The Doctor Who two-part episode, “The Girl Who Died” and “The Woman Who Lived,” introduced a compelling character who resonated deeply with fans: Ashildr. Played with captivating nuance by Maisie Williams, Ashildr began as a spirited Viking girl, only to be irrevocably changed by an encounter with the Doctor. This transformation turned her into “Me,” an immortal being destined to walk a lonely path through history, becoming a poignant reflection of the Doctor himself.
Ashildr’s Transformation: From Viking Girl to Immortal Woman
Initially presented as a brave but reckless young Viking woman, Ashildr stood out for her vivid imagination and headstrong nature. She yearned for stories and recognition, even crafting puppet shows to entertain her village. When the Mire, a formidable alien race, threatened her people, Ashildr’s courage, albeit fueled by youthful folly, led her to confront them. Tragically, her bravery resulted in her death. However, the Doctor, burdened by guilt and driven by a desperate need to rectify his perceived mistake, used Mire technology to revive her, inadvertently granting her immortality. This act of salvation became a double-edged sword. Ashildr, reborn as “Me,” was now cursed to witness the relentless march of time, the fleeting lives of mortals, and the slow erosion of her own humanity as memories faded and emotions dulled.
A Mirror to the Doctor: Parallels and Contrasts
Ashildr’s immortal existence serves as a powerful mirror to the Doctor’s own timeless journey. Both characters are burdened by longevity, witnessing countless lives begin and end, accumulating experiences that stretch beyond human comprehension. Like the Doctor, Ashildr is forced to leave people behind, to watch civilizations rise and fall, and to grapple with the weight of centuries. This shared experience creates an unexpected bond, a silent understanding between two beings who exist outside the normal flow of time.
However, while the Doctor regenerates, constantly changing his face and personality yet retaining a core identity, Ashildr remains physically unchanged, her immortality a static state. This difference highlights a crucial aspect of the Doctor’s character: his constant renewal allows him to adapt and maintain a connection to the universe, while Ashildr risks becoming detached and jaded by the endless passage of time. She observes the Doctor’s characteristic tendency to flee from the aftermath of his actions, noting his long trail of abandoned lives. Ashildr becomes a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of immortality, a path the Doctor himself treads with a mixture of wonder and weariness. The Doctor, recognizing this unsettling reflection, understands the inherent danger in their shared condition, uttering the poignant line, “People like us, we go on too long, we forget what matters… the last thing we need is each other.”
Humanity as an Anchor: The Importance of Mortality
Despite their shared immortality, it is humanity that becomes the crucial point of divergence and connection for both Ashildr and the Doctor. Ordinary humans, with their brief but vibrant lives, serve as anchors, reminding these timeless beings of the preciousness of existence. The encounter with Sam Swift, the highwayman facing death with humor and resilience, exemplifies this. Swift’s acceptance of mortality and his capacity for joy in the face of oblivion serve as a stark contrast to Ashildr’s growing detachment.
The Doctor, too, is constantly drawn back to humanity, finding companionship and purpose in his interactions with mortals like Clara Oswald. He recognizes the “mayflies,” the short-lived humans, as possessing a wisdom that eludes immortals, a deep understanding of life’s beauty precisely because of its fleeting nature. Ashildr, initially hardened by time and loss, eventually rediscovers her compassion, choosing to become a guardian of Earth, “the patron saint of the Doctor’s leftovers,” demonstrating a renewed connection to humanity, albeit on her own terms.
Unanswered Questions and Ashildr’s Future
Ashildr’s story arc in Doctor Who leaves several intriguing questions unanswered. Her cryptic remark about knowing the Doctor’s pattern of intervention and abandonment hints at unseen influences, leaving viewers to wonder who might have guided her perception of the Time Lord. The possibility of future encounters remains open, with speculation about whether Ashildr will return as an ally, an adversary, or something in between. Her complex relationship with the Doctor and her unique perspective on his actions make her a compelling figure whose story could be revisited and explored in future narratives.
In conclusion, Ashildr stands out as one of the most memorable characters introduced in modern Doctor Who. Her journey from a Viking girl to an immortal woman provides a powerful exploration of themes of immortality, responsibility, and the enduring value of human connection. Through Ashildr, Doctor Who offers a profound meditation on the Doctor’s own existence, using her as a mirror to reflect the burdens and complexities of a life lived outside of time. The two-parter not only delivers an engaging adventure but also enriches the mythology of Doctor Who by introducing a character whose impact resonates long after the credits roll.
