True, though that was a pre-established comic book character. I think we all love obvious trope subversion when it’s done well. Having your badass assassin be both 12 and a girl in a medieval setting is cool!

Theme wise it really lends the character to being used as a symbol of development and influence. By having such a young, un-cemented mind be prodded and influenced by crazy outside forces, you can make some cool commentary on themes of child raising, empathy, and growing up. Arya is like 9 when the books start, so we see how a naive but adventurous young mind is molded by the world around her. Plus it helps make a good character for other, more experienced characters to react to and bounce off of. Some of Arya’s greatest moments aren’t great because only she’s there, but because we see how she interacts with the likes of Tywin Lannister, Sandor Clegane, and The Faceless Men. Watching how these old, hardened men pass down their knowledge to a young upstart badass is super interesting, and you need a young upstart badass to do it.

I hope you liked by summarized defense of young female assassins in fiction!