The Other Stark Sword Beyond the Wall: A Seinfeld of Thrones Explanation

While in Inside the Episode 4x01, D. B. Weiss further confirms that after melting Ice Needle, it leaves only one Stark sword, a discussion on which sword it may be can pique the interest of A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones fans alike. One of the most prominent possibilities is Longclaw, a sword with a complex history.

Longclaw: The Bear to a Wolf's Pommel

Longclaw, originally the ancestral bastard sword of House Mormont of Bear Island, underwent a significant transformation. Lord Commander Mormont had the bear's head pommel of the sword removed and replaced with a direwolf's head. This change symbolized an important factor in its history. Having originally belonged to House Mormont, its pommel alteration signified the realignment of power and allegiance.

The sword then found its new home with Jon Snow, the Bastard of Winterfell, as a reward for his service to House Mormont. His official status as a bastard son of Lord Eddard Stark means Longclaw, with its direwolf pommel, could indeed be regarded as a "Stark sword" in spirit, even if not in the traditional bloodline sense.

Is Longclaw the Only Stark Sword?

The question remains, is Longclaw the only remaining Stark sword? While that seems the more obvious answer, it's worth considering another point. If melting down Ice Needle stopped it from being a Stark sword, the act of gifting Longclaw might have precisely the opposite effect. The act of transferring a sword of significant heritage and power to a member of House Stark could be seen as reinforcing its connection to the Stark lineage.

It's also essential to consider the broader context of the Thronedom's power dynamics. In a world where identity and heritage are often malleable and contested, the act of favoring a bastard to wield a sword historically tied to a powerful northern house could symbolize a shift in power dynamics, making the acting of transferring Longclaw an implicit act of validating Stark heritage.

A Seinfeld of Thrones Trifecta

This exploration of which sword remains is not just another trivia question, but it's a Seinfeld of Thrones trifecta. It combines the economics of swords, the unpredictability and complexity of dynastic changes, and the nuanced relationship between characters that is endemic to the series. Whether you choose to lean into the obvious answer of Longclaw or see an alternative interpretation in the act of gifting alone, the truth in this matter is as elusive as the creators' word.

Conclusion

The discussion and reimagining of which sword remains as a link to the Stark legacy is an intriguing one. Whether it's Longclaw or another unknown sword, the complexity and history of swords in the A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones universe show us that even seemingly straightforward questions can lead to layered and thought-provoking analyses. As readers, viewers, and Seinfeld of Thrones fans, we are continually reminded of the depth of the series' storytelling.