The mystical, as well as quite functional, blade carried by Corwin throughout Roger Zelazny's Chronicles of Amber was called Grayswandir. According to The Complete Amber Sourcebook by Theodore Krulik, Prince Corwin commisioned the phantom blacksmith in the dream city of Tir-Na Nog'th to forge Grayswandir. When Corwin questioned the blade's unusual appearance the smith said:

That is why your blood was needed to forge the metal. The sword is part of you and will never stray far from you. The grayness that shines throughout is the smoke and flame given off as I smelt and shaped it on the anvil. That blade will never break, no matter what it strikes. With that blade, you may visit any part of Tir-Na Nog'th again, and be seen and heard. You may need to do so sometime in your future."

"And was all the blood you drew needed to make this sword?"

"Ah-no. But it will come in use for other needs I have. But that is my secret and need not concern you. Let you but know, this weapon has a name, and it will serve you loyally, if you call it by that name."

"What is its name?"

"Grayswandir. For its color, and its nature. It shall not wander far from your side. It will serve and protect you. Grayswandir it is called."

 

Legal stuff: Unless noted otherwise, editorial content is © 1999. Norman Beam. All rights reserved.The quote above is copyright Theodore Krulik, The Complete Amber Sourcebook, New York, Avon Books, 1996.

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