Sentient weapons

A sentient weapon is a common plot device in many works of fantasy and mythology. It is a supernaturally endowed object related to the classic motif of the magic sword. While most sentient weapons are considered magic not all magic weapons are considered sentient.

The belief is that a sword or other weapon has been given a purpose or a spirit/mind of its own. The extent of its will can be as limited as only being able to inspire a mood on its wielder or those in the vicinity of it, to being fully self-aware and capable of direct action on its own, or indirect by overriding it's wielder's free-will.

Origins Of the concept

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") 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 was jealously guarded as well as formulas for alloys.

To obtain a balanced blade; that which is not too brittle or too soft, and able hold a usefully sharp edge in the age before powered machines,blast furnaces and the knowledge of molecular chemistry made the creation of a sword seem like an almost miraculous occurrence! A few degrees too hot or too cold in a very limited temperature range that could only be discerned by the glowing hue of a hot billet; could make or break a sword. The lack of know-how of when and how to apply carbon,flux and to 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 within the blade an essence of his spirit. In Japan the swordsmiths where so concerned by this belief that they would undergo purification rituals and meditation before even attempting to start a new blade, for fear that they may inadvertently create an evil sword.

It is also important to note that in antiquity; and thus a sword was a very expensive and highly prized item, a sign of wealth and given holy connotations in many cultures. One would only have to see how they are referenced within the Holy Books of Christians, Jews and Muslims to make this point evident. 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.

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 the swords of folklore to indwelling spirits.

Variance of sentience

"How sentient blades are portrayed in myth/fantasy/legends and modern fiction"

Minimal

The blade has some spiritual quality to it. It can possibly inspire or alter the mood of the wielder or those nearby; similar to the way that a piece of music can excite or depress certain individuals. It may simply grant some type of power or have a unique quality due to the spirit contained within.
* leading examples
**masamanune (myth/history)
**skofnung (myth)

Limited

The blade can select it's master by determining his worthiness and refusing to work for others such as suppressing hidden powers, being undrawable from its sheath or object it has been thrust into, or becoming impossibly heavy. It may also suggest courses of action through some means of communication but leaves the decision to the wielder.

* leading examples
**Tetsusaiga (anime/manga)
**tensaiga (anime/manga)
**Gram (myth)
**Dyrnwyn (myth)
**Excalibur (Sword of the legendary King Arthur)
**The sword of Gryffindor (fiction)
**The keyblades (Vid game)

Partial

The blades will can actually possess it's wielder controlling his actions/inaction to fulfill its own desires, such as urging him to attack an adversary against his will or staying his hand when he wishes to strike, or helping him to fight beyond his normal skill level by guiding his strikes. This blade can be a great boon or lead to the downfall of its owner.

* leading examples
**muramasa (myth/history)
**tyrfing (myth)
**dainsleif (myth)
**tokijin (anime)

Complete

The blade has a mind of its own, it can think, and direct it's user in a symbiotic relationship or as a parasite. Often it may even be able to speak on its own; directly or by telepathic link.

* leading examples
** soul calibur and soul edge (Vid game)
** zanpakuto (Anime/manga)
** Anglachel (Fiction)
** Neider (Anime/manga)
** Messer (Anime/manga)

Physical/anthropomorphic

The blade can possibly fight on its own without the need of a wielder, It can make its own decisions , It is aware and can often speak.

* leading examples
** freyr's sword (myth)
** Lula (cartoon)

ee also

*magic sword "' learn about it here."