The Secret Behind Jon Snow's Longclaw: How Valyrian Steel Felled the White Walkers

In the intricate world of A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones, Valyrian steel serves as a powerful weapon against the most formidable and supernatural beings, particularly the White Walkers. Among these, the Longclaw, wielded by Jon Snow, stands out as a symbol of the unique power that Valyrian steel possesses.

The Magic of Valyrian Steel

Valyrian steel is imbued with magical properties that enable it to resist and counteract the icy magic that powers the White Walkers. In the lore of Westeros, this steel is renowned for its effectiveness against both White Walkers and other supernatural beings. Its legendary origin shrouds it in mystery, with tales of spells and perhaps even blood sacrifices contributing to its creation. In the show, when Jon Snow faces a White Walker in Season 5, he proves the sword's unique power, emphasizing the sword's significance in the fight against the undead.

The Details in the Books

A Song of Ice and Fire provides a more detailed account of the origins and properties of Valyrian steel. According to the books, Longclaw is made using spells, likely involving some form of blood sacrifice, which counteracts the magic of the White Walkers. It is mentioned that only obsidian and Valyrian steel have been known to kill White Walkers, but not without some poetic interpretation. The books also hint at the use of dragonfire in the creation of Valyrian steel, but it alone wouldn't suffice as Drogon's fire would have killed the Night King, suggesting a more complex process involving other elements, such as spells or blood sacrifices.

Additionally, the books mention a related concept, dragonsteel, which is said to have been used during the first Long Night by the Last Hero to kill the White Walkers. While dragonsteel is assumed to be the same material as Valyrian steel, the details about its creation, including whether dragons were present to infuse it with fire, are yet to be disclosed.

The Significance of Valyrian Steel

The Valyrian steel in Longclaw holds a special significance not just in Game of ThronesLongclaw becomes a crucial weapon in the battle against the Others.

In conclusion, the inexplicable and enduring power of Valyrian steel connects the ancient Valyrian artifacts to the modern struggles in Westeros. The fighting of the White Walkers in today's time is an evolution of the eternal struggle that has been ongoing for millennia, and Valyrian steel remains a symbol of this enduring legacy.