There’s this astonishing scene in season 1 episode 9 of Game of Thrones where Jon Snow overcomes a threatening Wight to save Lord Commander Jeor Mormont’s life. After being saved he awarded Jon Snow to express his gratitude. He hands over his Valyrian steel sword, Longclaw, to Jon.
Now, Longclaw isn’t just any sword. It’s got history. It’s been passed down through Mormont’s family for generations. And Mormont gets it redesigned with a wolf motif, because he knows Jon is basically a Stark wolf at heart. As a result, Jon acquires this fabled sword—fit for both wolves and bears—which serves as a significant signal of Mormont’s regard and confidence for him. It’s similar to a warrior handing the torch—or, in this case, the sword—to another fighter.
In “Baelor,” Jon Snow gains the respect of Lord Commander Mormont, who treats him like a son. Mormont gives Jon their family’s prized sword, Longclaw, passing over his own son, Jorah. It’s an unusual gesture, indicating Mormont sees Jon as a future leader of the Night’s Watch.
Upon receiving Longclaw, Jon Snow unsheathes it and discovers that the word is made of Valyrian steel. Mormont then recounts its history, revealing it was meant for his dishonored son, Jorah, who left it behind when he was exiled for selling slaves by Ned Stark.
Impressed by Jon’s bravery, Mormont gifts him with the sword, acknowledging that Jon and his direwolf, Ghost, saved his life. He instructs Jon to keep it safe, stating, “That’s a man’s sword. It will take a man to wield it.”
Mormont believes he’s made the right choice, recognizing Jon as the most deserving recipient of the honor. Jon’s comrades in the Night’s Watch commend him, affirming that he earned Longclaw. They eagerly examine the sword, and Jon allows Grenn, Pyp, and the others to hold it.
Jorah Mormont had Longclaw for a long time, the Valyrian steel bastard sword, before he left it behind. Maege, Jeor’s sister, gave it back to him. The length of a longclaw is between that of a two-handed greatsword and a longsword/broadsword. It is a hand-and-half sword. In “Beyond the Wall,” Jon proposes to give Longclaw back to Jorah since he believes he has no legal claim to it because it is the House Mormont’s ancestral sword:
“Your father gave me this sword. Changed the pommel from a bear to a wolf, but it’s still Longclaw.”
Jorah accepts the sword briefly but returns it to Jon, knowing Jon will wield it well.
The Valyrian steel blade, Longclaw, becomes a symbol of Jon Snow’s quest and fighting skills throughout the series. Longclaw was first presented to Jon by Lord Commander Mormont as a sign of confidence and leadership. Jon uses Longclaw in a number of battles, such as the Battle of the Bastards and encounters with wildlings. The sword proves its worth against White Walkers, as Jon successfully defeats one during the attack on Hardhome and later discovers its effectiveness in destroying the undead. Longclaw also plays a pivotal role in Jon’s personal encounters, such as executing Janos Slynt and facing Ramsay Bolton in single combat. Despite moments where Jon considers returning it to Jorah Mormont, Longclaw remains with him until the end, symbolizing his resilience, honor, and dedication to protecting the realm from the threats beyond the Wall.
In Season 8, During the Battle of King’s Landing, Jon uses Longclaw to kill several Lannister soldiers and later a Northern soldier. While leaving for the lands beyond the Wall, after his exile to the Night’s Watch, Jon takes the sword with him.