Kojja Mo

appearance and character

Kojja is slender, and is taller than Samwell Tarly. She has smooth skin, as black as polished jet. She has extremely white teeth. Kojja captains the Cinnamon Wind's red archers, and is an expert marksman with her double-curved goldenheart bow. She is able to speak at least the Summer and Common Tongues.

story

Kojja serves as the translator for the crew of the Cinnamon Wind while Samwell Tarly and Maester Aemon and Gilly travel aboard the ship. While Gilly is initially afraid of Kojja's appearance due to her sheltered upbringing, she soon discovers she is a good person, and trusts her with her baby. Kojja loves to bounce him upon her knee and sing to him in the Summer Tongue. Kojja shoots a dozen pirates who try to board the Cinnamon Wind near the Stepstones on their journey to Oldtown. At Maester Aemon's funeral aboard the ship, Kojja translates Sam's eulogy for the rest of the crew. After the funeral, the Summer Islanders drink rum and have sex to honor the dead. Kojja would have gone with Xhondo Dhoru, but instead she takes care of the baby, to give Gilly and Sam a chance to be intimate. The next day, Sam avoids Gilly over the shame of breaking his Night's Watch vows, until Xhondo drags him to Kojja. She confronts Sam on the matter, and threatens to put him off the ship unless he goes to Gilly. Kojja tells Sam that he honored the dead and the gods with their lovemaking, and that Gilly is aware she cannot marry him, but only wants his companionship for a time. As the Cinnamon Wind travels through the Redwyne Straits, Kojja Mo has her archers shoot at an ironborn longship that approaches the ship, and it veers away. When they approach Oldtown, the captain of the Huntress boards the ship with six knights and asks to inspect the holds. Quhuru Mo confers with his daughter before allowing them to do so. When Sam leaves the ship at Oldtown, Kojja tells him that they will stay in port as long as necessary to sell their cargo and restock, but that Gilly can stay aboard as long as she likes.

personality

Strength and Competence Kojja is portrayed as an expert marksman, skilled in archery with her double-curved goldenheart bow. This proficiency not only highlights her physical capabilities but also signifies her role as a protector of her ship and crew. During critical moments, such as when pirates attempt to board the Cinnamon Wind, she demonstrates quick thinking and bravery by successfully defending against them. Compassionate Nature Despite her formidable skills, Kojja also possesses a nurturing side. She forms a bond with Gilly and shows kindness towards her by caring for Gilly’s baby. This maternal instinct is evident when she sings to the child in the Summer Tongue, indicating her warmth and ability to connect emotionally with others. Cultural Perspective on Love Kojja’s views on love are notably progressive compared to those of many characters from Westeros. She openly expresses that there is no shame in loving and challenges Samwell Tarly’s internal conflict regarding his feelings for Gilly. Her perspective reflects a more liberated attitude towards relationships, emphasizing that love should be celebrated rather than shamed. Directness and Assertiveness Kojja is straightforward in her communication, particularly when addressing Sam’s hesitations about his relationship with Gilly. She confronts him directly about his feelings and urges him to embrace his desires rather than hide from them. This assertiveness showcases her confidence and willingness to speak truthfully about matters often considered taboo. Cultural Identity As a Summer Islander, Kojja embodies the values of her culture which celebrates life, love, and freedom from oppressive norms. Her statements about the nature of their gods suggest a belief system that embraces beauty and joy rather than guilt or shame.

quotes

All you Westerosi make a shame of loving. There is no shame in loving. If your septons say there is, your seven gods must be demons. In the isles we know better. Our gods gave us legs to run with, noses to smell with, hands to touch and feel. What mad cruel god would give a man eyes and tell him he must forever keep them shut, and never look at all the beauty in the world? Only a monster god, a demon of the darkness. She knows the words you said. She is a child in some ways, but she is not blind. She knows why you wear the black, why you go to Oldtown. She knows she cannot keep you. She wants you for a little while, is all. She lost her father and her husband, her mother and her sisters, her home, her world. All she has is you, and the babe. So you go to her, or swim.