SWORD OF STRANGE HANGINGS

 

The Sacred Sword awaits its master.

The mAgical or sacred sword is a common motif in Celtic legends. Excalibur is perhaps the most widely known sword of the Arthurian world, but it is not alone. A number of idfferent but erelated swords figure in the stories, and as Galahad nears the end of his quest he is honoured with the awesome Sword of Strange Hangings.

During the Quest for the Holy Grail, Galahad, Percivale and Bors were guided to a "miraculous Ship" by Percivale's enlightened sister Dindrane. Within the ship they found a beautiful bed, and upon it rested a crown of gold and silk. Across its foot lay a mangificant sword, partly drawn from its scabbard. The pommel was adorned with the rarest and most brilliant of gems. The scabbard was made of a material never seen before, but which had the look of snake skin. Most curious of all were its strange hangings, which were of such poor quality as compared with the richness of the sword and scabbard, that it was doubtful that it would even hold the weight of the blade. Dindrane inspected teh belt, then set about repairing it.

The sword bore an inscription warning great sorrows would befall the unworthy who presumed to draw it. Once reading these grave words, Galahda refused to touch the weapon. Dindrane announced taht all were forbidden to draw it, save one. She then told her companions the story of the Dolorous Stroke and the wasting lands. Further, she told them of Nascien, who had previously come across on the same ship. At first he had dared not draw the sword, but eventually adventure befell him and in an effort to defend himself, Nascien called upon the sword. Given that he was not intended to wield the sword, the blade failed him and snapped in two. Later, King Mordrain, the wise friend of Nascien, pieced the sword together and held it intact. While in his grip, the blade miraculously knit itself back together. Mordrain then returned it to the bed where it would await the worthy Galahad.

Dindrane disclosed that the true name of the sword was the "Sword of Strange Hangings" and that the scabbard was called "Memory of Blood." With the hangings now repaired, she knelt down and girded the sword about Galahad, explaining that with this blade at his side he was truly a knight.

 

 

Ferguson, Anna-Marie. Keeper of Words. 1995 Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, Minnesota. (183)

 

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