Ever sinceElden Ringwas first announced, fans have clamored around the few things they know about the title, from it being developed by FromSoftware to the collaboration with George R. R. Martin and theinfluence ofGame of Throneson the title. However, it’s the Norse mythology that is supposed to form the base ofElden Ring’s lore that quickly gathered attention when the game was first announced.
One thing that has been a staple of FromSoftware games fromDark SoulstoBloodbornehas been the large selection of weapons that these titles offer for players to experiment with. So with a lore filled with Norse inspiration andGeorge R. R. Martin’s influence, there are a number of amazing weapons to take from legends and myths and implement intoElden Ring.
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Previously,Dark Soulshas taken from Greek mythology to craft some pretty impressive weapons and even spells, like Dragonslayer Swordspear and Gwyn’s iconic lightning bolts. In this case, FromSoftware has a precedent of transforming mythological weapons into unique tools that put their own spin on the legendary inspirations. The weapons are already one of the manyreasons to be excited aboutElden Ringlater this year when it is planned to released at a still undisclosed date.
Angurvadal
The name sitting in the heading up there might look unfamiliar to some, but it is possibly one of the most famous weapons from Norse mythology. Angurvadal is a legendary sword that is said to be etched with Norse runes that glow a soft hue at times of peace and burn like fire when the wielder is in danger. While not usually explicitly stated, a number of glowing weapons across many different stories have similar origins, with the proximity of enemies altering the weapon’s glow.
Weapons like Bilbo and Frodo’s legendary Sting act in a similar way, glowing when enemies are nearby. Additionally, there are weapons that appear throughoutThe Witchergame series that hold similar runes on them, glowing when entering combat. So if FromSoftware is looking to represent Norse mythology, some version of Angurvadal is a necessary inclusion, possibly even a stand-in for the iconic Moonlight Greatsword ifElden Ringis looking toemulateDark Soulsin its lore.
Gram
While not a weapon that has a specific look to it, the sword known as Gram is one that holds a heavy significance on both Norse and German folklore. Being the sword of Sigurd, the hero who slayed Fafnir the dragon, the sword also appears in the story of Brunhilde, which is based on the same Norse tale. The weapon itself has a storied history, being both bequeathed and destroyed by Odin before being reforged by a dwarven blacksmith, and it would make an ideal addition toElden Ring.
While the weapon wouldn’t need to be massive to fit its legend, FromSoftware could use its legend to inspire a faith based longsword, similar to theAstora Straight Sword fromDark Souls. The inspiration of the sword breaking and being reforged could even lend itself to the design, giving the weapon a fractured aesthetic. In fact, with so little information really known about the game, the cracked blacksmith from the trailer could have been reforging some version of this weapon.
Sword of Surtr
In Norse mythology, the Sword of Surtr is actually much more than a giant flaming sword held by a giant, but also the weapon that will destroy the world in Ragnarok. Exactly what Surtr’s involvement in the final battle of the gods is somewhat up in the air, but his sword is important enough that the character himself is defined as “carrying a bright sword” in the original myths. That’s a far cry different from how it appears in other Norse inspired stories, likethe latestGod of Warand the MCU’sThor: Ragnarok.
This could be another quality stand-in for the Moonlight Greatsword, giving the weapon a fire aesthetic to distanceElden Ring’s designs fromDark Soulsand other previous FromSoftware titles that have included the weapon. However, if the developers were looking to find something a little more original, the studio has delved in plenty of glowing swords in the past. This could be one of the most visually stunning weapons to draw inspiration from Norse mythology at least.
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Gungnir
We’re starting to get into the “weapons of commonly known gods” territory here with Gungnir, the spear of Odin. This weapon was said to be made by the same dwarves that crafted the legendary Mjolnir and is so perfectly balanced that someone of little skill or strength can still wield it perfectly. Gungnir is also the weapon that was said to have shattered Gram from a few entries ago.
Gungnir deserves a spot in the game, not only for being connected to Odin, but also to give spear lovers a chance to really excel in the new game, as one spear has already made an impression in early trailers. Drawing from the story of the weapon could also lead to one of the most versatile weapons in FromSoftware’s collection, acting as a polar opposite to the notoriously high stat requirements of some unique weapons. For any players who remember making a build for the Greatsword of Artorias, the idea of aweapon that works with any buildwould be a breath of fresh air.
Mjolnir
Here it is, the entry that everyone has been waiting for, the God of Thunder’s legendary hammer, Mjolnir. Fans of the MCU or the latestGod of Warwould certainly recognize the weapon as a short handled axe with a giant brick made out of metal attached to the top. That’s actually not too far off from the original story of Mjolnir either, as it was made imperfect due to Loki’s intervention, but it is still an indestructible hammer that always returns to Thor when called.
Keeping the primary aspect of this weapon true to the inspiration may be a bit of a stretch for FromSoftware, as the development team has never quite made a functional boomerang before. However, there are the occasional weapons that can be thrown, likeAshes of Ariandel’s javelin, which could be modified to work the way Mjolnir would need to. Needless to say, it would be difficult to avoid including the most well known weapon in all of Norse mythology when claiming to be drawing on those myths for the lore of anywasteland story, video game or otherwise.
Elden Ringis currently in development for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
