Valar morghulis, the phrase meaning “all men must die” in High Valyrian, is a well-known phrase in the world of Game of Thrones. In the context of changing faces, it refers to the ability of the Faceless Men, a secretive order of assassins from Braavos, to take on different identities by wearing the faces of the deceased.
The process of changing faces is a complex and mysterious one. It is not explicitly explained in the books or the show, leaving room for speculation and interpretation. However, based on the information provided in the storyline, we can deduce some details about how Valar morghulis changes his face.
Firstly, it is important to note that changing faces is a skill possessed exclusively by the Faceless Men. They are highly trained individuals who have undergone rigorous training in the House of Black and White, the headquarters of the order in Braavos. This training involves various aspects of disguise, deception, and assassination techniques.
One aspect of changing faces involves the physical alteration of one’s appearance. It is believed that the Faceless Men use a combination of magic and advanced prosthetics to achieve this transformation. The process likely involves the use of special masks or face-changing techniques that allow them to alter their facial features, such as the shape of the nose, the structure of the jawline, and even the color of their eyes. This enables them to take on the appearance of the person whose face they are wearing.
However, it is important to note that the physical transformation alone is not enough to convincingly assume someone’s identity. The Faceless Men also possess the ability to mimic the mannerisms, voices, and behavior of the person whose face they are wearing. This suggests that there is a deeper magical aspect to changing faces, allowing them to tap into the memories and experiences of the deceased and adopt their personality traits.
In the case of Valar morghulis, the specific instance you mentioned, Arya kisses him and bites the worm, which causes him to change his face into that of a nice old man. This scene implies that there might be a deeper connection between the physical transformation and the magic involved in changing faces. It suggests that the act of consuming a part of the deceased person, such as a worm, may trigger the transformation process and allow the Faceless Men to assume their identity.
While this explanation may sound fantastical, it is important to remember that Game of Thrones is a fictional world where magic and supernatural abilities exist. The precise mechanics of changing faces are intentionally left vague to maintain an air of mystery and intrigue surrounding the Faceless Men and their abilities.
The process of changing faces, as demonstrated by Valar morghulis and the Faceless Men, combines physical transformation with magical elements. The Faceless Men possess the skills to alter their facial appearance using advanced prosthetics and masks, but they also tap into the memories and mannerisms of the deceased person to convincingly assume their identity. The precise details of the process remain shrouded in mystery, allowing for interpretation and speculation within the Game of Thrones universe.