Why Didn’t Gendry Get Rid of the Bull’s Helmet in Game of Thrones?
One often wonders why Gendry, a loyal and skilled blacksmith in Game of Thrones, didn't get rid of the bull’s helmet he made for himself. This item serves as a poignant reminder of his journey and aspirations, deeply intertwined with his feelings of worth and desire for a better life.
The Bull’s Helmet as a Keepsake
The bull’s helmet holds significant sentimental value for Gendry. He crafted it with his own hands, making it a tangible symbol of the path he hoped to follow. Despite his readiness to abandon the safety of his blacksmithing career to join the strike team beyond the Wall, Gendry clearly sees smithing as an inferior life, one that should be replaced by adventure and a greater purpose.
This feeling is especially strong after Gendry learns the identity of his father. The helmet serves as a physical manifestation of the belief that he deserved a better life - a life of something more than the mundane work of a blacksmith.
Importance of Handcrafted Items
Handcrafted items, like the bull’s helmet, hold a unique and enduring value. They are the result of time, effort, and skill, making them cherished by the creator and often by those who value the sentiment behind them.
Think about why you hold onto items like a little wooden and glazed futuristic hover car or a speedboat, displayed on a stand. These items, regardless of their current relevance, are kept because they were created with one's own hands during a period that allowed working in woodshop classes with actual bench saws, etc. The value goes beyond the object itself—it's the memory and the effort that went into creating something meaningful.
The Cultural Value of Armor and Weapons
In ancient times, the value placed on armor and weapons was such that they were rarely discarded unless rendered completely useless. Even then, they were often taken to the blacksmith for repair or to see if they could be traded or melted down for scrap. This practice shows the deep cultural and emotional connection people had with these items, reflecting their historical value and the respect for craftsmanship.
Many nations have required their soldiers to purchase their own armor and weapons, further emphasizing the personal attachment to these items. If you didn’t like them, they were still cherished remnants of your own labor and dedication.
The Sentimental Value of Gendry’s Bull’s Helmet
For a young smith’s apprentice, the bull’s helmet serves as a masterwork piece and a professional resume. Even if it doesn't fit the mold of traditional resumes, it represents the pinnacle of his studies and skills. The pure sentimental value it holds can’t be overstated— it's a tangible representation of his journey, his craftsmanship, and his dreams.
Gendry’s attachment to the bull’s helmet is a complex mix of nostalgia, pride, and a sense of identity. It reminds him of the person he was before the tumultuous events of Game of Thrones. Holding onto such items is a way of clinging to that part of oneself that has already been—a way of grounding oneself in the past while moving forward.
In conclusion, the bull’s helmet serves as both a symbol and a reminder of Gendry’s aspirations and personal growth. Its sentimental value extends beyond the object itself, representing the journey and dedication that went into its creation. Understanding the cultural and sentimental significance of such items can help us appreciate the deeper layers of character and history in Game of Thrones.