You’ve almost certainly heard of the legendary Melania Blade, one of the most iconic weapons in all of central Arelon. Even if you haven’t heard of it, the sword’s likeness has likely been used to represent heroism and nobility across the land, both in poetry and comic books alike. But how much do you really know about the malenia Blade? Do you know what it’s made out of? How many times has it been reforged over its long history?
The forging of the blade
The sword itself had a long and turbulent forging process. The blade was forged by one Meritt, a smith from Kohan, far south of Nohr. He had been struck with inspiration upon seeing a sword crafted by a traveling swordsmith from Hoshido during his travels across several nations. Meritt then set out to Hoshido where he studied under master bladesmiths for two years before finally crafting his first successful malenia blade at age eighteen. However, not satisfied with his work and spurred on by his natural talent, he continued practicing day and night until he reached perfection several years later.
The blade in war
The malenia blade is a sword forged by Avandra, goddess of fortune and freedom. With it, she helped overthrow Melora’s reign over Eberron and established her own position as a goddess on Mt. Kolaktuste. In ages past, both Lyrandar and Deneith held possession of one-half of these blades, but after an argument between Aladdin (the first great human hero) and Melora herself, the blade was broken into two pieces. It is rumored that these fragments are hidden somewhere within her temple atop Kolaktuste—an abandoned place now occupied by monstrous creatures who seek to prevent anyone from claiming them again.
Its role as a religious symbol
The malenia is a sword made from dark steel, and it is a religious symbol for those who worship Aedraxis. It comes from an ancient culture that once existed at least 800 years before Dyrwood was even discovered. Its history and origin are shrouded in mystery, but according to what scholars know, it was first forged in Glanfathan’s hands over two thousand years ago during their war against Eothas. The blade was given as a gift to one of Eothas’ ambassadors when they were trying to persuade him not to destroy Eir Glanfakar entirely after they lost one of their most important battles against his army.
Recent history
The malenia blade is a famous weapon from recent history, though it isn’t often known by that name. Most people know it as the blade that killed Lorkhan or simply Lorkhan’s Bane. In most sources, that naming convention continues into modern times. However, older sources seem confused as to what exactly made Lorkhan vulnerable and allowed him to be killed. The most popular theory was that while Auri-El was one with Akatosh, so too was Lorkhan—and so he also felt pain when his heart (AKA Aurbis) was torn out at Red Mountain.
- The blade’s disappearance from public view and debate after it was put on display at the Orichalcum
Mine’s museum
A puzzling development is unfolding in Novigrad. After Delio Cantimori, owner of Cantimori Arms removed The malenia blade from his home at 32 Oxcross Street on Oct. 6 and placed it on display at his mining museum (where we went on location with him), my spies tell me that visitors have been unable to view The malenia for more than two days. I reached out for comment but as yet have received no response from Cantimori or anyone associated with him or his businesses. I will provide updates when they are available.
