What Sword Does Jon Snow Have? Unveiling Longclaw’s History and Significance

Jon Snow, a central figure in George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series *A Song of Ice and Fire* and the subsequent HBO adaptation *Game of Thrones*, is known for many things: his brooding intensity, his unwavering sense of duty, and, of course, his iconic sword. But what sword does Jon Snow have? The answer is Longclaw, a Valyrian steel bastard sword with a rich history and immense significance to Jon’s journey.

This article delves into the fascinating story behind Longclaw, exploring its origins, its unique properties, and its crucial role in shaping Jon Snow’s destiny. We’ll examine how the sword came into Jon’s possession, its connection to House Mormont, and the symbolic weight it carries throughout the series. Understanding what sword does Jon Snow have is key to understanding a significant part of his identity and the challenges he faces.

The Origins of Longclaw: A Mormont Family Heirloom

Longclaw isn’t just any sword; it’s a Valyrian steel blade, a type of steel forged using ancient and now largely lost techniques. Valyrian steel is renowned for its exceptional sharpness, lightness, and durability. These qualities make it highly prized and incredibly rare. Before finding its way to Jon Snow, Longclaw was the ancestral blade of House Mormont, the ruling family of Bear Island.

For centuries, Longclaw was passed down through generations of Mormonts, serving as a symbol of their house’s strength and honor. As the heir to House Mormont, Jeor Mormont, the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, wielded the sword for many years. However, his son, Jorah Mormont, disgraced the family by selling poachers into slavery to pay off debts, leading to his exile and forfeiting his right to inherit Longclaw.

From Jeor Mormont to Jon Snow: A Gift of Gratitude

The circumstances surrounding how Jon Snow acquired Longclaw are pivotal to his character development. While serving in the Night’s Watch, Jon Snow bravely saved Lord Commander Jeor Mormont from a wight. In gratitude for saving his life, Jeor Mormont decided to gift Longclaw to Jon. However, before bestowing the sword upon him, Jeor had the pommel reshaped. The original pommel, depicting a bear (the sigil of House Mormont), was replaced with a direwolf, the sigil of House Stark, to reflect Jon’s lineage and make the sword his own.

This act was not only a gesture of gratitude but also a recognition of Jon’s potential and his inherent qualities of leadership and honor. Receiving Longclaw marked a turning point in Jon’s life, solidifying his place within the Night’s Watch and setting him on a path towards his eventual destiny. Knowing what sword does Jon Snow have also reveals a deeper understanding of the bond between him and Jeor Mormont.

The Significance of Valyrian Steel

The fact that Longclaw is made of Valyrian steel is incredibly significant. Beyond its superior qualities as a weapon, Valyrian steel possesses unique properties that become increasingly important as the series progresses. One of the most crucial properties is its effectiveness against White Walkers, the terrifying undead creatures that pose an existential threat to Westeros.

As the threat of the White Walkers looms larger, the knowledge that what sword does Jon Snow have is Valyrian steel becomes a crucial strategic advantage. Valyrian steel and dragonglass (obsidian) are the only known substances capable of permanently killing White Walkers. This makes Longclaw not just a symbol of honor and lineage but also a vital weapon in the fight against the encroaching darkness. [See also: Dragonglass vs Valyrian Steel: Which is Better Against White Walkers?]. Understanding the properties of what sword does Jon Snow have is crucial for understanding his role in the battles to come.

Longclaw’s Role in Jon Snow’s Journey

Longclaw has been Jon Snow’s constant companion throughout his tumultuous journey. He has wielded it in countless battles, from fighting wildlings beyond the Wall to confronting the Army of the Dead. The sword has been instrumental in protecting him and those around him, and it has become an extension of his own strength and resolve.

The presence of Longclaw has also served as a constant reminder of Jon’s responsibilities and the burdens he carries. It represents the legacy of House Mormont and the honor he must uphold. It also symbolizes the trust placed in him by Jeor Mormont, a trust that Jon strives to honor with every swing of the blade. What sword does Jon Snow have is more than just a weapon; it’s a symbol of his oath, his duty, and his unwavering commitment to protecting the realm.

Key Moments with Longclaw

• Saving Jeor Mormont: The act that earned Jon Longclaw, solidifying their bond.
• Battling the Wildlings: Longclaw proved its worth against human foes, showcasing its sharpness and durability.
• The Battle of Hardhome: A harrowing experience where Longclaw was used against overwhelming numbers of wights, highlighting the desperate fight for survival.
• The Battle of the Bastards: Jon wielded Longclaw with fury and determination, leading his forces against Ramsay Bolton.
• The Long Night: Longclaw played a vital role in the final battle against the Night King and his army, proving its effectiveness against the ultimate threat.

The Legacy of Longclaw

Even after the conclusion of *Game of Thrones*, the legacy of Longclaw endures. The sword remains a powerful symbol of honor, duty, and the fight against darkness. It represents the sacrifices made by Jon Snow and the countless others who stood against the forces of evil. What sword does Jon Snow have will forever be remembered as a crucial weapon in the defense of Westeros and a testament to the courage and resilience of its wielder.

Longclaw is more than just a sword; it’s a symbol of Jon Snow’s journey, his lineage, and his unwavering commitment to doing what is right. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can endure, and that even the smallest of actions can have a profound impact on the fate of the world. Understanding what sword does Jon Snow have provides valuable insight into the character of Jon Snow and the themes that resonate throughout the *A Song of Ice and Fire* series.

In conclusion, what sword does Jon Snow have? He has Longclaw, a Valyrian steel bastard sword, a Mormont family heirloom, and a symbol of honor, duty, and hope. It is a weapon that has shaped his destiny and played a crucial role in the fate of Westeros. The story of Longclaw is inextricably linked to the story of Jon Snow, and together, they represent the enduring power of courage, loyalty, and the unwavering fight against darkness. Knowing the answer to what sword does Jon Snow have is essential for truly appreciating the depth and complexity of his character and the world he inhabits.

So, the next time you think of Jon Snow, remember Longclaw. Remember its history, its significance, and the role it played in shaping the destiny of the King in the North. Remember that what sword does Jon Snow have is more than just a weapon; it’s a symbol of hope in a world consumed by darkness. The question of what sword does Jon Snow have is a gateway to understanding so much more about the world of Westeros.