National Weapon: Difference between revisions

{{trope}}

 

Just as cultures might have an iconic [[Battle Cry]] attached to them, often they will have a weapon that has a similar status. Sometimes it will have a religious or magical significance; it might for instance be a copy of a blade that was [[Forged by the Gods]]. Perhaps it typically has a [[Badass Creed]] engraved on it. Or maybe it is simply hard to imagine them fighting without it, and even if it becomes obsolete it is impossible to imagine this group ''parading'' without it because it has a symbolic status that goes beyond its functionality. As [[Tropes Are Flexible]], this does not have to be a whole culture's weapon; it can be the weapon of any group: say, an order of [[Warrior Monk]]s, or a [[Fantastic Caste System|Caste]] or a [[Secret Circle of Secrets]], or a [[Lady of War|gender.]] The point is that the weapon is so much connected with a group that it serves as a logo as well as a weapon.

 

Likely to be wielded by a [[Proud Warrior Race]]. If the weapon in question is a physical part of an alien race's anatomy then see [[Natural Weapon]].

 

== Film ==

* In ''[[Star Wars]]'', the Jedi Order uses [[Laser Blade|lightsabers]]. The various incarnations of the Sith Order also use lightsabers, universally colored red.

== Literature ==

* ''[[Dune]]'' crysknives made from the tooth of a sandworm are sacred to Fremen.

** Also based on Tolkien is the association of Elves with bows, which is less supported by the original mythos (Tolkien's Elves are good with bows, but for the most part they prefer swords).

* Based (as always) on Tolkien, the Dwarfs of the ''[[Discworld]]'' consider their battleaxes cultural artifacts, and will not part with them even when circumstances require them to bequeath all other weapons (at a diplomatic function, for instance). In Thud we are introduced to a more liberal sect of Dwarfs who do not carry these, believing that the axe is "a state of mind". It helps that they've invented kung fu. Trolls also have clubs, to a lesser degree (a ceremonial club was a minor plot point in Thud).

* In [[Vorkosigan Saga]] Vor males have two swords when they are really [[Bling of War|playing dress up]] even though those are only good for dueling nowadays and there hasn't been a duel heard of in ages. Vor females have a [[Chastity Dagger|Vorfemme knife]]. One Vor woman jokes to another that Vor men get swords but Vor women only knives but a knife is more practical in a technological world and could be very useful in the situation it is theoretically for.

 

* The Minbari Denn'bok in ''[[Babylon 5]]''.

* In ''[[Star Trek]]'', the Bat'leth functions as this for the Klingons. Interestingly Vulcans, though no longer a Proud Warrior Race still use Lirpas in ceremonies.