Ebony Blade

Not to be confused with Ebony Sword.

The Ebony Blade, also known as the Black Edge, the Leech, the Vampire, and the killing word, is a Daedric artifact of Mephala. It resembles an ebony katana, and grows more powerful with each life it takes. It seems to become especially powerful after taking the lives of close friends and using deceit to murder. However, it seems to warp the mind of the user.

By game

• Ebony Blade (Arena)
• Ebony Blade (Daggerfall)
• Ebony Blade (Oblivion)
• Ebony Blade (Skyrim)
• Ebony Blade (Online)

History

The blade has changed hands many times over the years. It is believed that the Eternal Champion himself once wielded the blade when it was discovered in Valenwood. Later, it was given to the Hero of Daggerfall sometime after the War of Betony. It fell into the hands of the Morag Tong at one point. In order to obtain the weapon, one must summon Mephala on the 13th of Frostfall (Witches Festival) and prove their worth to her.

The thief-god Rajhin is said to have stolen the blade on his way out from stealing the Ring of Khajiit.

In the early Second Era, an adventurer named Nerien'eth brought the blade to his school at Agea Relle, thinking it was an Akaviri artifact. Mephala's whispers drove him insane, and led him to murder and torture his wife, students, and colleagues. His wife Alanwe led a group of adventurers to reclaim the school and free the souls of those he murdered. Nerien'eth was defeated, but Mephala attempted to sway Alanwe by claiming to help her destroy the blade. Instead, Alanwe sacrificed herself to keep the blade away from those who desire it (at least for quite a while), disappearing with the blade.

In the late Third Era, the Hero of Kvatch was granted the blade by Mephala. Later, in the Fourth Era, it was discovered by Jarl Balgruuf the Greater of Whiterun sometime before the events of Skyrim. He attempted to destroy it in the hottest fires of the Skyforge, yet it actually seemed to cool the coals around it. He had it hidden underneath Dragonsreach ever since. Mephala's voice called out to the Last Dragonborn after they met the Jarl's son Nelkir, and led them to find the blade.

Trivia

• Its in-game description in Arena and Daggerfall states that a wizard cast a charm on it so that it would not remain with any owner for long. Online reveals that this wizard was Alanwe, albeit female.

References

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