The legend of Wayland the Smith, a master blacksmith shrouded in Germanic and Norse mythology, has captivated imaginations for centuries. Central to his lore are the Seven Swords of Wayland, artefacts of immense power and destiny. These blades, steeped in ancient sagas, found new life in the 1980s British TV series Robin of Sherwood, weaving dark magic into the heart of Saxon folklore. Let us delve into their origins, symbolism, and enduring legacy.
Wayland the Smith: Mythological Origins
The Legendary Craftsman
Wayland (or Völundr in Norse texts) appears in the Völsunga Saga, Deor, and the Poetic Edda as a figure of unparalleled skill and tragic vengeance. Forged in the fires of Norse and Anglo-Saxon myth, his story is one of artistry, captivity, and retribution.
| Key Aspects of Wayland’s Myth | Details |
|---|---|
| Craftsmanship | Created magical weapons for gods and heroes, including the sword Gram (used to slay Fafnir). |
| Captivity | Maimed and imprisoned by King Niðhad, he exacted brutal revenge before escaping via winged cloak. |
| Legacy | Symbolised the duality of creation/destruction; his swords bound to fate and heroism. |
The Seven Swords: Myth vs. Media
The swords’ mythological roots blend with dramatic licence in Robin of Sherwood. Below, we compare their traditional and televised portrayals:
The Swords in Robin of Sherwood
Flauros: A demon known for destruction and chaos.Note: The TV series borrows names from The Lesser Key of Solomon, a demonological grimoire, infusing the swords with occult gravitas.
Morax: A demon associated with wisdom and knowledge.
Solas: A spirit linked to the sun and light.
Orias: A demon connected to divination and astrology.
Albion: A name with deep roots in British mythology, symbolizing the ancient identity of England.
Elidor: A spirit tied to hidden knowledge and secrets.
Beleth: A powerful demon associated with love and passion.
Watch the Seven Swords of Wayland trailer:
Robin of Sherwood: A Dark Ritual Unfolds
In the two-part episode The Swords of Wayland, the swords become tools of apocalyptic ambition.
Key Characters & Themes
| Character | Role | Actor | Mythological Inspiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morgwyn of Ravenscar | Antagonist leading a coven to harness the swords’ power. | Rula Lenska | Medieval witches & pagan sorcery. |
| Herne the Hunter | Spiritual guardian opposing Morgwyn; embodiment of nature’s balance. | John Abineri | Celtic deity Cernunnos; English folk tales. |
The Ritual’s Symbolism
- Seven Swords as Conduits: Each sword channels a demonic force, reflecting medieval fears of the occult.
- Albion’s Fate: The ritual’s success would plunge England into darkness, mirroring Arthurian “wasteland” tropes.
Themes & Symbolism Explored
Table 2: The Swords’ Symbolic Layers
| Theme | Mythological Basis | Modern Interpretation in Robin of Sherwood |
|---|---|---|
| Fate vs. Free Will | Swords destined for heroes (e.g., Sigurd, Beowulf). | Robin’s struggle to defy Morgwyn’s preordained doom. |
| Creation/Destruction | Wayland’s artistry vs. his vengeful deeds. | Swords as tools of both salvation and annihilation. |
| Light vs. Darkness | Eternal battle in Norse cosmology (Ragnarök). | Herne’s natural order vs. Morgwyn’s demonic pact. |
Cultural Legacy & Adaptation
Why the Swords Endure
- Mythological Resonance: The swords tap into universal themes of power, sacrifice, and destiny.
- 1980s Context: Robin of Sherwood blended paganism and environmentalism, reflecting contemporary spiritual searches.
Table 3: Impact on Popular Culture
| Aspect | Mythological Roots | Influence on Media |
|---|---|---|
| Magical Weapons | Excalibur, Tyrfing, Gram. | Inspired The Lord of the Rings’ named blades (Narsil, etc.). |
| Anti-Hero Smiths | Wayland’s duality. | Echoed in characters like Marvel’s Loki (craftsman/trickster). |
The Prop Sword Market: Collecting the Blades of Legend
The allure of mythical swords like the Seven Swords of Wayland extends far beyond folklore and screen adaptations, into a thriving global market for prop replicas. From Robin of Sherwood enthusiasts to Norse mythology buffs, demand for these artefacts fuels a niche industry blending craftsmanship, fandom, and commerce.
The Prop Sword Economy: Prices, Rarity, and Craftsmanship
Prop swords fall into distinct categories, each with its own price bracket and audience:
| Category | Price Range (GBP) | Features | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass-Produced | £20–£100 | Stainless steel or resin; decorative only; often based on generic designs. | Cosplayers, casual fans. |
| Mid-Range Replicas | £100–£500 | Carbon steel blades; limited detailing; semi-functional for display. | Collectors, reenactors. |
| High-End Custom | £500–£2,500+ | Hand-forged; screen-accurate engravings; combat-ready tempering. | Serious collectors, museums. |
| Screen-Used | £5,000–£20,000+ | Original props from Robin of Sherwood or other films; auctioned rarity. | Elite collectors, archives. |
Example: A replica of Herne the Hunter’s ceremonial dagger from Robin of Sherwood retails for £300–£600, while screen-used swords from the series have fetched over £15,000 at auction.
Fandom: Where Myth and Community Collide
The Seven Swords’ legacy thrives in fan-driven spaces:
- Conventions: Events like London Film & Comic Con showcase prop makers specialising in fantasy blades, with Robin of Sherwood panels drawing devotees.
- DIY Culture: Forums like The RPF (Replica Prop Forum) host tutorials for crafting Wayland-inspired swords using 3D printing or traditional smithing.
- Social Media: Instagram accounts like @SwordMythos curate fan art and replica showcases, while TikTok smiths demo forging techniques.
Notable Makers:
- Baltimore Knife & Sword: Creates Robin of Sherwood-inspired blades priced £800–£1,200.
- Dark Sword Armory: Offers myth-accurate replicas, including Gram-style swords (£450–£700).
The Cult of Authenticity
Robin of Sherwood’s cult status amplifies demand for screen-accurate props. The original Seven Swords, designed by Peter Hammond, were lightweight aluminium for stunt work, but modern replicas prioritise heft and detail.
Challenges:
- Legal Restrictions: UK laws on bladed articles require replicas to be “clearly fictional” or permanently blunted.
- Ethical Debates: Some fans oppose mass-produced replicas, arguing they dilute the craftsmanship tied to Wayland’s myth.
Investing in Legend
Prop swords aren’t just ornaments, they’re assets. Rare pieces appreciate in value:
- A screen-used Albion sword from Robin of Sherwood sold for £18,000 in 2019.
- Limited-edition Ulfberht replicas (inspired by Wayland’s Viking links) now resell for triple their 2015 prices.
Steel as Storytelling
For fans, owning a Seven Swords replica isn’t just about display, it’s about touching a legend. Whether a £30 wall hanger or a £2,500 masterwork, these blades bridge ancient myth and modern obsession, proving that Wayland’s forge still burns in the hearts of collectors.
Conclusion: The Eternal Blade
The Seven Swords of Wayland bridge ancient myth and modern storytelling, embodying humanity’s fascination with artefacts of power. In Robin of Sherwood, they become more than plot devices, they are symbols of England’s soul, contested between light and shadow. As Wayland’s legend reminds us: from the forge of creativity springs both wonder and peril.
“The sword is destiny, and destiny is all.” , A refrain as true in Saxon forests as on today’s screens.
