How Westeros’ Iconic Weapons Mirror Real Medieval Warfare and Craftsmanship
Game of Thrones captivated audiences not just with its political intrigue and dragons, but with its visceral, blade-driven combat. From Valyrian steel longswords to slender rapiers, the series’ weapons are steeped in historical inspiration, blending fantasy with real-world medieval craftsmanship and martial traditions. This article delves into the swords of Westeros, their real-life counterparts, and the legacy they’ve forged in pop culture.
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Action
Created By: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss
Based On: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Original Network: HBO
Premiere Date: April 17, 2011
Finale Date: May 19, 2019
Seasons: 8 (73 episodes)
Directors: Alan Taylor, Miguel Sapochnik, David Nutter, Neil Marshall, and more
Main Producers: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin
Plot Summary
Game of Thrones is set in the fictional land of Westeros and Essos, where noble families battle for control of the Iron Throne. The story follows various factions:
- House Stark (honorable rulers of the North)
- House Lannister (wealthy and ruthless schemers)
- House Targaryen (exiled dragonlords seeking to reclaim the throne)
- The Night’s Watch (guardians of the Wall, protecting the realm from supernatural threats)
Amidst political intrigue, betrayals, and brutal wars, an ancient enemy, the White Walkers, returns, threatening all of humanity.
Main Cast & Characters
| Actor | Character | House |
|---|---|---|
| Sean Bean | Eddard “Ned” Stark | Stark |
| Kit Harington | Jon Snow | Stark (Targaryen) |
| Emilia Clarke | Daenerys Targaryen | Targaryen |
| Lena Headey | Cersei Lannister | Lannister |
| Peter Dinklage | Tyrion Lannister | Lannister |
| Nikolaj Coster-Waldau | Jaime Lannister | Lannister |
| Sophie Turner | Sansa Stark | Stark |
| Maisie Williams | Arya Stark | Stark |
| Isaac Hempstead-Wright | Bran Stark | Stark |
| Richard Madden | Robb Stark | Stark |
| Gwendoline Christie | Brienne of Tarth | None |
| Rory McCann | Sandor “The Hound” Clegane | Clegane |
| Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson | Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane | Clegane |
| Iain Glen | Jorah Mormont | Mormont |
| Jerome Flynn | Bronn | None |
Legendary Swords of Westeros: Steel, Symbolism, and Historical Roots
Valyrian steel, the ultra-sharp, near-mythical metal in Game of Thrones, draws direct parallels to Damascus steel, a famed historical alloy known for its strength and distinctive wavy patterns. Below, we dissect the show’s most iconic blades and their real-world inspirations.
| Sword | Owner | Description | Historical Inspiration | Era/Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longclaw | Jon Snow | Valyrian steel longsword with a direwolf pommel, reforged from a bear. | Medieval longswords (e.g., Oakeshott Type XVIII) | 14th–15th century Europe |
| Oathkeeper | Brienne of Tarth | Red-gold blade forged from Ice; symbolises loyalty. | Renaissance-era bastard swords | 16th century Germany/Italy |
| Needle | Arya Stark | Slim, lightweight rapier for thrusting. | 17th-century smallswords | Early modern Europe |
| Ice | Eddard Stark | Massive Valyrian greatsword, later melted into Oathkeeper and Widow’s Wail. | Scottish Claymore | 15th–16th century Scotland |
| Widow’s Wail | Jaime Lannister | Ornate, agile blade reforged from Ice. | European arming swords | 12th–14th century Europe |
| Heartsbane | House Tarly | Two-handed Valyrian greatsword, a Tarly heirloom. | ZweihanderGerman Zweihänder | 16th century Holy Roman Empire |
| Dawn | Ser Arthur Dayne | Pale blade “forged from a fallen star”, wielded by the Sword of the Morning. | Mythical Sword (e.g., Excalibur) | Legendary |
Key Insight:
- Valyrian Steel vs. Damascus Steel: Both were famed for their superior quality and lost forging techniques. Damascus steel’s layered construction mirrors Valyrian steel’s mythical “spell-forged” origins.
Sword Fighting Styles: HEMA Meets Hollywood
The show’s combat choreography blended Hollywood flair with Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), a revival of medieval fighting techniques.
| Character | Fighting Style | HEMA Influence | Real-World Manual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Snow | Longsword (two-handed cuts and parries) | German Liechtenauer tradition | Codex Wallerstein (15th century) |
| Brienne of Tarth | Armoured longsword | Fiore dei Liberi’s armoured combat | Flos Duellatorum (1410) |
| Arya Stark | Rapier fencing (Water Dance) | Italian rapier techniques | Salvator Fabris (1606) |
| The Mountain | Brutal two-handed cleaving | Montante (greatsword) for crowd control | Diogo Gomes de Figueiredo (1651) |
Famous Duels:
- Ned Stark vs. Jaime Lannister (S1): A clash of longsword stances mirroring 15th-century fencing.
- Arya vs. Brienne (S7): Rapier agility vs. longsword power, showcasing the “speed vs. strength” dynamic.
Battles Rooted in History: From Westeros to the War of the Roses
Game of Thrones battles echo real medieval conflicts, particularly England’s War of the Roses (1455–1487), which inspired George R.R. Martin’s Stark vs. Lannister feud.
| Battle | Historical Parallel | Tactical Inspiration |
|---|---|---|
| Battle of the Bastards | Battle of Towton (1461) | Shield walls, cavalry charges, and muddied terrain. |
| Blackwater (S2) | Siege of Constantinople (1453) | Use of wildfire (Greek fire) and naval traps. |
| The Long Night (S8) | Folklore sieges (e.g., Siege of Vienna) | Last stands against overwhelming forces. |
Replica Swords: From Screen to Steel
UK-based fans can acquire authentic replicas through retailers like Valyrian Steel UK and The Knight Shop.
| Sword | Price Range (£) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Longclaw | £250–£700 | Hand-forged steel with wolf pommel. |
| Oathkeeper | £350–£900 | Red-enameled hilt, etched blade. |
| Needle | £120–£280 | Slim, lightweight design for training. |
| Ice | £600+ | 1.5m-long greatsword with Stark engravings. |
Fandom Impact:
- HEMA Clubs in the UK: Groups like Academy of Historical Arts (Glasgow) host GoT-themed sparring events.
- Comic-Con Panels: Sword masters from the show demonstrate choreography at MCM London.
Legacy: Sharpening Pop Culture’s Edge
Game of Thrones redefined fantasy combat, sparking global interest in medieval history and swordsmithing. Despite divisive final seasons, its blades remain cultural icons, bridging fantasy and historical reality.
Where to Watch in the UK:
- Streaming: Sky Atlantic (via NOW TV)
- Physical Media: HMV (Complete Blu-ray Box Set: £120–£150)
Watch the trailer:
