Matching 50 Game of Thrones characters with 50 European countries

Serbia: Arya Stark

Arya is one of the most well-loved characters on Game of Thrones. Even when she’s chopping up bad guys into pies, we can’t help but root for her.

Arya is quick on her feet, training first by mimicking her brothers, then with Syrio Forel at the Red Keep, and finally (and most intensely) at the House of Black and White in Braavos. She’s very skilled with a sword and even fights Brienne of Tarth to a standstill.

In our world, the southeastern European country of Serbia is known for tennis players like legendary athlete Novak Djokovic. While playing tennis is decidedly not the same thing as sword fighting, the skill set sort of aligns. Both sports require agility and hand-eye coordination, things Arya has in spades. Were Arya living in modern Europe, she could very well trade in Needle for a racket and have similar success.

Also of interest: Serbia has a long history with vampires. Indeed, the country is responsible for popularizing the term “vampire.” Like these agents of death, Arya, too, deals out bloody comeuppance to those who stand in her way. She might not be drinking blood, but she isn’t afraid to take the lives of those she feels are in the wrong.