A dwarf reforges a legendary sword from broken shards and bestows it upon the hero, who uses it to accomplish great deeds…if this storyline seems familiar as a major plot point in a certain, wildly popular classic fantasy tale by Tolkien, you’re half right! While composing his epic high fantasy novel, the author freely drew inspiration from the story of a sword called Gram (or “Gramr” in old Norse, meaning “wrath”) that appeared in Norse and Germanic mythology.
In the ancient Norse Volsunga Saga, the sword Gram first appears as a gift from Odin, offered to the first Viking who can pull it from the trunk of the mighty Barnstokkr tree. Extracted by the warrior Sigmund, the supernaturally sharp sword leads a storied existence, as does he. Sigmund proves to be less than honourable, however. When his lands are attacked by King Lyngi and his army, a disguised Odin confronts him during the melee and breaks the sword, and allows him to be killed in the battle.
Sigmund’s widow Hjördis keeps the broken sword pieces for their son, Sigurd, who is soon mentored by the dwarven blacksmith Reginn. Reginn convinces Sigurd to kill the evil dragon named Fafnir, who hoards a massive treasure, and reforges the shattered Gram, the only sword tough enough for the task. (In the true spirit of many Norse folktales, Fafnir began life as Reginn’s brother before killing their father and turning into a reptile. Biology and family relations are complex and creative in Norwegian mythology, if a bit hideous at times; the all-father Odin had a horse with 8 legs!)
This sword is designed to evoke the spirit of the legendary dragon slaying weapon. The original sword of myth was described as “all decked with gold and gleaming bright”. Alas, we used gleaming brass for the pommel and guard, to keep this weapon attainable for mere mortals. The pommel has an imaginatively rendered dragon head inspired by multiple eras of Norse paintings and carvings. The guard features a pair of symmetrically opposed dragons. The crevices are stained to bring out the elaborately sculpted details.
The grip features leather that is dimpled using a historically authentic "wet-wrap" process, during which fine cord is tightly wrapped around a wet leather grip. When it's dry, the cord is removed and the leather is left with an attractively indented pattern that provides improved texture and grip.
Runes representing “protection”, “oak”, “gift”, “fire” and “serpent” adorn the blade, bottom of the pommel and brass collar on the leather grip.
The leather lined, wood scabbard is beautifully embossed with dragons and features a wood belt holder secured with twisted brass wire wrapping. The leather has an aged, distressed finish befitting a sword that’s been around a few centuries. A matching leather belt is included.
Of course, a sword’s most important attribute is its blade. The best metal smiths from Windlass Steelcrafts spend hours on each blade, hand forging the high carbon steel for optimal balance, quickness, and durability. This sword is crafted in “reforged” condition, in case you’re not besties with an ancient dwarven blacksmith.
It arrives pre-sharpened, so it’s dragon-ready! This kingly sword won’t get you a hoard of treasure, but hopefully will be a treasure in itself.