Sword of Khaine

Sword of Khaine refers to a fictional Item in the Warhammer Fantasy setting.

The Sword of Khaine, also known as the "Widowmaker", is an immensely-powerful weapon, perhaps the most powerful in the known Warhammer world, described as being able to slay even gods.

Although named a sword, the weapon may take any form, usually the one most fitting to its desired wielder. It is said to be the physical manifestation of murder and violence, lusting for blood, it whispers to all that approach its shrine, promising them the chance to become all-powerful in exchange for enough blood to sate its thirst. However, the deal is inevitably a hopeless one, since the amount of blood desired is much too great.

It is kept in a shrine dedicated to Khaine on a far-flung island, owned by the High Elves. However, this does not stop the Dark Elves from attempting to capture the island, and many bloody battles are fought near the shrine. Aenarion, the first king of the High Elves, used the blade to repulse a Chaos invasion. Just before his death, Aenarion is said to have driven the sword into its alter so deeply that none can draw it again. Aenarion's descendants, the twins Tyrion and Teclis, are tainted by the blade's curse, in the novel, Defenders of Ulthuan it is strongly hinted at, that this curse involves possessing a great bitterness and lust for battle.

The weapon's form appears to change depending on who views it: To Aenarion it was a sword, to Malekith it was a sceptre, to Caledor the Conqueror it was a lance, and to Tyrion it is a sword (but he did not draw it).