The Naming of Swords

From: kynara54leddon (Original Message)
Sent: 1/1/2008 8:23 PM

In the ancient days, warriors in many lands claimed (and named) their weapons. Even today, in literature and legend, these names come down to us to invoke a sense of wonder and mystery:

Charlemagne(1): Joyeuse
Charlamagne (2): Closamount King
Arthur (1): Excalibur King
Arthur (2): Caliburn
Gawain: Galatyn
Roland: Durandal
Edward the Confessor: Curtana
Beowulf: Naegling
Julius Caesar: Crocea Mors "Yellow Death" (source: Geof of Monmouth)
Marc Anthony: Philippan (source: William Shakespeare)
Nanigi: Kusanagi "Herb Queller" (Sanshu no Shinki/The Three Treasures)
Siegfried: Balmung
Mohammad (1): Al Battar "Beater"
Mohammad (2): Dhu'l Fakar "Sharp"
Mohammad (3): Halef: "Deadly"
Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar/El Cid (2): Colada
Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar/El Cid (2):
Tizona Tethra, King of Fomor: Orna (source: "Book of Invasions")
Lugh Lamfada: An Fragarach "Retaliator" (source: "Mabinogion")
Ferghus Mac Roich: Caladbolg (source: "Tain Bo Cualgne")
Kormak Ogmundsson: Skofnung (source: Saga Ogmundsson)
Surt: Laevateinn "Staff of Destruction" (source: Voluspa)
King Rhydderch Hael: Dyrnwyn (Thirteen Hallows of England)

So, all of this begs a question: if you ever find (or found?) yourself the proud posessor of a weapon of renown, what name would you give it? (and why?) Since I asked the question, it's only fair that I start. In the Chivalry for Children program, there are 4 swords present during the class (three of which have recorded names: Talismen, Geburah, and Windwalker. The first two blades were named by their owners because of aspects they saw in the swords themselves. The last blade, Windwalker, was named by a Native American Elder in honor of the Civil War veteran it originally belonged to. The name has been retained in honor of the original owner (and out of respect for the Elder who named it).

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"The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom; to serve all, but love only one. " Honore de Balzac
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From: Jonathon_TN
Sent: 12/11/2008 8:27 PM

I have a bayonette that I obtained in a curious manner. I sometimes refer to it as The "Sword in the Barrel" from the manner I obtained it. It's an M1 Garand, bayonette, possibly milled from a previous bayonete for the 1903 Springfield (as did happen early in ww2 when supplies were scarce). I dont usually call it by name but I like to have it around. It's got tally marks on the handle. I didn't put them there .I have a 8mm Mauser rifle I sometimes call Isabella. It was made in a Spanish Armory and probably did some time propping up an unsavory regime. But it's mine now.