Valyrian steel swords are some of the most coveted and powerful weapons in Game of Thrones, symbolizing strength, history, and honor. While swords like Ice and Oathkeeper have played pivotal roles in the story, one question remains: What happened to the other Valyrian steel swords? Beyond the famous blades, there are many more of these legendary weapons scattered throughout Westeros, each with its own untold story. In this article, we’ll uncover the fates of these rare and mystical swords, revealing what happened to them and the secrets they hold within the world of A Song of Ice and Fire.
The Origins of Valyrian Steel
The Lost Art of Forging Valyrian Steel
Valyrian steel is a rare and highly sought-after metal known for its exceptional strength and sharpness. The secrets of forging Valyrian steel were closely guarded and passed down through generations of Valyrian smiths. The metal was created using a combination of magic and advanced metallurgical techniques, resulting in blades that were not only incredibly durable but also capable of holding a sharp edge for a lifetime. The scarcity and mystical properties of Valyrian steel made it a symbol of nobility and power among the noble houses of Westeros. However, the Doom of Valyria, a cataclysmic event that destroyed the Valyrian Freehold and its knowledge, led to the loss of the techniques for forging Valyrian steel.
The Role of Valyrian Steel in Westeros
Before the Doom, several key swords were created, each with their own unique history and significance. One such sword is Blackfyre, a Valyrian steel sword that was wielded by the Targaryen kings. This sword became a symbol of power and authority within the Targaryen dynasty, passed down from ruler to ruler. Another notable sword is Red Rain, a Valyrian steel sword that was wielded by House Drumm of Old Wyk. This sword gained its reputation through the fierce and brutal battles in which it was used, cementing its status as a prized family heirloom. These swords became priceless heirlooms due to their rarity and the mystical properties of Valyrian steel.
The Famous Valyrian Steel Swords
Notable Valyrian Steel Swords in Westeros
These are some of the legendary swords in the world of Game of Thrones. Ice, the ancestral sword of House Stark, was later reforged into two new swords, Oathkeeper and Widow’s Wail. Longclaw is the sword of House Mormont, which was passed down to Jon Snow. Oathkeeper, as mentioned, was forged from Ice and became Brienne of Tarth’s weapon. Brightroar is the lost sword of House Targaryen, rumored to have disappeared in the ruins of Valyria. Blackfyre, originally belonging to House Targaryen, was eventually passed to House Blackfyre and lost in rebellion.
The Value and Significance of These Blades
These swords hold significant cultural and political importance as they are often seen as symbols of power and the right to rule in many societies. In various cultures, the possession of a sword was a sign of authority and an indication of a person’s social status. Additionally, the act of bestowing or receiving a sword was often a formalized ritual that symbolized the transfer of power and leadership. In many historical and fictional narratives, the sword has been associated with heroic figures and legendary leaders, further solidifying its symbolic significance in the political and cultural spheres. As such, these swords continue to hold a revered place in many societies and are often displayed in museums and other cultural institutions as a reflection of their enduring significance.
What Happened to the Other Valyrian Steel Swords?
The Fate of Brightroar
There is much speculation surrounding the fate of Brightroar, the ancestral sword of House Targaryen. It is believed that the sword may have been lost to the Doom of Valyria, a catastrophic event that destroyed the Valyrian Freehold and its capital city. This theory is supported by the fact that the Targaryens were attempting to return to Valyria before its fall, and it is likely that they were caught in the devastation. As for why Brightroar has never resurfaced, there are a few possible explanations. One theory is that the sword may have been lost in the chaos of the Doom, and its whereabouts remain unknown to this day.
The Disappearance of the Blackfyre SwordT
The Blackfyre sword holds great significance in the history of Westeros, as it was the legendary weapon wielded by the Targaryen bastards who led the Blackfyre Rebellion. The sword was a symbol of power and legitimacy for House Blackfyre, and its loss has only added to the mystery and intrigue surrounding it. The ongoing search for the Blackfyre sword remains a topic of interest among historians and enthusiasts of Westeros lore. Many believe that the sword may still be out there, waiting to be discovered, while others speculate that it may have been lost or destroyed over the years. The sword’s last known location is a point of contention, with various theories and rumors circulating about where it could potentially be found.
The Mystery of the Tarly Sword
It is unclear how House Tarly’s ancestral sword, known to be Valyrian steel, may have been lost or hidden. There are many possibilities, including it being lost in battle, stolen, or hidden for safekeeping during times of conflict. Without specific information from the current timeline, we can only speculate on the fate of the sword.
The Lost Swords of House Reyne
Red Rain is indeed a famous Valyrian steel sword that belonged to House Reyne, a prominent noble family in the Westerlands. After the fall of House Reyne during the rebellion against House Lannister, the fate of the sword became shrouded in mystery. It is unclear whether Red Rain still exists or if it was lost or destroyed during the rebellion. The sword’s whereabouts have been the subject of much speculation and intrigue among fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire series and its TV adaptation, Game of Thrones. As of now, the fate of Red Rain remains a tantalizing mystery in the rich history of the Seven Kingdoms.
The Many Other Unmentioned Swords
Tracing the fates of Valyrian steel blades from smaller noble houses can be quite challenging due to the passage of time and the destruction of historical records. Many of these blades may have been lost or destroyed during wars, or simply passed out of the family’s possession through various means. However, there is always the potential for these blades to resurface, whether through chance discoveries or the passing down of family heirlooms. With the recent events in the world of Westeros, there may be renewed interest in the search for these lost Valyrian steel blades, and it is possible that some of them may eventually be found and reclaimed.
The Rarity and Rationale Behind the Loss of Valyrian Steel Swords
Many Valyrian steel swords have been lost due to the fall of the Valyrian empire and the inability to forge new blades. The ravages of time, wars, and political strife have also contributed to the destruction or loss of these swords. The value of these swords as heirlooms has made them targets in times of conflict, leading to their disappearance. The surviving swords have become the subjects of stories and legends, adding to their mystery and allure.
The Role of Valyrian Steel in Modern Westeros
The surviving Valyrian steel swords today include Longclaw, currently owned by Jon Snow, Oathkeeper, and Widow’s Wail, which are owned by Jaime Lannister and Brienne of Tarth. These swords have managed to stay in existence despite the loss of knowledge on how to forge Valyrian steel. As for the future of Valyrian steel in Westeros, the mystery behind the forging of these blades adds to their symbolism of power. While the secrets of creating new Valyrian steel swords have been lost, there is always the potential for new blades to be forged or lost swords to be rediscovered, adding to the intrigue and value of these legendary weapons.
Conclusion
So, to recap the fates of famous Valyrian steel swords such as Brightroar, Blackfyre, and Red Rain, it’s worth noting that while some have been found or passed down through the generations, many remain lost to history. This creates a sense of intrigue and mystery in Westeros. The ongoing mystery and legend of these swords continue to shape the politics and culture of the land, and the story of these legendary swords is far from over. Whether lost, forgotten, or hidden, the legacy of Valyrian steel continues to be a significant part of Westeros lore.
