Post by SlyWren on Sept 14, 2016 2:43:28 GMT
Ice does seem defiled, but I don't think it was ever meant to be Ned's sword. Ice was ridiculously large (compensating for something...) and it made a lot of sense to use the metal for two swords instead of only one.
I think the unnatural nature of Valyrian steel is what made it resist reforging and recoloring. There were spells and magic woven into the steel, but they weren't Ned's spells and magic.
We know Jon didn't feel comfortable wielding Longclaw, because it was VS. Mayhaps Ned felt the same way about Ice? He didn't carry it into battle, and had Theon carry it for executions.
Yes--Martin's statement that Ice was not meant for battle, but the Cat's saying it was named for an ancient weapon: makes it really sound like Ice is literally just an stand in. A big, fabulous, wicked cool stand-in, but a stand in, none the less. Not unlike Illyn Payne's flashy sword that he gets in lieu of Ice.
And I agree re: Longclaw. I stand by my assessment that it's the in-between sword. A training sword, if you will. Standing in-between his original training and the time when he'll get the true greatsword.
And I like the idea re: Theon. Though that may just be the fact that Ice is completely ceremonial.
I like that idea too. In one way of looking at it, Jaime was the hero. Arthur Dayne didn't save the realm by killing the Mad King, Jaime did. And Brienne was effectively knighted by that realm-saving hero.
Jaime and Brienne redeeming Ice while they redeem/prove their own reputations? I like it. Both of them really deserve recognition at this point. Twin swords.
I think Dawn (the original Ice) will eventually melt like the snow that it is.
That would fit with the grail imagery a bit--but I'm still thinking it might go back to Starfall.
Maybe Martin is setting up for a "final battle" like Lord of the Rings. And the need for that kind of magic will be gone.
But I can also see him saying, "it really doesn't end. So, the sword needs to go wait. Again."
Speaking of which, I want a Dawn replica for christmas.
So, fencing with neon lightbulbs won't get it done?