From their morning ritual to them being responsible for the doom of Valyria, some Game of Thrones fans might not be aware of these book facts.
Arya and Jaqen in the Hall of Faces and blinded Arya and the Waif
House of the Dragon, like Game of Thrones, is a richly-textured series, and it does a great deal to flesh out the details of its world. Although the Faceless Men have yet to make an appearance just yet, they are still a looming presence, and it is most likely that they will play at least some part once the Dance of the Dragons begins in earnest.
While Game of Thrones reveals some important elements of this very secretive group of assassins, it also keeps much information back from the viewer. It will be interesting to how the House of the Dragon writers will incorporate them into the show and whether they will change anything about the Faceless Men that is only revealed in Martin’s books.
10. There Are Almost No Formal Religious Services For The Faceless Men
One of the most notable things about the Faceless Men is that they are the servants of an actual religious faith. However, unlike other religions in the world of Game of Thrones–such as, for example, the Faith of the Seven–there are almost no formal religious services.
This gives the Faceless Men a rather sinister and enigmatic aura. They are a group that is far more invested in the inner life of the spirit than in the outer trappings (which may help to explain why people hold them in such awe).
9. The Faceless Men’s Price Is Always Within The Means Of Those Who Hire Them
It’s no secret that the Faceless Men are a group of paid assassins. Although their murders are, of course, a part of their religious faith, they also charge for their dealing in death.
What is important to recognize, however, is that they only charge as much as they think a person can adequately pay. This makes sense since, if murder is a form of sacrament, then they would want to make sure that it was as accessible to as many as possible. It is, it must be said, a remarkably egalitarian approach to their craft.
8. Only A Few Faceless Men Have Been Women
Although there are many great female characters in Game of Thrones, this doesn’t always extend to the Faceless Men. Like so many other places in Martin’s fictional universe, women seem to be something of an afterthought when it comes to serving as Faceless Men.
This isn’t to say that there are no such servants, obviously. However, it does allow fans to see why it is so significant that Arya seems poised to become one of their members in the books, and it may help to explain why she ultimately abandons the Faceless Men in the television adaptation.
7.The Faceless Men Must Be Unfamiliar With The Target In Order To Take On An Assignment
Any viewer of the series knows that there are many deaths on Game of Thrones. Many of these are wrenching precisely because the viewer has been led to feel as if they know the characters themselves.
For the Faceless Men, on the other hand, it is absolutely essential that an assassin does not know or be familiar with the target that they take on. It’s easy to see why they would impose this particular requirement, as it would allow them to undertake their assignment without the distractions that would arise as a result of familiarity (let alone affection).
6. The Faceless Men Prefer Not To Be Seen By Their Target
Given that they are so skilled in the arts of death, it comes as no surprise that the Faceless Men have their own system for how they want these deaths to be meted out. Among other things, it is an article of faith that it is best for the intended target not to see them before they strike.
Their efforts to remain unknown is a great part of what makes the Faceless Men so feared among those who inhabit Martin’s world. Because they can strike at almost any time, they become a very potent threat by those who want to employ their services.
5.Some Memories From Dead Faces Might Infiltrate Their Consciousness
Though it might be one of the best locations in Game of Thrones, there are still some notably disturbing things about Braavos. One of these is the cabinets of faces that exist in the catacombs of the House of Black and White. They are, of course, key to the Faceless Men and their ability to transform into others.
What book readers know, however, is that the memories of the person who the f
ace originally belonged to sometimes infiltrate the consciousness of the person wearing it. This most often occurs during the first time that they do so.
4.The Faceless Men Originated In The Slave Mines Of Valyria
For a very long time, Valyria was one of the most powerful nations in Martin’s world, capable of producing many wonders (including the many swords made of Valyrian steel). However, they were also notorious for their use of enslaved people, and it was this institution that gave birth to the Faceless Men.
Book readers know that the cult originated in the mines when a man (who has no name) gave the gift of death to one of his the enslaved individuals. From there, it began to spread to the upper reaches of Valyrian society.
3. The Faceless Men May Have Caused The Doom Of Valyria
The Doom of Valyria from Once the Faceless Men emerged from the mines of Valyria, they came to play an increasingly important role in the affairs of the realm as a whole. Given just how jealous the Valyrians were of their power, it’s not surprising to find that many of the great and powerful decided to use these trained assassins against one another.
However, it’s entirely possible that, in doing so, they unwittingly brought about their own downfall. There are some who speculate that there were too many mages being assassinated by the Faceless Men, which led to the series of volcanic explosions which culminated in the Doom.
2.The Faceless Men Pray At Morning And Evening
Though they lack specific religious rituals, this isn’t to say that there aren’t a number of shared events in which the Faceless Men participate. Most importantly, there are a series of prayers that are observed in the morning and evening.
Though seemingly minor, it’s easy to see why this would be a key part of their daily existence. It is a reminder both to the Faceless Men and to those who come to worship and find peace at the House of Black and White that there is a larger purpose to what they do.
1.Blind Acolytes Are Common In The House Of Black And White
Once Arya goes to Braavos, she quickly tries to get accepted into the House of Black and White. Her ambition, of course, is to train as an assassin so that she can kill those who wronged her family.
At one point, she becomes blind during her service. Though disconcerting for her, blindness is actually quite common among the acolytes of the House of Black and White. In Arya’s case, of course, this ends up being a temporary measure, but it does at least serve the purpose of heightening her other senses.
