Ice of the House Stark
TLDR: Ice, the ancestral Valyrian steel greatsword of House Stark, served as a ceremonial symbol of authority and justice, with its massive six-foot size and smoky, rippled appearance setting it apart from other swords, as it was used primarily for executions and important events rather than combat.
Ice, the ancestral greatsword of House Stark, stands as a symbol of power, justice, and Northern tradition in the world of Westeros. This Valyrian steel blade, forged in the fires of ancient Valyria, has been in the possession of House Stark for nearly four centuries. Measuring six feet in length and as wide as a man’s hand, Ice’s dark, smoky appearance with deep rippling patterns is characteristic of its rare and valuable composition. While its name predates the current sword, harkening back to the Age of Heroes, the blade itself has witnessed countless significant events in Westerosi history. From ceremonial duties to grim executions, Ice has played a crucial role in upholding Stark justice and maintaining order in the North.
Physical Description
Ice, the ancestral greatsword of House Stark, is a remarkable example of Valyrian steel craftsmanship. This two-handed weapon boasts impressive dimensions and unique characteristics that set it apart from other blades in Westeros.
The sword measures an impressive six feet in length, making it taller than an adolescent Robb Stark and nearly as tall as Ser Ilyn Payne. Its width is equally notable, spanning the breadth of a man’s hand. These dimensions classify Ice as a true greatsword, requiring significant strength and skill to wield effectively.
Ice’s appearance is as striking as its size. The Valyrian steel blade exhibits a dark, smoky coloration, a hallmark of this rare and valuable metal. Deep ripples run along the length of the blade, creating a mesmerizing pattern that attests to the countless folds in the steel during its forging process.
When compared to other known Valyrian steel blades, Ice stands out for its sheer size and ceremonial use. Here’s a comparison of Ice to some other notable Valyrian steel swords:
| Sword Name | Type | Notable Characteristics |
| Ice | Greatsword | Six feet long, ceremonial use |
| Longclaw | Longsword | Bear-shaped pommel, combat use |
| Heartsbane | Greatsword | House Tarly heirloom |
| Dark Sister | Longsword | Slender blade, wielded by Visenya Targaryen |
Ice’s impressive size and primarily ceremonial use distinguish it from many other Valyrian steel blades, which are often designed for combat. Its dimensions and appearance make it not only a formidable weapon but also a powerful symbol of House Stark’s authority and justice in the North.
Origins and Acquisition
The history of Ice, the ancestral greatsword of House Stark, is steeped in legend and spans centuries. While the current Valyrian steel blade is relatively young in terms of Westerosi history, the name “Ice” itself has a much older legacy.
The name “Ice” predates the Valyrian steel sword, harkening back to the Age of Heroes. This suggests that House Stark possessed one or more ancestral swords named Ice before acquiring the Valyrian steel blade. These earlier versions were likely made of more common materials, such as bronze or steel, but still held great significance to the Stark lineage.
The Valyrian steel greatsword known as Ice was forged in Valyria approximately 400 years before King Robert I Baratheon’s reign. This places its creation around 100 AC (After Conquest), give or take a few decades. The exact circumstances of its forging remain unknown, but like all Valyrian steel weapons, it was spell-forged using techniques lost after the Doom of Valyria.
House Stark acquired Ice about 100 years before Aegon’s Conquest, which occurred in 1 AC. This means the Starks obtained the sword around 100 BC (Before Conquest). The details of how House Stark came into possession of such a valuable and rare weapon are not explicitly stated in the available sources.
To better visualize the timeline of Ice’s history:
| Event | Approximate Date |
| Name “Ice” first used | Age of Heroes (thousands of years ago) |
| Valyrian steel Ice forged | ~100 AC |
| House Stark acquires Ice | ~100 BC |
| Aegon’s Conquest | 1 AC |
| Robert’s Rebellion | 281-283 AC |
Ceremonial and Executioner’s Blade
Ice, the Valyrian steel greatsword of House Stark, served a unique role that set it apart from many other ancestral weapons in Westeros. Rather than being primarily used in combat, Ice was reserved for ceremonial purposes and, most notably, as an instrument of justice.
The sword’s primary function was as an executioner’s blade. As Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, the head of House Stark was responsible for carrying out sentences of death. In keeping with the old way, the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. This tradition, upheld by the Starks, emphasized the weight of such decisions and the direct responsibility of the ruler to their people.
Notable executions carried out with Ice include:
- Lord Eddard Stark’s beheading of a Night’s Watch deserter
- Lord Walton Stark’s execution of Ser Olyver Bracken in 50 AC
- Lord Cregan Stark’s executions during the Hour of the Wolf
The ceremonial aspect of Ice extended beyond executions. Its presence at important events and gatherings served as a potent symbol of Stark authority and the enduring legacy of the house. The sword’s impressive size and distinctive Valyrian steel appearance would have made it a focal point at any gathering, reinforcing the Starks’ position as one of the great houses of Westeros.
Ice’s role as a symbol of Stark justice cannot be overstated. It represented:
- The Stark commitment to honor and duty
- The weight of responsibility that comes with leadership
- The ancient traditions of the North
- The unbroken line of Stark rulers since the Age of Heroes
This ceremonial and judicial use of Ice stands in contrast to many other Valyrian steel swords, which were often used in battle. For example:
| Sword | House | Primary Use |
| Ice | Stark | Ceremonial and executions |
| Longclaw | Mormont | Combat |
| Heartsbane | Tarly | Combat |
| Lady Forlorn | Corbray | Combat |
By reserving Ice for these solemn duties, the Starks emphasized the gravity of taking a life and the importance of justice in their rule. This practice helped cement their reputation as just and honorable leaders in the North.
Notable Historical Wielders
Ice, the ancestral Valyrian steel greatsword of House Stark, has been wielded by numerous Lords of Winterfell throughout its history. Two particularly notable wielders stand out for their significant use of the blade in historical events:
Lord Walton Stark (50 AC)
Lord Walton Stark, who ruled Winterfell in the early years of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen’s reign, used Ice in a pivotal moment of Northern and Night’s Watch history. In 50 AC, he rode north to quell a mutiny within the Night’s Watch led by disgraced former Kingsguard knights. At Rimegate, Lord Walton personally executed Ser Olyver Bracken, one of the rebellion’s leaders, using Ice. This act demonstrated the Stark commitment to justice and their support of the Night’s Watch.
Tragically, Lord Walton’s campaign against the mutineers led to his demise. After pursuing fleeing rebels beyond the Wall, he and his party were attacked by giants in the Haunted Forest. Though Walton reportedly slew two giants with Ice before falling, his death marked a significant loss for House Stark and the North.
Lord Cregan Stark
Lord Cregan Stark’s wielding of Ice during the Hour of the Wolf is one of the most famous uses of the sword in Westerosi history. Following the Dance of the Dragons, Lord Cregan briefly served as Hand of the King to the young Aegon III Targaryen. During his short tenure, he presided over trials and executions of those deemed traitors.
Notable executions carried out by Lord Cregan using Ice include:
- Ser Gyles Belgrave, a Kingsguard knight who had abandoned his post
- Lord Larys Strong, the former master of whisperers implicated in various plots
These executions, carried out with the ancestral Valyrian steel blade, symbolized the restoration of order and justice in the aftermath of a devastating civil war.
The use of Ice by these Lords of Winterfell demonstrates the sword’s dual role as both a symbol of Stark authority and an instrument of Northern justice. This table summarizes the notable wielders and their significant acts:
| Wielder | Time Period | Notable Act |
| Lord Walton Stark | 50 AC | Execution of Ser Olyver Bracken during Night’s Watch mutiny |
| Lord Cregan Stark | After Dance of the Dragons | Executions during the Hour of the Wolf, including Ser Gyles Belgrave and Lord Larys Strong |
Eddard Stark’s Era
During Lord Eddard Stark’s tenure as Warden of the North, Ice played a significant role in upholding justice and Northern traditions. Eddard’s use of the ancestral blade exemplified the Stark values of honor and duty.
Executions
Ice was primarily used by Lord Eddard for carrying out executions, adhering to the ancient Northern custom that “the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.” This practice emphasized the weight of such decisions and the direct responsibility of the ruler to their people. A notable example of this was the execution of Gared, a deserter from the Night’s Watch. This execution, witnessed by Eddard’s sons, including his bastard Jon Snow, served as a lesson in leadership and justice.
Cleaning Rituals
After each use, Lord Eddard would meticulously clean Ice in the godswood of Winterfell. This ritual involved:
- Wiping the blade with a swatch of oiled leather
- Cleaning the sword beneath the heart tree
- Allowing the blade to reflect the face of the weirwood
This practice not only maintained the sword but also held spiritual significance, connecting the act of justice with the old gods of the North.
Jon Snow’s Interaction
Jon Snow, though not a trueborn Stark, had significant interactions with Ice. These encounters shaped his understanding of leadership and duty:
- Witnessed executions performed by his father using Ice
- Observed the cleaning rituals in the godswood
- Likely trained with practice swords of similar weight to Ice
These experiences with Ice contributed to Jon’s development as a leader and his understanding of the responsibilities that come with power.
Table: Notable Uses of Ice During Eddard Stark’s Era
| Event | Description | Significance |
| Execution of Gared | Beheading of a Night’s Watch deserter | Demonstration of Northern justice and leadership |
| Cleaning in the godswood | Post-execution ritual | Connection of justice to Northern spirituality |
| Training of Stark children | Observation of Ice’s use | Education in leadership and responsibility |
Confiscation
The confiscation of Ice marked a significant turning point in the history of the ancestral Stark greatsword and symbolized the fall of House Stark from power in King’s Landing.
Seizure After Eddard Stark’s Execution
Following Lord Eddard Stark’s execution for alleged treason in 298 AC, Ice was seized by the crown. This act was not merely the taking of a valuable weapon, but a deliberate appropriation of a symbol of Stark authority and Northern justice. The confiscation of Ice represented the Lannister regime’s attempt to strip away the power and legacy of House Stark.
Wielded by Ser Ilyn Payne as King’s Justice
After its seizure, Ice was given to Ser Ilyn Payne, the King’s Justice. This transfer of the blade was particularly poignant for several reasons:
- Symbolic Shift: From an instrument of honorable Northern justice to a tool of Southern royal punishment.
- Ironic Use: The sword that had long served the Starks was now in the hands of their enemies.
- Desecration of Legacy: A sacred Stark heirloom reduced to a common executioner’s blade.
Ser Ilyn Payne’s use of Ice as the King’s Justice was a deliberate insult to House Stark and the North. The once-revered Valyrian steel greatsword, which had been used for centuries to uphold Northern justice and tradition, was now being wielded to carry out the often arbitrary and cruel sentences of King Joffrey Baratheon.
Reforging
The reforging of Ice marked a significant turning point in the history of the Stark ancestral blade and symbolized the temporary downfall of House Stark.
Melting Down and Reforging
In 300 AC, under the orders of Lord Tywin Lannister, Ice was melted down and reforged into two new swords. This process was carried out by Tobho Mott, a master armorer from Qohor known for his exceptional skill in working with Valyrian steel. The reforging of Ice was a complex process that involved:
- Melting down the original greatsword
- Adding new steel to increase the overall volume of metal
- Folding and hammering the steel to create two distinct blades
- Infusing the new steel with the magical properties of the original Valyrian steel
Creation of Oathkeeper and Widow’s Wail
The two swords created from Ice were:
- Oathkeeper: A longsword given to Ser Jaime Lannister, who later gifted it to Brienne of Tarth.
- Widow’s Wail: A smaller sword presented to King Joffrey Baratheon as a wedding gift.
Both swords retained the distinctive rippled pattern and exceptional qualities of Valyrian steel. However, the addition of new steel during the reforging process resulted in a notable red tint to the blades, distinguishing them from the original dark grey of Ice.
| Characteristic | Ice | Oathkeeper | Widow’s Wail |
| Type | Greatsword | Longsword | Shortsword/Longsword |
| Length | Approx. 6 feet | Standard longsword length | Shorter than Oathkeeper |
| Color | Dark grey | Grey with red ripples | Grey with red ripples |
| Initial Owner | House Stark | Jaime Lannister | Joffrey Baratheon |
| Notable Users | Eddard Stark | Brienne of Tarth | Joffrey Baratheon, later Tommen Baratheon |
Unique Characteristics
Ice, the ancestral greatsword of House Stark, possessed several distinctive features that set it apart from other Valyrian steel weapons.
Comparison to Other Known Valyrian Steel Weapons
When compared to other Valyrian steel blades, Ice stood out in several ways:
- Size: At six feet in length, Ice was significantly larger than most Valyrian steel swords. This made it one of the few Valyrian steel greatswords known to exist.
- Color: Ice was described as having a dark, smoky appearance, which was typical of Valyrian steel. However, some Valyrian steel blades, like Widow’s Wail, had a red tint, showing the variation possible in these weapons.
- Primary Use: Unlike many Valyrian steel swords used primarily in combat, Ice was mainly used for ceremonial purposes and executions.
- Age: Ice was one of the older known Valyrian steel swords, having been in the Stark family for centuries.
Significance of Size and Ceremonial Use
Ice’s impressive size and ceremonial use were significant for several reasons:
- Symbol of Authority: The sword’s large size made it an imposing symbol of Stark power and authority in the North.
- Ceremonial Function: Its use in executions and important ceremonies reinforced the Stark commitment to justice and tradition.
- Impracticality in Combat: The sword’s size made it less practical for regular combat, emphasizing its symbolic and ceremonial importance over its use as a battlefield weapon.
- Representation of Stark Legacy: The continued use of such an ancient and valuable weapon in ceremonies connected the current Stark rulers to their ancestors and history.
| Sword Name | Type | Primary Use | Notable Characteristics |
| Ice | Greatsword | Ceremonial/Executions | Six feet long, dark smoky color |
| Longclaw | Bastard Sword | Combat | Bear pommel, used by Jon Snow |
| Heartsbane | Greatsword | Combat/Heirloom | Owned by House Tarly |
| Widow’s Wail | Longsword | Combat | Red tint, reforged from Ice |
| Dark Sister | Longsword | Combat | Slender blade, Targaryen sword |
Where Can I Get an Ice Greatsword Replica?
If you’re looking to get your hands on an Ice greatsword replica, there are several options available.
Medieval Collectibles
Kult of Athena
Final Thoughts
Ice, the greatsword of House Stark, is more than just a weapon; it’s a piece of history that reflects the stoic resolve and unwavering sense of justice that defines the Stark family. The sheer size of Ice, combined with its dark, smoky Valyrian steel, makes it a symbol of power and tradition, though I’ve always thought it was a bit too large for anything practical beyond its ceremonial use. That said, its transformation into Oathkeeper and Widow’s Wail after Eddard Stark’s tragic fate has always struck me as bittersweet—there’s something almost poetic about this ancient sword being divided, yet its legacy lives on in a new form. I appreciate how Ice’s history is interwoven with the Stark family’s story, from the Age of Heroes to the Stark legacy, even though it’s hard not to feel a pang of loss knowing it no longer exists in its original form. It’s a reminder that even in the world of Westeros, nothing lasts forever, not even the mightiest of swords. For those who find fascination in legendary weapons from fantasy worlds, Ice undoubtedly ranks among the coolest creations ever imagined.