Unveiling the Enigma: The Secrets of Lightbringer in Game of Thrones

Article Key Points

The Azor Ahai prophecy and the magical sword, Lightbringer, are central to Game of Thrones lore.

Melisandre, a priestess devoted to the Lord of Light, initially believes Stannis Baratheon to be the reincarnated Azor Ahai and bestows magical enchantments on his sword.

Later on, Melisandre comes to the realization that her belief in Stannis was misplaced. Instead, she recognizes the significance of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen in the impending battle against the Night King.

Game of Thrones delves into numerous prophecies, with Azor Ahai being one of the most prominent. A key aspect of this prophecy is the legendary sword, Lightbringer, which is discussed by Lady Melisandre, also known as the Red Woman, in Season 2, Episode 1, titled "The North Remembers."

Melisandre, a priestess of the religion of R'hllor, devoutly worships the Lord of Light and spreads his teachings to the people of Westeros, who have predominantly followed the Faith of the Seven. As the lore explains, Azor Ahai and the formidable Lightbringer are intricately linked. While HBO's Game of Thrones briefly touches upon this connection, the extensive lore provides a detailed account of how Lightbringer was forged.

Melisandre Mentions Lightbringer In Game Of Thrones

In "The North Remembers" episode of Game of Thrones, Stannis Baratheon, along with his loyalists and a few residents, gathers on Dragonstone under the leadership of Melisandre. Stannis is aware that Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella, who are Robert's legal heirs, do not share any blood ties with him. As the rightful heir, Stannis aims to remove them from the Red Keep. Melisandre supports Stannis' claim, as she believes he is the reincarnation of a legendary hero who has a significant destiny:

Following the end of a prolonged summer, a looming darkness will descend heavily upon the world. The stars will bleed, and the frigid breath of winter will freeze the seas, leading to the resurrection of the dead in the North.

Melisandre sets fire to the statues of the Seven as a sacred offering to the Lord of Light, proclaiming that Stannis is the chosen one. She foretells the imminent arrival of the undead in the North during the winter, firmly believing that the Iron Throne rightfully belongs to Stannis as he is the embodiment of the Warrior of Light. According to ancient texts, a warrior will summon a sword ablaze with fire, known as Lightbringer. Stannis Baratheon, the Warrior of Light, is destined to wield this sword. It eagerly awaits his possession.

Using her enchantment, Melisandre infuses power into Stannis' sword, which he wrenches from the heart of a burning idol. With the blazing sword in hand, he confidently strides forward and plants it forcefully into the ground. Ser Davos Seaworth and every man and woman present at the ceremony pay homage to Stannis, bowing down and chanting, "Lord, shine your light upon us!"

After two unsuccessful attempts by Stannis to claim the Iron Throne, Melisandre comes to the realization that her belief in the Lord of Light's support for him was mistaken. The sword she had previously enchanted was merely given the name Lightbringer for its legendary association, without any true connection to divine power.

Followers of R'hllor, Azor Ahai And Lightbringer

The legendary sword known as Lightbringer, also referred to as the Red Sword of Heroes in Game of Thrones mythology, holds a significant place in the lore. Azor Ahai, the wielder of the sword, used it to vanquish the darkness during the Long Night. According to the legend, Azor Ahai initially spent an arduous thirty days and nights attempting to forge Lightbringer, only for it to break during the quenching process. Undeterred, he made a second attempt, dedicating fifty days and nights to its creation. This time, instead of water, he tempered the sword within the heart of a captured lion. Finally, on his third and final attempt, Azor Ahai labored for a hundred days and nights, aware of the quenching process from before. He called upon his wife, Nissa Nissa, and drove the sword through her heart. In a remarkable turn, the steel did not break; instead, it melded with his wife's soul. Legend speaks of how Azor Ahai's Lightbringer possessed the same warmth as Nissa Nissa. During battles, the blade burned with intense heat, making the Lightbringer an inseparable part of the Azor Ahai tale for followers of R'hllor.

Melisandre Brings Jon And Daenerys Together

Following Jon Snow's resurrection in Game of Thrones season 6, Melisandre questions him about his experience after being fatally stabbed. Though Jon remains silent, she firmly believes that the Lord of Light brought him back to life for a purpose. Melisandre dismisses Stannis as the prophesied Prince That Was Promised, indicating her newfound faith in Jon. While the terms Azor Ahai and the Prince That Was Promised are sometimes used interchangeably, it is important to note that Azor Ahai has already vanquished the darkness, and the Prince That Was Promised is believed to be Azor Ahai reborn in the books.

In Game of Thrones season 6, episode 4 "Book of the Stranger," Melisandre explicitly confirms to Ser Davos that Jon Snow is the Prince That Was Promised. However, in Game of Thrones season 7, episode 2 "Stormborn," when she visits Daenerys Targaryen at Dragonstone, she cautions that prophecies can be dangerous. Despite this, there is mention of the Prince That Was Promised in High Valyrian. Daenerys translates it as "The Prince Who Was Promised will bring the dawn."

When Daenerys questions her suitability as a prince, her translator, Missandei, clarifies that the term 'prince' is inclusive of all genders in High Valyrian. Thus, the accurate translation of Melisandre's words would be: "The prince or princess who was promised will bring the dawn."

While not explicitly confirming who the prophecy refers to, Melisandre strongly believes that Daenerys and Jon have crucial roles in the battle against the Night King and his army. Acting on her advice, Daenerys summons Jon Snow to Dragonstone and later pledges her support in the fight for the living at the end of Season 7 of Game of Thrones. As for the legendary Lightbringer, it remains a tale of old, crafted and wielded by the Lord's Chosen thousands of years ago.

Game of Thrones

First Episode Air Date April 17, 2011Where to watch HBO MaxSpin-offs House of the Dragon

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I find the mythology surrounding Lightbringer in Game of Thrones to be intriguing and captivating. The idea of a legendary sword with a deep and storied history adds an extra layer of depth and richness to the already complex and compelling narrative of the series.

The character of Melisandre, with her unwavering devotion to the Lord of Light and her belief in Stannis Baratheon as the reincarnation of Azor Ahai, is both fascinating and enigmatic. Her journey of faith, from her initial conviction in Stannis to her eventual recognition of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen as the true heroes, reflects the complex and evolving nature of religious belief and the search for meaning in a world filled with darkness and uncertainty.