Nightblood

Lore & Background

Nightblood was born from a specific BioChromatic experiment conducted by Shashara and Vasher, two of the Five Scholars, with Vasher providing the Command 'destroy evil', distinguishing it as a weapon of unique origin within the world of Nalthis. The source identifies Nightblood explicitly as a 'weapon created in a BioChromatic experiment' that possesses sentience. It is wielded by Vasher, described as a mysterious man who can use his BioChromatic Breath to Awaken objects and who is incredibly skilled at this art. Unlike other Awakeners who might command multiple items, Nightblood stands alone as a singular entity with its own will. The sword does not merely follow commands; it exists as an active participant in the narrative, accompanying Vasher through the slums of Hallandren and into the heart of the conflict. Its presence is tied to the broader magic system where Breath serves as the source of energy for Awakening, yet Nightblood transcends typical usage by holding its own sentience and by consuming Breath rather than performing Awakening.

In Their Own Story

In the climactic resolution of Warbreaker, Nightblood plays a decisive role during the assault on the God King's palace. After Vasher is captured and tortured by Denth, it is Vivenna who utilizes her budding BioChromatic powers to break into the palace and free him. Once freed, Vasher immediately wields Nightblood to kill Denth, ending the threat posed by the mercenaries hired by Pahn Kahl servants. This moment occurs just as Lightsong sacrifices his Breath to heal Susebron, the God King, who then saves Siri from execution. While the Lifeless army threatens to overrun Idris, Vasher's ability to command Nightblood is part of his reveal as one of the Five Scholars, ancient beings who discovered the Commands for using BioChromatic Breath. The sword's involvement marks the turning point where the hidden D'denir Lifeless soldiers are awakened to destroy the invading army.

Reader's Guide

Nightblood functions as both a weapon and a character within Warbreaker. To understand its role, one must recognize it as a product of BioChromatic experimentation that resulted in sentience. It is exclusively associated with Vasher, who is described as 'incredibly skilled' at Awakening. The sword's utility is demonstrated when Vasher uses it to execute Denth after being freed by Vivenna. This action halts the conspiracy to instigate war between Idrians and Hallandren. Furthermore, Nightblood is linked to Vasher's identity as one of the Five Scholars, a group that originally discovered how to use BioChromatic Breath. The sword does not operate independently but requires a wielder like Vasher to direct its power effectively against threats such as Denth or the Pahn Kahl servants.

Did You Know?

• Nightblood is a sentient sword created by Shashara and Vasher, two of the Five Scholars, with Vasher providing the Command 'destroy evil'.
• The sword is wielded by Vasher, a mysterious man who is incredibly skilled at Awakening objects.
• Vasher kills Denth with Nightblood, not with his bare hands.
• Nightblood is associated with Vasher's revelation as one of the Five Scholars, ancient beings who discovered the Commands for BioChromatic Breath.