Why Didn't Jon Snow Use Lightbringer After Killing Daenerys Targaryen?

In the sprawling narrative of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its adaptation into the television show A Song of Ice and Fire, the legend of Azor Ahai and the sword Lightbringer loom large. Theories and speculations abound as to the nature of Lightbringer and Azor Ahai's true form. One recurring discussion revolves around whether Jon Snow is Azor Ahai and why, after Jon kills Daenerys Targaryen, he did not use the legendary sword Lightbringer.

Understanding Lightbringer: Myths and Facts

The concept of Lightbringer is often shrouded in mystery and myth. Many believe it to be a myth about the creation of Valyrian steel or equivalent through blood-magic. However, within the show and books, Lightbringer is frequently seen as a fiery sword. The question arises: why didn't Jon Snow, presumably the returned Azor Ahai, use Lightbringer to address the tyrannical actions of Queen Daenerys Targaryen?

Legends of Valyrian Steel

Valyrian steel, the material of both the legendary and the cursed weapons in Westeros, is portrayed as having unique properties. For instance, it is capable of killing an Other and has a distinctive fiery or burning quality. It suggests that Lightbringer, if it indeed existed in the physical form as described, might also possess these same properties. The Valyrian steel's blood sacrifice origin in the Doom of Valyria indicates that the legendary sword's creation method is closely tied to the use of blood sacrifice.

While the ability to create Valyrian steel from scratch may have been lost, it doesn't mean that the maesters or other skilled individuals cannot rework existing Valyrian steel into new shapes or items. Thus, the concept of Lightbringer re-emerging in some form after the Doom is plausible.

Who is Azor Ahai?

The identity of Azor Ahai, the prophesied returning hero wielding the Lightbringer, is a point of much debate. The Prince that was Promised and Azor Ahai are often considered the same person/myth. However, in the show, we see a version of the legend that is heavily book-centric. Azor Ahai's figure is more prominently featured in the books than in the television adaptation, suggesting that his role and actions are more of a literary device than a narrative element in the show.

Given this context, it is more likely that Azor Ahai himself is not fully represented in the show. Jon Snow, as the character that many believe to be Azor Ahai, may be a combination of various aspects of the legend rather than a direct manifestation of Azor Ahai. This means that while Jon may possess the essence of Azor Ahai, the full form of Lightbringer may not be accessible to him.

Conclusion and Alternatives

The absence of Lightbringer in Jon Snow's arsenal after the final showdown with Daenerys Targaryen can be understood in several ways. It could be that Jon is indeed Azor Ahai, but the physical manifestation of Lightbringer is not yet fully realized or accessible to him. Alternatively, Lightbringer may be latent or in a less powerful form that is not easily invoked.

In summary, the absence of Lightbringer after Jon Snow kills Daenerys Targaryen can be attributed to a combination of mythological limitations, narrative choices, and the complex interplay between the books and the show. The question of Azor Ahai's true form and the nature of Lightbringer remains a fascinating enigma, fueling ongoing discussions among fans and scholars alike.

Related Keywords and Topics

Valyrian Steel: The unique and rare material used to craft swords in A Song of Ice and Fire.

Azon Ahai: The legendary hero prophesied to return with the Lightbringer sword.

Lightbringer: A mythical sword in the series, believed to be forged through blood-magic.

Jon Snow: The main protagonist of the show, whose true identity is a subject of much debate.

Daenerys Targaryen: The former Queen of Westeros and a key antagonist in the series.