I'm thinking of phrases like "Went to his grave" or "Has been in his grave" etc, and I think I've heard those in English. But I'm not American or a native English speaker, so it could be a language thing. It's something that can be a bit hard at times, sayings in my language (group) that has a certain meaning that isn't in the English language and so leads me astray.
I see, that phrase is common enough. As I said in my original post, I was referring specifically to how Petyr put it: “ in his frozen grave”. Frozen is extremely specific.
I think you are correct in your idea's. The idea of "frozen grave" is in relation to the crypt's of Winterfell. So, it's possible that Brandon was dead a year or two before his remains were interred at Winterfell.
Their father understood as well. "You want no pup for yourself, Jon?" he asked softly.
I am no expert either. And I doubt GRRM is. I think the the longer the sword is, the longer the pommel has to be, as it serves as a type of counterbalance to the weight of the sword.
The bolded I took for granted, and so forgot to mention it... My mind is on anything but swords these days.
Well, I think that a regular steel great sword is probably rather heavy. One of the heavier weapon's in the story. I think the only great swords we see that are made of regular steel are the Mountain, who is freakishly big and strong, and the Greatjon wields a great sword, I think. And Mance wields a great sword against Jon in their practice fight, which should tell us that Mance is both strong and skilled. As he is not supposed to be very large in stature, like Gregor Clegane or the Greatjon, this makes Mance and his skill very interesting to me! I think the rest of the great swords we hear of are Valyrian steel, but I could be wrong about that. Those are the ones that stick in my head, anyway.
Well, that depends on what you consider heavy! As so many things that is individual. But, I did find this video about general sword weights - it's VERY general as it varies quite alot, but the dude who made it seems to know what he talks about. He's talking about European style longswords at the beginning.
It's less than I expected actually!
Now, not saying you don't need strength to wield them - of course you do! Stamina is also a big part of it. But I was amazed of how light they really are. They look way heavier in my eyes. And sorry, I'm too lazy to write up the weights right now.
If Jon's bastard sword Longclaw, which is longer than a regular long sword, actually feel's lighter to him than those longswords, because it is Valyrian steel, then I would think that a great sword of regular steel would be quite heavy if a long sword is heavy. Perhaps there isn't much weight difference in all of these types of swords, but why are we told that the Mountain could swing his great sword with such ease. It's easy because he is huge, in spite of the size of the large sword! I suppose it's length could make it difficult to wield as well, but Mance doesn't struggle with this issue.
It's possible that we all think of this much more than GRRM ever did!
Well, the Mountain uses a greatsword like a regular longsword, so I don't compare him to any other greatsword wielders. How lighter a Valyrian steel sword is is impossible to say really, again it depends on what you think is heavy, biut it does give an advantage. You don't need to me really tall or super stromg to wield a greatsword, if my understanding is correct (which it might not be!). While it is heavier, the main thing is the length so it can't really be used just like a regular sword. It has a lot in common with a poleaxe, both in length, weight and use. The same dude has a video where he demonstrates a greatsword, very interesting! Back to point, you "only" need the right technique and moves, like Jon gets from Ser Tarth after getting Longclaw. That being said, Mance is in a different chategory with that greatsword! But that's another discussion. Also, fantacy writers tend to be less realistic in describing swordfights, with the real deal lasting far shorter than what we get on page or screen. So keep that in mind as well!
As the possibility is that we all overthink this to a large degree (like everything else), this is about all I have to say on the matter of swords.
If RLJ is proven, I still feel there is a chance Jon will reject the Targaryen side of him, including such a blade as Dark Sister. Now, I have speculated in the past that Jon already has a Targaryen blade and does not know it, with Longclaw actually being Dark Sister, which Bloodraven would have left at the Wall. I can find no proof however, and I can't detect a lie in anything Jeor Mormont tell's Jon, so I don't know anymore.
Longclaw as Darksister is BS no offense, unless the Mormonts have altered their history to hide the sword which seems a bit farfetched to me.
While I agree Jon will be unlikely to embrace his Targ side he won't be turning away a Valyrian steel sword that can help him against the Others.
I agree that Illyrio or his wife (perhaps both) are descended from the Blackfyre line. As to Aegon, I used to be very sure he was a Blackfyre as well, but now I am not as certain. As I think Jon is the red herring as a possible son of Rhaegar's, I think we might get a son of Rhaegar yet in the story. Aegon would be a good fit for that, and if he war's with Daenerys, who I think is Rhaegar's daughter, it will give us a Dance of the Dragon's 2.0 with Targaryen half-sibling's fighting for the throne.
It makes a ton of sense that Blackfyre is either with Illyrio or the Golden Company and will fall into Aegon/Young Griff's hands at some time.
I am currently of the opinion that Varys and his sister Serra are descendants of Aerion Targaryen who had some bastards in Lys during his exiles. Aerion's own son Maegor was passed over for the throne. So we have the intertwining of two bastard Targaryen branches that we passed over for kingship.
I'd be all for Aegon as being Rhaegar's because if anyone could have pulled it off it would have been Varys and it leaves Jon to be the son of Ned and Ashara. However if not its the Blackfyre/Brightflame combo.
I had never heard of this Japanese sword tradition before, so that is very interesting. Thanks.
As to the coloring of the white sword and black swords being differentiated by the victim being willing or not, it rather interesting. I will have to think on that. But when we hear of swords burning red, how does that fall into this idea?
A red sword, blood and fire are both red
However I will take a slight twist on Tolkien and say the sword only glows with red flame in the presence of Others.
Thanks! If Jon has Dayne blood, I am rather conflicted on NAJ and ALJ. Several hint's about Jon's father being torn by his own personal vow's (kingsguard), but also hint's at Ned as Jon's father. But I just come back to Jon's similarities to Ned, the quiet wolf idea, and the idea of Ashara that hangs over this whole story. I think GRRM has laid out a very smart and difficult puzzle.
Order of the Greenhand has a good video series on NAJ and I have some additions as well, probably somewhere on this site... (I need to start a Wraith's ramblings thread) Indeed Martin has certainly left the fans in a twist for over 20 years on this puzzle. Problem is too many things fit into each scenerio for me.
Well, that depends on what you consider heavy! As so many things that is individual. But, I did find this video about general sword weights - it's VERY general as it varies quite alot, but the dude who made it seems to know what he talks about. He's talking about European style longswords at the beginning.
Interesting video. Thanks for posting. I didn't watch the whole thing, as my mind began to wander somewhere around saber's, but his basic idea is a longsword weighting approx 3 lbs and a great sword weighting approx 5-8 lbs. That is about what I had in mind, I suppose, maybe up to around a 10 lbs weight for a great sword, so I over estimated a bit. I suppose 5lbs doesn't seem like much weight, but this weight is also balanced across the length of the blade, which I think could make it feel deceptively different. Holding and swinging 5 lbs of metal about might not seem that bad, but what about after 10 minutes, or 20 minutes?
From my perspective, I just tore out a bunch of ceramic tile with an air chisel. It's designed to be used with one hand, but I had better control with two. When you pick it up, it feels solid. The manufacturer reports the weight of the chisel as 3.3 lbs, so around the weight of an average longsword, according to this video. I am not tall or very strong, I suppose, but I felt the weight of that, and after several hours, my arm and shoulder were aching. I think the thought of 3 or 5 or 8 lbs can be deceptively light. Certainly a weapon needs to be conveniently weighted enough to use it, or what would be the point of having it? But repetition of use would make the weight seem greater with each minute you hold or swing it. I think holding or swinging such a sword might feel different to you or me than just imagining what it might feel like.
I have no swords, nor do I plan to own one, but I did grab a 36 inch crow bar out of the garage after watching (most of) this video, and held it straight out for about 30 seconds. I was trying for a minute but quick because of the burn in my shoulder, and it began to dip and sway. That crowbar weighted approx 5 lbs, according to my bathroom scale. I eventually got to my minute, but I didn't enjoy it. It was heavier and more awkward than it's 5 lbs weight indicated. That same crow bar helped with the ceramic tile job, as well.
My dog looked at me as if I was crazy, and she might be right.
And as we have discussed, GRRM might not be a weapons expert by any means. And I just look to his text and the number of times he refers to the weight of a sword or a shield or mail or armor, and in his world, I think these things are heavy enough (at least in his mind) that he notes they have a certain weight to them, a weight that is noted by our characters, while still being practical to use.
You don't need to me really tall or super stromg to wield a greatsword, if my understanding is correct (which it might not be!). While it is heavier, the main thing is the length so it can't really be used just like a regular sword. It has a lot in common with a poleaxe, both in length, weight and use. The same dude has a video where he demonstrates a greatsword, very interesting!
I would suppose the greatest disadvantage of a two-handed sword is that a person would not be able to hold a shield to protect themselves, as they would with a one handed sword. A person who used a great sword would have to be almost on the attack most of the time, as being on defense would be difficult. I think a two-handed sword user would have to be bold and confident, which fit's my idea of Ser Arther Dayne.
Longclaw as Darksister is BS no offense, unless the Mormonts have altered their history to hide the sword which seems a bit farfetched to me.
Oh, I have lot's of idea's on Longclaw, and I take no offense to my tinfoil. I have also wondered if the Mormont's came to hold Longclaw around the same time the Stark's gave them Bear Island. King Rodrik Stark is said to have won it in a wrestling match from the King of the Iron Islands, and King Rodrik Stark is mentioned in the crypts, just before Torrhen who knelt and Cregan, who survived going south, approx 100-150 years later. It's possible that Rodrik gifted the Mormont's with a Valyrian steel sword along with Bear Island, and this timeline could correlate to what Catelyn tells us about the Stark sword Ice, that we are introduced to in the first chapter. Perhaps this Ice was the new sword, and the old sword was given to a vassal house as a gift of honor? Somehow, I think Longclaw had some meaning to the Stark's before Jeor gifted in to Jon. This could also be very crazy talk!
While I agree Jon will be unlikely to embrace his Targ side he won't be turning away a Valyrian steel sword that can help him against the Others.
I doubt anyone would turn down Valyrian steel if it was gifted to them. Except Jon didn't take Longclaw when he fled the wall to go south to join Robb. His honor would not allow that. So, it's hard to say what Jon's honor might lead him to do. And so far, he has Longclaw and does not need another sword. Of course, something could happen to Longclaw.
I also have tried to keep in mind that neither Blackfyre or Dark Sister are mentioned in the published novels. Though both swords are mentioned in the Dunk and Egg novels and the World Book by name, and are very important to the Targaryen's, they would be very hidden in our ASOIAF novels so far. We hear of many swords by name, the most iconic being Dawn and Ice, with Longclaw and Needle seeming important to Jon and Arya, and of course, the idea of Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail in correlation to what once was Ice. Although, as I earlier posted, I have in the past spun up some sword tinfoil about Dark Sister, it's possible that we will never hear or see these swords in our current story.
I am currently of the opinion that Varys and his sister Serra are descendants of Aerion Targaryen who had some bastards in Lys during his exiles. Aerion's own son Maegor was passed over for the throne. So we have the intertwining of two bastard Targaryen branches that we passed over for kingship.
I'd be all for Aegon as being Rhaegar's because if anyone could have pulled it off it would have been Varys and it leaves Jon to be the son of Ned and Ashara. However if not its the Blackfyre/Brightflame combo.
If Aegon/Young Griff eventually get's the throne, it could be as Rhaegar's son, or as you speculate a combination of Blackfyre/Brightflame blood. The interesting thing about the Blackfyre line is that they would be a more direct line to Aegon I (or at least Rhaenys) than the current Targaryen line. The current Targaryen line could be considered the crowned pretender's on the throne, not the true line that should have come from Baelor (as I think that Daemon Blackfyre was the son of Baelor and Daena, not the bastard of Aegon the Unworthy and Daena).
However I will take a slight twist on Tolkien and say the sword only glows with red flame in the presence of Others.
We might already have a sword that seems to be of red flame, or at least red ripples, and that is Oathkeeper, which is made of Ice and is bathed in Ned's blood. Perhaps, Ned was a willing sacrifice to his own sword that day on the steps of Baelor, allowing his family blade to be one step closer to being reforged as "the hero's blade" of this story. But is that hero Brienne? Or Jaime? Or perhap's Jon, if that sword should fall back into Stark hands, which if very well might already have, with Lady Stoneheart. A sword, a crown, and burning vengeance in her eyes!
Wraith, I am borrowing on your idea of the possible difference a light colored Dawn and dark colored Valyrian steel, which I think is a pretty interesting concept!
Order of the Greenhand has a good video series on NAJ and I have some additions as well, probably somewhere on this site... (I need to start a Wraith's ramblings thread) Indeed Martin has certainly left the fans in a twist for over 20 years on this puzzle. Problem is too many things fit into each scenerio for me.
Start your thread and I will read it! I like the idea.
I have watched that OotGH video series, and found there to be some great points, as well as some stretching of the text. But I stretch and twist the text for my idea's too, so I can't fault them that. I enjoy this video series especially, because it is the first really strong push against RLJ that the fandom has seen in some years, since RLJ is almost considered confirmed by so many people.
Yes, GRRM has left the mystery vague enough that many theories fit. I see many possibilities, some more than others, but many of them have great, valid points.
Last Edit: Feb 17, 2018 23:36:25 GMT by stdaga: clarification!
Their father understood as well. "You want no pup for yourself, Jon?" he asked softly.
Oh, I have lot's of idea's on Longclaw, and I take no offense to my tinfoil. I have also wondered if the Mormont's came to hold Longclaw around the same time the Stark's gave them Bear Island. King Rodrik Stark is said to have won it in a wrestling match from the King of the Iron Islands, and King Rodrik Stark is mentioned in the crypts, just before Torrhen who knelt and Cregan, who survived going south, approx 100-150 years later. It's possible that Rodrik gifted the Mormont's with a Valyrian steel sword along with Bear Island, and this timeline could correlate to what Catelyn tells us about the Stark sword Ice, that we are introduced to in the first chapter. Perhaps this Ice was the new sword, and the old sword was given to a vassal house as a gift of honor? Somehow, I think Longclaw had some meaning to the Stark's before Jeor gifted in to Jon. This could also be very crazy talk!
Actually I'd say its a good bet that they got the sword from the Ironborn from that island. The Ironborn ended up with a few Valyrian steel swords, most I'd imagine were gained via piracy against Essos.
We do know there was another Stark sword Ice before the Valyrian Steel one. I didn't think the previous one would also be Valyrian Steel but there is no way of knowing.
I doubt anyone would turn down Valyrian steel if it was gifted to them. Except Jon didn't take Longclaw when he fled the wall to go south to join Robb. His honor would not allow that. So, it's hard to say what Jon's honor might lead him to do. And so far, he has Longclaw and does not need another sword. Of course, something could happen to Longclaw.
I also have tried to keep in mind that neither Blackfyre or Dark Sister are mentioned in the published novels. Though both swords are mentioned in the Dunk and Egg novels and the World Book by name, and are very important to the Targaryen's, they would be very hidden in our ASOIAF novels so far. We hear of many swords by name, the most iconic being Dawn and Ice, with Longclaw and Needle seeming important to Jon and Arya, and of course, the idea of Oathkeeper and Widow's Wail in correlation to what once was Ice. Although, as I earlier posted, I have in the past spun up some sword tinfoil about Dark Sister, it's possible that we will never hear or see these swords in our current story.
True but going South to help Robb was dishonorable, leading the charge against the Others is very honorable. I always liked the idea of Jorah getting Longclaw back. Dany does promise to get him one. Or it should go back to the awesome Mormont women.
I agree its a good point that neither of the Targ blades are mentioned in story however I think the extra books are there to help provide context and foreshadow things that will happen.
With Bloodraven still being alive is what makes me think he still has the sword, and the Con chapter I mentioned previously is why I think we will see Blackfyre. What I wonder now if the Dornish still have the crown of Aegon the Conqueror somewhere.
If Aegon/Young Griff eventually get's the throne, it could be as Rhaegar's son, or as you speculate a combination of Blackfyre/Brightflame blood. The interesting thing about the Blackfyre line is that they would be a more direct line to Aegon I (or at least Rhaenys) than the current Targaryen line. The current Targaryen line could be considered the crowned pretender's on the throne, not the true line that should have come from Baelor (as I think that Daemon Blackfyre was the son of Baelor and Daena, not the bastard of Aegon the Unworthy and Daena).
We might already have a sword that seems to be of red flame, or at least red ripples, and that is Oathkeeper, which is made of Ice and is bathed in Ned's blood. Perhaps, Ned was a willing sacrifice to his own sword that day on the steps of Baelor, allowing his family blade to be one step closer to being reforged as "the hero's blade" of this story. But is that hero Brienne? Or Jaime? Or perhap's Jon, if that sword should fall back into Stark hands, which if very well might already have, with Lady Stoneheart. A sword, a crown, and burning vengeance in her eyes!
Wraith, I am borrowing on your idea of the possible difference a light colored Dawn and dark colored Valyrian steel, which I think is a pretty interesting concept!
So many possibilities, its possible I'm wrong about all of this.
Yes, GRRM has left the mystery vague enough that many theories fit. I see many possibilities, some more than others, but many of them have great, valid points.
Last Edit: Feb 18, 2018 6:03:45 GMT by Wraith: Gif didn't work
Darkstar will be the next Vulture King.
Craster has 19 daughters and there are 19 castles on the Wall, coincidence I think not!
I think holding or swinging such a sword might feel different to you or me than just imagining what it might feel like.
Haha, you really do take this seriously, don't you! JK!
But indeed it would feel differently to them than to us. And also remember that the highborn knights (or equivalent) has trained for this since they were, what? 5 years old? Their muscle development has been trained for years and years to handle this, which ours is not.
I would suppose the greatest disadvantage of a two-handed sword is that a person would not be able to hold a shield to protect themselves, as they would with a one handed sword. A person who used a great sword would have to be almost on the attack most of the time, as being on defense would be difficult. I think a two-handed sword user would have to be bold and confident, which fit's my idea of Ser Arther Dayne.
I'll hit you with two more videos from this guy on greatswords, which are good. And that officially marks the end of my knowledge of swords!
*Cough brilliant weapon against multiple opponents cough* *Cough I will not derail into toj cough*
Actually I'd say its a good bet that they got the sword from the Ironborn from that island. The Ironborn ended up with a few Valyrian steel swords, most I'd imagine were gained via piracy against Essos.
We do know there was another Stark sword Ice before the Valyrian Steel one. I didn't think the previous one would also be Valyrian Steel but there is no way of knowing.
The sword could certainly be the spoils of victory from defeating the King of the Iron Islands. Lot's of possibilities, but I think it's very interesting that Jeor thinks to give it to Jon, and not one of his warrior nieces, or even Maege! The Mormont's are supposed to be rather poor, so to give such a sword, which has great value, to a boy just because he saved your life, seems a bit like Jeor is thumbing his nose at his family heritage and traditions. I think there is more to that sword than we have been told.
I would bet there have been several swords that the Stark's called Ice over the thousands of years they have been ruling the north. As to the one previous to Ned's current sword Ice being Valyrian steel, I don't know. But Valyria was a power for thousands of years between the fall of the Ghiscari and the doom, so I imagine there were many generations of Valyrian steel weapons produced and sold around Planetos. But if the Stark's had one of those, it's anyone's best guess.
I always liked the idea of Jorah getting Longclaw back. Dany does promise to get him one. Or it should go back to the awesome Mormont women.
I disagree about Jorah. I think he is a villain. He does not deserve that sword back, nor anything special. The show has made his character far more benign and likable than he is in the books. He admittedly did dishonorable things that caused his family shame and him to have to leave Westeros rather than face justice. All we have is his story of what happened to Lynesse after they fled to Essos. For all we know, he sold her as a concubine for cash. Perhaps his sad love story is true, but I rather doubt it, as I see it as a ploy to gain sympathy from Dany. Then, he embroils himself with Viserys and Dany, probably actually was a part of Dany's poisoning attempt, or even created the whole thing to make himself appear more valuable. When GRRM placed Jorah in slavery, even tattooing his face as a permanent reminder of his earlier actions with slavery (karma), I think this is a form a divine punishment from the one true god of this story, GRRM! I will honestly be quite disappointed if Jorah should somehow get his sword back and his title and lands. I think he will continue to betray Dany, even if it related to his love (or lust) of her.
I agree its a good point that neither of the Targ blades are mentioned in story however I think the extra books are there to help provide context and foreshadow things that will happen.
The backstory in those other publications are very interesting, but I really think a person should be able to follow the story and figure out all the key elements by the five (hopefully soon six and seven) published novels. If it is important to the novel, it should be in the novel. And yes, there is certainly time for GRRM to introduce those Targaryen blades in the novels, and if they are important, then I expect he will.
Yes. The coloring idea is interesting. I have never heard a concept like that before. I am certainly quite conflicted about the origin of Dawn, and the substance it is made from and what makes it so powerful, but I love new idea's!
Their father understood as well. "You want no pup for yourself, Jon?" he asked softly.
The sword could certainly be the spoils of victory from defeating the King of the Iron Islands. Lot's of possibilities, but I think it's very interesting that Jeor thinks to give it to Jon, and not one of his warrior nieces, or even Maege! The Mormont's are supposed to be rather poor, so to give such a sword, which has great value, to a boy just because he saved your life, seems a bit like Jeor is thumbing his nose at his family heritage and traditions. I think there is more to that sword than we have been told.
Well Jon got it for saving his life I suppose that makes sense, or did someone give him that idea? Part of me still wonders why Maege sent him the sword after Jorah left Bear Island.
I would bet there have been several swords that the Stark's called Ice over the thousands of years they have been ruling the north. As to the one previous to Ned's current sword Ice being Valyrian steel, I don't know. But Valyria was a power for thousands of years between the fall of the Ghiscari and the doom, so I imagine there were many generations of Valyrian steel weapons produced and sold around Planetos. But if the Stark's had one of those, it's anyone's best guess.
I disagree about Jorah. I think he is a villain. He does not deserve that sword back, nor anything special. The show has made his character far more benign and likable than he is in the books. He admittedly did dishonorable things that caused his family shame and him to have to leave Westeros rather than face justice. All we have is his story of what happened to Lynesse after they fled to Essos. For all we know, he sold her as a concubine for cash. Perhaps his sad love story is true, but I rather doubt it, as I see it as a ploy to gain sympathy from Dany. Then, he embroils himself with Viserys and Dany, probably actually was a part of Dany's poisoning attempt, or even created the whole thing to make himself appear more valuable. When GRRM placed Jorah in slavery, even tattooing his face as a permanent reminder of his earlier actions with slavery (karma), I think this is a form a divine punishment from the one true god of this story, GRRM! I will honestly be quite disappointed if Jorah should somehow get his sword back and his title and lands. I think he will continue to betray Dany, even if it related to his love (or lust) of her.
I said I liked the idea of him getting it back. However I agree and I don't like Jorah either. Also I think Dany will be the series final villain and having her most grovelling sycophant makes sense.
Haha, you really do take this seriously, don't you! JK!
But indeed it would feel differently to them than to us. And also remember that the highborn knights (or equivalent) has trained for this since they were, what? 5 years old? Their muscle development has been trained for years and years to handle this, which ours is not.
I am mostly just curious and stubborn, and I have learned the best way to figure something out is to try it (as best you can) instead of just imagining what it might be like.
As to the training, I agree completely! Still, GRRM's world is different than ours, and so if he says the weapons are heavy, or that they have significant weight to them, I would think he is the best resource for his fantasy world.
I'll hit you with two more videos from this guy on greatswords, which are good. And that officially marks the end of my knowledge of swords!
Interesting video's again. I think his is the video we looked at a while ago about being able to draw a great sword from over your shoulder or not. One can tell that he was tiring after only about 4 minutes in the first video, and one would think that if a person was wearing armor and mail and a helm, that would add a good degree more to the eventual strain a person would feel. And I did note that when he tried a one handed thrust with the great sword, the second attempt, the blade tipped forward, as if the weight of it is hard to bear. Nice demonstration on how a person might move using such a sword, although defending blows and swings coming at you might not make it appear to have as much ease of use. It's obvious he has a good deal of experience with what he is doing.
At least one thing the fandom can agree on, I think!
And there are very few of those things that people can actually agree on! The Dayne's are a mystery. Gendry is Robert's bastard (it would be so funny if he turned out to be Stannis' son, but I doubt that will happen). Cersei is a crazy pants witch! Ooops, maybe the whole fandom doesn't agree on that!
Their father understood as well. "You want no pup for yourself, Jon?" he asked softly.
From my perspective, I just tore out a bunch of ceramic tile with an air chisel. It's designed to be used with one hand, but I had better control with two. When you pick it up, it feels solid. The manufacturer reports the weight of the chisel as 3.3 lbs, so around the weight of an average longsword, according to this video. I am not tall or very strong, I suppose, but I felt the weight of that, and after several hours, my arm and shoulder were aching. I think the thought of 3 or 5 or 8 lbs can be deceptively light. Certainly a weapon needs to be conveniently weighted enough to use it, or what would be the point of having it? But repetition of use would make the weight seem greater with each minute you hold or swing it. I think holding or swinging such a sword might feel different to you or me than just imagining what it might feel like.
I have no swords, nor do I plan to own one, but I did grab a 36 inch crow bar out of the garage after watching (most of) this video, and held it straight out for about 30 seconds. I was trying for a minute but quick because of the burn in my shoulder, and it began to dip and sway. That crowbar weighted approx 5 lbs, according to my bathroom scale. I eventually got to my minute, but I didn't enjoy it. It was heavier and more awkward than it's 5 lbs weight indicated. That same crow bar helped with the ceramic tile job, as well.
“And now it begins...”, said stdaga looking at the tiled floor of the kitchen. ☺️
A hands on approach! Honestly, I bet Arthur would have been tired with all his knight training and fighting with Dawn, if he were to remodel a kitchen. Different skill set.
Well Jon got it for saving his life I suppose that makes sense, or did someone give him that idea? Part of me still wonders why Maege sent him the sword after Jorah left Bear Island.
It's possible that Mormont has dreams, or that raven cawed a message to Jeor to give Jon the sword. As to why Maege sent it to him, that is hard to say. It's also hard to imagine that Jeor just forgot about a family heirloom Valyrian steel sword sitting around his chambers. It all seem's a bit fishy! I wonder if it all comes down to plot convenience. GRRM needed the blade at the wall, and so Maege sent it back to Jeor.
Maybe more to GRRM than many of us. I suppose he was getting lost in his own idea's and references and that is why he needed Elio and Linda to help catalog notes and keep idea's straight. I bet all the Targaryen's with similar or the same name confused GRRM, too!
I said I liked the idea of him getting it back. However I agree and I don't like Jorah either. Also I think Dany will be the series final villain and having her most grovelling sycophant makes sense.
I do agree about Dany. She has the potential to be good, but somehow she get's lost in her own power. Her and those dragons and the army she has built are a great hazard. She had great intentions with her actions in slaver's bay, but it is a greater mess than it ever was. Sweeping changes with no idea how to make the changes stick and everyone agreeable with those changes.
As to Jorah, I actually want to like him a little bit. There is part of me that feels bad for him, but then I remember some of his deeds, and I don't know where the redemption comes to him at. Perhaps if he realizes the monster that Dany becomes, he will be the one to end her? Maybe that will be Barristan's duty, while Jorah remains loyal and in love/lust to the bitter end!
Their father understood as well. "You want no pup for yourself, Jon?" he asked softly.
“And now it begins...”, said stdaga looking at the tiled floor of the kitchen. ☺️
A hands on approach! Honestly, I bet Arthur would have been tired with all his knight training and fighting with Dawn, if he were to remodel a kitchen. Different skill set.
I totally laughed out loud when I read this.
I can't wait until I can say "and now it ends" to the kitchen remodel project!!!
Their father understood as well. "You want no pup for yourself, Jon?" he asked softly.
First, that he notices that Varys' touch leaves a stain, is that an indication that he thinks he stains, or befouls, everything he touches? But the most interesting thing here is «he smelled as foul and sweet as flowers on a grave.» For some odd reason I hadn't noticed that in my other reads, and I think everyone understands why it jumped out to me!
Lyanna and flowers are connected in Ned's mind, sweet smell is connected to rot and death in this story. And as we see, a grave he visits with flowers is Lyanna's grave.
This connection of Ned's internal monologue about Varys and the similarity to Ned's thoughts about Lyanna's death is a good catch. I have not been very open to the idea that at the end of the rebellion it might have been Varys that let Ned know where to find Lyanna, but these type of connections make me at least consider the idea.
Ellia is said to have fought hard when her babe was ripped from her arms, and so many have used this to disprove the possibility.
Perhaps Elia was the type of women who would fight for the life of any infant that was ripped out of her arms, knowing it would most likely be murdered. I know we don't know much about Elia, but I think most mother's (people in general probably) would be appalled at the brutal death of a child, even if it wasn't their own. I certainly think that baby Aegon could have been switched, perhaps even before Aerys had Elia and the children brought from Dragonstone. This extra time would also Elia to grow attached to a child that was not her own by birth.
The thought came to me shortly after rereading some of the earlier threads where you and lynn was looking for bastards without the Baratheon look. Suddenly hit me that maybe he had a true copy of himself around, and what do I find here? Renly refering to himself as a copy, though a poor one. But I'll get more into this in your thread!
As much as I have thought of this over the last year or so, I never hit on this "poor copy" hint in the text. Nice catch!
I have looked this list over several times, and while there are great details on all of these swords, not one of them lists a weight. This seems rather odd, considering all of the other details on each sword.
But then Jon tell's us (and Ned and the whole hunting party) that Ned's children were meant to have these pup's. And while there is a separation in the first five pups, and the white pup that is found later, all of these children get pups.
I used to be so positive that all six children that got direwolves were Ned's children by blood, of his seed. Now, I question if Robb might not be Ned's, or one of the girls or the other, or even Bran or Rickon. I am even less sure of Jon than I used to be, as I am trying to be open to all of these different parentage options. I sometimes miss the absolute feeling connected to that idea of being sure, but the parentage search I have been on over the last year and a half has really made me question much of what I thought about Ned and his children.
My gut instinct still tells me all six kids are Ned's, but by head is messing with my belly these days!
Longclaw as Darksister is BS no offense, unless the Mormonts have altered their history to hide the sword which seems a bit farfetched to me.
I was thinking about this idea a bit more. Do we ever hear about this story about the sword from anyone but Jeor? Could he have fabricated the story to cover a different sword he is giving Jon? In the text, Dany promises to get Jorah a sword that is dragon-forged Valyrian steel, but do we ever have Jorah's story of a ancestral family sword? Perhaps I am drawing a huge blank, but I can't think if that is ever mentioned from any perspective but Jeor's.
Their father understood as well. "You want no pup for yourself, Jon?" he asked softly.