Why Were Ancient Weapons Given Names? From Excalibur to Muramasa

In many legends and real historical records, ancient swords and other weapons were not just tools of war — they had names, reputations, and sometimes even their own stories. From King Arthur’s Excalibur to Japan’s mysterious blade Muramasa, named weapons appear across many cultures. But why did people name their weapons in the first place?

In this article, we’ll explore the deep meaning behind naming cold weapons and how this tradition still influences modern culture today.

Giving a Weapon a Name Made It More Than Just a Tool

In ancient times, a warrior’s weapon could be with them for their entire life. It wasn’t just something they used — it was something they trusted, depended on, and sometimes even loved. Naming a weapon gave it a personality and a presence. It became a partner, not just an object.

In medieval Europe, famous swords like Joyeuse (Charlemagne’s sword, meaning “joyful”) and Durandal (Roland’s legendary sword) were more than steel — they were symbols of loyalty, bravery, and divine favor.

In the East, Japanese swordsmiths often gave names to their creations, or the weapons were named after the smiths themselves. For example, swords made by Muramasa or Masamune gained reputations of their own. In China, legendary swords like Ganjiang and Moye, Fish Intestine Sword, and Zhanlu appear in both historical texts and myths.

Names Represented Power, Faith, and Divine Right

Naming a weapon wasn’t just about emotion — it was often about symbolism and political power.

The most famous example is Excalibur, the sword of King Arthur. In many versions of the legend, Arthur proves his right to rule by pulling the sword from a stone or receiving it from the mysterious Lady of the Lake. The sword becomes a symbol of divine approval and rightful leadership.

In Japan, the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (“Grass-Cutting Sword”), also known as the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, is one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan. According to legend, it was pulled from the body of a serpent by the god Susanoo and later became part of the sacred symbols of Japanese emperors.

Not All Named Swords Were Heroes — Some Became “Cursed Blades”

Interestingly, not every famous sword was seen as a blessing. Some gained reputations as cursed or dangerous.

One of the most well-known examples is Muramasa, a name shared by a line of real historical swordsmiths from Japan’s Muromachi period. Their blades were extremely sharp and deadly — but because several enemies of the Tokugawa shogunate were killed by Muramasa blades, the name was eventually banned in some periods. Over time, people started to believe the swords were cursed, bloodthirsty, or haunted.

In ancient China, the Fish Intestine Sword (Yuchang) was said to have been hidden inside a dead man’s stomach and used in an assassination. Its dark origin gave it an aura of mystery and fear.

This idea — that weapons have a kind of spirit or presence — is found in many cultures. In Japan, the belief in Tsukumogami holds that old objects, including weapons, can gain a soul after 100 years.

Named Weapons Were Easier to Remember — And to Turn Into Legends

A named weapon is easier to pass down in stories, books, and oral traditions. This is one of the reasons legendary swords show up so often in myths and poems.

In The Song of Roland, Beowulf, and other medieval texts, the weapon isn’t just background — it’s part of the hero’s identity. This made it easier for storytellers to build legends that lasted through generations.

Today, this tradition lives on in anime, video games, and movies:

In Fate/stay night, swords like Excalibur and Caliburn appear as magical relics.

In Sekiro, weapons like “Mortal Blade” and “Kusabimaru” carry deep meaning.

In Dark Souls or Elden Ring, weapons like the “Moonlight Greatsword” are famous not just for stats, but for their lore.

This shows that the ancient tradition of naming swords is still very much alive — just in new forms.

Weapons Carry Meaning Because We Give It to Them

At the end of the day, a sword is made of metal. It has no thoughts, no feelings. But by giving it a name, people gave it meaning. That meaning could be strength, justice, bloodlust, or destiny.

Naming a sword was a way to give it a soul.

Even today, fans and collectors often name their replica swords, cosplay weapons, or favorite blades in video games. At Fire & Steel, we often hear customers tell us stories about why they picked a specific piece — and what it means to them.

The tradition of naming weapons continues because the bond between people and their blades never really ended.