Top 10 Amazing Swords from Legends and Fiction

Throughout history, swords have held immense significance as formidable weapons before the rise of firearms. No other weapon has left such a profound impact on world history, transcending cultural boundaries and becoming a symbol of heroism. Legends and myths often revolve around these swords, intertwining history and fiction while bestowing supernatural powers upon them. Pop culture has also contributed its fair share of remarkable swords. Presented here are the top 10 extraordinary swords from legends and fiction.

10. Stormbringer

Stormbringer, wielded by Elric of Melniboné, a dark wizard and protagonist of Michael Moorcock's fantasy series, is a sword shrouded in malevolence. It devours the souls of its victims and corrupts its wielder, sustaining the weak Elric while compelling him to slay even his friends. This magical sword, with its black blade adorned with cryptic runes, makes appearances in various stories by Moorcock. Crafted by the forces of Chaos, Stormbringer first emerged in the 1961 novella, "The Dreaming City."

9. Glory of Ten Powers

Among the many swords from Chinese legends, the Glory of Ten Powers holds a special place. Forged by a mystical couple in Tibet, this sword is said to have encapsulated the spirit of their profound love during its creation, granting it magical abilities. However, it is believed to have been destroyed later by the couple's enemies.

8. Sword of Gryffindor

Famous for its appearance in the beloved children's literary series, Harry Potter, the Sword of Gryffindor is a goblin-made weapon once owned by the esteemed wizard Godric Gryffindor. This sword manifests itself whenever a true Gryffindor is in desperate need. Harry Potter wielded it to slay a Basilisk during his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, amplifying its renown. Neville Longbottom also used the sword to vanquish Nagini, Voldemort's pet snake.

7. Joyeuse

Translated as "joyous," Joyeuse was the personal sword of Charlemagne, the renowned medieval emperor. Legend has it that this sword harbored the Lance of Longinus and possessed the ability to change colors thirty times a day, along with other magical properties. Charlemagne employed Joyeuse to defeat Corsuble, a Saracen commander, and a town was even named after this illustrious weapon. A sword believed to be Joyeuse is preserved at the Louvre.

6. Shamshir-e Zomorrodnegar

Meaning the "emerald-studded sword" in Persian, this weapon appears in the Persian legend of Amir Arsalan. It was reputedly once owned by King Solomon and later fell into the possession of a witch whose offspring was a demon named Fulad-zereh. The sword was the only weapon capable of slaying the demon, and wounds inflicted by it were difficult to heal.

5. Durendal

Legend holds that Durendal was the sword wielded by Roland, a paladin in the service of Charlemagne. Aside from its exceptional sharpness, the sword possessed various extraordinary qualities. According to one account, it was crafted by Wayland the Smith and bestowed upon Charlemagne by an angel. Another tale suggests it previously belonged to Hector of Troy. Durendal's golden hilt is said to contain fragments of the bodies of Saint Peter, Saint Basil, and Saint Denis.

4. Sword of Omens

The Sword of Omens serves as the iconic weapon of Lion-O, the leader of the ThunderCats in the eponymous cartoon series. It boasts a range of abilities, such as shrinking to a compact size when not in use, flying directly to Lion-O's hand upon command, emitting energy blasts, creating protective shields, and projecting a signal to summon the other ThunderCats.

3. Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi

Translated as the "Grass Cutting Sword," Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi is one of Japan's imperial regalia. According to legend, it was discovered within the body of a colossal serpent and later came into the possession of the renowned warrior Yamato Takeru. During a battle, Yamato Takeru discovered the sword's power to control the winds. Folk tales claim that the sword was lost forever during a 14th-century battle.

2. Excalibur

No list of remarkable swords would be complete without Excalibur, the legendary weapon associated with King Arthur and the sovereignty of Great Britain. Known as Caledfwlch in Welsh, Excalibur was bestowed upon Arthur by the Lady of the Lake, possessing incredible magical properties. It was unbreakable, and its scabbard provided protection against physical harm. Although the sorceress Morgan Le Fay stole the sword, it was eventually recovered, albeit without the scabbard.

1. Zulfiqar

Zulfiqar holds a revered place in Islamic history as one of the most celebrated swords. Gifted to Hazrat Ali by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), this sword played a crucial role in battles, including the Battle of Uhud and the Battle of Karbala, where it was wielded by Imam Hussain. In Islamic culture, Zulfiqar is regarded with profound respect. Often depicted as a double-bladed scissor-like sword on Muslim flags, it holds a significant place in Shia depictions of Ali. While Shia Islam believes the sword descended from heaven, Sunni Islam does not mention its celestial origin or its double-bladed nature.

These ten extraordinary swords from legends and fiction captivate the imagination, leaving an indelible mark on history and culture. Each possesses unique qualities and mythic origins, contributing to their enduring allure.