The Mysterious Horns: What Links 'Horn of Winter' and 'Horn of Euron Greyjoy'?

In George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, the Horn of Winter and the Horn of Euron Greyjoy are two legendary artifacts that play significant roles in the quest for power and the influence of ancient magic. These horns serve as powerful symbols that foreshadow the events and political landscape of Westeros. Let's delve into these fascinating artifacts and explore their connections.

The Horn of Winter: Legend and Lore

The Horn of Winter, also known as the Horn of Joramun, is a mythical horn said to have the power to wake the giants from the earth and potentially bring down the Wall. In legend, Joramun, a legendary figure, used this horn to rouse the giants during the Age of Heroes. The horn is believed to be hidden in the uncharted lands beyond the Wall, and it has been of great concern to characters such as Jon Snow and the Night's Watch.

What is Known About the Horn of Winter?

There are two main theories regarding the Horn of Winter. The dominant one is that the broken horn discovered by Ghost, a direwolf, and Samwell Tarly, now in the care of Sam at Oldtown, is indeed the Horn of Winter. It is a fabled artifact, buried with dragonglass arrowheads in the Fist of the First Men. However, a minority of scholars and fans believe that the horn now in Euron Greyjoy's possession is the true artifact.

The Horn of Winter is described as yellow, solid, and ingeniously worked with the inscription ldquo;The old stone comes to life under my breath.rdquo; While the true nature of this horn remains a mystery, it is clear that its power and influence are deeply intertwined with the themes of power, legacy, and ancient magic in the series.

Euron Greyjoy's Horn: Dragonbinder

Euron Greyjoy's horn, known as the Horn of Euron Greyjoy or the Dragonbinder, is a large, black horn adorned with gold bands inscribed with Valyrian glyphs. Moqorro, a HelxARGET, has interpreted these inscriptions to mean, ldquo;I am Dragonbinder. No mortal man may sound me and live. Blood for fire.rdquo; According to Moqorro, these words indicate that the horn has the power to bind and control dragons.

Euron acquires this horn during his travels and brings it back to the Iron Islands, where he plans to leverage this power to cement his rule over Westeros. The majority of commentators and scholars believe that the Dragonbinder horn serves as a literal means to bind and control dragons. However, a small group of critics, including the author, argues that the true function of the horn is to replicate the effect of blowing the horn, as evidenced by the incident with Euron's squire, who was incinerated by the blast.

How Does the Horn of Euron Function?

According to the interpretation by the stranger, the incineration is a curse. Euron's squire managed to blow the horn, but when it burnt his lungs and he fell silent, it was a sign that no one had previously blown it, and he had been cursed. This rare phenomenon suggested that no one had previously used it, but it could potentially unleash the power of a single dragon upon the wielder. The lesser possibility is that the horn has the power to bind people like it binds dragons; again, incineration is a sure sign of intent, but with a dragon who owns it, the ability should be immune to this effect, and Valyria was known for its population of dragon helix.

Connections and Themes

While the Horn of Winter and the Horn of Euron Greyjoy have distinct narratives and implications, they both serve to highlight the overarching themes of power, legacy, and the influence of ancient magic on the present. These horns symbolize the quest for power through the control of ancient forces and the unpredictable and often destructive nature of power.

Power and Influence: Both horns represent a drive for control and dominance, one through the awakening of giants and the Wall, and the other through the binding and control of dragons. Mythical Significance: Each horn is steeped in myth and legend, contributing to the mystical atmosphere of the series. They symbolize the unpredictable and destructive nature of power. Foreshadowing: The horns hint at significant events that could reshape the political landscape of Westeros and beyond, serving as powerful foreshadowing tools in the narrative.

These horns, with their rich history and mythology, continue to captivate fans and scholars, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the world of Westeros.