In mythology , legend or fiction , a magic sword is a sword with magical powers or other supernatural qualities. Renowned swords appear in the folklore of every nation that used swords.
101-426: Stormbringer is a magic sword featured in a number of fantasy stories by the author Michael Moorcock . It is described as a huge, black sword covered with strange runes , created by the forces of Chaos . The sword has a will of its own and it is hinted that the sword may be controlled by an inhabiting entity. It is wielded by the doomed albino emperor Elric of Melniboné . Stormbringer makes its first appearance in
202-520: A lump of earth was transformed into a shiny usable object that could be hammered into many shapes. Extending further from the transformation of ore into metal, the difficulty of actually obtaining a quality blade; which took intense concentration and skill added to its esoteric qualities. While any blacksmith could manufacture a knife or an axehead only a swordsmith could create a high quality sword. The secrets of doing so were jealously guarded as well as formulas for alloys. The skill necessary to forge
303-520: A lump of earth was transformed into a shiny usable object that could be hammered into many shapes. Extending further from the transformation of ore into metal, the difficulty of actually obtaining a quality blade; which took intense concentration and skill added to its esoteric qualities. While any blacksmith could manufacture a knife or an axehead only a swordsmith could create a high quality sword. The secrets of doing so were jealously guarded as well as formulas for alloys. The skill necessary to forge
404-411: A balanced blade - one which is not too brittle or too soft and able to hold a usefully sharp edge - in the age before automated machines, blast furnaces, and the knowledge of molecular chemistry made the creation of a sword seem almost miraculous. A few degrees too hot or too cold within a very limited temperature range, which could only be discerned by the glowing hue of a hot billet , could make or break
505-411: A balanced blade - one which is not too brittle or too soft and able to hold a usefully sharp edge - in the age before automated machines, blast furnaces, and the knowledge of molecular chemistry made the creation of a sword seem almost miraculous. A few degrees too hot or too cold within a very limited temperature range, which could only be discerned by the glowing hue of a hot billet , could make or break
606-469: A bloodlust in his mind, turning in his hands and killing friends and lovers. The cursed nature of the sword adds to Elric's guilt and self-loathing, even as he feels pleasure when the stolen lifeforce enters his body. Stormbringer has a "brother" sword named Mournblade, which was at one time wielded by Elric's cousin and enemy Yyrkoon . It is identical to Stormbringer in most regards. Later stories reveal that there are thousands of identical demons, all taking
707-458: A cutting strength and durability beyond that of ordinary weapons. In Wolfram Von Echenbach's Parzival , the eponymous hero is given a sword by the Grail king, Anfortas. Parzival's cousin explains that "“The sword will withstand the first blow unscathed; at the second it will shatter. If you then take it back to the spring, it will become whole again from the flow of the water. You must have the water at
808-410: A cutting strength and durability beyond that of ordinary weapons. In Wolfram Von Echenbach's Parzival , the eponymous hero is given a sword by the Grail king, Anfortas. Parzival's cousin explains that "“The sword will withstand the first blow unscathed; at the second it will shatter. If you then take it back to the spring, it will become whole again from the flow of the water. You must have the water at
909-478: A great variety of magical armaments, most commonly represented by swords and similar archetypal weapons. These swords are rarely unique, and in many role-playing scenarios, magical weapons are so ubiquitous that the player characters are expected to come into possession of them as a matter of course. Magic sword In mythology , legend or fiction , a magic sword is a sword with magical powers or other supernatural qualities. Renowned swords appear in
1010-548: A hand holding aloft a torch (similar to the Statue of Liberty). Otherwise it is visually unremarkable, though very well made and unworn. Its ability lies in revealing absolute truth, which can be difficult to bear. The sentiment of the enchantment follows that of the " To thine own self be true... " advice to Laertes . A prospective wielder, upon drawing the blade for the first time, is made to confront all their personal flaws, shortcomings, fears, delusions and morally questionable acts. If
1111-499: A hand holding aloft a torch (similar to the Statue of Liberty). Otherwise it is visually unremarkable, though very well made and unworn. Its ability lies in revealing absolute truth, which can be difficult to bear. The sentiment of the enchantment follows that of the " To thine own self be true... " advice to Laertes . A prospective wielder, upon drawing the blade for the first time, is made to confront all their personal flaws, shortcomings, fears, delusions and morally questionable acts. If
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#17328546848531212-521: A man every time it was used and that it would be the cause of three great evils. They also cursed it so that it would kill Svafrlami himself. It would cost the life of not only Svafrlami, but also the life of the Swedish hero Hjalmar . A similar sword to Tyrfing is Dáinsleif , a sword from the legend of the eternal battle Hjaðningavíg , made by the dwarf Dáin . Like Tyrfing, Dainsleif gave wounds that never healed and could not be unsheathed without killing
1313-472: A man every time it was used and that it would be the cause of three great evils. They also cursed it so that it would kill Svafrlami himself. It would cost the life of not only Svafrlami, but also the life of the Swedish hero Hjalmar . A similar sword to Tyrfing is Dáinsleif , a sword from the legend of the eternal battle Hjaðningavíg , made by the dwarf Dáin . Like Tyrfing, Dainsleif gave wounds that never healed and could not be unsheathed without killing
1414-499: A man. There is also Mistilteinn , a sword from the Hrómundar saga Gripssonar , which could never go blunt and which Hrómund won from the undead witch-king Þrainn . Like Tyrfing, it was taken from a barrow-wight . The various iterations of the story of the Völsungs include several magic swords. The first magical sword which enters the story is Gram (="wrath"), stuck by Odin into
1515-399: A man. There is also Mistilteinn , a sword from the Hrómundar saga Gripssonar , which could never go blunt and which Hrómund won from the undead witch-king Þrainn . Like Tyrfing, it was taken from a barrow-wight . The various iterations of the story of the Völsungs include several magic swords. The first magical sword which enters the story is Gram (="wrath"), stuck by Odin into
1616-464: A new blade, for fear that they might inadvertently create an evil sword. The Vikings prized their swords above all other things, handing them down from generation to generation and giving them names. The value of the blade was not only determined by its quality but also by how many battles that it was used in. Polynesian people such as the Māori also had comparable reverence for their weapons. They believed
1717-417: A new blade, for fear that they might inadvertently create an evil sword. The Vikings prized their swords above all other things, handing them down from generation to generation and giving them names. The value of the blade was not only determined by its quality but also by how many battles that it was used in. Polynesian people such as the Māori also had comparable reverence for their weapons. They believed
1818-589: A particularly concrete way. It carries a continuous external threat to personal autonomy, and it subverts a fully rational self-determination . Modern fantasy heroes, especially in epic fantasy, often rail against "destiny" or a prophecy, but such destinies and prophecies lack Stormbringer's sentient specificity." Ontologist Levi Bryant stated that Stormbringer belongs to a special class of magical items which also appear in Dungeons & Dragons , which are not "merely passive tools", but have will, goals, alignment and
1919-404: A personality of their own. Stormbringer talks to, influences and struggles with its wielder Elric. Bryant saw the sword as an active entity, not unlike "some of the artificial life we are developing today", and also compared it to "technologies unleashed on the world that are agents in their own right". Elric's sword Stormbringer has appeared in all of Michael Moorcock's stories about Elric, except
2020-436: A sword symbolizes the initial defeat and loss of honor of its wielder. Subsequent victory and the restoration of honor is achieved by reforging it, either at the wielder's hand or that of his heir. It is probable that the roots of the sentient weapon myths stem from ancient peoples' belief that sword making and metallurgy was in fact a magical process. Through the fires of the forge ( fire was also given spiritual connotations )
2121-436: A sword symbolizes the initial defeat and loss of honor of its wielder. Subsequent victory and the restoration of honor is achieved by reforging it, either at the wielder's hand or that of his heir. It is probable that the roots of the sentient weapon myths stem from ancient peoples' belief that sword making and metallurgy was in fact a magical process. Through the fires of the forge ( fire was also given spiritual connotations )
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#17328546848532222-516: A sword. A lack of expertise in knowing when and how to apply carbon and flux and quench the blade could ruin weeks of work. Thus the swordsmith almost felt like he was one with his work, giving the process his complete devotion of concentration and thought. This led to the belief that he was actually imbuing the blade with an essence of his spirit. In Japan , the swordsmiths were so concerned with this belief that they would undergo purification rituals and meditation before even attempting to start
2323-516: A sword. A lack of expertise in knowing when and how to apply carbon and flux and quench the blade could ruin weeks of work. Thus the swordsmith almost felt like he was one with his work, giving the process his complete devotion of concentration and thought. This led to the belief that he was actually imbuing the blade with an essence of his spirit. In Japan , the swordsmiths were so concerned with this belief that they would undergo purification rituals and meditation before even attempting to start
2424-571: A very sharp sword. It is also a sword with a mind of its own. In Robert Jordan 's The Wheel of Time is the sword Callandor , which is actually not a sword, but a powerful sa'angreal shaped as a sword and made out of crystal. It is kept within the Stone of Tear . It can only be taken by the Dragon and is a major sign of his return. Until he takes it the Stone of Tear will never fall to any invaders, but when
2525-428: A very sharp sword. It is also a sword with a mind of its own. In Robert Jordan 's The Wheel of Time is the sword Callandor , which is actually not a sword, but a powerful sa'angreal shaped as a sword and made out of crystal. It is kept within the Stone of Tear . It can only be taken by the Dragon and is a major sign of his return. Until he takes it the Stone of Tear will never fall to any invaders, but when
2626-420: A weapon contained a spiritual force called mana and that the weapon held the spirits of its maker, its line of owners and also stole the spirits of those it killed. These weapons where highly prized for their mana and cherished as heirlooms. The Samurai of Japan believed that their swords had their own soul that could possess them. It was not the wielder but their swords that desired to kill; Samurai were just
2727-420: A weapon contained a spiritual force called mana and that the weapon held the spirits of its maker, its line of owners and also stole the spirits of those it killed. These weapons where highly prized for their mana and cherished as heirlooms. The Samurai of Japan believed that their swords had their own soul that could possess them. It was not the wielder but their swords that desired to kill; Samurai were just
2828-593: Is a magical sword called Kusanagi , which was one of the three crown jewels given to the Emperor Jimmu by the goddess Amaterasu . Additionally, the katana forged by Masamune and Muramasa were reputedly of such high quality as to be near-magical. In the case of the Masamune and Muramasa blades, it was believed that some element of the smith's personality was imputed into the blade . These three swords have been used extensively in popular culture since then, especially in
2929-487: Is a magical sword called Kusanagi , which was one of the three crown jewels given to the Emperor Jimmu by the goddess Amaterasu . Additionally, the katana forged by Masamune and Muramasa were reputedly of such high quality as to be near-magical. In the case of the Masamune and Muramasa blades, it was believed that some element of the smith's personality was imputed into the blade . These three swords have been used extensively in popular culture since then, especially in
3030-411: Is sacked, though the pillagers' fate is not much better, being pursued by the golden battle barges and the few dragons who were awakened, led by Dyvim Tvar. Only Elric's ship escapes, propelled by the aid of his sorcery. In Stormbringer , Elric learns that the representatives of Fate, which serve neither Chaos nor Law, recovered Mournblade from the netherworld. They present it to Elric and explain that
3131-509: Is the "word of truth". In the legend of King Arthur , the king himself is related to two magical swords, in most variants. The first is the Sword In the Stone . Only Arthur could draw it out, thereby proving that he is the rightful king. In some tales, this is his only sword. In most variants, this sword was then broken, and he receives from The Lady of the Lake a new sword called Excalibur , arguably
Stormbringer - Misplaced Pages Continue
3232-412: Is the "word of truth". In the legend of King Arthur , the king himself is related to two magical swords, in most variants. The first is the Sword In the Stone . Only Arthur could draw it out, thereby proving that he is the rightful king. In some tales, this is his only sword. In most variants, this sword was then broken, and he receives from The Lady of the Lake a new sword called Excalibur , arguably
3333-561: Is translated to mean "Tailbiter". Hal Foster 's Prince Valiant wields the Singing Sword , which makes its bearer undefeatable if he fights for a good cause. In Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Darksword series the Darksword is a sword capable of absorbing magic. Michael Moorcock created a sinister magic sword in Stormbringer , wielded by Elric of Melniboné . This black sword has
3434-401: Is translated to mean "Tailbiter". Hal Foster 's Prince Valiant wields the Singing Sword , which makes its bearer undefeatable if he fights for a good cause. In Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Darksword series the Darksword is a sword capable of absorbing magic. Michael Moorcock created a sinister magic sword in Stormbringer , wielded by Elric of Melniboné . This black sword has
3535-676: The Balrog , which wields its own sword of flame. Glamdring's sister blade, Orcrist , is buried with Thorin Oakenshield under the Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit . Bilbo , Frodo and Samwise carry the sword Sting . It and Glamdring both glow blue when orcs are near. Aragorn bears the sword Andúril , a potent weapon against the evil of Mordor and a symbol of his right to rule. Turin Turambar ,
3636-415: The Balrog , which wields its own sword of flame. Glamdring's sister blade, Orcrist , is buried with Thorin Oakenshield under the Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit . Bilbo , Frodo and Samwise carry the sword Sting . It and Glamdring both glow blue when orcs are near. Aragorn bears the sword Andúril , a potent weapon against the evil of Mordor and a symbol of his right to rule. Turin Turambar ,
3737-402: The 1961 novella The Dreaming City . In the four novellas collected in the 1965 book Stormbringer , the sword's true nature is revealed. This powerful enchanted black blade is a member of a demon race that takes on the form of a sword, and as such is an agent of Chaos. Stormbringer's edge is capable of cutting through virtually any material not protected by potent sorcery, and it can drink
3838-565: The Cherubim are replaced with the Archangel Michael , who wields a similar weapon. King David was given the sword of the slain giant Goliath by the priest Ahimelech , to which was attached extra-biblical mythology and traditions. In the Book of Revelation , Jesus is symbolically described wielding a double-edged sword that proceeds out from his mouth, in reference to the "sword of the spirit" which
3939-409: The Cherubim are replaced with the Archangel Michael , who wields a similar weapon. King David was given the sword of the slain giant Goliath by the priest Ahimelech , to which was attached extra-biblical mythology and traditions. In the Book of Revelation , Jesus is symbolically described wielding a double-edged sword that proceeds out from his mouth, in reference to the "sword of the spirit" which
4040-511: The White Wolf , Elric returns to Imrryr after a long journey and confronts Yyrkoon, who usurped the throne in his absence. Yyrkoon has regained Mournblade through unknown means and uses it to attack. Elric and Stormbringer kill Yyrkoon, and no further mention is made of Mournblade until it is later disclosed that it was recovered by the Seers of Nihrain, to be wielded by Elric's cousin, Dyvim Slorm. Imrryr
4141-486: The Young Kingdoms by Jagreen Lern, theocrat of Pan Tang. Ultimately, Elric's reliance on Stormbringer proves his undoing: after the utter destruction of the Young Kingdoms in the battle of Law and Chaos, just as it seems that the cosmic Balance has been restored, Stormbringer kills Elric, transforms into a humanoid demon, and leaps laughing into the sky, to corrupt the newly-remade world once more. The sword-spirit says to
Stormbringer - Misplaced Pages Continue
4242-548: The ability to turn the blade white when he kills in compassion and forgiveness. Richard has done this twice. Once, killing the Mord-Sith which captured him in Wizard's First Rule , and again to kill a Sister of the Dark in Stone of Tears . The eponymous sword from The Sword of Shannara series, by Terry Brooks , has a distinctive pommel in the form of the druidic symbol from the series:
4343-402: The ability to turn the blade white when he kills in compassion and forgiveness. Richard has done this twice. Once, killing the Mord-Sith which captured him in Wizard's First Rule , and again to kill a Sister of the Dark in Stone of Tears . The eponymous sword from The Sword of Shannara series, by Terry Brooks , has a distinctive pommel in the form of the druidic symbol from the series:
4444-455: The being's psyche cannot deal with the revelations, they might not be permanently harmed, but the blade is unusable to them. However, if they can accept the truth of themselves, though it is still a jarring experience, they come out of it wiser for the self-knowledge. Also, they are able to wield the Sword as both a particularly strong and sharp weapon, and as a harsh mirror of Truth to those touched by
4545-407: The being's psyche cannot deal with the revelations, they might not be permanently harmed, but the blade is unusable to them. However, if they can accept the truth of themselves, though it is still a jarring experience, they come out of it wiser for the self-knowledge. Also, they are able to wield the Sword as both a particularly strong and sharp weapon, and as a harsh mirror of Truth to those touched by
4646-522: The blade. This exposure to reality, like many years of counseling condensed into a moment, can actually destroy anyone "evil" enough, e.g. the Warlock Lord of the same book. It also can reveal illusions and give some protection from magical effects. Also of note is the Sword Nightblood from the book Warbreaker . Nightblood is a sentient sword which was given a direction when awakened. This direction
4747-408: The blade. This exposure to reality, like many years of counseling condensed into a moment, can actually destroy anyone "evil" enough, e.g. the Warlock Lord of the same book. It also can reveal illusions and give some protection from magical effects. Also of note is the Sword Nightblood from the book Warbreaker . Nightblood is a sentient sword which was given a direction when awakened. This direction
4848-500: The dead Elric: "Farewell, friend. I was a thousand times more evil than thou!" In the book The Quest for Tanelorn , a character claims that the demon in the sword is named Shaitan – a variant of 'Satan', and in Arabic a word meaning a devil, if not the Devil. In the same book it is revealed that the demon can inhabit either the black sword or the black jewel, the jewel which was once embedded in
4949-409: The destruction of... part of mankind". Claiming influence from Freud and Jung he says: "The whole point of Elric's soul-eating sword, Stormbringer, was addiction: to sex, to violence, to big, black, phallic swords, to drugs, to escape. That's why it went down so well in the rock’n’roll world". Literature scholar Dennis Wilson Wise wrote that "a weapon like Stormbringer reinforces liberal selfhood in
5050-419: The difficulties of dealing with the sword of the title; the protagonist must kill a man when he draws it, can only kill one, will die if he ever kills a hundred men with it – and will not die without killing them, but will ceaselessly age. The Blue Sword contains a blue sword, known as Gonturan , that is both a symbol of power (as it can only be used by a damalur-sol, a woman hero), an amplifier of magic and
5151-419: The difficulties of dealing with the sword of the title; the protagonist must kill a man when he draws it, can only kill one, will die if he ever kills a hundred men with it – and will not die without killing them, but will ceaselessly age. The Blue Sword contains a blue sword, known as Gonturan , that is both a symbol of power (as it can only be used by a damalur-sol, a woman hero), an amplifier of magic and
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#17328546848535252-464: The folklore of every nation that used swords. In some traditions, the sword is ascribed no powers of its own. It is famous because it is the hero 's sword, or because of its origin, as when a god gives it to the hero. Other swords keep their wielders safe or destroy their enemies. A more localized motif is the sword that has been broken and must be reforged, commonly found in Northern Europe. Such
5353-612: The form of swords. Three such sibling blades appear in The Revenge of the Rose and many more "brother blades" are seen in the novel Stormbringer , but only Mournblade and Stormbringer are named. In Elric of Melniboné , Elric and cousin Yyrkoon find the runeblades in a realm of Limbo and commence battle. Elric and Stormbringer disarm Yyrkoon, and Mournblade disappears. Yyrkoon is defeated, and Elric and his cousin return to Imrryr. In The Weird of
5454-582: The hands of heroes. Tyrfing appears in the Hervarar Saga . Svafrlami was the King of Gardariki , and a grandson of the god Odin . He caught the dwarves , Dvalin and Durin , and forced them to forge a sword with a golden hilt that would never miss a stroke, would never rust and would cut through stone and iron as easily as through clothes. The dwarves made the sword, and it shone and gleamed like fire. However, in revenge they cursed it so that it would kill
5555-481: The hands of heroes. Tyrfing appears in the Hervarar Saga . Svafrlami was the King of Gardariki , and a grandson of the god Odin . He caught the dwarves , Dvalin and Durin , and forced them to forge a sword with a golden hilt that would never miss a stroke, would never rust and would cut through stone and iron as easily as through clothes. The dwarves made the sword, and it shone and gleamed like fire. However, in revenge they cursed it so that it would kill
5656-404: The instrument that the sword used to complete that task. Since most of them were Buddhists (a religion that finds violence and murder abhorent), that train of thought gave them some peace of mind in their killing vocation. Later, as the concept of demons , spiritual possession, and elementals entered the realm of mythological themes, it was only a natural leap to attribute magical properties of
5757-404: The instrument that the sword used to complete that task. Since most of them were Buddhists (a religion that finds violence and murder abhorent), that train of thought gave them some peace of mind in their killing vocation. Later, as the concept of demons , spiritual possession, and elementals entered the realm of mythological themes, it was only a natural leap to attribute magical properties of
5858-505: The legend of Gram for the sword Nothung , belonging to the hero Siegmund and later reforged by his son Siegfried and used by him to kill Fafner . It is finally used by Siegfried to shatter the spear of his grandfather, the God Wotan , thus ending his power. The hero of Lewis Carroll 's poem " Jabberwocky " slays the Jabberwock with a vorpal sword . Although the poem does not define
5959-400: The legend of Gram for the sword Nothung , belonging to the hero Siegmund and later reforged by his son Siegfried and used by him to kill Fafner . It is finally used by Siegfried to shatter the spear of his grandfather, the God Wotan , thus ending his power. The hero of Lewis Carroll 's poem " Jabberwocky " slays the Jabberwock with a vorpal sword . Although the poem does not define
6060-524: The magic sword Mimung , which appears both in the Anglo-Saxon poem Waldere and in the German/Scandinavian Þiðrekssaga . Beowulf wielded the sword Hrunting that was according to the poem annealed in venom. The sword was useless against Grendel's Mother . In desperation Beowulf grabbed a giant sword of great age and with it took off the head of the she-monster. In Japanese mythology , there
6161-408: The magic sword Mimung , which appears both in the Anglo-Saxon poem Waldere and in the German/Scandinavian Þiðrekssaga . Beowulf wielded the sword Hrunting that was according to the poem annealed in venom. The sword was useless against Grendel's Mother . In desperation Beowulf grabbed a giant sword of great age and with it took off the head of the she-monster. In Japanese mythology , there
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#17328546848536262-581: The magical sword of King Roger II . Edmund Spenser 's The Faerie Queene features a golden sword called Chrysaor , the personal weapon of Sir Artegal , the Knight of Justice . The sword was given to him by Astræa , who had been holding it since the days when Zeus had used it to battle the Titans . Because it was "Tempred [ sic ] with Adamant ", it was described as being able to cleave through anything. In Der Ring des Nibelungen , Richard Wagner drew on
6363-484: The magical sword of King Roger II . Edmund Spenser 's The Faerie Queene features a golden sword called Chrysaor , the personal weapon of Sir Artegal , the Knight of Justice . The sword was given to him by Astræa , who had been holding it since the days when Zeus had used it to battle the Titans . Because it was "Tempred [ sic ] with Adamant ", it was described as being able to cleave through anything. In Der Ring des Nibelungen , Richard Wagner drew on
6464-508: The main character of The Children of Húrin , wields the sword Gurthang. He eventually kills himself using the sword, which speaks to him before he dies, telling him it will kill him. This story is based on the Finnish hero Kullervo , whose sword also agreed to kill him. In addition, in Farmer Giles of Ham , the protagonist is given and wields a magic sword named Caudimordax which, in the story,
6565-405: The main character of The Children of Húrin , wields the sword Gurthang. He eventually kills himself using the sword, which speaks to him before he dies, telling him it will kill him. This story is based on the Finnish hero Kullervo , whose sword also agreed to kill him. In addition, in Farmer Giles of Ham , the protagonist is given and wields a magic sword named Caudimordax which, in the story,
6666-549: The moral decisions made by Richard Rahl, the series' protagonist. The blade, like most magic in the series, is focused on need. The sword's master is referred to as the Seeker of Truth. The Seeker gains the swordmastery of all those that have wielded the blade previously. Many false Seekers have carried the sword, but a true Seeker can only be named by the First Wizard (Rahl is named by his grandfather, Zeddicus Zorander). A true Seeker has
6767-445: The moral decisions made by Richard Rahl, the series' protagonist. The blade, like most magic in the series, is focused on need. The sword's master is referred to as the Seeker of Truth. The Seeker gains the swordmastery of all those that have wielded the blade previously. Many false Seekers have carried the sword, but a true Seeker can only be named by the First Wizard (Rahl is named by his grandfather, Zeddicus Zorander). A true Seeker has
6868-519: The most famous of magic swords. Caliburn was the original name of Excalibur. In Welsh legend, Arthur's sword is known as Caledfwlch. Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of the Kings of Britain is the first non-Welsh source to speak of the sword. Geoffrey says the sword was forged in Avalon and Latinises the name "Caledfwlch" as Caliburnus. When his influential pseudo-history made it to Continental Europe, writers altered
6969-422: The most famous of magic swords. Caliburn was the original name of Excalibur. In Welsh legend, Arthur's sword is known as Caledfwlch. Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of the Kings of Britain is the first non-Welsh source to speak of the sword. Geoffrey says the sword was forged in Avalon and Latinises the name "Caledfwlch" as Caliburnus. When his influential pseudo-history made it to Continental Europe, writers altered
7070-470: The name further until it finally took on the popular form Excalibur. However, in other variants Excalibur itself is the sword in the stone. It is not clear from the various accounts of the Arthur legend whether Excalibur itself was possessed of magical powers or merely had a magical origin, though its scabbard protected its bearer from physical harm. Many interpretations of the legend appear to endow Excalibur with
7171-421: The name further until it finally took on the popular form Excalibur. However, in other variants Excalibur itself is the sword in the stone. It is not clear from the various accounts of the Arthur legend whether Excalibur itself was possessed of magical powers or merely had a magical origin, though its scabbard protected its bearer from physical harm. Many interpretations of the legend appear to endow Excalibur with
7272-571: The power to suck out the souls of its victims and transfer their energy to its holder. It also appears to have a mind of its own, sometimes striking against its "master's" will. Mercedes Lackey 's creation, the sword Need is similarly independent, although along less sinister lines. The Twelve Swords of Power are the primary plot device in Fred Saberhagen 's Books of the Swords . Lawrence Watt-Evans 's The Misenchanted Sword (1985) involves
7373-465: The power to suck out the souls of its victims and transfer their energy to its holder. It also appears to have a mind of its own, sometimes striking against its "master's" will. Mercedes Lackey 's creation, the sword Need is similarly independent, although along less sinister lines. The Twelve Swords of Power are the primary plot device in Fred Saberhagen 's Books of the Swords . Lawrence Watt-Evans 's The Misenchanted Sword (1985) involves
7474-462: The prequel Folk of the Forest . Magic sword In some traditions, the sword is ascribed no powers of its own. It is famous because it is the hero 's sword, or because of its origin, as when a god gives it to the hero. Other swords keep their wielders safe or destroy their enemies. A more localized motif is the sword that has been broken and must be reforged, commonly found in Northern Europe. Such
7575-484: The properties of which allow the sword to absorb any substance into itself that will make it stronger, in the case of the books, the immensely deadly venom of a basilisk . In series: The Dancing Gods, by Jack L. Chalker , the protagonist, the barbarian Joe, is given "The last unnamed magical sword in Husaquahr". In order for the sword to bond with Joe, he has to give it a name, preferably something heroic. However Joe names
7676-432: The properties of which allow the sword to absorb any substance into itself that will make it stronger, in the case of the books, the immensely deadly venom of a basilisk . In series: The Dancing Gods, by Jack L. Chalker , the protagonist, the barbarian Joe, is given "The last unnamed magical sword in Husaquahr". In order for the sword to bond with Joe, he has to give it a name, preferably something heroic. However Joe names
7777-443: The realm of video game RPGs . Despite legends about Nihontō, those three are the most famous. Excellent Japanese swords often received nicknames reflecting their cutting prowess. Also, unlike other magical swords, they exist (or still exist). There is, for example, 10 or 11 blades attributed to Masamune who still exist today, such as Kanze Masamune, Kotegiri Masamune or Musashi Masamune. In Spanish legends, two magic swords belonged to
7878-443: The realm of video game RPGs . Despite legends about Nihontō, those three are the most famous. Excellent Japanese swords often received nicknames reflecting their cutting prowess. Also, unlike other magical swords, they exist (or still exist). There is, for example, 10 or 11 blades attributed to Masamune who still exist today, such as Kanze Masamune, Kotegiri Masamune or Musashi Masamune. In Spanish legends, two magic swords belonged to
7979-472: The runeblades were designed to be wielded by those with Melnibonéan royal blood as a check against the might of powerful beings including the Dead Gods of Chaos. Elric gives Mournblade to his kinsman, Dyvim Slorm, and the two men become embroiled in a confrontation between the gods. Elric summons others of Stormbringer's demonic race (also in the form of swords) to fight against a number of Dukes of Hell, brought to
8080-591: The skull of Dorian Hawkmoon . Hawkmoon was an avatar, like Elric, of the Eternal Champion . The theme of a cursed magical sword which causes evil deeds when drawn goes back to the sword Tyrfing in Norse Mythology , with which Moorcock was likely familiar. Stormbringer was influential in popularizing this trope in the fantasy genre. Moorcock intended the sword character to serve as a key element of his discussion of "how mankind's wish-fantasies can bring about
8181-422: The soul from (and thereby kill) any unprotected living creature upon delivering any wound, even a scratch. Its most distinctive features are that it has a mind and will of its own, and that it feeds upon the souls of those it kills. Elric loathes the sword but is almost helpless without the strength and vitality it confers on him. Stormbringer's hunger for souls is such that it frequently betrays Elric by creating
8282-539: The source…If the pieces are not lost and you fit them together properly, as soon as the spring water wets them, the sword will become whole again, the joinings and edges stronger than before.” Ancient Chinese mythology relates the tale of Lü Dongbin , who "slew dragons " with a magic sword and performed "freak feats" with it. In Norse mythology , the god Frey "possessed a magic sword that struck out at Jotuns of its own accord". Many other swords appear in Norse legend in
8383-491: The source…If the pieces are not lost and you fit them together properly, as soon as the spring water wets them, the sword will become whole again, the joinings and edges stronger than before.” Ancient Chinese mythology relates the tale of Lü Dongbin , who "slew dragons " with a magic sword and performed "freak feats" with it. In Norse mythology , the god Frey "possessed a magic sword that struck out at Jotuns of its own accord". Many other swords appear in Norse legend in
8484-691: The sword "Irving" after his son. In response to the exclamations concerning his choice of name, he states "...but I like the name Irving". Once bonded, the sword will fight for no other user, and will return to Joe if he calls it. The Sword of Baldanders is among the swords featured in Akita Yoshinobu's Sorcerous Stabber Orphen series. being used for transforming a Killing Doll into a humanlike body, transformations of males into females and transformations of humans into beasts. Movies and television across varying genres depict swords with magical qualities. Video games and fantasy role-playing games feature
8585-633: The sword "Irving" after his son. In response to the exclamations concerning his choice of name, he states "...but I like the name Irving". Once bonded, the sword will fight for no other user, and will return to Joe if he calls it. The Sword of Baldanders is among the swords featured in Akita Yoshinobu's Sorcerous Stabber Orphen series. being used for transforming a Killing Doll into a humanlike body, transformations of males into females and transformations of humans into beasts. Movies and television across varying genres depict swords with magical qualities. Video games and fantasy role-playing games feature
8686-477: The sword deemed 'evil.' The sword could also telepathically communicate with its wielder, often asking questions such as "Hello, would you like to kill someone today?" or alternatively asking to be unsheathed. The Harry Potter series of novels by J.K. Rowling features the Sword of Gryffindor , which is used by several of the book's prominent characters. The sword is an indestructible weapon crafted from goblin metal,
8787-430: The sword deemed 'evil.' The sword could also telepathically communicate with its wielder, often asking questions such as "Hello, would you like to kill someone today?" or alternatively asking to be unsheathed. The Harry Potter series of novels by J.K. Rowling features the Sword of Gryffindor , which is used by several of the book's prominent characters. The sword is an indestructible weapon crafted from goblin metal,
8888-554: The sword is taken the Stone is said to fall to the People of the Dragon . It is later revealed that unlike other Sa'angreals it does not have the safety mechanism that prevents a wielder from absorbing too much of the One Power through it. Terry Goodkind 's series is named for its magical weapon, the Sword of Truth . This blade, with the word "Truth" inlaid into the handle, factors into many of
8989-407: The sword is taken the Stone is said to fall to the People of the Dragon . It is later revealed that unlike other Sa'angreals it does not have the safety mechanism that prevents a wielder from absorbing too much of the One Power through it. Terry Goodkind 's series is named for its magical weapon, the Sword of Truth . This blade, with the word "Truth" inlaid into the handle, factors into many of
9090-503: The swords of folklore to indwelling spirits. Magic swords may exhibit various degrees of sentience, from being merely influenced by the wielder to being able to think for itself or even control its owner. The Bible relates in the Book of Genesis how God , seeking to deter Adam and Eve from returning to the Garden of Eden , "placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim and a flaming sword which turned every way". By some accounts,
9191-455: The swords of folklore to indwelling spirits. Magic swords may exhibit various degrees of sentience, from being merely influenced by the wielder to being able to think for itself or even control its owner. The Bible relates in the Book of Genesis how God , seeking to deter Adam and Eve from returning to the Garden of Eden , "placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim and a flaming sword which turned every way". By some accounts,
9292-692: The tree Barnstokkr in the hall of the Völsungs. Only Sigmund could pull it out. This caused considerable envy and conflict. Eventually, Sigmund fought Odin disguised as an old man, and Odin shattered the sword. Sigmund left it for his son Sigurd , who reforged it to kill Fafnir . In the Nibelungenlied , Sîfrit (the Middle High German version of " Siegfried ," the equivalent to Norse Sigurd) discarded Gram in exchange for another magic sword, Balmung ("destruction"). The legendary smith Wayland Smith forged
9393-525: The tree Barnstokkr in the hall of the Völsungs. Only Sigmund could pull it out. This caused considerable envy and conflict. Eventually, Sigmund fought Odin disguised as an old man, and Odin shattered the sword. Sigmund left it for his son Sigurd , who reforged it to kill Fafnir . In the Nibelungenlied , Sîfrit (the Middle High German version of " Siegfried ," the equivalent to Norse Sigurd) discarded Gram in exchange for another magic sword, Balmung ("destruction"). The legendary smith Wayland Smith forged
9494-486: The warrior Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, " El Cid ", according to the medieval epical poem "Cantar del mio Cid". The first, "Tizona", had a personality of its own, and its strength varied according to the person who used it. "Colada", too, had power only in the hands of a brave warrior. In the Matter of France , Roland possessed an indestructible sword, Durendal , which he threw into a poisoned stream to prevent its capture. Durendal
9595-438: The warrior Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, " El Cid ", according to the medieval epical poem "Cantar del mio Cid". The first, "Tizona", had a personality of its own, and its strength varied according to the person who used it. "Colada", too, had power only in the hands of a brave warrior. In the Matter of France , Roland possessed an indestructible sword, Durendal , which he threw into a poisoned stream to prevent its capture. Durendal
9696-491: The word "vorpal" (and contains many nonsensical words with no meaning), the term has been adopted in role playing games to describe a sword which possesses a magical ability to decapitate those against whom it is wielded. In the works of J. R. R. Tolkien such as The Lord of the Rings , many magical swords, usually with powers for good, are wielded by important characters. Gandalf uses his sword Glamdring in his battle with
9797-443: The word "vorpal" (and contains many nonsensical words with no meaning), the term has been adopted in role playing games to describe a sword which possesses a magical ability to decapitate those against whom it is wielded. In the works of J. R. R. Tolkien such as The Lord of the Rings , many magical swords, usually with powers for good, are wielded by important characters. Gandalf uses his sword Glamdring in his battle with
9898-569: Was one of a set of three swords supposedly forged by Wayland and provided as ransom for a Norse captive, the other two being variously Bishop Turpin 's sword Almace , Charlemagne 's Joyeuse , or Ogier 's sword Curtana . In the English or Scottish medieval epic poem Greysteil , the hero uses a magic sword 'Egeking' which was made in the Far East . In the Norman Kingdom of Sicily we find 'Mikalis,'
9999-412: Was one of a set of three swords supposedly forged by Wayland and provided as ransom for a Norse captive, the other two being variously Bishop Turpin 's sword Almace , Charlemagne 's Joyeuse , or Ogier 's sword Curtana . In the English or Scottish medieval epic poem Greysteil , the hero uses a magic sword 'Egeking' which was made in the Far East . In the Norman Kingdom of Sicily we find 'Mikalis,'
10100-523: Was to 'destroy evil.' However, being a sword, Nightblood could not judge right and wrong and killed almost indiscriminately. Simply undoing the clasp (which was extraordinarily tempting for one without a pure heart) was enough for nightblood to utterly destroy the one holding it. Nightblood was often recovered by Vasher sticking clean through a man, not even unsheathed. Nightblood, when fully drawn consumed Its user's BioChromatic breaths at an alarming rate, while sending tendrils of darkness out to destroy anything
10201-523: Was to 'destroy evil.' However, being a sword, Nightblood could not judge right and wrong and killed almost indiscriminately. Simply undoing the clasp (which was extraordinarily tempting for one without a pure heart) was enough for nightblood to utterly destroy the one holding it. Nightblood was often recovered by Vasher sticking clean through a man, not even unsheathed. Nightblood, when fully drawn consumed Its user's BioChromatic breaths at an alarming rate, while sending tendrils of darkness out to destroy anything
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