Nightblood

A sentient sword created by Shashara and Vasher, wielded by the mysterious Awakener Vasher.

Nightblood is a magical, incredibly powerful sentient sword wielded by Vasher in Brandon Sanderson's fantasy novel Warbreaker. Created by Shashara and Vasher together, with Vasher providing the Command 'destroy evil', this weapon possesses its own consciousness and does not Awaken objects; instead, it consumes Breath and destroys Investiture. The sword serves as a central element in the conflict between Idrians and Hallandren, appearing during critical moments where Vasher and Vivenna work together to undo damage caused by mercenaries. Nightblood represents a unique application of BioChromatic Breath, standing apart from standard Awakening practices due to its sentience and its Command to 'destroy evil', which causes it to consume Breath.

Lore & Background

Nightblood was born from a specific BioChromatic experiment conducted by Shashara and Vasher, two of the Five Scholars, with Vasher providing the Command 'destroy evil', distinguishing it as a weapon of unique origin within the world of Nalthis. The source identifies Nightblood explicitly as a 'weapon created in a BioChromatic experiment' that possesses sentience. It is wielded by Vasher, described as a mysterious man who can use his BioChromatic Breath to Awaken objects and who is incredibly skilled at this art.

Unlike other Awakeners who might command multiple items, Nightblood stands alone as a singular entity with its own will. The sword does not merely follow commands; it exists as an active participant in the narrative, accompanying Vasher through the slums of Hallandren and into the heart of the conflict. Its presence is tied to the broader magic system where Breath serves as the source of energy for Awakening, yet Nightblood transcends typical usage by holding its own sentience and by consuming Breath rather than performing Awakening.

Reader's Guide

Nightblood functions as both a weapon and a character within Warbreaker. To understand its role, one must recognize it as a product of BioChromatic experimentation that resulted in sentience. It is exclusively associated with Vasher, who is described as 'incredibly skilled' at Awakening. The sword's utility is demonstrated when Vasher uses it to execute Denth after being freed by Vivenna. This action halts the conspiracy to instigate war between Idrians and Hallandren. Furthermore, Nightblood is linked to Vasher's identity as one of the Five Scholars, a group that originally discovered how to use BioChromatic Breath. The sword does not operate independently but requires a wielder like Vasher to direct its power effectively against threats such as Denth or the Pahn Kahl servants.