Oathkeeper

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Jaime Lannister gifts Oathkeeper to Brienne of Tarth.
Art by nejna
A depiction of Oathkeeper © Valyrian Steel
Oathkeeper's lion-headed pommel © Valyrian Steel
For the Game of Thrones episode, see Oathkeeper (TV).

Oathkeeper is a Valyrian steel longsword, which is forged by Tobho Mott[1] from Eddard Stark's greatsword, Ice, along with a smaller blade, Widow's Wail.

Appearance

It has grey-black and red ripples through the steel, with the red almost as dark as the grey. Its scabbard glitters gold, and is decorated with a row of lion's heads and smoldering red rubies.[2] The pommel has a golden lion's head, with ruby eyes that shine like two red stars.[3]

Recent Events

A Storm of Swords

Lord Tywin Lannister has the armorer Tobho Mott melt down Eddard Stark's Valyrian steel greatsword Ice, to make a sword for House Lannister. Mott has enough metal to make two swords, one longsword and a slightly smaller sword. He attempts to tint the swords crimson for the color of House Lannister, but the metal absorbs the color, resulting in ripples of nearly-black grey and red almost as dark as the grey.[1]

Tywin presents the sword as a gift for his elder son, Ser Jaime Lannister.[4] Ser Kevan Lannister tells Jaime that the gift is heartfelt, but Jaime thinks his father and uncle are mocking his missing hand.[5] Jaime instead gives the sword to Brienne of Tarth, charging her with finding the whereabouts of Sansa Stark, asking her to name the sword "Oathkeeper".[5] Jaime notes the appropriateness of protecting Eddard Stark's daughter with his own steel.[5]

A Feast for Crows

Brienne of Tarth is initially reluctant to use Oathkeeper, considering it almost a "magic sword", but wields it to slay Pyg and Timeon at the Whispers,[6] and Rorge at the inn at the crossroads.[7] When she is captured by the brotherhood without banners, they use the sword's appearance as evidence that Brienne serves House Lannister, and Lady Stoneheart says it should be better named "Oathbreaker". She demands that Brienne take up the sword to keep her oath to Catelyn Stark and slay Jaime Lannister, or be hanged. Brienne initially refuses, but when she is being hanged and sees her friends dying, she screams "sword".[3][8]

A Dance with Dragons

Brienne appears at Pennytree while Jaime is camped there. She bears Oathkeeper, and tells Jaime that to fulfill her quest, Jaime must come alone with her to save Sansa Stark from the Hound, claiming they are a day's ride away.[9]

Quotes

Most Valyrian steel was a grey so dark it looked almost black, as was true here as well. But blended into the folds was a red so deep as the grey. The two colors lapped over one another without ever touching, each ripple distinct, like waves of night and blood upon some steely shore.[1]

Tyrion Lannister's thoughts

This one was thicker and heavier, a half-inch wider and three inches longer, but they shared the same fine clean lines and the same distinctive color, the ripples of blood and night.[1]

Tyrion Lannister, comparing Oathkeeper to Widow's Wail

There was a time that I would have given my right hand to wield a sword like that. Now it appears I have, so the blade is wasted on me. Take it.[5]

Black and red the ripples ran, deep within the steel. Valyrian steel, spell-forged. It was a sword fit for a hero.[2]

Brienne of Tarth's thoughts

She had failed Renly, had failed Lady Catelyn. She must not fail Jaime. He trusted me with his sword. He trusted me with his honor.[2]

Brienne of Tarth's thoughts

Even the sound of it is sharper than an ordinary sword.[6]

Brienne of Tarth's thoughts

References