Anomander Rake's Blade
The silver-hilted two-handed greatsword with a light-absorbing black blade, forged by Draconus the Azathanai.
In Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen, Anomander Rake wields distinct blades rather than a single unnamed artifact. His primary weapon is Dragnipur, a long, silver-hilted two-handed greatsword featuring an inky-black blade that absorbs all light. He also wielded another sword, 'Vengeance,' which was forged by Draconus and given to his brother Andarist. After Andarist's death, Anomander Rake himself renamed the sword 'Grief.'
- Material
- Dark Metal
- Notable Feat
- None
Lore & Background
Dragnipur stands as the most significant of Rake's weapons. It was originally forged by Draconus—an Azathanai, not a god in the strict sense of the Malazan pantheon—before being wielded by Anomander Rake. The blade is described specifically as having an inky-black quality that absorbs all light, contrasting with its silver hilt.
In Their Own Story
The narrative records specific transitions regarding Rake's armament. He originally commissioned and wielded a sword named 'Vengeance.' The turning point occurred when Rake acquired Dragnipur, the legendary sword forged by Draconus. Upon this acquisition, he transferred Vengeance to his brother Andarist. Andarist then renamed the passed-down weapon 'Grief,' marking a shift in its identity and ownership within the family line.
Reader's Guide
To identify Anomander Rake's blades correctly, one must distinguish between Dragnipur and Vengeance/Grief. Dragnipur is characterized by its long bastard sword shape, silver hilt, and light-absorbing black blade. It was wielded by Draconus first, then Rake. The second key weapon, originally named 'Vengeance' by Rake, became 'Grief' when Andarist took it up after Rake secured Dragnipur.
Did You Know?
- Dragnipur was forged by Draconus, an Azathanai rather than a god, before being wielded by Anomander Rake.
- The blade of Dragnipur is described as an inky-black sword that absorbs all light.
- The sword 'Vengeance' was forged by Draconus, not by Anomander Rake, and given to his brother Andarist.
- Anomander Rake himself renamed the sword 'Vengeance' to 'Grief' after Andarist's death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anomander Rake's primary blade?
His most famous weapon is Dragnipur, a silver-hilted bastard sword forged by Draconus with an inky-black edge that absorbs all light. This blade is crafted from Dark Metal and serves as the defining armament of the Tiste Andii.
What are the specific powers of this artifact?
The blade's primary capability is its ability to consume any magical energy it touches, rendering it immune to most sorcery. It was specifically forged to hunt down and slay the K'Chain Che'Malle, a feat achieved when Rake used it to kill their Queen.
Did Anomander Rake ever wield other swords?
Yes, before acquiring Dragnipur, he commissioned and wielded a sword named Vengeance. He eventually passed this weapon to his brother Andarist after the Dark Metal blade became his primary focus.
Why is Dragnipur considered so important in Malazan history?
It represents the only known weapon capable of permanently ending the threat posed by the K'Chain Che'Malle race. Its existence marks a pivotal moment where the Tiste Andii successfully halted an ancient and devastating enemy.
How does the story of this blade conclude?
Dragnipur remains in Anomander Rake's possession throughout the series, serving as his constant companion on his solitary journeys. While it has no definitive 'end' within the current canon, its legacy is cemented by its role in saving the world from extinction.
More in Magic & Artifacts
Elsewhere in the Malazan universe
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