Ice
A blade of black steel that ruled the North, melted down by Tywin Lannister and reborn as Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail.
Ice is the legendary ancestral greatsword of House Stark, forged from the rare and magical metal known as Valyrian steel. For centuries, it served as a symbol of Northern authority and the weight of duty carried by the Lord of Winterfell. Its immense size and deadly edge made it one of the most feared weapons in Westeros.
- Type
- Valyrian Steel Greatsword
- Original Owner
- House Stark
- Notable Wielder
- Eddard Stark
- Current Status
- Broken and Reforged
- Origin
- The Freehold of Valyria
- Special Property
- Magically Sharp
Lore & Background
Despite its destruction, Ice remains a potent symbol of Stark resilience. The magical properties inherent in Valyrian steel ensure that even when broken, the metal retains its ability to harm supernatural foes like White Walkers. Its legacy lives on through the new blades forged from its heart: Oathkeeper, named for Jaime Lannister's vow to Catelyn Stark, and Widow's Wail, continuing the cycle of duty and vengeance.
In Their Own Story
The cold air of Winterfell bit at Eddard Stark's cheeks as he drew Ice from its scabbard. The black metal seemed to drink the torchlight, reflecting nothing but his own weary face. He ran a gloved thumb along the edge, feeling the hum that only Valyrian steel possessed—a whisper of dragons long dead. This was not just a weapon; it was the weight of the North itself, resting in his hands.
Reader's Guide
Wielding Ice requires two hands and exceptional strength due to its immense size and balance point. It is designed for cleaving through heavy plate armor that would stop ordinary steel. The blade's magical nature makes it one of the few weapons capable of harming White Walkers or their reanimated dead, a crucial advantage in the war against the Others. While originally owned by House Stark, the shards were reforged into smaller blades after its destruction. These new swords retain the original metal's properties but are easier to handle for skilled warriors like knights. The steel is incredibly durable and can be honed to razor sharpness without chipping or dulling over time. Only those trusted with the legacy of the Starks should wield a blade made from Ice's heart. It demands respect, as the metal carries the history of its past owners. In combat, it serves not just as a tool for killing, but as a reminder of oaths kept and blood debts paid.
Did You Know?
- Valyrian steel is so rare that fewer than twenty blades are known to exist in Westeros.
- The reforged blades Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail were created from the shards of Ice.
- Ice was too heavy for most men, requiring a warrior of significant stature to wield it properly.
- Valyrian steel is one of the few materials capable of killing White Walkers permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ice?
This legendary weapon served as the hereditary blade of House Stark and was crafted from magical Valyrian steel. It symbolized the authority of Winterfell's lord for centuries before its destruction.
Who wielded Ice most famously?
Eddard Stark famously wielded this massive blade during his tenure as Hand of the King. It was so heavy that most men needed assistance to lift it, yet Ned could swing it with deadly precision.
What happened to Ice after Ned's death?
Tywin Lannister ordered the sword melted down in a fit of spite against House Stark. The Valyrian steel was subsequently reforged into two smaller blades named Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail.
Why is Ice considered special compared to normal swords?
As a weapon made from magical Valyrian steel, it possessed an edge that never dulled and could cut through ordinary metal with ease. This rarity made it one of the most feared and valuable artifacts in Westerosi history.
Does Ice still exist today?
The original greatsword no longer exists in its former form because it was destroyed during reforging. However, its magical essence lives on within the two new swords created from its steel.