What is Dragonglass?

What is Dragonglass?

Dragonglass is a material that holds significant importance in the world of Game of Thrones. Known by its other name, obsidian, dragonglass is a volcanic glass formed when lava is rapidly cooled by water or another substance, such as air or another rapid-moving fluid. In the show, dragonglass is presented as a rare and precious material, highly prized for its magical properties and durability.

What does Dragonglass Look Like?

Obsidian, which is synonymous with dragonglass, appears black and glassy. However, it can have a iridescent sheen or glitter if it is folded or agglomerated, a process called obsidian flow. Obsidian’s appearance is a result of its internal crystal structure, which is influenced by the composition of the molten rock, cooling rate, and other factors. Obsidian’s color range is remarkable, featuring shades of dark brown, reddish-brown, orange, yellow, white, green, blue, and even black with a silver or white internal structure.

What makes Dragonglass Magical?

The magical properties of dragonglass stem from its creation process and crystal structure. Legends of the First Men and Children of the Forest state that dragonglass can be used to create powerful maegi (magical sorcerers) and to weaken the dark magic of the White Walkers. According to this mythology, the properties of dragonglass can be heightened if it is fashioned into a maesters’ sigil (magic symbol), allowing wielders to tap into its magical potency. The Night’s Watch and Maester Aemon believe that obsidian was used by the Children of the Forest to bring down the Wall, connecting to the Earth and ancient magical forces.

What does it take to Work with Dragonglass?

Handling dragonglass is a delicate art, and only a few master craftsmen, such as Maester Aemon and Brother Ray, possess the skills and understanding necessary to work with this material effectively. The ancient art of blacksmithing and smithing is integral to creating and shaping obsidian; the technique requires extensive practice and knowledge to create intricate pieces of art or functional weapons, like the Valyrian steel blades, which are tempered by the fires of the earth, granting them remarkable strength and malleability.

Historical Significance of Dragonglass in Game of Thrones

The White Walkers, with their eternal hatred for humans, wrested control over dragonglass through necromancy and dark sorcery, using this resource to create wights (Undead beings) and reinforce the Wall against the impending war. As the Great War brews, the importance of acquiring control over dragonglass gains weight, as those who wield its magic can either forge instruments for the Light or bolster dark forces. This struggle emphasizes the fragility and scarcity of dragonglass, reflecting humanity’s dependency on resources while also exposing the devastating outcomes that accompany the unchecked pursuit of magical control.

Interesting Facts About Obsidian

Here are a few points to further illustrate the wonders and obscurity surrounding obsidian and Game of Thrones’ dragonglass:
• Obsidian, with its 70 to 80 Mohs hardness level, is one of the hardest, and most valuable, natural resources to work with.
• Ancient Mesopotamians used obsidian, which was considered a semiprecious stone, as talismans, amulets, and ceremonial items.
• Natural processes, like volcanic activities or meteor impacts, can transform limestone or silicate-based rock into obsidian.

Conclusion
The mythology surrounding Game of Thrones’ dragonglass embodies many of the themes and characteristics commonly associated with magic in high fantasy narratives. While both obsidian and dragonglass present themselves as mysterious materials in these stories, the truth lies in the ancient geologic processes that forged these resources through the Earth’s inner workings.

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