HOTD Season 3: Prepare for 3 New Epic Weapons!

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Summary

  • House of the Dragon Season 3 will introduce three new Valyrian steel blades, one being exciting for book readers.
  • Valyrian steel swords like Orphan-Maker, Lamentation, Vigilance, and Heartsbane hold legendary histories in Westeros.
  • There are sixteen known Valyrian steel weapons in Westeros, with iconic swords like Ice and Blackfyre making appearances.

Production on Season 3 of “House of the Dragon” has formally begun, as of March 31, at Leavesden Studios in London. Leaked set photos and character details offer eager fans a peek into the happenings taking place behind the scenes.

In the most recent installment of The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of podcast, House of the Dragon’s showrunner Ryan Condal hinted at the arrival of three fresh Valyrian steel swords in the next season. Yet, Condal chose to keep their origins secret, offering only a subtle hint that one of these blades is likely to excite fans of the books. For those unfamiliar with this legendary material, Valryian steel is prized not just for its lightness and exceptional edge, but also for the mystical craftsmanship involved in its creation. This rare metal can only be forged using ancient magical techniques that were lost during the destruction of the legendary city of Valyria.

What Valyrian Swords Will Debut In House of the Dragon Season 3?

Steeped in the rich tapestry of Western European medieval England’s history and grandeur, the swords featured in ‘House of the Dragon’ are more than just weapons; they are 40-odd-inches of dense steel carrying centuries of lore. Among the Valyrian steel swords (and daggers) that graced Westeros during the Dance of the Dragons and were glimpsed in ‘Game of Thrones’, a select few stand out, narrowing down the possible debuts to four formidable blades: the Orphan-Maker, Lamentation, Vigilance, and Heartsbane. As I eagerly await their appearance on screen, I can’t help but feel the weight of their legends in my hands, ready to be rewritten in this new chapter of Westeros’ tumultuous history.

Orphan-Maker

The enigmatic sword, dubbed Orphan-Maker, was yielded by House Roxton. Before the Dance of the Dragons, its past remains shrouded in mystery. However, it gained notoriety during the Battle of Honeywine and the Second Battle of Tumbleton, where Ser Jon Roxton, a member of House Roxton, is said to have slain numerous foes single-handedly. The literary work Fire & Blood portrays Orphan-Maker as a dark-toned Valyrian steel blade, adorned with passages from the Book of the Warrior, reflecting its connection to the Faith of the Seven. Unfortunately, after the Dance of the Dragons, Orphan-Maker’s destiny mirrored that of many noble Valyrian swords: it disappeared into the annals of history.

Lamentation

The famed sword known as Lamentation, carrying a warning in its name, can be traced back to the mountainous region of the Vale, more precisely, to House Royce. Ser William Royce was the one who bore this sword, characterized by a silver handle and a ruby in its crossguard that glows crimson.

There’s no definitive account of what became of the sword Lamentation following the Dance of the Dragons. Most people think it was misplaced during the Storming of the Dragonpit, but there are two theories about its fate. One possibility is that it survived by hiding among the debris and dead bodies, or it could have been destroyed by dragonfire. However, according to traditional lore, Valyrian steel can only be destroyed or reforged using Qohorik forging techniques. This raises questions about the claim that Lamentation was destroyed by dragonfire.

There are whispers suggesting that Lamentation may no longer be in William’s possession. If this is indeed the case, it could be found hidden away in a burglar’s den, mourning its loss, or being sold for a high price in Essos.

Vigilance

During the Dance of Dragons, it was Lord Ormund Hightower, a staunch supporter of King Aegon II Targaryen, who wielded Vigilance – a renowned Valyrian steel blade. However, following the First Battle of Tumbleton where Hightower forces sustained significant losses, the sword disappeared. Although the books don’t provide a detailed description, one can envision that the hilt and pommel of Vigilance would feature intricate designs symbolizing towers with green accents.

Heartsbane

In essence, House Tarly’s sword Heartsbane isn’t considered “new” because it was shown earlier in the television series ‘Game of Thrones’. Its initial appearances were brief, with Lord Randyll Tarly displaying it on his wall at Horn Hill and Samwell Tarly stealing it during Season 6. However, Alan Tarly joins forces with Rhaenyra and plays a significant role in the Hightower host’s initial defeat at the Battle of the Honeywine. Given this, it seems likely that Heartsbane will reappear in live-action again, but this time with a more prominent role.

Notice the sword you see? Known as Heartsbane, it has been in our family for five centuries. A Valyrian steel blade, there are very few of these swords remaining on earth today. Tradition dictates that it should pass to my firstborn son upon my death. However, he will never use this sword.

Heartsbane, renowned for its grandeur, is often depicted as a weapon requiring two hands to wield. Its design mirrors the intricate emblem of its keepers, the striding huntsman: an elaborately carved hilt shaped like a bow and arrow, and a pommel sculpted as an arrow’s feathered end.

How Many Valyrian Steel Swords Were There In Westeros?

…And Which Is the Most Popular on the Continent?

In the legend of “Game of Thrones,” it is recognized that there are sixteen Valyrian steel weapons, both swords and daggers, scattered throughout Westeros and beyond.

Valyrian Sword House Current or Last Known Wielders
Blackfyre Targaryen Aegon II Targaryen
Ice Stark Ned Stark
Oath Keeper Lannister Brienne of Tarth
Widow’s Wail Lannister Joffery Lannister
Dark Sister Targaryen Daemon Targaryen
Long Claw Mormont Jon Snow
Heartsbane Tarly Samwell Tarly
Dawn Dane Ser Arthur Dane
Bright Roar Lannister Tommen II Lannister
Vigilance Hightower Ormund Hightower
Orphan-Maker Roxton Ser Jon Roxton
Lamentation Royce William Royce
Lady Forlorn Corbray Ser Lyn
Catspaw Dagger Targaryen Aemond Targaryen
Red Rain Drumm Hilmar Drumm
Nightfall Harlaw Harras Harlaw

Viewers have had a glimpse of these striking weapons in both ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘House of the Dragon’. In the premier episode of the first season of ‘Game of Thrones’, the legendary Valyrian steel sword, Ice, made its live-action debut. It was wielded by Ned Stark when he beheaded a deserter in the opening scene. Later on, it was used by Joffrey’s executioner to behead Ned Stark, igniting the War of the Five Kings. This massive sword is the largest of its kind across all Westeros, and was later split into two smaller swords, Oath Keeper and Widow’s Wail, at the command of Tywin Lannister.

Originally yielded by King Aegon the Conqueror, Blackfyre isn’t the most valued sword in the possession of House Targaryen – a fact that might surprise many given its historical significance. Instead, it has been traditionally passed down to every Targaryen king.

The Catspaw Dagger is undeniably the most renowned among all Valyrian swords, a status recognized by both the viewers and the Targaryens themselves. This particular blade played a pivotal role in initiating the series of events portrayed in “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon.” Engraved within its metal is the prophecy of Aegon Targaryen about the arrival of the White Walkers.

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2025-04-17 20:06