The opening episode of House of the Dragon season 3 has everyone caught up in the chaos of the Dance of the Dragons. Between the Battle of the Gullet, the fighting in the Riverlands, Rhaena claiming Sheepstealer, Jacaerys Velaryon’s death, and Aegon’s seemingly unsuccessful escape attempt, episode 1 delivered plenty of fire and blood, just as anticipated.
Among these major moments, the episode also introduced a fascinating detail that many fans might have missed.
A post from X user Mestre_Thibaut pointed out that the season 3 premiere quietly introduced two new Valyrian steel swords alongside the introduction of two key new characters. Episode 1 unveiled Lord Ormund Hightower’s sword Vigilance, and Ser Jon Roxton’s blade Orphan-Maker, adding to the franchise’s growing collection of Westerosi weapons.
One of the most anticipated debuts in the series, Lord Ormund Hightower is seen carrying Vigilance, the ancestral Valyrian steel sword of House Hightower. He is the Lord of Oldtown and the head of House Hightower, and also the nephew of Otto Hightower. As the name suggests, Vigilance appears to be a nod to House Hightower’s identity and motto “We Light the Way,” reflecting how the family views itself as a guardian and keeper of the realm’s knowledge and history.
Ormund is expected to play a major role in the upcoming battles, leading the Green forces on the ground, and by extension, his sword is likely to become equally significant to the faction’s campaign. Although episode 1 only briefly reveals the blade sheathed, the Dance of the Dragons will likely see the longsword bloodied and tested in combat.
The second newly introduced Valyrian steel sword is Orphan-Maker, wielded by Ser Jon Roxton. Among the legendary weapons of Westeros, this one definitely stands out due to its ominous name. The sword is subtly revealed during a scene where Ser Jon receives a scroll from a messenger before delivering it to Ormund.
As Ormund refers to him, “Bold Jon” is one of his chief knights who will fight alongside him in the upcoming battles. His appearance in the premiere suggests that both he and Orphan-Maker could become important figures as the war intensifies.
Prior to season 3, House of the Dragon had already introduced several famous Valyrian steel weapons, including Daemon Targaryen’s Dark Sister, Blackfyre, which is currently carried by Aemond Targaryen, and the Valyrian steel dagger inscribed with the prophecy of “A Song of Ice and Fire”.
As longtime fans know, weapons in Westeros often become extensions of their bearers, carrying generations of history and becoming inseparable from their owners. As a result, the introduction of Valyrian steel swords Vigilance and Orphan-Maker may seem like a minor detail now, but it could prove significant as the war unfolds. Considering how rare Valyrian steel swords are during this era, the addition of two mighty swords to the Green faction could further strengthen their military presence.
The Dance has only just begun, and far more fire and blood are yet to be witnessed. As the war between the Blacks and the Greens spread across land, sea, and sky, it is unlikely to be the last time either blade attracts attention. If episode 1 proved anything, it’s that House of the Dragon is still very good at hiding major lore details in the middle of complete chaos.
House of the Dragon premieres new episodes Sundays on HBO and HBO Max.
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