Fantasy weapons are awesome in many ways. Many are unique, and they all have different strengths and weaknesses. Below, I’ve chosen some of my favourite, and assessed their relative usefulness. Which will be the top weapon? Read on to find out!
The Proton Pack
What it is: a handheld weapon that releases a stream of energy, allowing the user to secure a ghost and then contain it in a trap
Belongs to: The Ghostbusters.
Used against: ghosts and spirits
Pros: very effective at removing ghosts
Cons: limited application as does not work on non-ghostly entities, very dangerous as you must not allow the streams of energy to cross, traps entities rather than destroying them so has the potential to be reversed
Score out of ten: 6
The Lightsaber
What is it: a sword consisting of a metal hilt and a coloured plasma blade
Belongs to: the Jedi
Used against: anyone who gets in their way
Pros: can cut through virtually any material, can deflect incoming fire
Cons: requires a lot of skill and training to use effectively, can be blocked by materials that conduct energy
Score out of ten: 8
Excalibur
What is it: some says it’s the sword that Arthur pulled out of the stone, following which he became King of Great Britain, others say it was a sword given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake
Belongs to: King Arthur
Used against: Arthur’s enemies
Pros: possible special powers in respect of healing, protection from harm, or blinding enemies, but differs from legend to legend, may be able to confer sovereignty
Cons: requires skill to use, possibly not more effective than any other sword
Score out of ten: 5
Sting
What is it: a short-bladed Elven sword belonging to Bilbo Baggins the hobbit, who found it in a Troll-hoard
Belongs to: Bilbo Baggins, and later, Frodo Baggins
Used against: any enemy, but good against giant spiders
Pros: very good quality Elven blade, glows blue when orcs are near, exceptionally sharp
Cons: too small for a human – it would be more like a dagger
Score out of ten: 7
Sword of Gryffindor
What is it: a goblin-made sword inlaid with rubies
Belongs to: Godric Gryffindor, although the goblins dispute this
Used against: any enemies, effective against horcruxes following its impregnation with basilisk venom
Pros: will appear in the Sorting Hat to Gryffindors in moments of need
Cons: if you don’t keep an eye on it, a goblin will probably run off with it
Score out of ten: 6
Mjolnir
What is it: a dwarven-made powerful hammer or mallet forged in the heart of a star
Belongs to: Thor, Norse God of thunder
Used against: anyone, including the forces of nature.
Pros: virtually indestructible, virtually nothing can withstand a blow or blast from it, can manipulate the weather and energy, and allow flight and transportation, and many other lesser abilities
Cons: can only be wielded by those who are found worthy
Score out of ten: 9
The Identity Disc
What is it: a solid glowing disc, shaped like a frisbee, that records the experiences of the wearer inside a computer programme, and is also used as a combat weapon
Belongs to: any user in a game simulation environment
Used against: any game opponent
Pros: can be used in both offensive and defensive ways, to attack and shield, has a lethal cutting edge
Cons: if damaged, the user may lose their experiences and memories
Score out of ten: 4
The Subtle Knife
What is it: a double-edged knife with a steel blade on one edge, and a thin edge that can cut the fabric of space, creating windows into alternate and other universes
Belongs to: Will Parry, companion of Lyra Belacqua
Used against: used to escape from antagonists, rather than fight them
Pros: can be used to travel between worlds
Cons: can break if the wielder thinks about love whilst using it, sentient and has a mind of its own
Score out of ten: 3
Gandalf’s Staff
What is it: a wooden staff
Belongs to: Gandalf (surprise surprise!)
Used against: any enemies
Pros: can be used as a traditional weapon, and also a source of magical power which can be used offensively
Cons: easily lost or broken, probably not much use if you aren’t a wizard
Score out of ten: 5
Iron Man’s Suit
What is it: a weaponised custom-built suit of high-school armour
Belongs to: Tony Stark / Iron Man
Used against: supervillains and their henchmen
Pros: has a wide variety of abilities including super strength, flight, and many customised weapons, including freeze-rays and force-field generators, includes in-armour entertainment systems for those quiet moments
Cons: difficult to tell where the person ends and the armour begins – not an option for the part-time superhero, also probably way out of your price league
Score out of ten: 8
So there you have it! To my surprise, my weapon of choice would be Mjolnir, Thor’s hammer, for its amazing range of powers despite the simplicity of its nature. But will I prove worthy enough to wield it?
Agree or disagree? What’s your top fantasy weapon? Let me know in the comments.
Elise Edmonds lives in a quiet South Gloucestershire village, where she spends her free time with her husband and two cats, and enjoys attending local fitness classes, watching movies, and playing the piano. Pursuing writing in her spare time as a creative outlet is a way to bring the magic back into her everyday life.
You know mine! Lightsaber all the way! Can cut through virtually anything. Can deflect most things as well. Not to mention in a world with blasters and other long range weapons, it’s really quite incredible that a lightsaber not only holds its own but in the hands of the Jedi can leave the rest standing in the dust.
I knew someone would stick up for the Lightsaber 🙂 It is a very cool weapon.