The Swords That Have Helped Shaped Cinema

King Arthur: The Legend of the Sword is out now on Blu-ray and DVD. To celebrate the release we’re looking at Excalibur and other swords that have forged their way into pop- culture

Hattori Hanzo katana – Kill Bill

Source: Hype Beast

Beatrix “Black Mamba” Kiddo travels to Japan to visit famed samurai swordsmith Hattori Hanzo to purchase a sword. Problem is he’s sworn an oath to stop making them. However her revenge so justified — that of course he forges her a sword. The scene of  Hattori Hanzo presenting her the sword is emotional and poignant. The bride takes the blade and … well, that would be telling.

Needle – Game of Thrones

Source: Game of Thrones Wiki

Needle is a thin sword wielded by Arya Stark. It was given to her by Jon Snow, who had it made by Mikken, the blacksmith of Winterfell. The sword is different as it is suited to Arya’s slight build, which prevents her from fighting in the style of large male Westerosi knights, who employ powerful slashing moves and strong blocks using a heavy sword.

Sword of Gryffindor – Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets/ the Deathly Hallows

Source: Nerdist

Some say this Sword of Gryffindor is based on Excalibur as it is drawn by only the rightful owner – Harry pulled it from the sorting hat to kill the Basilisk in his hour of need. As Goblin’s silver, it takes on only substances which strengthens it, which can then be used against enemies. This means that it never requires cleaning. Due to Harry Potter killing Salazar Slytherin’s Basilisk with it, the sword is imbibed with Basilisk venom and can destroy Horcruxes – which proves very useful down the line.

Atlantean Sword – Conan the Barbarian

Source: Reliks

The Atlantean Sword is a bastard sword that once belonged to an ancient king who, along with this sword and several servants, was buried in a small tomb.

Conan stumbles upon the tomb while he is being chased by a pack of wolves and inside he finds the sword, which he uses to remove his shackles and slay the wolves – all just while wearing a pair of pants!

Excalibur – King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Source: The Playlist

Last but not least is Excalibur maybe the most famous sword of them all – when Arthur manages to pull the sword from the stone, he is recognised as the true ‘King’ and so his journey with the Knights of The Round Table begins.

You can grab your copy of King Arthur: The Legend of the Sword on Blu-ray and DVD now here: po.st/KingAPost