The Most Impressive Swords in Fantasy Pop Culture

Swords have got to be the coolest weapon. They take immense skill to use, and they just look awesome in the hands of a capable warrior. Sword fights in pop culture have also reached a level of choreography that becomes a dance if it goes on long enough — or even if it’s just a quick draw, really.

Fantasy takes sword wielding even further. With serious fighters and gritty battles, this genre gets swords rights. But which weapons are the most impressive and beloved among fandoms? Below, let’s look at 8 of the best swords in fantasy television, movies, and more.

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The Andúril (The Lord of the Rings)

The Lord of the Rings is rife with impressive weapons. From Bilbo Baggins’ Elvish blade Sting and even an Orc’s crude instrument, there are swords aplenty in a story centered around an epic war. While it’s difficult and subjective to select the most impressive, we have to go with Andúril, or the Flame of the West. Wielded by Aragorn II Elessar, it was reforged from the shards of his ancestor’s broken sword the Narsil. Aragorn commanded legions of the dead and was crowned King of Gondor with this sword.

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Sword of Athena and God Killer (DC)

Why pick just one sword when you can spotlight two from DC? Wonder Woman used the God Killer during World War I. The magically empowered Amazonian blade was later destroyed by her arch-enemy Ares, the God of War. Diana replaced the broken God Killer with the Sword of Athena, an extremely sharp and durable weapon that remained with her for decades. Wonder Woman used the Sword of Athena to cut off Doomsday’s arm and fight against Steppenwolf.

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Psylocke’s Katana (Marvel)

Psylocke’s psi-blade (sometimes referred to as a psi-knife or psi-katana) is one of the most lethal weapons in the Marvel Multiverse. Manifested through the mutant’s psychic powers, this sword proved itself deadly in her hands once she completed her ninja training. When she harnessed her telekinetic capabilities alongside the X-Men, the sword only continued to blossom and burst with her undeniable energy. Also, it’s just gorgeous with the purple glowing across the silver sheath and blade.

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Needle (Game of Thrones)

As a princess, Arya Stark was not expected to train with a sword. She was barely even allowed to want to get her hands dirty, never mind actually do it. But her father Ned Stark hired a special teacher to help Arya wield a unique weapon. It was slim and wickedly sharp. Naming it Needle, Arya went on to take revenge for her murdered family members. Needle, as well as Arya’s skills in battle and espionage, saved her on numerous occasions throughout Game of Thrones.

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The Sword of Omens (ThunderCats)

Now this is an exciting one. The Sword of Omens from ThunderCats could extend or retract like a true action hero’s weapon. Razor sharp and nearly indestructible, it is carried by Lion-O, the Lord of the ThunderCats. Unlike many of the other swords on this list, the Sword of Omens can also shoot energy beams that can stun, electrocute, melt metal, and blast apart additional solid structures. These powers come from the glittering gem embedded its hilt, the Eye of Thundera.

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Star Razor/Dwueth’var (Critical Role)

Fjord from Critical Role wielded the Star Razor, or the Dwueth’var. Star Razor was a Vestige of Divergence — an ancient artifact of immense power. During his adventures with the Mighty Nein, Fjord found a broken handle and hilt bearing a faint magical essence.  Later, he was able to reforge the blade and rune-covered pieces into the Dwueth’var, giving a second life to the sword. His version appropriately resembled water and fit Fjord’s large stature.

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The Buster Sword (Final Fantasy)

The Buster Sword is an iconic image in video game lore. Almost symbolic of the Final Fantasy franchise itself, the massive broadsword was used most famously by the character Cloud Strife. Before him, its wielders were Zack Fair and Angeal Hewley. However, it is widely regarded as Cloud Strife’s signature weapon alone. It suited his dignified and powerful personality both in and outside of battle.

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Sword of Power/Power Sword (Masters of the Universe)

The Power Sword, also called the Sword of Grayskull or Sword of Power, originated in Masters of the Universe. Originally, the weapon was a mystical and mythological object which the villain Skeletor coveted in order to conquer the land of Eternia. In later iterations, Prince Adam used the Power Sword to transform into his heroic alter-ego He-Man. Similarly, She-Ra, He-Man’s twin sister, wielded a nearly identical — in appearance and ability — weapon called the Sword of Protection.

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