Windlass – Gram, the Sword of Sigurd

In a tale that echoes the grandeur of Tolkien’s legendary saga, a dwarf forges a mighty sword from shattered fragments and gifts it to a hero destined for greatness. If this plot stirs memories of a certain beloved fantasy epic, you’re not entirely mistaken! While crafting his timeless high fantasy novel, Tolkien drew inspiration from the ancient Norse and Germanic myth of a blade named Gram (or “Gramr” in Old Norse, meaning “wrath”), a weapon steeped in legend.

In the ancient Norse Völsunga Saga, Gram first emerges as a divine gift from Odin, plunged into the great Barnstokkr tree, awaiting the warrior strong enough to claim it. Sigmund, a fierce Viking, frees the blade, its supernatural edge carving a path through his storied life. Yet, Sigmund’s honor falters. When King Lyngi’s forces invade, Odin, cloaked in disguise, shatters Gram during the fray and allows Sigmund’s defeat.

The broken pieces of Gram are safeguarded by Sigmund’s widow, Hjördis, for their son, Sigurd. Under the guidance of the cunning dwarf blacksmith Reginn, Sigurd is tasked with slaying Fafnir, a fearsome dragon hoarding a vast treasure. Reginn reforges Gram’s fragments into a blade unmatched in strength, the only weapon capable of piercing the beast’s scales. (In true Norse fashion, Fafnir’s tale is tangled: once Reginn’s brother, he slew their father and transformed into a monstrous serpent. Norse myths weave wild family ties—consider Odin’s eight-legged steed!)

This sword, inspired by the mythical dragon-slaying Gram, captures its storied spirit. Described in legend as “adorned with gold and shining bright,” our rendition swaps gleaming brass for the pommel and guard to suit mortal hands. The pommel boasts a dragon’s head, artfully sculpted in the style of ancient Norse artistry. The guard mirrors this with twin dragons, their intricate details accentuated by careful staining, evoking the majesty of a bygone era.

Gram, The Sword of Sigurd has a well-tempered blade forged from 1075 high carbon steel which is etched on both sides with the runes for “protection”, “oak”, “gift”, “fire” and “serpent”. The guard and pommel are finely cast from gleaming antiqued brass with an antique finish to bring out its intricate artistry and detailing. The wooden grip is bound in wet wrap cord-impressioned leather which is intersected with a brass runic ring.

Included is a finely crafted scabbard of wood which is overlaid in richly antique-finished leather which is thoroughly embossed in Norse design. Its scabbard slide of wood is affixed with braised brass wire and knotted through the slide is the included sword belt of thick leather.