Bifasknir - The World Shaker

In Istharian history and belief Bifasknir (Emblaetir: "To shake/quake"), was the hunting spear of Saga - "The Hero of Thunder Valley" (though there is academic debate over whether it could more accuratly be referred to as a javelin). Saga brought it with him to fight the Thunder Calamity that resulted in Thunder Valley's creation, so the original was lost along with Saga.
Bifasknir is described as being entirely wooden, even the spear tip, yet as durable as metal, but still flexible. A single crest is present just above the typical holding grip on the spear that is believed to be a duplicate of Saga's Emblem, that has been used as his family crest. On the butt, the spear is split into two long prongs that form a U shape (resembling a tuning fork).
Given the shape of Bifasknir's butt, its ability to flex, and its names meaning ("to shake" or "to quake") it is believed the spear was designed to carry vibrations from the tuning fork end, though the shaft, and into a pierced target - causing them to "shake" or more accuratly vibrate. These vibrations would be capable of stunning any target the spear hit. It is additionally thought that this allowed Bifasknir to fly silently (or nearly) through the air, making it an ideal hunting spear.
Saga is depicted as holding Bifasknir in his statue located at the outer areas of Isthramir near Thunder Valley, built to watch over the valley and protect the town. This statue is the primary source for the shape of Bifasknir.

History

Bifasknir is the hunting spear of Saga, as recorded in Istharian history.
It is only recorded post Saga's journey into Var Nexa, so is commonly agreed to have originated from said area.
However, given the lack of records from Saga's journey and his reported poor crafting abilities, it is unknown where the hunter obtained his spear.
Bifasknir was Saga's favoured weapon, and used as his primary weapon for the rest of his life for hunting and combat following his return from Var Nexa.
This was true till his death, with the last recorded location of Bifasknir being when Saga took it with him to fight the Thunder Calamity, and resulting create Thunder Valley near Isthramir.
This is belived to be Bifasknir's final resting place, alongside it's wielder, though like Saga noone has been able to verify this.

Significance

Bifasknir is one of the great relics of the Istharian people, signfiying the bravery and strength of their greatest hero in facing down the Calamity that threatened their town.
For its part in this event, to Istharians this hunting spear represents "reaching for the future." Subsequently, its image is often present or evoked in events and celebrations surrounding the concept, such as birthdays or the first day of summer.

Current Location

Var Nexa

Related ethnicities

• Istharian

Rarity

Bifasknir is a one of a kind weapon. While duplicates have been made, they have not replicated the features Bifasknir is said to have, so are typically religated to decorative or cerimonial purpose.
This is said to be owed to the material it is constructed from, a type of wood that has not been found in the Outer Plateaus and belived to originate from Var Nexa.

Weight

1.5kg

Dimensions

7ft (length)

Raw materials & Components

The spear is reportedly Ashen - made of Ash Wood - that results in a near perfectly straight shaft that was ideal for throwing.
Even the spear head and tuning fork shaped butt are made from the material, as if the entire spear was wittled from a large block of wood, rather than seperate pieces that were attached together.