The Epic Journey of Oathkeeper in Game of Thrones Unraveled!

Highlights

To consolidate his power in the North and acquire dominance over the Stark dynasty, Tywin Lannister cunningly orchestrates strategic alliances through arranged matrimonial alliances, even resorting to the extreme measure of having Ned Stark's prized Valyrian steel sword melted away.

Valyrian steel swords are extremely valuable and uncommon, signifying prestige and influence within the Westerosi nobility.

Jaime Lannister is bestowed a newly crafted Valyrian steel sword by his father, which he subsequently presents to Brienne of Tarth in order to uphold his vow and safeguard Sansa Stark.

Tywin Lannister, the mastermind behind the Red Wedding and the downfall of Robb Stark and the Northerners, had strategic plans for the remaining Starks and their prized possessions in Game of Thrones season 3. In order to solidify his rule over the North, he cunningly freed Sansa Stark from the grasp of the Tyrells and orchestrated a political union between her and his despised son, Tyrion. Tywin even went so far as to encourage Tyrion to father a child who would carry both Lannister and Stark blood, thereby guaranteeing his House's influence in the region. Additionally, Tywin took drastic measures by melting down the iconic Stark family heirloom, Ned Stark's Valyrian steel greatsword known as Ice.

As a man who resurrected the prestige of House Lannister from ruin, Tywin yearned for a Valyrian steel sword to grace his family's collection. However, the obstacle he faced was that this prized possession could not be obtained with wealth alone. House Lannister once possessed another Valyrian steel greatsword called Brightroar, but tragically, it was lost along with King Tommen II Lannister and his fleet in the destruction of Valyria. Valyrian steel, crafted in the ancient city of Old Valyria before its fateful demise, was a rarity believed to have been imbued with magic and spells. True to its name, Valyrian steel was no longer being forged since the tragic event known as the Doom of Valyria, as Jaime Lannister correctly mentioned in season 4, episode 1 "Two Swords." Consequently, these surviving weapons from the era of Old Valyria held great symbolic value and were highly coveted by nobles in the show. They served as cherished relics of a bygone era, thus explaining Tywin Lannister's burning desire to possess a Valyrian steel sword. This brings us to his notable gift to Jaime, aptly named Oathbreaker, in Game of Thrones.

Tywin Invites The Finest Living Smith To King's Landing

At the conclusion of Game of Thrones season 3, the menace from the North is resolved, and with the deaths of Ned and Robb Stark, Tywin ultimately restores House Stark's ancient sword, Ice. Gazing at the towering blade for a final time, he entrusts it to a skilled blacksmith who removes its hilt and molds it into two separate swords. Shortly thereafter, Tywin presents one of the newly crafted swords to his son, Jaime, remarking:

"The original weapon was unbelievably massive. It possessed an abundance of steel, enough to create two swords."

Tywin supervises the reforging of Ice into two swords and confesses to Jaime that he invited the most skilled Valyrian steel smiths among the three who are still alive. Jaime praises his sword as "magnificent" and "glorious" but struggles to sheath it. Tywin commands him to step down from the Kingsguard and rule Casterly Rock in his place. However, Jaime fears that breaking his sacred vow will only contribute to the list of insulting names he has been called, such as "Kingslayer" and "Oathbreaker." Tywin explains that there is a legal precedent to dismiss a member of the Kingsguard, but Jaime refuses. Finally, Tywin urges him to keep the new sword, stating:

"A man with only one hand and no family should take any assistance he can get."

Jaime Regifts The Sword To Brienne Of Tarth

Jaime heeds Tyrion's suggestion and commences training with Bronn in season 4, episode 2 of Game of Thrones titled "The Lion and the Rose." Bronn strictly limits the use of sharp blades during their sessions, opting for sparring swords instead. However, Jaime disregards this rule and carries his Valyrian steel sword while donning his kingsguard armor. After Joffrey's assassination and Sansa Stark's escape, Jaime presents his Valyrian steel longsword to Brienne of Tarth. Entrusting her with the crucial task of locating Sansa and safeguarding her, he supplies her with armor, provisions, two horses, and a squire named Podrick Payne. Most significantly, he gifts her with the longsword, which was expertly re-crafted from Ned Stark's sword.

"It is now yours. This sword has been refurbished from Ned Stark's blade. It will serve as your means to protect Ned Stark's daughter. Your oath binds you to bring the Stark girls back to their mother. Lady Stark has tragically passed, and Arya is presumed deceased as well. Nevertheless, there remains a chance to locate Sansa and ensure her safety."

Brienne agrees, and Jaime recognizes that he has performed a truly selfless act. As they prepare to part ways, Jaime asks Brienne to give the sword a name. Without hesitation, she names it "Oathkeeper." This signifies that although the original Stark weapon, Ice, was never returned to Winterfell, Oathkeeper carries on the spirit of the North through Brienne, who has dedicated herself to protecting Sansa. After achieving her mission of finding Sansa, Brienne does offer to return Oathkeeper to Jaime during the Siege of Riverrun, but he refuses and insists that the sword now belongs to her. Brienne valiantly fights in the Battle of Winterfell, slaying numerous Wights with the power of her Valyrian steel blade. She ultimately concludes her Game of Thrones journey by serving as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard for King Bran, holding Oathkeeper as her own. Additionally, she records Ser Jaime Lannister's honorable deeds in the White Book at the Red Keep, highlighting his role in the Battle of Winterfell, his successful strategies against the Targaryen forces, the bloodless siege of Riverrun, and the Battle of the Goldroad, among other achievements.