Balmung was the magical sword, used by Alric against Soulblighter, found in the Mausoleum of Clovis, alongside the Ibis Crown. However, contrary to previoius theories that Balmung was Escalibur... the sword "Balmung actually exists in norse mythology. This is kinda long, and it took me quite a while to type up, but its entertaining and informative so dig in!
Note: if any names are also used in Myth TFL or Soulblighter ill have a little caption next to it saying what they are in myth, dont forget to point out any that I missed!
Creation of Balmung:
The Valkyrs were supposed to take frequent flights to earth in swam plumage, which they would throw off when they came to a secluded stream, that they might indulge in a bath. Any mortal surpising them thus, and securing thier plumage, could prevent them from leaving the earth, and could even force these proud maidens to mate with him if such were his pleasure.
It is related that three of the Valkyrs, Olrun, Alvit, and Svahvit, were once sporting in the waters, when suddenly the three brothers Egil << bezerk flavor: "Though Egil and his men bristled with javelins their charge did not falter, and they fell upon the Hollow Men with such ferocity that even the Thrall seemed to be frozen with horror." >> Slagfinn, and Volund (two dots supposed to be over "o") also known as Wayland, the smith, came upon them, and sucuring thier swan plumage, the young men forced them to remain on earth adn become their wives. The Valkyrs, thus detained, remained with their husbands nine years, but at the end of that time, recovering their plumage, or the spell being broken in some way, they effected thier escape. The brothers felt the loss of thier wives extremely, and two of them, Egil and Slagfinn, putting on their snow shoes, went in search of their loved ones, dissappearing in the cold and foggy regions of the North. The third brother, Volund, however, remained at home, knowing all search would be to no avail, and he felt solace in the contemplation of the ring which Alvit had given him as a love-token, and he indulged the constant hope that she would return. As he was a very clever smith, and could manfacture the most dainty ornaments of silver and gold, as well as magic weapons which no blow could break, he now employed his leisure in making seven hundred rings exactly like the one which his wife had given him. These, when finished, he bound together; but one night, on coming home from the hunt, he found that some one had carried away one right, leaving the others behind, and his hopes received fresh inspiration, for he told himself that his wife had been there and would soon returen for good. That selfsame night, however, he was surprised in his sleep, and bound and made rpisoner by Idud, King of Sweden, who took possesion of his sword, a choice weapon invested with magic powers, which he reserved for his own use, and of the love ring made of pure Rhine gold, which latter he gave to his only daughter, Boldfvild. As for the unhappy Volund himself, he was led captive to a naeighbouring island, where, after being hamstrung, in order that he should not escape, the king put him to the incessant task of forging weapons and ornaments for his use. He also compelled him to build an intricate labyrinth,a dn to this day a maze in Iceland is known as "Volunds house."
Volund's rage and despair eincreased with every new insult offered him by Nidud, and night and day he thought about how he might obtain revenge. Nor did he forget to provide for his escape, and during the pauses of his labour he fashioned a pair of wings similar to those his wife had used as a Valkyr, which he intended to don as soon as his vengeance had been accomplished. One day the king came to visit his captive and brought him the stolen sword so that he might repair it; but Volund cleverly substituted another weapon so exactly like the magic sword as to deceive the king when he came again to claim it. A few days later, Volund enticed the king's sons into his smithy and slew them, after which he cunningly fashioned drinking vessels out of their sculls, and jewels out of thier eyes and teeth, bestowing these upon thier parents and sister.
The royal family did not suspect whence they came; and so these gifts were joyfully accepted. As for the poor youths, it was believed that they had drifted out to sea and been drowned.
Some time after this, Boldvild wishing to have her ring repaired, also visited the smith's hut, where while waiting, she unsuspectingly partook of a magic drug which sent her to sleep an dleft her in Volund's power. His last act of vengeance accomplished, Volund immediately donned the wings which he had made in the readiness for this day, and grasping his sword and ring he rose slowly in the air. Directing his flight to the palace he perched there out of reach and proclaimed his crimes to Nidud. The king, beside himself in rage, summoed Egil, Volund's brother, who had also fallen into his power, to bring down the impudent bird. Obeying the signal from Volund, Eglin aimed for a proturbence where a bladder full of the young prince's blood was concealed, and the smith flew triumphantly away without hurt, declaring that Odin would give his sword to Sigmund ó a prediction which was dully fulfilled.
Volund then went to Alf-heim, where, if the legend is to be believed, he found his beloved wife, and lived happily again with her until the twilight of the gods.
But even in Alf-heim, this clever smith continued to ply his craft, and various suitsof impenetrable armour he is said to have fasioned along with Balmung, Joyeuse, Sigmund and Charlemagne's swords, and many other remarkable blades. *whew*
more to come, but thats enough typing for me today =)
