Michonne's Katana

Michonne's katana is the signature instrument of one of The Walking Dead universe's most formidable survivors. Armed with a katana and harboring a mysterious past, in both the comic and TV series Michonne has a prominent role in the conflict between the town of Woodbury led by The Governor, and the Prison group. In the television series it first appears when Michonne saves Andrea from a walker by decapitating it.

Quick Facts

Wielder: Michonne Hawthorne
Distinctive feature: Used to secure two walkers as bodyguards early in her journey

Lore & Background

In the television series, she is first seen towing two armless, jawless zombies in shackles, using them as camouflage and repellent—their presence and scent fools other walkers into thinking those accompanying them are also walkers. Michonne has demonstrated economic uses for her pet walkers, such as using them as human pack mules by loading supplies onto their backs. In the mid-season finale "Too Far Gone," the Governor ultimately decapitates Hershel with Michonne's katana.

Later, when the Governor is punching Rick in the face, Michonne impales him through the chest with her katana, killing him. In the comic series, Michonne has a difficult time relinquishing her sword when the survivors locate the town of Alexandria, but resident Olivia persuades Douglas to allow Michonne to keep her weapon. She settles into her new home and even hangs her sword above the mantle, recalling all of the horrific ways she has used it to survive, and finally proclaims, "I am through with you."