Hello, fellow story adventurers!
In this week’s podcast episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I dove into the enduring appeal of swords in fiction—and why, despite being wildly impractical in most modern settings, they continue to slice their way into our stories. Here’s a condensed look at some of the highlights, along with updates from my current writing projects.
⚔️ Why Swords Still Cut Deep in Storytelling
From Arthur’s Excalibur to the lightsaber duels of Jedi knights, swords have captured our imagination for centuries. But why do they still show up everywhere?
Symbolism & Status
Swords aren’t just weapons—they’re icons. They represent discipline, justice, and identity. In stories, they’re often a sign that someone’s been chosen for something great—or at least something dangerous.
That’s the case of Dan in Dark Blade Forged…
Chosen for something Dangerous
Intimacy & Versatility
Unlike distant weapons, sword combat is up close and personal. It raises the stakes emotionally and physically, making it a perfect tool for high-drama, character-driven conflict.
Emotional Punch
Sword fights are rarely just about the blade. They’re about the clash of worldviews, betrayal, honor, and sometimes—mid-duel revelations. (“I am your father,” anyone?)
Cultural Universality
Swords show up in myths from every corner of the globe—from samurai katanas to Persian scimitars. They are universal symbols of power, courage, and conflict resolution (preferably with flair).
🎬 Reality vs. Fiction: Swordplay Myths Busted
While sword fights in film are thrilling, they’re also pretty far from the truth. A few fun facts:
- Real fights are fast. No ten-minute duels with witty banter. More like ten seconds and someone’s down.
- Parries are subtle. No dramatic blade-clashing over and over. That’s how you ruin a sword.
- Armor isn’t paper. You can’t slice through a knight like butter. Sorry, movies.
For more on this, I consulted some great resources (shoutout to the sword-nerds of Reddit, Uncanny Magazine, and Perplexity AI), all of which helped me break down what makes fictional swordplay fun and what real combat actually looked like.
✍️ Current Writing Projects
Poetry Collection
I’ve had a humbling realization: “done” is not the same as “polished.” I’m learning to slow down, take my time with each poem, and trust the revision process. It’s like swordsmithing—craft matters.
Fantasy Novel
My chracters are currently on an island exploring culture, engaging in conflict, and this WIP is almost to the climax scene… And yes, there are sword fights—both literal and metaphorical.
⚡Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the gleam of a blade or the inner fire of a story in progress, swords and storytelling share a beautiful truth: they both demand practice, passion, and purpose.
If you want more behind-the-scenes writing talk, book updates, and the occasional poetic ramble, be sure to subscribe to the podcast or check out the latest episodes.
Until next time—keep writing, keep dreaming, and maybe sharpen your metaphorical sword.