Was Arya Stark Gender Fluid?

Arya Stark is a beloved character from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its adaptation, Game of Thrones. While Arya does not explicitly identify as genderfluid, her character embodies traits associated with nonconformity to traditional gender norms. Fans and scholars have interpreted her journey as one of gender exploration, but interpretations vary, and there is no definitive answer regarding her identity. Ultimately, Arya's character challenges traditional notions of gender and highlights the complexity of identity in a patriarchal society.

Nontraditional Gender Roles in ASOIAF and GoT

This is a perfectly legitimate interpretation from a literary standpoint. Anyone who claims she is clearly cis is just as reductive as someone who insists she is clearly nonbinary or clearly gay. Arya is not clearly anything. Nontraditional gender roles are an extremely common theme throughout A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones. We see various queer identities and characters who challenge gender norms in complex ways:

Gays and lesbians Eunuchs who are asexual and those who love women Cis women who fight better than most men Cis men with the fortitude of little girls

And then there is Arya - a girl who would rather do the things a boy would do. During the series, Arya briefly takes on the appearance of a boy for her safety, returns to being a girl as Tywin’s servant, then becomes essentially the Hound's son, and ultimately becomes "no one", a term that has been interpreted as gender fluid before finally going back to being Arya. Throughout her journey, Arya continues to defy gender norms, killing with bloodthirsty ferocity and sleeping with Gendry, who is as masculine as they come. Her final reveal as the 'Prince or Princess - the phrase is ambiguous in Old Valyrian, after all' - fulfills a prophecy but remains ambiguous in terms of her gender.

The Complexity of Arya's Identity

So, what is the answer? There is none. Arya defies all gender stereotypes. While she is attracted to men, does anyone doubt that she would sleep with a woman if she fancied her? She simply refuses to be defined by gender norms and expectations. Although she does not reject her gender explicitly, she rejects what society expects of her based on her gender. In another era, might she have preferred to be called 'they'? Quite possibly! However, in Westeros, that was not an option where individuals were imprisoned and tortured for the supposed crime of 'buggery'. Thus, Arya was simply herself, her own person, and she found a place we can all be so lucky to find.

The Debate: Clear Definitions or Nuanced Interpretation?

The discussion around Arya's gender identity is a perfect example of the broader debate in modern media: should we seek clear, definitive answers or embrace the nuanced, complex nature of human identity? Arya's character is a powerful example of the complexity of identity in a highly patriarchal society, offering viewers and readers a chance to reflect on their own assumptions and preconceptions about gender and identity.

Closing Thoughts

Ultimately, Arya Stark challenges us to think beyond binary definitions of gender and to recognize the fluidity and complexity of human identity. While she does not explicitly identify as genderfluid, her journey throughout the series is a testament to the struggle for identity and the fight against gender norms. Arya's character invites us to celebrate the diversity of human experience and the richness of our understanding of gender.