Top 10 Weapons in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon

Ice, the ancestral greatsword of House Stark, is one of the most iconic blades in the World of Westeros. Crafted with the extremely valuable and elusive Valyrian steel, Ice is massive (you might even call it “absurdly large”), reflecting the strength and honor of the Stark lineage. In a cruel and ironic twist, Ice is used to behead its own carrier, Eddard Stark – the event that prompts the War of the Five Kings. The sword is later melted down and reforged into two new blades. As such, Ice's legacy endures (albeit in a rather sad way), representing both the honor and the tragic downfall of the Stark family. You can also spot Ice in “House of the Dragon”, held by Cregan Stark on the Season Two premiere.

The Dothraki are some of the fiercest warriors in the Seven Kingdoms, and much of their brutality is thanks to their signature means of defense. An arakh is a curved blade that almost resembles a scythe, and as such, it can slice impressively hard and deep. Arakhs are shown to be ideal for mounted combat, allowing the equestrian Dothraki to slash efficiently while riding at high speeds. Although the arakh is somewhat primitive in nature and unable to penetrate armor, you know some intense battling is about to go down when one is unsheathed.

One of two swords reforged with Ice’s steel, Oathkeeper comes to play a vital role in the series – not to mention in Brienne of Tarth’s story arc. After forming an unlikely bond with Brienne, Jaime Lannister gives her the exquisite longsword so that she can fulfill her promise to the late Lady Catelyn (that is, to protect the remaining Stark children). Oathkeeper’s Valyrian steel makes it exceptionally sharp and resilient, allowing it to serve this heroic character well on her journeys. Furthermore, the weapon’s name, chosen by Brienne herself, reflects her unwavering dedication to honor and loyalty.

This legendary Valyrian steel sword is steeped in the rich history of the Targaryen dynasty. The weapon was not only a prized possession of the family, but it served as a symbol of royal authority and power, being passed down from generation to generation as a rite of passage. According to lore, Aegon IV’s bastard son Daemon took the name “Blackfyre” for himself and his cadet branch, leading his rebellion for the Iron Throne to be known as the “Blackfyre Rebellion.” Moreover, in “House of the Dragon,” King Viserys I even uses Blackfyre as a scepter while in court, further showcasing its vital role in the Targaryen lineage.

Arya Stark’s slender sword is a weapon of profound personal significance in "Game of Thrones." In one of the first season’s most touching moments, Arya’s half-brother Jon Snow gives her the weapon as a farewell gift. The smallsword was built for speed and precision rather than brute strength. As such, Needle is well suited for Arya’s slight frame; like her, it's small, mighty, and much more than meets the eye. Arya hangs onto Needle until the very end of the show, as if the sword is an extension of her very character. Throughout Arya’s tumultuous journey, Needle symbolizes her identity, uncommon skill, and unparalleled bravery.

As we get to know Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons, we quickly learn that not much can destroy these noble monsters. However, there are a few exceptions, including the Night King's ice spear (xref) and the ballistic, long-range Scorpion weapons. These colossal crossbows can fire enormous bolts that prove capable of piercing right through a dragon. For this reason, they’ve come in handy when the fire-breathing beasts pose a threat, such as during the Dance of the Dragons or the Dothraki ambush at the Goldroad. Although Scorpions definitely sound like they could be a George R. R. Martin creation, they did – believe it or not – exist in the real world, having been invented in Ancient Rome.

Yet another Valyrian steel sword, this blade belonged to Visenya Targaryen, one of Aegon the Conqueror’s sister-wives. Of course, we don’t see Visenya wielding the weapon, as she existed long before the events of the prequel series. But we do know that Dark Sister plays a unique role in the lore of Westeros. Despite being in the possession of Daemon Targaryen in “House of the Dragon,” Dark Sister is said to be feminine in nature, given its light and elegant design. Notably, it’s first mentioned in the series by Arya Stark, who’d grow to be one of the greatest women warriors of the Seven Kingdoms.

This devastating tool of destruction is known for its intense, uncontrollable green flames. Created by the Alchemists' Guild of King's Landing, the highly unstable wildfire can burn through almost anything, including flesh, steel, and even water. Perhaps its most memorable usage was in the Battle of the Blackwater, in which Tyrion Lannister employed the substance to obliterate Stannis Baratheon's fleet. Later, Tyrion’s sister Cersei uses it to destroy the Great Sept of Baelor, eliminating her enemies in a massive explosion. The unpredictability and sheer power of wildfire make it capable of changing both the course of battles and history itself.

The ancestral weapon of House Mormont, this Valyrian steel blade can be recognized by its length, uncommon lightness, and surprising flexibility. Jeor Mormont, Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, gives Jon Snow the sword after the latter saves his life, and Snow goes on to wield Longclaw for the rest of the series. The sword’s pommel originally bore the figure of a bear, but Jeor Mormont has it changed to a direwolf – the sigil of House Stark – when he passes it onto his protégé. You could argue that Jon Snow’s signature weapon symbolizes his bravery, resilience, and enduring fight against the odds.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Red Viper’s Spear
The Prince of Dorne’s Weapon of Choice

Ser Criston Cole's Morningstar
When All Else Fails, Use the Flail

Widow's Wail
Oathkeeper’s Nasty Sister

Sand Snakes' Whip
A Weapon as Swift & Deadly as the Sand Snakes Themselves

Corlys Velaryon's Battle Ax
Not Very Conventional, but Certainly Formidable

Yes, that’s right: we’re talking about that dagger. It doesn’t have an official name, nor does it look as threatening as some of the longswords on this list, but there’s no other weapon in the Seven Kingdoms that has shown up so frequently in so many important places. In “House of the Dragon,” we learn that Aegon the Conqueror’s prophecy is engraved into the dagger. But those who also watched “Game of Thrones” have seen it before; it is, in fact, the same weapon that was used in Bran Stark’s attempted assassination. As it turns out, the dagger passes through many hands before ending up with Arya Stark, who uses it to kill both Littlefinger and the Night King.

Do you agree with our list? Feel free to discuss in the comments!