Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2017 16:40:49 GMT
I think that this particular Valyrian Steel weapon is actually far more important to the plot than we realize.
While I love that Arya finally HAS her own VS blade, the way the gods always intended, it's not on the same level as the few others kicking around: it's more important.
It is one of the main reasons I hold out hope that the leaks (of which there are many more now, so many one could not even try to sort them all) are intentional misdirection/flat out wrong. Now, I had hoped the same thing last year too only to be bitterly disappointed, but hey, we're keeping this thread a little more positive.
While most generally believe that it is Jon with Longclaw/Lightbringer that will bring an end to the NK, that is a very base-level, conditioned response. Which is sort of what we anticipate with the narrative now, but there are some surprises GRRM himself had tucked away for D&D to use, and I'd like to think we'll get at least one more before the end.
First off, The Catspaw isn't actually the weapon's name. It was nameless, and was just called that in reference to the assassin who was sent to kill Bran with it. This is unique among VS weapons; in fact it is likely the only one currently in existence that was never named. I believe the show sort of ran with it in creating the 'paw' design on the handle, but even so, that doesn't give it the moniker in any official capacity.
I don't think I need to point out how fitting it is that it ended up in the hands of another assassin, who is also (supposed to be) nameless and no one
Robo-Bran, who now sees all, knows the history of that dagger. And he knows exactly where it is should go - he gives it to Arya for a reason. We don't know that reason yet, but since everything he does and says now is so key to the plot, you can bet it matters.
And then there's the 'subtle-as-a-Mack-truck' theme HBO is running with now. During the few scraps of precious time spent with Sam and Gilly actually studying the Long Night, there is only one VS weapon depicted in the books they are reading: the nameless 'catspaw' dagger. Why is that one in particular notated, there?
I believe that dagger is actually the weapon needed to pierce the heart of the NK to finish him off. He was 'created' by the Children with a magical dagger to the heart, maybe that is how he needs to be ended as well. Does this mean it will be Arya who gets to take that plunge? No clue. I think it would certainly count toward 'bittersweet' if a Stark had to finish a Stark in the end, and with -that- particular blade (and, staying within characterization, I think Arya would be the only Stark with enough grim detachment to call upon to manage the task if the NK actually is Bran), but regardless, I think it could point at her needing to be present in the final battle with the dead rather than King's Landing in the end. Even if only to toss the dagger to someone else in an emergency last-minute save.
Also, as a bit of a side tangent - things tend to get pretty damn dark during a 'long night'. Might be a good idea to have the only person who has actually been trained to fight blind around to help deal with that.
Any thoughts?
While I love that Arya finally HAS her own VS blade, the way the gods always intended, it's not on the same level as the few others kicking around: it's more important.
It is one of the main reasons I hold out hope that the leaks (of which there are many more now, so many one could not even try to sort them all) are intentional misdirection/flat out wrong. Now, I had hoped the same thing last year too only to be bitterly disappointed, but hey, we're keeping this thread a little more positive.
While most generally believe that it is Jon with Longclaw/Lightbringer that will bring an end to the NK, that is a very base-level, conditioned response. Which is sort of what we anticipate with the narrative now, but there are some surprises GRRM himself had tucked away for D&D to use, and I'd like to think we'll get at least one more before the end.
First off, The Catspaw isn't actually the weapon's name. It was nameless, and was just called that in reference to the assassin who was sent to kill Bran with it. This is unique among VS weapons; in fact it is likely the only one currently in existence that was never named. I believe the show sort of ran with it in creating the 'paw' design on the handle, but even so, that doesn't give it the moniker in any official capacity.
I don't think I need to point out how fitting it is that it ended up in the hands of another assassin, who is also (supposed to be) nameless and no one
Robo-Bran, who now sees all, knows the history of that dagger. And he knows exactly where it is should go - he gives it to Arya for a reason. We don't know that reason yet, but since everything he does and says now is so key to the plot, you can bet it matters.
And then there's the 'subtle-as-a-Mack-truck' theme HBO is running with now. During the few scraps of precious time spent with Sam and Gilly actually studying the Long Night, there is only one VS weapon depicted in the books they are reading: the nameless 'catspaw' dagger. Why is that one in particular notated, there?
I believe that dagger is actually the weapon needed to pierce the heart of the NK to finish him off. He was 'created' by the Children with a magical dagger to the heart, maybe that is how he needs to be ended as well. Does this mean it will be Arya who gets to take that plunge? No clue. I think it would certainly count toward 'bittersweet' if a Stark had to finish a Stark in the end, and with -that- particular blade (and, staying within characterization, I think Arya would be the only Stark with enough grim detachment to call upon to manage the task if the NK actually is Bran), but regardless, I think it could point at her needing to be present in the final battle with the dead rather than King's Landing in the end. Even if only to toss the dagger to someone else in an emergency last-minute save.
Also, as a bit of a side tangent - things tend to get pretty damn dark during a 'long night'. Might be a good idea to have the only person who has actually been trained to fight blind around to help deal with that.
Any thoughts?
