Who Gave Arya Stark The Sword Needle In Game Of Thrones?

In the epic fantasy world of Westeros created by George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels and the hit HBO television series Game of Thrones, Needle is the sword given to young Arya Stark as a parting gift when she leaves Winterfell to journey south to King’s Landing.

This slender blade becomes an extension of Arya herself and accompanies her on adventures across the Narrow Sea and beyond as she trains to become a faceless assassin. But do you know who originally gifted Needle to Arya?

Read on to learn the history behind this iconic weapon wielded by a fan-favorite character.

Here’s a quick answer: The sword Needle was given to Arya by her half-brother Jon Snow before she left Winterfell in season 1 of Game of Thrones.

Jon Snow Gifted Needle to Arya

One of the most iconic and beloved characters in the hit TV series Game of Thrones is Arya Stark. Known for her fierce determination and unmatched skill with a sword, Arya’s weapon of choice was the unique sword named Needle. But who gave this remarkable weapon to her?

It was none other than her half-brother, Jon Snow.

Jon had Needle made for Arya as a parting gift

When Jon Snow decided to join the Night’s Watch and head to the Wall, he wanted to give Arya something special before they had to say goodbye. Understanding her dreams of becoming a warrior, he had a beautiful sword made specifically for her.

This sword was Needle, a small and slender weapon that perfectly suited Arya’s agile fighting style.

Jon’s gift to Arya was not just a simple sword; it was a symbol of their bond and the belief in her abilities. He wanted to empower her and remind her that she was capable of anything she set her mind to. This gift would prove to be invaluable to Arya throughout her journey.

Needle was small and slender like Arya

The physical characteristics of Needle were carefully chosen to reflect Arya’s own nature. The sword was lightweight and easy to wield, allowing Arya to move swiftly and silently. Its small size made it perfect for close combat and quick strikes, which suited Arya’s preference for stealth and agility.

The name “Needle” itself is a reflection of Arya’s personality. Just like a needle, she was sharp and precise in her actions. She was determined to make her mark in the world, and her sword was a testament to that resolve.

The sword had significance for Arya’s identity

Needle became more than just a weapon for Arya; it became an extension of her identity. As she navigated the treacherous world of Westeros, Needle became a symbol of her Stark heritage and her unwavering spirit.

With Needle by her side, Arya was able to survive and thrive, overcoming numerous obstacles and enemies along the way. The sword served as a constant reminder of her strength and determination, and it fueled her desire for revenge against those who had wronged her family.

Needle Became an Extension of Arya

Throughout the course of the hit TV series Game of Thrones, Arya Stark’s character development is one that captivated audiences around the world. And one of the key elements that played a significant role in shaping her journey was her trusty sword, Needle.

Arya practiced her ‘dancing’ lessons with Syrio Forel using Needle

When Arya arrived in King’s Landing, her father Ned Stark arranged for her to take ‘dancing’ lessons with the legendary Braavosi swordsman Syrio Forel. Despite initially being given a wooden sword, Arya eventually acquired Needle, a small but deadly sword.

She quickly formed a strong bond with the weapon, using it to practice her lessons with Syrio. The sword became an extension of Arya’s determination and desire to become a skilled fighter.

She kept Needle with her when escaping King’s Landing

After the execution of her father, Arya was forced to flee from King’s Landing. In her haste to escape, she made sure to take Needle with her. This decision proved to be crucial as Needle became a symbol of her resilience and determination.

It served as a reminder of her desire for revenge and her refusal to let go of her Stark identity.

The sword reminded Arya of her Stark identity

Throughout her journey, Arya encountered numerous challenges and faced immense danger. However, Needle served as a constant reminder of her Stark identity, providing her with strength and motivation. It became an integral part of her character, representing her strong connection to her family and her unwavering spirit.

Needle not only became a physical weapon but also a metaphorical representation of Arya’s transformation. It symbolized her growth, resilience, and determination to survive in a world full of chaos and danger.

The History of Needle

One of the most iconic weapons in the popular TV series Game of Thrones is the sword Needle, which was given to Arya Stark. Needle holds a significant place in Arya’s journey, symbolizing her resilience, determination, and skill as a warrior. Let’s delve into the history of this remarkable weapon.

Needle was castle-forged steel

Needle was not just an ordinary sword; it was made of castle-forged steel, which gave it exceptional strength and durability. The blade was crafted with meticulous precision, ensuring its sharpness and effectiveness in combat.

In the world of Westeros, where battles and conflicts are a common occurrence, having a well-forged weapon like Needle was crucial for survival.

Its slender blade was designed for Arya’s small size

What sets Needle apart from other swords is its unique design. Unlike traditional broadswords, Needle had a slender blade, making it perfect for Arya’s small stature. Being a young girl, Arya needed a weapon that she could wield with agility and speed.

The slim profile of Needle allowed her to move swiftly and strike with precision, giving her an advantage in battles against larger opponents.

The sword had a wolf’s-head pommel

Another distinctive feature of Needle was its wolf’s-head pommel. The pommel served as both a decorative element and a symbol of Arya’s Stark heritage. The House Stark sigil, a direwolf, was intricately carved into the pommel, representing Arya’s connection to her family and their values.

This detail added a personal touch to the sword, making it even more meaningful to Arya.

The Meaning of Needle for Arya

Needle represented Arya’s dreams of being a warrior

For Arya Stark, the sword Needle held a deep significance. It was more than just a weapon; it symbolized her dreams of becoming a skilled warrior. From a young age, Arya was drawn to the world of fighting and combat, unlike the traditional path set for noble ladies.

Needle became her companion in her journey to defy societal norms and pursue her true passion. With each swing of the sword, Arya’s determination to become a formidable fighter grew stronger. Needle became a physical representation of her relentless spirit and unwavering resolve to become a warrior.

It reminded her of her brothers and Winterfell

Needle wasn’t just a weapon to Arya; it held sentimental value as well. As she embarked on her journey away from her home, Winterfell, and her beloved brothers, Needle served as a constant reminder of her roots. The sword connected her to her family and her identity as a Stark.

Whenever Arya wielded Needle, she could almost feel the presence of her brothers, Jon Snow and Robb Stark, and the memories of Winterfell flooded her mind. It provided her with a sense of comfort and strength, especially in times of adversity.

The sword was a part of Arya’s identity

Needle became an integral part of Arya’s identity. It represented her individuality and her refusal to conform to societal expectations. In a world where women were often relegated to passive roles, Arya defied conventions and embraced her desire to be a warrior.

Needle became an extension of herself, a symbol of her fierce independence and determination. It was a constant reminder of who she was and what she wanted to become. Arya’s bond with Needle was unbreakable, and it played a pivotal role in shaping her character throughout her journey in Game of Thrones.

Where is Needle Now?

Needle, the iconic sword given to Arya Stark in Game of Thrones, has had an eventful journey throughout the series. Let’s take a closer look at where Needle is now.

Arya left Needle hidden in rocks when she traveled to Braavos

After Arya Stark embarked on her journey to Braavos, she made the difficult decision to conceal Needle. Understanding the dangers she would face in a foreign land, Arya didn’t want to risk being caught with a weapon. She carefully hid Needle among the rocks, ensuring its safety until she returned.

She later retrieved it when returning to Westeros

When Arya made her triumphant return to Westeros, she wasted no time in reclaiming Needle. The sword held immense sentimental value for her, representing her identity, resilience, and determination. Retrieving Needle was a symbolic act that signaled Arya’s commitment to her mission and her unwavering will to survive.

Needle remained at Arya’s side through the end of the series

Throughout the remaining seasons of Game of Thrones, Needle remained a constant companion to Arya. It became an extension of her character, a tool she skillfully wielded to exact justice upon her enemies. Needle’s small size and agility perfectly suited Arya’s fierce and agile fighting style.

Together, they formed an unstoppable force.

As the series concluded, Arya’s bond with Needle remained unbroken. It served as a reminder of her journey, her growth, and her unwavering spirit. Needle is now a symbol of Arya’s resilience, determination, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Conclusion

Jon Snow’s gift of the sword Needle served as a representation of Arya Stark’s identity, dreams, and familial ties throughout Game of Thrones. Despite her many trials and transformations, Needle remained a constant companion that kept Arya tethered to her Stark roots.

This beloved blade crafted especially for her played an integral role in Arya’s character arc over the course of the show’s eight epic seasons.

So the next time you re-watch Game of Thrones and see Arya wielding her trusty Needle, remember it was her devoted half-brother Jon who first placed the sword in her hands when she set off on adventures far from home.

Needle will forever link Arya to her family and Winterfell, thanks to Jon’s heartfelt parting gift that she treasured until the very end.