The enigmatic character of Jaqen H’ghar first appears at the conclusion of Season 1 of Game of Thrones, yet his motives and circumstances remain largely unexplained. Known for his association with the Faceless Men of Braavos, Jaqen is found among the prisoners being transported to the Wall by Yoren. However, the series leaves viewers questioning why such a skilled assassin finds himself so far from home and in a cell.
Among the myriad theories surrounding Jaqen’s presence in King’s Landing, one particularly compelling explanation suggests that he was hired by Littlefinger to execute Ned Stark. This theory posits that Jaqen’s infiltration into the Black Cells was a strategic move to reach Ned, who is imprisoned there prior to his eventual execution in the episode “Baelor.”Given Littlefinger’s ulterior motives, this theory presents a plausible scenario for Jaqen’s less-than-ordinary circumstances.
Littlefinger Hiring Jaqen H’ghar to Eliminate Ned Stark
Clarifying Jaqen’s Position in Season 1
This theory addresses several questions stemming from Jaqen’s imprisonment. If Littlefinger orchestrated this plot, it would provide a logical explanation for Jaqen’s role in the Black Cells. Littlefinger stands to lose much if Ned Stark goes to the Wall, as the Stark patriarch could expose Littlefinger’s betrayals to other lords and nobles in Westeros. With Ned’s potential execution hanging in the balance, hiring an assassin would eliminate the threat he poses to Littlefinger’s ambitions for power over the North and the Vale.
While some might argue that an arranged assassination through Jaqen fits Littlefinger’s cunning nature, one critical aspect detracts from the plausibility of this theory: financial limitations.
Challenges to the Littlefinger and Jaqen Theory
The High Cost of the Faceless Men
Despite Littlefinger’s compelling motives for wanting Ned Stark eliminated, a significant barrier exists for this theory: the hefty price associated with hiring a Faceless Man. In the books by George R.R. Martin, there is mention of the grand costs necessary to secure the services of these notorious assassins. This is underscored when Littlefinger himself advises against utilizing one for assassinating Daenerys Targaryen due to financial constraints. Such revelations illuminate the improbability of Littlefinger being able to afford Jaqen’s dark talents.
Thus, even though Littlefinger rises to prominence throughout the series, there is no direct evidence to suggest that he accumulated the wealth necessary to engage a Faceless Man, especially given that even the crown struggled with such expenses. Thus, the theory loses traction when pinned against the realities of financial limitations.
Could Jaqen H’ghar Have Had Other Intentions in King’s Landing?
Exploring Alternative Avenues for Jaqen’s Presence
While the financial aspect does weaken the viability of the Littlefinger theory, it’s important to consider other possible motives for Jaqen being in King’s Landing. Cersei Lannister, for example, harbors her own reasons for wanting Ned Stark eliminated, perhaps engaging someone wealthier than Littlefinger to ensure his demise. Additionally, Tywin Lannister may also see Jaqen’s skills as useful in achieving the goal of removing Ned as a threat to his family.
Moreover, while some fans suggest that assassins like the Faceless Men might demand a personal price instead of gold, Littlefinger’s phrasing in the series implies they primarily operate on financial compensation. Even if he had some undisclosed connection to them, it seems plausible he could have devised a more straightforward method to eliminate Ned rather than risking the involvement of a Faceless Man, indicating a likely disconnect between him and Jaqen H’ghar.
In conclusion, while the theory of Littlefinger hiring Jaqen H’ghar to assassinate Ned Stark is intriguing, financial constraints and alternative motives from other prominent characters in Westeros complicate its validity. The intricacies of power dynamics within King’s Landing make Jaqen’s true purpose a tantalizing mystery, leaving fans to speculate on the assassin’s enigmatic journey.
Source: Reddit