Unlocking the Mystery: The Elusive Origins and Rarity of Valyrian Steel in Game of Thrones
Discover the enigma behind Valyrian steel, its rarity, and the prestigious individuals who wielded these legendary swords in the captivating world of Game of Thrones
The power and nobility of a great warrior depend not only on their personal strength, but also on the weapon and armor they choose to wield. Wakandans are known for utilizing Vibranium, the strongest metal on Earth and in the galaxy, while Jedi Knights mine Kyber crystals to power their lightsabers. While both materials are effective and robust, they are highly unique and rare.
In the universe of Game of Thrones, on the continents of Essos and Westeros, there exists a metal so scarce that merely seeing someone wielding it signifies their immense strength and status. This coveted metal, known as Valyrian steel, is used exclusively by the greatest warriors of Game of Thrones. Not only is Valyrian steel the rarest metal in Essos and Westeros, but it is also the most powerful. How did this come to be? What makes it such an esteemed form of steel? And who has been fortunate enough to wield it in battle?
What Is Valyrian Steel?
Valyrian steel, a metal that was utilized centuries ago in the Game of Thrones universe, was forged in the city of Valyria, now known as Old Valyria. This city is situated on the eastern continent of Essos within the Valyrian Peninsula and was once the capital of the renowned Valyrian Freehold empire.
Valyria, a place rich in ancient elements, encompassed dark magic and a significant population of dragons. Dragonlords, warrior-riders of dragons, governed the city, ensuring its protection and maintaining its standing as one of the world's most formidable empires.
With this, it is said that Valyrian steel was forged using a combination of magic and dragonfire. The metal itself is easily identifiable by its distinctive rippled pattern, and any warrior can attest to its exceptional lightness, strength, and sharpness surpassing all other known steels. Its sharpness is so remarkable, in fact, that there is no need for a Valyrian steel blade to be sharpened again, even centuries after its initial creation. However, despite its previous accessibility to the affluent, the knowledge of the forging process eventually vanished, rendering it nearly impossible to acquire.
Why Is Valyrian Steel So Rare?
Around 100 BC, following a reign of almost five millennia, the enigmatic Catastrophe of Valyria swept across the Valyrian Freehold, reducing the once-mighty empire to rubble. This devastating event not only resulted in the loss of countless architectural marvels and lives but also erased all traces of knowledge regarding the intricate art of forging Valyrian steel.
Valyrian steel, believed by many to have been forged through the powers of magic and dragonfire, is actually a collection of stories and legends passed down through generations in Essos and Westeros since the Doom. However, rumor has it that the master smiths of Qohor, a clandestine city in Essos, have managed to keep the Valyrian steel forging process a closely guarded secret.
Valyrian steel has long been recognized for its ability to maintain its sharpness and withstand the intense heat of dragonflame. But it was only in season 5, episode 8, titled "Hardhome," that Jon Snow discovered its additional power: the ability to annihilate the formidable White Walkers, a trait previously attributed solely to dragonglass. The defeat of the Army of the Dead in the series finale further cemented the value of Valyrian steel, as it proved to be the ultimate weapon against the Night King and his Wights.
Who Used Valyrian Steel Swords?
Currently, the sole existing Valyrian steel swords are limited to the prestigious houses such as House Stark, House Lannister, House Mormont, and a few others, as heirlooms that have been cherished and passed down through generations.
After the cataclysmic downfall of Valyria, the significance of Valyrian steel transcended into a representation of prestige and integrity. In accordance with this notion, those entrusted with Valyrian steel swords were individuals who upheld the values of an esteemed lineage, cherishing these cherished weapons as ancestral treasures. Here, we present several remarkable examples of Valyrian steel swords.
Blackfyre and Dark Sister
The House Targaryen possessed two Valyrian steel swords, namely Blackfyre and Dark Sister. Aegon the Conquerer wielded Blackfyre, while his sister/wife Visenya wielded Dark Sister. With these powerful weapons, they successfully conquered Westeros. However, their rule came to an end during the Blackfyre Rebellion, resulting in the loss of both swords as they vanished in the ruins.
Brightroar
The sword known as Brightroar was a cherished possession of House Lannister, passed down through generations and wielded primarily by Tommen II Lannister. In a bold endeavor, Tommen II set off on an expedition to uncover the secrets of the long-abandoned city of Valyria. Sadly, fate had a different plan, for he vanished within Valyria's depths, taking Brightroar with him and forever sealing its whereabouts in mystery.
Ice
The sword Ice, previously wielded by Eddard Stark, was tragically used to execute him by Ser Ilyn Payne. After his demise, Tywin Lannister, unable to utilize Brightroar, vindictively chose to melt down Ice and forge two smaller swords: Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail.
Heartsbane
King Joffrey Baratheon received Widow's Wail, while Tywin's son, Jaime Lannister, was entrusted with Oathkeeper. However, after Jaime's release from captivity by Catelyn Stark, he pledged to return her children, a vow he subsequently passed on to Brienne of Tarth upon bestowing her with the sword.
Longclaw
Heartsbane, originally belonging to House Tarly, served mainly as an ornamental piece rather than a weapon of warfare. However, when Samwell, the so-called "dishonorable" son of Randyll Tarly, secretly took possession of the sword, he entrusted it to Jorah Mormont, who wielded it courageously in the decisive Battle of Winterfell.Longclaw
The House Mormont possessed the greatsword Longclaw, which Jorah wielded before dishonoring his family through involvement in the slave trade. Abandoning the sword and his family, Jorah fled to Essos, leading to his self-imposed exile. However, Jorah's father, Jeor Mormont, the former Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, deemed Jon Snow, a bastard son, worthy of wielding the weapon. Consequently, Jeor gifted Longclaw to Jon, and Jon employed the same sword to triumph over the White Walkers.
In the world of Game of Thrones, Valyrian steel comprises a fascinating and tumultuous history characterized by bloodshed, devastation, and esteemed honor. It stands as the most formidable metal, symbolizing the true might and prestige of any formidable warrior who possesses it.
