The Myth of Valyrian Steel: Truths and Myths in A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones

The Myth of Valyrian Steel: Truths and Myths in A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones

The legendary Valyrian steel swords, renowned for their sharpness, strength, and magical properties in the high-fantasy universe of A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones, have often been portrayed as almost unbreakable. However, the lore provides specific instances where these swords have faced significant damage or even broken in combat. In this comprehensive article, we explore the truth behind these myths.

The Infallibility of Valyrian Steel

Throughout the series, Valyrian steel swords are celebrated for their extraordinary qualities, including their resistance to damage and breakage. Jaime Lannister's fight against the Stark family members exemplifies this when some Valyrian steel blades are noted to chip or break when clashing against other powerful weapons, especially those made of dragonglass or other magical materials. This encounter highlights that while Valyrian steel is generally depicted as nearly indestructible, rare instances of damage do occur under extremesh conditions. These occurrences, while uncommon, serve to ground the myth and emphasize the exceptional craftsmanship of Valyrian steel.

Breaking and Reforging Valyrian Steel

It is a common misconception that Valyrian steel cannot be repaired once damaged. In reality, these swords can be partially damaged and reforged by masters of Qohor, a trade city renowned for steelwork. However, the narrative in Game of Thrones got this process wrong, portraying daggers as the only items that can be welded together. In the books, the process of refracting Valyrian steel is far more complex, requiring magic and blood sacrifices, including the deaths of infants. This adds an element of danger and ritual to the concept of repairing Valyrian steel, highlighting its unique and sacred nature.

The Impact of Extreme Forces on Valyrian Steel

One of the most devastating threats to Valyrian steel is exposure to the destructive power of dragons. When Aegon the Conqueror died, his sword, Blackfyre, was placed on a pyre and cremated by the largest dragon known in the lore, The Black Dread. Despite the inferno, only the blade was slightly darkened, indicating that dragonfire has little effect on Valyrian steel. This further underscores the material's extraordinary durability. Additionally, it is mentioned that Euron Greyjoy owns a set of Valyrian steel armor, suggesting that Valyrian steel might be capable of damaging blades. However, the lore does not explicitly confirm whether Valyrian steel can dull other Valyrian steel blades.

The Reality of Battle

Despite their legendary status, Valyrian steel swords, like any other weapon, are not entirely invincible in battle. Instances exist in the lore where swords made of Valyrian steel have been broken or damaged. For example, Ser Sandor Clegane, known as 'the Hound,' demonstrated the futility of Valyrian steel in combat when he bent the sword Oathkeeper like a sheet of paper. If Ser Gregor Clegane, who has been described as one of the strongest warriors, were to fight with these swords, it's highly likely that they would break. Similarly, Young King Robert Baratheon, with his immense strength and martial prowess, would be capable of easily breaking Valyrian steel swords, including Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail.

Conclusion: While Valyrian steel swords in the lore of A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones are depicted as remarkably resistant to damage, they are not unbreakable. Instances of damage do occur, especially in extreme conditions such as dragonfire or clashes with other magical materials. The myth of infallible Valyrian steel serves to enhance the material's legendary status but also emphasizes its vulnerabilities and the exceptional craftsmanship that goes into its creation.