5 Game of Thrones Theories About Why Jaqen H’ghar Was Really In King’s Landing

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In the world of “Game of Thrones”, Jaqen H’ghar significantly features in Arya Stark’s narrative. However, the show fails to clarify why Jaqen was imprisoned in King’s Landing initially. Arya first encounters Jaqen while escaping King’s Landing with Yoren and other Night’s Watch recruits. At this point, she doesn’t recognize him as a member of the Faceless Men. It isn’t until season 2 that Arya discovers Jaqen’s unique abilities when she rescues him, an act which incurs his debt and leads him to promise to eliminate three people on her behalf.

Following our encounter at Harrenhal, Jaqen Handsome bestowed upon me a mysterious coin, promising safe passage to the enigmatic city of Braavos – a journey I’d soon embark on. In Braavos, I found myself at the House of Black and White, where I began my training as an apprentice with the enigmatic Faceless Men.

The world of ‘Game of Thrones’ leaves many mysteries about the Faceless Men unresolved, but one of the most intriguing questions that lingers is why Jaqen found himself in King’s Landing.

Many dedicated fans have put forth some fascinating theories to shed light on Jaqen’s unexpected encounter with me, speculating that he may have been sent there to carry out a deadly mission – none more enticing than the theory that his true objective was to eliminate my own father.

5. Littlefinger Hired Jaqen H’ghar To Kill Ned Stark

This Would Explain Why He Was A Prisoner In King’s Landing

According to one Reddit theory, it’s plausible that Jaqen H’ghar was in King’s Landing with the intent to assassinate Eddard Stark. This theory suggests that Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger) orchestrated Ned’s murder to prevent him from revealing Baelish’s betrayal to Catelyn Stark. Initially, Cersei Lannister had planned to send Ned to the Wall, allowing him to contact or see his family in time. However, if Ned survived and exposed Baelish’s treachery, it would hinder Baelish’s plans to manipulate the North and its allies. Moreover, Littlefinger has ties to Braavos, as his ancestors originated from there, and due to his business with the Iron Bank.

In the first season of “Game of Thrones,” it becomes clear why Jaqen was present – he was hired to assassinate Ned Stark and needed to infiltrate the Black Cells to reach him after his arrest. It’s plausible that an assassin like Jaqen wouldn’t be captured or detained against his will, but if one of his targets were imprisoned at King’s Landing, it might have been a calculated risk for him to get caught. Joffrey’s decision to execute Ned Stark could have thrown a wrench in Jaqen’s mission, possibly leaving him behind bars until Arya managed to help free him.

4. Robert Or Varys Hired Jaqen H’ghar To Get Rid Of Daenerys Targaryen

They Wanted To Assassinate Her In Game Of Thrones Season 1

In the first season of “Game of Thrones,” Robert Baratheon closely monitored Daenerys and Viserys Targaryen. He assigned Varys with the mission to eliminate Daenerys. Since none of their assassination attempts were successful, it’s plausible that Varys hired Jaqen H’ghar to take care of Daenerys on behalf of Robert. This might account for why he was in King’s Landing instead of Braavos during season 1. However, something must have gone awry if he wound up in the Black Cells — and eventually ventured toward the North, a direction opposite from where Daenerys was located.

In the story of “A Song of Ice and Fire,” it’s possible that theories suggesting Jaqen’s purpose in King’s Landing are not fully accurate. Interestingly, Robert Baratheon proposed the idea of using the Faceless Men to accomplish certain tasks. However, this plan was deemed expensive, leading some to speculate that Varys discouraged Robert from pursuing it because he didn’t want Daenerys to meet her end. Throughout “Game of Thrones,” Varys often played both sides, and his conflicting interests with Robert could have resulted in Jaqen’s current situation.

3. Syrio Forel & Jaqen H’ghar Were The Same Person All Along

Game Of Thrones Never Showed Syrio’s Death

One intriguing hypothesis as to why Jaqen H’ghar was in the Black Cells of King’s Landing is that he and Arya Stark’s dancing master, Syrio Forel, were actually one and the same person. This notion has been brought up on Reddit multiple times, stemming from the fact that Syrio’s death wasn’t explicitly shown on-screen in the series. Although it’s suggested that Meryn Trant killed him after Arya fled, the absence of a body leaves room for speculation: he could have survived or, more intriguingly, assumed another identity. The show didn’t explore this possibility, but fans have been eager to debate it.

If Syrio had been captured and sent to the Black Cells, he might have disguised himself to dodge a more severe penalty than being exiled to the Wall. However, considering that Cersei’s soldiers mostly killed those serving the Starks, this seems improbable. Yet, it’s intriguing to consider that Syrio could secretly be Jaqen, Arya’s swordmaster from Braavos. This hidden connection would enrich Arya’s storyline both in the series and the books.

2. Jaqen Was Hired To Kill Someone At The Night’s Watch

Being Transported As A Prisoner Would Be A Safer Way To Travel

It seems most logical that Jaqen’s intended victim is in the Black Cells of King’s Landing; however, there’s a chance he was hired to eliminate someone at the Night’s Watch instead. This theory could account for why he agreed to be imprisoned and journey with Yoren. As a Reddit user points out, traveling alongside Yoren and his conscripts might have been the most secure and hassle-free route to Castle Black without getting entangled in the conflicts on the Kingsroad. Furthermore, blending in with such a large group would have made him less conspicuous upon arrival.

One Reddit theory suggests that perhaps someone discovered Jon Snow was a Targaryen and sent Jaqen H’ghar after him for this reason, but such a revelation seems unlikely to have been left unmentioned in the series. However, being a prisoner while traveling with Yoren might not have been Jaqen’s only option to reach the Night’s Watch; he may have found alternative ways to join the group without being incarcerated himself. It’s also improbable that Jaqen would have needed to assume the identity of one of King’s Landing’s most dangerous criminals, risking transportation in a cage for it.

1. He Was Caught & Imprisoned On A Mission Unrelated To Game Of Thrones’ Main Story

This Explanation Is Fitting For ASOIAF’s World

There are numerous theories about why Jaqen H’ghar was in King’s Landing, but many viewers believe he was merely caught red-handed doing something forbidden. Although the Faceless Men possess great power, they aren’t invincible. Given that George R.R. Martin’s world is known for showing even the strongest and smartest characters making mistakes, this theory isn’t without merit.

It’s quite unusual for someone like Jaqen H’ghar and the Faceless Men to end up in prison as a means to accomplish their usual tasks. The only instance where being imprisoned purposefully fits is when Jaqen intends to assassinate someone who’s already behind bars. Unfortunately, the show “Game of Thrones” doesn’t delve deeper into his initial mission, leaving viewers curious about what it could have been.

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2025-04-19 06:58