With Game of Thrones on all of our minds, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the most powerful swords in the game! When it comes to this fiction time period, Valyrian steel was the metal of choice. Valyrian steel is a form of metal that was forged in the days of the mighty Valyrian Freehold. It is exceptionally sharp and strong, yet light.
Ice
Ice was a Valyrian steel greatsword and an heirloom of House Stark. It was used both in war and on ceremonial occasions by the Lord of Winterfell. Sadly, Ser Ilyn Payne, the King’s Justice, beheads the noble Ned Stark with Ice, on the orders of the evil King Joffrey. He keeps the sword afterwards and has it melted down into multiple powerful swords.
Oathkeeper
Oathkeeper is introduced in the fourth episode of the fourth season. After a barbarous adventure back to King’s Landing, Jaime and Brienne form a heartfelt companionship. In the chambers of the Kingsguard, Jaime tasks Brienne with finding Sansa, the daughter of Ned Stark, and keeping her safe. She is provided a horse, supplies, and a freshly forged suit of armor. Jaime then presents to her the sword his father gave him, saying that the Valyrian steel is forged from Ned Stark’s sword and that she should take it.
Needle
Needle is a “needle-thin” sword owned by Arya Stark, daughter of Ned Stark. It was given to her by Jon Snow, her bastard brother, who had it made by Mikken, the blacksmith of Winterfell. It is well suited for Arya’s petite frame and “water dance” fighting technique. Hit helps her to accomplish speed, agility and precision as opposed to the harsh slashing moves of the knights.
Arakh
The arakh is a deadly and intimidating weapon used by the Dothraki warriors. It has a crescent moon-shaped with a curved blade about two and a half feet long. While it may not be able to penetrate thick body armor, a nice flip of the wrist can do some serious damage. Jorah Mormont notes that the sweeping blade is effective and necessary for a warrior on horseback.
Longclaw
Longclaw is a Valyrian steel sword, in the possession of House Mormont for five centuries. It was passed on to Jon Snow, for saving the life of Jeor Mormont from a wight. Longclaw is a bastard sword (also known as a “Hand-and-a-half sword”), which is longer than a longsword, but shorter than a greatsword. Longswords are meant to be used with one hand, while the other hand holds a shield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Valyrian steel is a rare and magical metal forged during the era of the Valyrian Freehold. It is known for being exceptionally sharp, strong, and lightweight, making it highly prized for crafting swords. In Game of Thrones, Valyrian steel swords are powerful weapons capable of killing White Walkers and are often heirlooms passed down through noble families.
Ice is a Valyrian steel greatsword and the ancestral weapon of House Stark, used by the Lord of Winterfell in both battle and ceremonies. It is notably used to execute Ned Stark on King Joffrey's orders. After Ned's death, the sword is melted down into several smaller swords, symbolizing the end of House Stark's old era.
Oathkeeper is a Valyrian steel sword given to Brienne of Tarth by Jaime Lannister. It is forged from the melted-down Ice sword, originally belonging to Ned Stark. Jaime entrusts Brienne with the sword to protect Sansa Stark, symbolizing a promise and the continuation of House Stark's legacy.
Needle is a slender, lightweight sword designed specifically for Arya Stark's small frame and fighting style called the 'water dance.' It was gifted to her by Jon Snow and crafted by Winterfell's blacksmith Mikken. Needle emphasizes speed, agility, and precision rather than brute force, suiting Arya's combat approach.
The arakh is a crescent moon-shaped curved blade about two and a half feet long, used by the Dothraki warriors. It is designed for swift, sweeping attacks, especially effective for mounted combat. While it may not penetrate heavy armor, its design allows for deadly strikes from horseback, making it a feared weapon among the Dothraki.
Longclaw is a Valyrian steel bastard sword, longer than a longsword but shorter than a greatsword, allowing for versatile use with one or two hands. It belonged to House Mormont for centuries before being passed to Jon Snow as a reward for saving Jeor Mormont. Longclaw is a powerful weapon symbolizing Jon's leadership and heritage.