Game of Thrones character Syrio Forel (played by Miltos Yerolemou) has been a firm fan favourite among viewers of the HBO series ever since he made his debut in the third episode of the first season. Syrio may have only appeared in three episodes of season one but his exit has long been debated among viewers, especially as his death is never shown on-screen. One theory to emerge after Game of Thrones came to an end following season eight is that Syrio was, in fact, Faceless Man Jaqen H’ghar (Tom Wlaschiha). Now, actor Yerolemou has had his say.
Was Syrio Forel really Jaqen H’ghar all along?
Game of Thrones’ Syrio Forel may not appear beyond season one, but his impact can be felt throughout all eight series.
Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) looked up to Syrio as he was the first man to teach her how to wield a sword.
The young Stark’s battling ability all stems down to what she learned from Syrio, even when she joined the Faceless Men of Braavos later in the series.
This is where Jaqen H’ghar came into play and Arya, once again, found herself looking up to a man who was teaching her the ways of combat.
Speaking to popular GOT fansite watchersonthewall.com, Yerolemou revealed exactly what he thinks about the Syrio Forel/Jaqen H’ghar theory.
HOW MANY EMMY 2019 NOMINATIONS DID GAME OF THRONES SEASON 8 GET?
Yerolemou began: “The point is that in Arya’s mind, Syrio is very much alive,
“In the same way that Jaqen and Sandor are … and of course her father: the four people who had a very profound influence on her.”
The actor went on to say how creator David Benioff and DB Weiss “trolled” fans by including lines that could lead fans to suspect Syrio and Jaqen are the same person.
“Syrio never mentions the god of death at all in the books,” Yerolemou said.
HOW DID GOT CAST REACT TO PETITION TO HAVE SERIES REWRITTEN?
The GOT actor continued: “As far as we’re concerned with the book character he is simply a bodyguard to the king or queen of Braavos.
“But then [Benioff and Weiss] put this scene in where he directly references this religious cult.
“Of course, it feels like, ‘Everyone who thinks that he might be Jaqen H’ghar, we’ve just given you a really big hint that maybe he is.’
“I mean, that’s what it felt like,” Yerolemou added.
Yerolemou didn’t confirm, however, whether he thinks his character was the Faceless Man.
Arya clearly learned plenty from Syrio, regardless of whether he was secretly Jaqen.
Williams’ character played a major role in the final ever season of Game of Thrones, slaying the Night King (Vladimir Furdik).
She then, once again, managed to avoid death while in King’s Landing as Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) burnt the city to ashes.
Arya’s future in Westeros remains unknown as she was last seen heading west in her final moments.
Whether this could lead to an Arya spin-off series remains to be seen.
Game of Thrones season 8 is available to buy and stream on Amazon Prime now.
