Val the wildling

appearance

Val is a beautiful young woman with blonde hair the color of dark honey and reaching to her waist, which she sometimes wears in a golden braid across one shoulder. Val has high sharp cheekbones and eyes which appear pale grey or blue. She is slender with a full bosom. Val sometimes wears all white: white woolen breeches tucked into high boots of bleached white leather, white bearskin cloak pinned at the shoulder with a carved weirwood face, white tunic with bone fastenings. She alternatively wears white and gold beneath an ermine cloak, or a large bearskin cloak. She wields a long bone knife.

personality

Fierce Independence: Val is portrayed as fiercely independent and resourceful. She does not conform to the expectations placed upon women in more traditional societies, often asserting her autonomy and capabilities. This independence is evident in her willingness to engage in dangerous situations and her ability to navigate the treacherous political landscape among both the wildlings and the Night’s Watch. Bravery and Strength: Val demonstrates considerable bravery throughout her appearances. She is not only capable of defending herself but also takes on significant responsibilities, such as assisting Dalla during childbirth amidst chaos. Her strength is both physical, as she is described as a capable rider and fighter, and emotional, as she faces adversity with resilience. Resourcefulness: Val’s resourcefulness shines through in various situations where she must adapt quickly to changing circumstances. For instance, when she successfully negotiates peace terms with Tormund Giantbane on Jon Snow’s behalf, it highlights her strategic thinking and ability to act under pressure. Beauty and Charisma: Val’s beauty is frequently noted by other characters, which adds another layer to her personality. While this beauty attracts attention from men, including those from the Night’s Watch and Stannis’s army, it does not define her; rather, it complements her strong will and assertive nature. Cynicism Towards Authority: Val exhibits a certain level of cynicism towards authority figures, particularly those who attempt to control or manipulate her for political gain. Her interactions with Stannis Baratheon reveal her skepticism about his intentions regarding her marriage prospects as a means to unite the North with the free folk.

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Loyalty to Family: Despite her fierce independence, Val shows deep loyalty to her family, especially towards her sister Dalla. This loyalty drives some of her actions throughout the narrative, particularly when she seeks mercy for Mance Rayder after his capture. Wit and Sarcasm: Val possesses a sharp wit that often manifests in sarcastic remarks directed at those around her. This trait serves as both a defense mechanism against unwanted advances and an assertion of her identity as a wildling woman who refuses to be treated like a mere prize. Complex Relationship with Jon Snow: Her relationship with Jon Snow adds depth to her character; while there is mutual attraction between them, Val’s independence clashes with Jon’s sense of duty and honor within the Night’s Watch.

history

Background and Family Val is a prominent character in George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, specifically known as a member of the Free Folk, often referred to as wildlings. She is the sister of Dalla, who is married to Mance Rayder, the King-beyond-the-Wall. This familial connection places Val in a significant position within the wildling community, as she is closely associated with one of their most influential leaders.

key events in life

Relationship with Jarl Initially, Val has a romantic relationship with Jarl, a wildling raider whom Mance Rayder refers to as her “latest pet.” This relationship showcases Val’s ability to form connections while also highlighting her independence; she does not rely on men for validation or support. The Battle Beneath the Wall During the conflict between Stannis Baratheon’s forces and the wildlings at the Wall, Val plays a crucial role by assisting Dalla during childbirth amidst chaos. After Dalla dies during childbirth, Val finds herself captured when the wildlings are defeated by Stannis’s army. Stannis’s Offer Following her capture, Stannis Baratheon sees potential in Val as a means to unite the North and Free Folk against common threats. He offers to legitimize Jon Snow (who becomes Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch) as Jon Stark and proposes that he marry Val to solidify this alliance. However, Jon refuses this offer despite his growing bond with Val. Life at Castle Black After being taken prisoner by Stannis’s forces, Val becomes an object of fascination for many men at Castle Black due to her beauty and status among the Free Folk. Despite being confined to quarters under guard, she exhibits resilience and determination; she even attempts an escape at one point. Mission for Peace Jon Snow eventually sends Val on a diplomatic mission to negotiate peace terms with Tormund Giantbane after recognizing her capabilities beyond mere beauty. Her successful return from this mission earns Jon’s respect and further establishes her role as more than just a captive but rather an important figure in bridging relations between different factions.

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Interactions with Other Characters Throughout her time at Castle Black, Val interacts with various characters including Samwell Tarly and Selyse Florent. These interactions reveal different perceptions of her character; while some see her merely as a beautiful woman needing protection or control, others recognize her strength and capability. Future Prospects As events unfold in “A Dance with Dragons,” it becomes clear that Val remains an important figure within both wildling culture and broader political machinations involving Stannis Baratheon’s ambitions in Westeros.