Excalibur

The legendary sword of King Arthur, sometimes attributed with magical powers or associated with the rightful sovereignty of Great Britain. In most versions of the Arthurian legend, Excalibur was not the Sword in the Stone but a separate weapon given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake after his first sword broke in battle. The blade was said to shine with a light so brilliant that it blinded enemies on the battlefield, and its scabbard possessed an even greater enchantment, preventing the bearer from bleeding to death from any wound. When Arthur was mortally wounded at the Battle of Camlann, he commanded Sir Bedivere to return Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake, and the sword was hurled into the waters, where a hand rose to catch it and draw it beneath the surface. Excalibur has become the archetypal magical sword in Western culture, symbolizing divine right, heroic destiny, and the heavy burden of leadership.