(SPOILER ALERT: Game of Thrones, Season 8, Episode 3)

If you watched Game of Thrones, Episode Three (4/28/2019), you know that little Arya Stark killed the big, bad Night King. If you haven’t watched the episode, but plan to see it at a later date, Dr. Lynn would like to recall the message in the first sentence. Sorry. While Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen are perfecting their skills for the annual GoT dragon-riding airshow, Arya is on the ground and jumps into the fray.

Though initially swept off her feet by the icy villain, Arya quickly performs some impressive ambidextrous dagger tricks, and inserts the blade with passion and steely Valyrian precision. As scary guy falls to the ground in a million pieces of Sonic Drive-In pellet ice, the show switches briefly from Game of Thrones to a game of dominos and his entire army of followers (who have previously been as hard to kill as noxious weeds) also crumple and crumble and fall. The White Walkers walk no more. (Brief political side-note prediction: Winners are coming, and they are not white nationalists, white separatists, white supremacists, etc.)

I am writing this reflection in my office the morning after the epic Battle at Winterfell. I find myself also faced with an epic decision. Do I grade papers, review tomorrow’s lecture notes, or do a bit more research on why Arya was chosen to kill the frosty fiend? Well, that wasn’t difficult. Quinn Keaney, an entertainment journalist, suggests why Arya was the perfect choice to destroy the cold-hearted enemy:

“Most simply, she's been training for this ever since she witnessed her father's head get chopped off in King's Landing. Arya has dedicated the better part of her life to becoming capable and strong enough to finally defend not only herself, but her family. Sure, Cersei is still on her list, but this is one more step toward righting the wrongs against her family. She's small and therefore easily underestimated, both of which she uses to her advantage in this moment.”

Great points! And now, back to the title of this reflection. Arya Stark reminds me of Addyson and Milly Lynn, our granddaughters. (I will save a future reflection for their younger brother, Zack, who brings to mind Drogon, Dany’s beloved dragon. Zack frequently launches off the couch, flying fearlessly through the air, fired up to defend his loved ones.)

Arya, Addyson, Milly, and millions of young girls just like them, are training to save humanity from inhumanity. Just like Arya, they hold strong convictions about how people, all people, should be treated. They have set their hearts to right the wrongs about them. They are learning from their own personal adversities, courageously caring for others, being true to themselves, following their own unique interests, working hard to hone their skills, and always loving their family. They can be light-heartedly mischievous, melt you with their smile, but also bring firm, focused, serious resolve to their mission.

Arya, Addyson, Milly, and (you fill in the next name and the next and the next) are strong girls who should never be underestimated. May we believe in them, give them the tools they need when they are young, encourage them to follow their hearts and pursue their destinies. May we never doubt that they are strong enough to wield the heavy sword of justice and smart enough to deliver the death dagger to death-givers. Give your best to the brave little girls in your life. They are saving the world.