This article refers to a fictional weapon in mythology and popular culture; for the movie, see The Magic Sword .

The term magic sword refers to any kind of mythological sword imbued with the power of magic to increase its strength. Fictional stories about mythological warriors may also involve this kind of sword.

Mythology

Excalibur, from the legend of King Arthur, is arguably the most famous of magic swords, although it is not clear from the various accounts of the Arthur legend whether the sword itself was possessed of magical powers or merely had a magical origin, though its scabbard protected its bearer from physical harm. Many intepretations of the legend appear to endow the sword with a cutting strength and durability beyond that of ordinary weapons, making it unbreakable by anything but wrongful acts of its user. Excalibur's primary power was apparently spiritual, as it served to identify the chosen king and instill loyalty to him.

In Norse mythology, the god Frey "possessed a magic sword that struck out at Jotuns of its own accord." [1] Ancient Chinese mythology relates the tale of Lü Dongbin, who "slew dragons with a magic sword",[2] and also performed "freak feats" with it.[3] In Greek mythology, Theseus was given a magic sword with which to kill the Minotaur by Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos.

Fiction

In the works of JRR Tolkien, many magical swords are wielded by important characters. Gandalf uses his sword Glamdring in his battle against the Balrog. Frodo carries the sword Sting which glows blue when orcs or goblins are near. The dwarves in The Hobbit carry goblin-slaying magic swords named Biter and Beater.

One very sinister magic sword is Stormbringer, wielded by Elric of Melniboné in the books by Michael Moorcock. This black sword has 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.

Roleplaying games

Fantasy roleplaying games feature a great variety of magic swords and similar weapons. For example Dungeons and Dragons has swords such as a "+1 sword" which gives a simple attack bonus, flaming swords which can set enemies alight, and vorpal swords with the power to decapitate enemies, inspired by the hero's weapon in the poem Jabberwocky. Some magic swords presented in roleplaying scenarios act as magic wands, having powers that may be little related to combat.

The presence of magic swords in many such roleplaying scenarios is so ubiquitous that heroes are expected to possess them as a matter of course.