From Bloodthirsty Curses to God-Slaying Edges – Which Magical Sword Reigns Supreme?
In the vast realms of Dungeons & Dragons, few treasures inspire awe, or terror, like legendary swords. These blades are more than weapons; they are characters in their own right, steeped in lore, danger, and world-shaping power. Drawing from centuries of tabletop history, we’ve ranked the most iconic D&D swords from least to most formidable, factoring in raw power, cursed drawbacks, and their indelible mark on the game’s mythology.
10. Sword of Vengeance
Type: Cursed Longsword (Any Edition)
Powers:
- +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
- Curse of Bloodlust: Once drawn, the wielder must attack the nearest creature each turn (Wisdom saving throw DC 15 to resist).
- Sentient Rage: The sword whispers for violence, imposing disadvantage on Wisdom checks.
Lore & History:
Forged by vengeful spirits or necromancers, these blades litter cursed hoards and battlefields. In Tales from the Yawning Portal, a Sword of Vengeance drives a paladin to slaughter allies, embodying its “no half-measures” brutality.
Weakness: Remove Curse spell breaks its hold, but few survive its influence long enough to seek help.
9. Flame Tongue
Type: Scimitar/Longsword (Common in 5th Edition)
Powers:
- Ignite Command: As a bonus action, the blade erupts in flames, dealing +2d6 fire damage per hit.
- Illumination: Sheds bright light in a 12-metre radius.
Lore & History:
Crafted in the forges of Azer (fire genasi) or gifted by deities like Kossuth, Flame Tongues are prized by dragon slayers. In Curse of Strahd, a Flame Tongue becomes vital against vampiric hordes.
Drawback: Glowing like a beacon makes stealth impossible, a fair trade for roasting trolls.
8. Frost Brand
Type: Longsword (5e, 3.5e)
Powers:
- +1d6 cold damage on hits.
- Fire Resistance: Halves fire damage taken.
- Extinguish Flames: Suppresses nonmagical fires in a 9-metre radius.
Lore & History:
Forged in the Elemental Plane of Ice, Frost Brands are wielded by frost giants and Arctic druids. In Storm King’s Thunder, a Frost Brand helps survive the fiery breath of ancient red dragons.
Trivia: Its pommel often holds a sapphire that dims near heat sources.
7. Moonblade
Type: Elven Longsword (5e, Forgotten Realms Lore)
Powers:
- Dynamic Enchantments: Each heir unlocks 1d4+1 powers (e.g., +2 attack, spell resistance, charm immunity).
- Legacy of Blood: Only pure-blooded elves can attune; others suffer 6d6 necrotic damage.
Lore & History:
Moonblades are heirlooms of elven noble houses like Cormanthor. In Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, a Moonblade with dancing and vorpal traits becomes a campaign linchpin.
Famous Wielders: Elminster’s mother, a Moonblade heir, perished defending her blade from drow.
6. Nine Lives Stealer
Type: Shortsword (5e, Classic Edition)
Powers:
- Soul Harvest: On a hit, target must succeed a DC 15 Constitution save or die (works on creatures with < 100 HP).
- Limited Charges: Holds 1d8+1 souls; once emptied, becomes a mundane +2 sword.
Lore & History:
Linked to Vecna’s cults, these blades star in Tomb of Annihilation as tools for sacrificing souls to necromantic rituals.
Caution: Wielding it risks attracting the attention of Raven Queen, goddess of death.
5. Sword of Sharpness
Type: Battleaxe/Greatsword (1st Edition to 5e)
Powers:
- Limb-Lopper: On a roll of 20 (or 18–20 for high-level wielders), sever a limb or appendage.
- Siege Monster: Deals double damage to objects and structures.
Lore & History:
A favourite of dwarven sappers and adventuring thieves, this sword shines in Dungeon of the Mad Mage for dismantling traps and golems.
Famous Cut: In Greyhawk lore, a Sword of Sharpness beheaded the demon lord Fraz-Urb’luu’s avatar.
4. Blackrazor
Type: Sentient Greatsword (5e, White Plume Mountain Module)
Powers:
- Soul Devourer: Grants temporary HP equal to slain foe’s HP total.
- Strength Boost: +2 to Strength checks and saves for 1 minute after feeding.
- Whispers of Domination: Communicates via telepathy, urging slaughter.
Lore & History:
Forged by Shadowsong, a death god, Blackrazor craves souls to sustain its sentience. In Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus, it tempts paladins into becoming oathbreakers.
Drawback: If starved of souls for a week, it forces the wielder to attack the nearest creature.
3. Holy Avenger
Type: Longsword (5e, Paladin-Exclusive)
Powers:
- +3 to attack/damage.
- Radiant Nova: +2d10 radiant damage vs fiends/undead.
- Aura of Faith: Allies within 3 metres gain advantage on saves vs magic.
Lore & History:
Bestowed by deities like Tyr or Bahamut, Holy Avengers are earned via trials (e.g., slaying a lich in Rise of Tiamat).
Famous Wielders: Drizzt Do’Urden temporarily wielded one in The Legend of Drizzt series.
2. Vorpal Sword
Type: Scimitar/Sabre (All Editions)
Powers:
- Decapitation Strike: On a natural 20, behead the target (no save for non-legendary creatures).
- Magical Piercing: Ignores resistance to slashing damage.
Lore & History:
Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky, Vorpal Swords are relics of the Feywild. In Critical Role, Vax’ildan’s Vorpal dagger decapitated a kraken.
Limitation: Useless against foes without heads (e.g., gelatinous cubes).
1. The Sword of Kas
Type: Sentient Greatsword (5e, Vecna Dossier Lore)
Powers:
- +3 to attack/damage.
- Necrotic Hunger: +2d10 necrotic damage on hit.
- True Sight: See invisibility and illusions within 18 metres.
- Betrayal Mechanic: After 1d4 weeks, the sword forces a DC 17 Charisma save or it compels the wielder to attack allies.
Lore & History:
Created by Vecna for his lieutenant Kas, the sword orchestrated Vecna’s mortal wounding during the Betonian Wars. In Critical Role: Campaign 1, it nearly corrupted Vox Machina’s Grog.
Why #1: No blade blends raw power, sentient malice, and world-altering lore like Kas’s fabled weapon.
The Price of Power
While the Sword of Kas claims the top spot for its god-slaying pedigree and Faustian bargains, each blade here offers a unique cocktail of risk and reward. Whether you seek the Holy Avenger’s righteous fire or dare to dance with Blackrazor’s hunger, remember: in D&D, the mightiest sword is the one that doesn’t get you killed.
DM Tip: Use these swords sparingly, their power can derail campaigns or birth legends.
Final Word: “A sword’s true strength lies not in its edge, but in the hand, and soul, of its wielder.” – Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes.
