Iron Throne (A Song of Ice and Fire)

The Iron Throne is the throne upon which the King or Queen of the Seven Kingdoms sits, located within the Red Keep in the city of King's Landing. Forged by Aegon I Targaryen, the Conqueror, it is constructed from the swords of the lords who surrendered to him during the Conquest of Westeros.

Legend states that Aegon had the swords of his defeated enemies melted down and hammered into the throne by dragonfire. The process was said to have taken 59 days. While melted and reshaped, the swords were not entirely reforged, leaving many jagged edges and points. The Iron Throne is described as an imposing and uncomfortable seat, designed to ensure that no ruler ever sits comfortably, reminding them of the difficulties of their position.

The Iron Throne is not just a symbolic seat of power; it physically embodies the weight of ruling the Seven Kingdoms. The many blades protruding from the throne are a constant reminder of the sacrifices, compromises, and battles that are necessary to maintain control. It is said that the throne has cut many kings who were deemed unworthy, both literally and figuratively.

The location of the Iron Throne within the Red Keep makes it a focal point for the capital. Its presence signifies the seat of central authority and the location where important decisions affecting the entire realm are made. Throughout the Targaryen dynasty and later under the Baratheons and Lannisters, the Iron Throne has remained the ultimate symbol of power in Westeros, albeit a contested one during periods of civil war and rebellion. The destruction of the Iron Throne is viewed by some as a break from that tyrannical history.