion to the Old Gods remains a significant part of her character.

The Role of the Gods and Mortals

The characters in the series often question the intentions and interventions of the gods. Jaime Lannister’s cynical statement, “the gods don’t care about the mortals,” reflects the ambiguity surrounding divine will and human choices. In Westeros, it’s the actions of human characters that drive the narrative, and this is a crucial aspect of the story’s depth and complexity.

It's important to note that George R.R. Martin did not definitively confirm the existence of the gods in his books. This ambiguity is designed to add layers of interpretation and intrigue for the readers, inviting them to question and speculate about the divine and mortal realms.

Breaking Oaths

Additionally, Sansa's actions in breaking her oath with the Lannisters should be considered. Her decision to do so is a narrative turn that tests her loyalty and integrity. Whether this break in her oath affects the approval of the Old Gods is a topic of conversation among fans, but it underscores the complexity of Sansa's character and the challenges she faces.

In conclusion, while Sansa's journey has taken her through different faiths and practices, her intrinsic connection to the Old Gods persists. Fans can reasonably argue that the Old Gods would still approve of her as a Northman struggling to navigate a complex world. The story of Westeros continues to be a testament to the enduring influence of belief and tradition in the face of adversity.

Keywords: Old Gods, Westerosi Beliefs, Sansa Stark