The power and nobility of any great warrior heavily relies upon not only their own strength, but that of which they choose to wield as a weapon and sport for armor. The Wakandans utilize Vibranium, the strongest metal on Earth and across much of the galaxy, while Jedi Knights mine Kyber crystals to power their all powerful lightsabers. Both materials, although quite effective and strong, are extremely unique and hard to come by.
Similarly, in the continents of Essos and Westeros -- found within the universe of Game of Thrones -- there's a metal that is so rare that if someone were to see another wielding it, they'd know that that warrior was of great status and strength. This ever so coveted metal that's used among the greatest warriors in Game of Thrones is Valyrian steel. Valyrian steel is the rarest of all metal throughout Essos and Westeros, as well as the most powerful. But how did this come to be? What makes it such a prestigious form of steel? And has been considered lucky enough to actually wield it in battle?
What Is Valyrian Steel?
Valyrian steel was a metal used many centuries ago, as of the timeline presented in the Game of Thrones universe. It was forged in the city of Valyria, now dubbed Old Valyria, which is located on the eastern continent of Essos within the Valyrian Peninsula. At its height of power and existence, it was the capital of the legendary empire named the Valyrian Freehold.
Valyria was home to many ancient aspects of the world, including dark magic and a dense population of dragons. The city was ruled by dragonlords, who were dragon-riding warriors meant to protect the city and uphold its status as one of the most powerful empires in all the world.
With this, it is said that Valyrian steel was forged with the aid of both magic and dragonfire. The metal itself is distinguishable for its rippled pattern, and any warrior can confirm that it is distinctly lighter, stronger, and sharper than any other known steel. It's so sharp, in fact, that it's not necessary to ever sharpen a Valyrian steel blade after it is first created, even centuries later. But, what was once a material so readily available to those whom could afford it, the knowledge of its forging process was soon lost, making it near impossible to come by.
Why Is Valyrian Steel So Rare?
In about 100 BC, after the Valyrian Freehold stood for nearly five thousand years, the mysterious Doom of Valyria completely dismantled the empire and left the city in ruins. Not only were much of the architecture and people lost in the Doom, but the records and texts of the powerful civilization were also destroyed. These records included the process in which Valyrian steel was forged.
So, while it is widely believed that Valyrian steel was forged in magic and dragonfire, these are merely stories and legends in which were passed down through the many generations of people of Essos and Westeros since the Doom. However, the master smiths of Qohor -- a free city located in Essos -- are rumored to have maintained the forging process of Valyrian steel, though they keep that information extremely secretive from the rest of the world.
The power of Valyrian steel was already known to maintain its sharpness as well as withstand the destructiveness of dragonflame. But it was discovered by Jon Snow -- in season 5, episode 8, titled, "Hardhome" -- that it is also capable of destroying the fearsome White Walkers, an ability that was thought to only be possible with dragonglass. Even though the Army of the Dead were defeated in the conclusion of the series, this only made Valyrian steel even more valuable as it proved to be the destruction of the Night King and all his Wights.
As of now, the only known Valyrian steel-made swords are those that have been passed down within the many great and honorable houses, including the House Stark, House Lannister, House Mormont, and a few others.
Who Used Valyrian Steel Swords?
Following the Doom of Valyria, Valyrian steel was considered to be a symbol of status and honor. Fittingly, the owners of Valyrian steel swords were those who maintained an honorable household and kept their ancient swords as family heirlooms. Here are a few of the more memorable Valyrian steel swords.
Blackfyre and Dark Sister
Both Blackfyre and Dark Sister were Valyrian steel swords that belonged to the House Targaryen, wielded by Aegon the Conquerer and his sister/wife Visenya, respectively. They both conquered Westeros with the aid of their blades, but ultimately fell during the Blackfyre Rebellion, along with their swords which were lost in the ruins.
Brightroar
Brightroar was the heirloom of House Lannister and was primarily used by Tommen II Lannister. Tommen II decided to embark on an expedition to explore the ruined city of Valyria where he disappeared and never returned, keeping the blade in his possession and likewise forever lost.
Ice
The House Stark had passed down the sword Ice, which was last wielded within the family by Eddard Stark before it was used to execute him by Ser Ilyn Payne. Following his death, the spiteful Tywin Lannister -- who was never able to use Brightroar -- decided to melt Ice down and form two smaller swords with its steel: Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail.
Widow's Wail was given to Tywin's grandson, King Joffrey Boratheon, and Oathkeeper was given to Tywin's son Jaime Lannister. However, after Jaime was released from imprisonment by Catelyn Stark, he made an oath to her that he'd return her children back, an oath he passed along to Brienne of Tarth after gifting her the sword.
Heartsbane
Heartsbane belonged to the House Tarly and was used more as a decoration than a battle weapon. It wasn't until the "dishonorable" son of Randyll Tarly, Samwell, stole the sword and brought it to Jorah Mormont to use in the Battle of Winterfell.
Longclaw
The greatsword Longclaw was part of the House Mormont and wielded by Jorah before he dishonored his family with his involvement in slave trade. He left the sword behind before fleeing to Essos and exiling himself from his family. Jorah's father, and the former Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, Jeor Mormont, saw the bastard son Jon Snow as suitable to wield the weapon and gifted it to him, the same sword that Jon used to defeat the White Walkers.
Valyrian steel holds a rich history within the Game of Thrones story, filled with blood, destruction, and honor. It remains the most powerful of all metals and marks the true power and status of any great warrior who wields it.