The Power of Valyrian Steel: Defeating White Walkers Revealed

Table of Contents

1. The Threat of the Others
2. The Power of Valyrian Steel
3. The Blade of Jon Snow - Longclaw
4. The Fabled Sword of House Tarly - Heartsbane
5. The Journey of Ice - House Stark's Greatsword
6. The Transformation of Ice into Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail
7. The Infamous Blackfyre Blade
8. The Legacy of Dark Sister
9. The Lost Swords - Brightroar, Red Rain, and Nightfall
10. The Knife of Valyrian Steel - Littlefinger's Dagger

The Valyrian Blades of Westeros

In the perilous world of Westeros, where power struggles, political machinations, and impending doom loom large, the importance of valyrian steel cannot be overstated. These rare and renowned swords carry a rich history and have become symbols of power and honor for the noble houses of Westeros. From the menacing threat of the Others to the intricate web of alliances, this article explores the fascinating tales of the Valyrian blades that Shape the destiny of the Seven Kingdoms.

1. The Threat of the Others

In Game of Thrones Season 7, the ultimate threat to Westeros comes in the form of the Others, also known as white walkers. With their army of the dead, they march on the Wall, bringing a "night that Never ends." These powerful beings are not only super strong and super angry ice demons but also possess swords capable of shattering steel. Immune to conventional weapons, the only known ways to kill them are with blades made of dragonglass or Valyrian steel.

2. The Power of Valyrian Steel

Valyrian steel is a rare and precious metal that is used to forge swords of exceptional quality. Sharper, stronger, and lighter than regular steel, Valyrian steel swords were created in the ancient city of Valyria. However, with the mysterious Doom that destroyed Valyria, the secret of crafting Valyrian steel was lost. Today, only a limited number of Valyrian blades remain, making them highly coveted and treasured possessions.

3. The Blade of Jon Snow - Longclaw

One of the most prominent Valyrian swords in Game of Thrones is Longclaw, the sword wielded by Jon Snow. This bastard sword, slightly longer than a normal longsword, holds great significance in Jon's identity. Originally belonging to Jeor Mormont's family for centuries, Longclaw was passed down to Jon when Jorah Mormont dishonored his family. Its bastard blade and white wolf pommel symbolize Jon's lineage and destiny as a hero in the battle against the white walkers.

4. The Fabled Sword of House Tarly - Heartsbane

Heartsbane, a Valyrian steel greatsword, holds a place of importance in House Tarly's legacy. Randyll Tarly, the Lord of Horn Hill, is unwilling to pass his fabled blade to his fat and cowardly son, Samwell Tarly. The history of Heartsbane includes slaying dozens of Dornishmen during the hunt for the legendary Vulture King. With Sam taking the sword to the Citadel, the possibilities of unlocking the secrets of Valyrian steel and further discovering its potential arise.

5. The Journey of Ice - House Stark's Greatsword

One of the most iconic Valyrian steel swords in Westeros is Ice, the greatsword of House Stark. Passed down through the generations, Ice held immense symbolic and ceremonial value within House Stark. Used for executing Gared and later Ned Stark, the sword came into the possession of the Lannisters. Tywin Lannister, in a symbolic act, had Ice melted down and reforged into two smaller swords, Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail.

6. The Transformation of Ice into Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail

Tywin Lannister's decision to melt Ice and reforge it into two smaller swords marked a significant turning point in the destiny of the Valyrian steel swords. Jaime Lannister received one of the swords, naming it Oathkeeper, as a tribute to his promise to Catelyn Stark. The other sword, named Widow's Wail by Joffrey Baratheon, represents his brutal and cruel nature. These swords now play a role in the ongoing power struggles in Westeros.

7. The Infamous Blackfyre Blade

Blackfyre, the infamous Valyrian blade, carries great historical significance. Originally wielded by King Aegon Targaryen, the Conqueror of Westeros, the sword became a symbol of Targaryen political legitimacy. However, when King Aegon the Fourth gave Blackfyre to his bastard son, Daemon Blackfyre, it sparked the First Blackfyre Rebellion, a war for succession. The sword represents the claim to be the rightful king and whispers of its possible whereabouts carry implications for ongoing political schemes.

8. The Legacy of Dark Sister

Dark Sister, a slender blade designed for a female warrior, carries a storied history within House Targaryen. Queen Visenya, sister of Aegon the Conqueror, wielded Dark Sister during the Conquest of Westeros. Later passed down to notable Targaryen figures such as Daemon Targaryen and Aemon Targaryen, Dark Sister saw action during the Dance of the Dragons civil war. The fate of Dark Sister remains a mystery, with speculations suggesting its presence in the cave where Bloodraven trains Bran.

9. The Lost Swords - Brightroar, Red Rain, and Nightfall

Westeros is full of lost Valyrian steel swords with tales that have faded into legends. Brightroar, a sword bought by House Lannister before the Doom of Valyria, was lost during an expedition led by King Tommen Lannister. Another notable lost sword is Red Rain, held by Dunstan Drumm of Old Wyk, reputedly taken from a knight of House Reyne. Nightfall, wielded by Ser Harras Harlaw, is shrouded in mystery as it is speculated that Euron Greyjoy may Seek to claim it.

10. The Knife of Valyrian Steel - Littlefinger's Dagger

Among the Valyrian steel weapons, Littlefinger's dagger stands out as a knife with significant ramifications for the Seven Kingdoms. Used in an assassination attempt on Bran Stark, it mistakenly becomes a catalyst for the War of the Five Kings. Owned by Littlefinger himself, the dagger may play a crucial role in Sansa's Quest for justice, symbolizing the potential downfall of those who manipulate power for their own gain.

Through these Valyrian blades, Game of Thrones weaves a tapestry of power, honor, and destiny. As the war against the forces of darkness intensifies, the impact of these swords on the outcome of the battle and the fate of Westeros remains to be seen.