Sentient weapons

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[edit] sentient weapons

The sentient weapon is a common plot device in many works of fantasy and mythology. It is a supernaturaly 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 it's own. The extent of it's will can be as limited as only being able to inspire a mood on it's wielder or those in the vicinity of it, to being fully self-aware and capable of direct action on it's own, or indirect by overiding it's wielder's free-will.

[edit] origens 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 givin spiritual conotations) a lump of earth was transformed into a shiney useable object that could be hammered into many shapes. Extending further from the recreation of ore into metal, the difficulty of actualy obtaining a quality blade; wich took intense concentration and skill added to it's esoteric qualities. when 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 wich 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 occurence! A few degrees too hot or too cold in a very limited temperature range that could only be descerned 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 actualy imbuing 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 inadvertantly create an evil sword.

It is also important to note that in antiquity; metal was used as money and thus a sword was a very expensive and highly prized item, a sign of wealth and givin holy conotations in many cultures. One would only have to see how they are referenced within the bibles of christians,jews and muslims to make this point evident.

Later as the concept of demons,spiritual possesion, 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.

[edit] varience of sentience

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

[edit] 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.

[edit] limited

The blade can select it's master by determining his worthyness and refusing to work for others such as surpressing hidden powers, being undrawable from it's 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 descision to the wielder.

[edit] partial

The blades will can actualy posses it's wielder controling his actions/inaction to fullfill it's 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 it's owner.

[edit] complete

The blade has a mind of it's 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 it's own; directly or by telepathic link.

[edit] Physical/anthropomorphic

The blade can possibly fight on it's own without the need of a wielder, It can make it's own descisions , It is aware and can often speak.

[edit] See also

[edit] Related interests

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