Needle: The Sword of Arya Stark
TLDR: Jon Snow gifts Arya Stark a custom sword, Needle, symbolizing her independent spirit and setting her on a path as a fighter, with the blade becoming a lasting emblem of her family, identity, and resilience throughout her journey.
Needle, the slender sword wielded by Arya Stark, is one of the most iconic weapons in the Game of Thrones series. Crafted by Mikken, the blacksmith at Winterfell, and gifted to Arya by her half-brother Jon Snow, Needle holds a special place in Arya’s heart and symbolizes her journey from a young girl to a skilled fighter. Unlike the massive swords carried by knights and lords, Needle is designed for precision and agility, perfectly suiting Arya’s slight build and the Braavosi fencing style she learns. I find it fascinating how this seemingly simple weapon becomes a crucial part of Arya’s identity, representing her connection to her family and her determination to forge her own path. As we explore Needle’s creation, its journey through Westeros, and its role in Arya’s development, we’ll uncover the rich history and lore that make this sword much more than just a piece of steel. It’s no wonder Needle stands out among the most unique fantasy weapons, earning its place alongside some of the coolest blades ever crafted in the genre.
Creation of Needle
The creation of Needle is a significant moment in the early chapters of “A Game of Thrones,” marking the beginning of Arya Stark’s journey as a warrior. Jon Snow, Arya’s half-brother, commissioned the sword as a parting gift before he left to join the Night’s Watch at the Wall. This thoughtful gesture demonstrates Jon’s deep understanding of Arya’s character and his desire to provide her with a means of self-expression and protection.
Mikken, the skilled blacksmith of Winterfell, was tasked with crafting this unique weapon. Known for his expertise in forging various types of arms and armor, Mikken created a sword that was perfectly suited to Arya’s small stature and unconventional aspirations. The result was a thin, lightweight blade designed for quick, precise movements rather than the heavy slashing typical of larger swords used by knights in Westeros.
Jon’s reasons for gifting Needle to Arya were multifaceted:
- Recognition of Arya’s true nature
- Desire to protect her
- A symbol of their close bond
- Encouragement of her independence
The sword serves as a physical manifestation of Jon’s understanding that Arya doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a highborn lady. By giving her a weapon, he acknowledges her desire for adventure and her fighting spirit. It’s also a means of protection, as Jon likely foresaw the challenges Arya might face in a world that often underestimates and constrains women.
| Aspect | Detail |
| Commissioner | Jon Snow |
| Craftsman | Mikken, blacksmith of Winterfell |
| Design | Thin, lightweight blade for quick thrusts |
| Purpose | Gift for Arya before Jon’s departure to the Wall |
Needle’s creation marks a pivotal moment in Arya’s story, setting her on a path that diverges from traditional expectations and foreshadows her future as a skilled fighter. The sword becomes not just a weapon, but a symbol of Arya’s identity and her connection to her family, particularly Jon Snow.
Physical Description
Unlike the larger, heavier swords typically wielded by knights and soldiers, Needle is specifically crafted to suit Arya’s small stature and quick fighting style.
The sword is notably slender and short compared to traditional Westerosi blades. Its overall length is approximately 30.5 inches (77.5 cm), with the blade itself measuring 22.5 inches (57.2 cm). This compact size makes it ideal for swift, precise movements and thrusting attacks, rather than the broad slashing motions favored by users of larger swords. The blade tapers to a fine point, emphasizing its design for quick, deadly thrusts.
Needle is crafted from high-quality materials, befitting a weapon made for a noble house. The blade is forged from stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. The hilt features a leather-wrapped grip for comfort and secure handling, with antique brass fittings adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal. This combination of materials results in a lightweight yet sturdy weapon, perfectly balanced for Arya’s fighting style.
When compared to other swords in Westeros, Needle’s unique characteristics become even more apparent:
- Size: Much shorter than longswords or greatswords
- Weight: Significantly lighter, allowing for faster movements
- Design: Focused on thrusting rather than cutting
- Origin: More similar to Braavosi water dancer swords than typical Westerosi blades
| Sword | Type | Approximate Length | Primary Use |
| Needle | Small sword | 30.5 inches | Thrusting |
| Longclaw (Jon Snow’s sword) | Bastard sword | 45 inches | Cutting and thrusting |
| Ice (Stark family greatsword) | Greatsword | 60+ inches | Ceremonial/Execution |
| Oathkeeper (Brienne’s sword) | Longsword | 41-43 inches | Cutting and thrusting |
Naming of the Sword
Arya’s choice to name her sword “Needle” is both clever and defiant. The name serves as a pointed reference to the needlework that young ladies of noble houses are expected to master as part of their education and duties. Arya, however, has little interest in or aptitude for such traditionally feminine pursuits. By naming her sword Needle, she subverts these expectations, transforming a symbol of ladylike behavior into one of martial prowess and independence.
The irony in Arya’s choice of name is multi-layered. Firstly, it highlights the stark contrast between the delicate, precise work of sewing and the violent, forceful nature of swordplay. This juxtaposition underscores Arya’s rejection of traditional gender roles and her embrace of a more martial path. Secondly, while Arya struggles with and dislikes conventional needlework, she takes to swordsmanship with enthusiasm and natural talent. In this way, “Needle” becomes her preferred form of needlework, one that she pursues with dedication and skill.
The name also serves several narrative functions:
- Character development: It showcases Arya’s wit and defiance
- Foreshadowing: It hints at Arya’s future path as a warrior
- Thematic resonance: It emphasizes the series’ exploration of gender roles and expectations
| Aspect | Traditional Needlework | Arya’s “Needlework” with Needle |
| Tool | Sewing needle | Sword |
| Skill required | Precision, patience | Agility, strength |
| Social expectation | Ladylike, proper | Unladylike, improper |
| Arya’s attitude | Dislike, frustration | Enthusiasm, dedication |
Needle’s Journey
Needle’s journey begins when Jon Snow gifts it to Arya before he departs for the Wall. The sword travels with Arya from Winterfell to King’s Landing when she accompanies her father, Eddard Stark, who has been appointed as the Hand of the King. During this initial journey, Needle represents Arya’s connection to her family and her desire to pursue a path different from that of a traditional lady.
In King’s Landing, Needle becomes an integral part of Arya’s training with Syrio Forel, the First Sword of Braavos. Syrio teaches Arya the water dancing technique, a Braavosi sword fighting style that emphasizes speed and agility. These lessons prove crucial for Arya’s survival and shape her future as a skilled fighter. During this time, Needle transforms from a simple gift into a tool of empowerment and self-discovery for Arya.
When chaos erupts in King’s Landing following Eddard Stark’s arrest, Arya uses Needle for the first time in real combat. She inadvertently kills a stable boy while trying to escape, marking a significant turning point in both Arya’s life and Needle’s history. The sword then accompanies Arya as she flees the city, disguised as a boy and joining a group of Night’s Watch recruits headed north.
During her journey through the war-torn Riverlands, Arya loses Needle to Polliver, one of Gregor Clegane’s men. This loss is deeply personal for Arya, as Needle represents her last tangible connection to her family and her identity as a Stark. The theft of Needle becomes a driving force in Arya’s desire for revenge, with Polliver’s name added to her list of people she intends to kill.
Arya finally reclaims Needle at the Inn at the Crossroads, where she encounters Polliver while traveling with Sandor Clegane, the Hound. In a moment of poetic justice, Arya uses Needle to kill Polliver, mirroring the way he had previously killed her friend Lommy. This reclamation symbolizes Arya’s growing agency and her ability to enact her own form of justice.
| Event | Location | Significance |
| Given to Arya | Winterfell | Symbol of Arya’s bond with Jon and her unique path |
| Training with Syrio | King’s Landing | Transformation into a tool of empowerment |
| First kill | King’s Landing | Marks Arya’s loss of innocence |
| Stolen by Polliver | Riverlands | Represents Arya’s loss of identity |
| Reclaimed from Polliver | Inn at the Crossroads | Symbolizes Arya’s growing agency and pursuit of justice |
Symbolic Meaning
Needle serves as a tangible link to the Stark family and Winterfell. In a poignant moment of reflection, Arya thinks, “Needle was Robb and Bran and Rickon, her mother and her father, even Sansa. Needle was Winterfell’s grey walls, and the laughter of its people.” This internal monologue reveals how the sword embodies Arya’s memories of her home and family, becoming a physical manifestation of her roots and heritage. As Arya travels further from Winterfell and loses more of her family, Needle remains a constant reminder of where she came from and who she truly is.
Secondly, Needle represents Arya’s identity and her journey of self-discovery. The sword symbolizes her rejection of traditional female roles and her embrace of a more martial path. As Arya hones her skills with Needle, she simultaneously develops her own sense of self, separate from the expectations placed upon her as a highborn lady. This is particularly evident when Arya hides Needle instead of discarding it during her training with the Faceless Men, showing her reluctance to completely abandon her identity as Arya Stark.
Lastly, Needle serves as a powerful link to Jon Snow, Arya’s half-brother and the person who commissioned the sword for her. Jon’s gift of Needle demonstrates his deep understanding of Arya’s character and his support for her unconventional aspirations. The sword becomes a physical representation of their close bond, which persists even when they are separated. Arya’s thoughts, “Needle was Jon Snow’s smile,” underscore the emotional connection she associates with the sword and, by extension, with Jon.
| Symbolic Aspect | Representation |
| Stark Family | Connection to home and heritage |
| Arya’s Identity | Rejection of traditional roles, self-discovery |
| Jon Snow | Sibling bond, understanding, support |
Needle in Arya’s Training
Needle played a crucial role in Arya Stark’s training and development as a fighter. The sword’s journey through Arya’s various training phases reflects her growth from an untrained girl to a skilled warrior.
Arya’s initial lessons with Jon Snow were brief but significant. Before departing for the Wall, Jon gave Arya her first instruction in swordplay, teaching her the most fundamental lesson: “Stick them with the pointy end”3. This simple advice, while seemingly obvious, underscored the practical nature of combat that Arya would come to embrace. Jon also emphasized the importance of daily practice, setting the foundation for Arya’s dedication to honing her skills.
Upon arriving in King’s Landing, Arya’s training took a more formal turn under the tutelage of Syrio Forel, the former First Sword of Braavos. Syrio introduced Arya to the Water Dancing style, a Braavosi technique that emphasizes speed, agility, and precision – qualities perfectly suited to both Arya’s physique and Needle’s design. Syrio’s lessons went beyond mere swordplay, incorporating balance exercises, mental discipline, and philosophical teachings that would shape Arya’s approach to combat and life.
During her travels across Westeros and beyond, Arya continued to practice in secret. These clandestine training sessions allowed her to maintain and improve her skills even in challenging circumstances. Arya would often find quiet moments to run through the forms and movements taught by Syrio, using Needle to keep the lessons fresh in her mind and muscle memory. This dedication to practice, even when separated from her sword during her time with the Faceless Men, ensured that Arya remained proficient with Needle.
| Training Phase | Instructor | Key Lessons |
| Initial Lessons | Jon Snow | Basic handling, importance of practice |
| Water Dancing | Syrio Forel | Braavosi technique, balance, mental discipline |
| Secret Practice | Self-taught | Maintaining skills, adapting to circumstances |
Needle’s role in Arya’s training extended beyond mere combat practice. The sword became a symbol of her identity and a constant reminder of her family and home. Even when forced to hide or temporarily abandon Needle, the lessons learned through her training with the sword remained an integral part of Arya’s character development.
Notable Events Involving Needle
Needle, Arya Stark’s sword, has been involved in several significant events throughout her journey, marking important milestones in her character development and her path as a warrior.
The first notable event occurred in King’s Landing during the chaos following Eddard Stark’s arrest. As Arya attempted to flee the Red Keep, she encountered a stable boy who threatened to turn her in to the guards. In a moment of panic and self-defense, Arya instinctively used Needle to stab the boy, resulting in her first kill. This event marked a turning point for Arya, as it was her first experience with the harsh realities of violence and survival.
Earlier, by the Trident River, Needle played a role in a confrontation between Arya and Prince Joffrey Baratheon. When Joffrey threatened Arya’s friend Mycah, Arya used Needle to defend herself and her companion. Although she did not kill Joffrey, this incident demonstrated Arya’s willingness to stand up against injustice and her growing confidence in wielding her sword.
Perhaps one of the most significant events involving Needle was Arya’s first intentional kill. This occurred when Arya encountered the Tickler, one of the men on her death list, at an inn in the Riverlands. Using the water dancing techniques she learned from Syrio Forel, Arya skillfully wielded Needle to kill the Tickler. This event marked a crucial step in Arya’s transformation from a girl simply trying to survive to a person actively seeking justice and vengeance.
| Event | Location | Significance |
| Killing the stable boy | King’s Landing | Arya’s first kill, though unintentional |
| Threatening Joffrey | The Trident | Demonstration of Arya’s defiance and protective nature |
| Killing the Tickler | Inn in the Riverlands | Arya’s first intentional kill, marking her pursuit of vengeance |
Needle During Arya’s Time in Braavos
Arya Stark’s time in Braavos marks a crucial period in her journey, and her decision regarding Needle during this phase is particularly significant. When Arya arrives at the House of Black and White to train with the Faceless Men, she is instructed to discard all her possessions, effectively abandoning her identity as Arya Stark. However, she cannot bring herself to part with Needle, her cherished sword.
Instead of discarding Needle as required, Arya chooses to hide it. She carefully conceals the sword in a crack in the steps leading to the House of Black and White. This act of preservation, contrary to the instructions she received, demonstrates Arya’s deep attachment to her past and her true identity. Needle represents more than just a weapon to Arya; it embodies her connections to her family, her home, and her journey.
The symbolism of keeping Needle is profound. By hiding the sword instead of discarding it, Arya maintains a tangible link to her identity as a Stark. In her thoughts, Arya reflects, “Needle was Robb and Bran and Rickon, her mother and her father, even Sansa. Needle was Winterfell’s grey walls, and the laughter of its people… Needle was Jon Snow’s smile”. This internal monologue reveals the depth of meaning Arya associates with the sword, encompassing her family, her home, and her experiences.
Arya’s decision to keep Needle symbolizes her refusal to completely abandon her past and her identity, even as she trains to become “no one” with the Faceless Men. It represents her inner struggle between embracing a new life as a faceless assassin and holding onto her core identity as Arya Stark. This internal conflict becomes a central theme in Arya’s character development during her time in Braavos.
| Aspect | Symbolism |
| Hiding Needle | Preserving her true identity |
| Refusing to discard | Resistance to completely abandoning her past |
| Keeping it secret | Inner conflict between new life and old identity |
Fighting Style Associated with Needle
The fighting style associated with Needle is intrinsically linked to the Braavosi water dancing technique, which Arya Stark learns from her instructor, Syrio Forel. This unique style of swordplay is perfectly suited to both Arya’s physical attributes and the distinctive design of Needle.
Water dancing is a graceful and agile form of combat that emphasizes speed, precision, and fluid movement over brute strength. It is characterized by quick, light steps and swift, precise strikes, much like the flowing movements of water. This technique is ideal for smaller, more nimble fighters like Arya, allowing them to outmaneuver larger, stronger opponents.
The water dancing style taught by Syrio Forel includes several key principles:
- Maintaining balance and poise
- Using quick, precise movements
- Exploiting an opponent’s weaknesses
- Emphasizing thrusting attacks over slashing
- Incorporating footwork and body positioning to create advantages
Needle’s size and design play a crucial role in the effectiveness of the water dancing technique. The sword’s slender blade and light weight allow for rapid strikes and quick changes in direction, essential elements of the Braavosi fighting style. Its small size also makes it easier to conceal, giving Arya an element of surprise in confrontations.
However, Needle’s size also presents certain disadvantages.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Quick, agile movements | Limited reach compared to longer swords |
| Easy to conceal | Less effective for slashing attacks |
| Ideal for precise thrusts | Reduced stopping power against heavily armored opponents |
| Suitable for close-quarters combat | Difficulty in parrying heavy blows from larger weapons |
Despite these limitations, the water dancing technique, when properly executed with Needle, can be highly effective. It allows a skilled practitioner like Arya to exploit gaps in an opponent’s defense, target vulnerable areas with precision, and avoid direct confrontations where her lack of physical strength might be a disadvantage.
Comparison to Other Notable Swords in the Series
Needle, Arya Stark’s sword, stands out among the many notable weapons in the Game of Thrones series due to its unique design and purpose. When compared to other swords, Needle’s distinctive characteristics become even more apparent, highlighting its specialized nature and the fighting style it represents.
In contrast to larger swords like Ice or Longclaw, Needle is significantly smaller and lighter. Ice, the Stark family’s ancestral greatsword, is described as being taller than Robb Stark at age 14 and wider than a man’s hand. Longclaw, Jon Snow’s bastard sword, is a hand-and-a-half sword, also known as a “bastard sword,” which is longer than a typical one-handed sword but shorter than a full two-handed greatsword. Needle, on the other hand, is only 30.5 inches in overall length, with a 22.5-inch blade, making it more of a large dagger or small sword by Westerosi standards.
This size difference reflects the vastly different purposes and fighting styles associated with these weapons. While Ice and Longclaw are designed for powerful, sweeping cuts and strong defensive capabilities, Needle is made for quick, precise thrusts and agile movements. The larger swords are better suited for open battlefield combat or duels between armored opponents, whereas Needle excels in close-quarters combat and situations requiring stealth and speed.
Needle shares more similarities with Braavosi swords and other slender blades. Like the weapons used by Braavosi water dancers, Needle is designed for a fighting style that emphasizes speed, precision, and agility over brute force. The blade’s shape, described by some as triangular with only the front being angled and the back being flat, is reminiscent of a large needle or stiletto, perfect for quick, penetrating thrusts.
| Characteristic | Needle | Ice | Longclaw | Braavosi Sword |
| Overall Length | 30.5″ | >6 feet | ~45″ | ~35-40″ |
| Blade Style | Slender, thrust-oriented | Broad, two-handed | Hand-and-a-half | Slender, thrust-oriented |
| Primary Use | Quick, precise strikes | Ceremonial, executions | Versatile combat | Fencing, water dancing |
| Material | Stainless steel (replica) | Valyrian steel | Valyrian steel | Steel |
Needle’s unique design and size make it an ideal weapon for Arya Stark, reflecting her character’s journey and fighting style. While it may lack the raw power and versatility of larger swords like Ice or Longclaw, Needle’s specialized design makes it a formidable weapon in the right hands, particularly when used with the water dancing technique Arya learns.
Needle in Arya’s Character Development
Initially, Needle represents Arya’s connection to her family and her desire to break free from traditional gender roles. When Jon presents her with the sword, it acknowledges Arya’s unconventional interests and validates her aspirations beyond the typical expectations for a noble lady. This moment marks the beginning of Arya’s journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.
As Arya’s story progresses, Needle becomes increasingly significant to her identity. The sword serves as a constant reminder of her roots, her family, and her true self. This is particularly evident when Arya hides Needle instead of discarding it during her training with the Faceless Men in Braavos. In her thoughts, Arya reflects, “Needle was Robb and Bran and Rickon, her mother and her father, even Sansa. Needle was Winterfell’s grey walls, and the laughter of its people”. This internal monologue reveals the deep emotional connection Arya has forged with the sword, illustrating how it has become an integral part of her identity.
Needle plays a crucial role in Arya’s journey from lady to warrior. Through her training with Syrio Forel and her subsequent experiences, Arya learns to wield Needle effectively, developing her skills as a fighter. The sword becomes an extension of herself, reflecting her growth and increasing competence. Notable events in this journey include:
- Her first lessons with Jon Snow
- Water Dancing training with Syrio Forel
- Her first kill (albeit accidental) of a stable boy in King’s Landing
- Reclaiming Needle from Polliver and exacting revenge
- Using Needle in her sparring match with Brienne of Tarth
| Event | Significance |
| Receiving Needle from Jon | Beginning of Arya’s unconventional path |
| Training with Syrio Forel | Development of fighting skills and philosophy |
| Hiding Needle in Braavos | Preserving her identity while training as “no one” |
| Sparring with Brienne | Demonstration of Arya’s growth as a skilled warrior |
Where Can I Find a Needle Replica?
If you’re searching for a Needle replica, Arya Stark’s iconic sword from Game of Thrones, there are plenty of options available online and at specialty shops. You can find detailed, metal-crafted versions perfect for display, as well as more affordable, cosplay-friendly models.
Medieval Collectibles
Kult of Athena
Biforstbargains
WhyKnife
WildVikings
Final Thoughts
Needle’s presence throughout Arya’s journey serves as a physical manifestation of her growth and transformation. From a gift that represented her desire to be different, it becomes a tool that enables her survival and a symbol of her identity as both a Stark and a warrior.