Ghal Maraz
Ghal Maraz ("Skull Splitter" in Dwarf Language), also known as the Hammer of Sigmar, is a Dwarf warhammer wielded by the famed founder of the Empire, Sigmar Heldenhammer. [3]
History
Creation of the weapon is attributed to Dwarf Ancestor Gods Thungni the God of Runesmiths and his older brother Smednir the Shaper of Ore at the dawn of time. [2][3]
It was gifted to the human Sigmar by the Dwarf High King Kurgan Ironbeard after Sigmar rescued him from a band of Greenskins. According to Alaric the Mad the hammer itself was crafted by ancient Dwarfs, and the skill, power and patience put into its creation was never possible again, effectively making Ghal Maraz unique in its power.[3]
When he was growing old, Sigmar abdicated his throne and disappeared, intending to return the hammer to the High King of Karaz Ankor. In 500 IC An Imperial Dwarf delegation returned the hammer to emperor Sigismund II. It has since been passed down from Emperor to Emperor, and is currently held by Karl Franz as a symbol of the Emperors authority.[3]
Storm of Chaos
During the Storm of Chaos however, Karl Franz granted the hammer to Valten, Sigmar's champion, to wield. Upon Valten's death the hammer presumably passed back to Karl Franz.
Attributes
Similar to many other Dawi weapons, it contains immense power in the form of Dwarf Runes. Depending on what the sources the hammer contains as much as five runes.[3]
Two Hammer Theory
A contested historical theory questions the legitimacy of the hammer gifted to Sigismund II. The Cult of Sigmar and the Imperial goverment both consider the hammer to be the original. But the powers of that hammer did not seem match the powers of the hammer of Sigmar. It has been suspected that the hammer wielded by emperors is a mastercrafted fake, but it is also possible that the tales have been enhanced during successful retellings [3]
Quotes
| I gave Sigmar this hammer for a reason. True enough, it is a weapon, a mighty weapon to be sure, but it is so much more than that. Ghal-Maraz is a symbol of unity, a symbol of what can be achieved through unity. A hammer is force and dominance, has the power to create as well destroy. A hammer can crush and kill, but it can shape metal, build homes and mend that which is broken. See this mighty gift for what is, a weapon and a symbol of all that can be. Men of the lands west of the mountains, heed Sigmar's words, for he speaks with the wisdom of the ancients |
Notes
 |
According to a sign on the wall of Bugman's Bar in Nottingham's Warhammer World, the Dwarfs reclaimed Ghal Maraz after Sigmar's death, considering it to have been loaned, rather than given. What subsequent Emperors, up to and including Franz, have possessed, is a replica, though the Dwarfs are unsure where it came from.
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Attention, Scribe of the Lexicanum!
This article needs some improvement on its citations. |
Sources
- 1: Legend of Sigmar (anthology): Heldenhammer (novel)
- 1a: Thirteen: A gathering of Kings, pg. 192-198
- 2: Dwarfs: Stone and Steel: Dwarf Religion, pg. 75-76
- 3: Dwarf Players Guide: Runic Weapons of Renown, pg. 118
- Warhammer Armies: The Empire (7th Edition), Needs Citation
- Heldenhammer (Novel), Needs Citation
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