Forging History is a collection of works that aim to bring life back into historical swords by illustrating their origins according to both legends and historical accounts about them.
The Seven-Branched sword reveals a once-unknown relation between present day Japan during the Kofun period and Korea’s Baekje Kingdom some time between 18 BC to 660 AD.
The Sword of Atilla, as legends tell, was found by a shepherd as he found one of his sheep bleeding. Afterword, he presented the sword to Atilla the Hun, who claimed it was a gift from the gods and used it as his weapon of war.
Zulfiqar, also known as ‘Spine Splitter,’ was the sword used by Ali in the war over Islam after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad. It’s name might also allude to the constellation Orion.
Durandal was the sword of the Paladin Roland. It allegedly held the power to slice through stone and was known as the unbreakable sword. The hilt, guard, and pommel also are alleged to contain pieces of holy relics.
Curtana, the Sword of Mercy, is one of 3 swords in England’s imperial regalia. Legend has it that it was once the sword of Edward the Confessor, and that an angel broke off the point to prevent the killing of defeated enemies.
Also known as the Grasscutter, the Kusanagi no Tsurugi is one of Japan’s three Imperial Regalia. Legend has it that the god Susanoo found in in one of the tails of the 8-headded serpent, Yamata no Orochi that he slayed. Later on, it was allegedly used by a soldier surrounded by enemies in a grass field to cut down the grass and expose their positions.
This bronze sword bears ancient Chinese text that has been agreed to roughly translates to ‘the King of Yue made this sword for his personal use.’ Scholars believe this sword belonged to King Goujian, who for several years faced servitude to an enemy kingdom, only to be let go on good behavior and promises that he would become a vassal state. Instead he plotted war against them took down their kingdom.