XENA, THE WARRIOR PRINCESS
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| Xena in some hardcore action |
Xena was once a warlord — merciless and filled with battlelust. She raised one of the most terrifying armies, and wreak havoc in Greece. As a warrior, Xena was skilled in all weapons. However, she favored the sword, and used Xena's Sword in most of her battles.
When Xena acquired Xena’s Sword, it marked her life's turning point. Here the accounts disagreed. Some believed she uncovered the sword in the ruins of Amphipolis — Xena’s hometown — after it was destroyed by the warlord Cortese. Others described how one fateful day, Xena’s abusive father tried to sacrifice her to the gods when he was in a drunken stupor. Desperate, she killed him in self-defense and obtained the sword from his corpse. Whatever the case, Xena’s Sword was her constant companion thereafter, and served her well in her battles. It also embodied her belief that cruelty was the only way to fight against the viciousness of others.
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| Xena’s Sword by Marto of Toledo Spain |
As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together. Xena the Warlord pulled in some of the baddest persons — who were ready to exploit her weaknesses. As such, it wasn't long before Xena's own lieutenant betrayed and banished from her own army.
Xena was left with nothing but her sword. By then, she had given up on life, so much so that she challenged Hercules to a duel. Hercules, with his strength, made short work of her. However, the demigod spared her life even after all the atrocities she had done. It was then that she realized what is true strength — to protect rather than destroy.
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| Xena and Gabrielle, the unshakeable friendship |
Enlightened, Xena turned over a new leaf — as the Warrior Princess. Thereafter, she used Xena's Sword to protect the innocents, while atoning for her sins. While Xena admired Hercules, it was after she met Gabrielle that she experienced love for the first time. The two were inseparable, supporting each other in times of need. Together, they faced off against foes ranging from tyrants to mythical beings.
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| Naue II, the weapon of choice in the Late Bronze Age |
Xena’s Sword is the Naue II, or grip-tongue sword, known for its sturdiness. In fact, many warriors at that time preferred the Naue II. It is characterized by the slight swelling of the blade near its tip. As such, the blade resembles a linear leaf. Such a design enabled Xena to use the blade’s curvature as a pivot, adding weight to any slash. The length of Xena’s Sword measured around 30 1/2 inches. As such, Xena could maintain a safe distance from her opponents, while attacking with reckless abandon. Its tapered tip was great for stabbing as well.
Xena’s Sword stayed intact even after the countless battles Xena endured as the Warrior Princess.
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