...But as the Prophet burned, a silence fell. For though flame licked mortal flesh, she would not cry. The hearts of the people filled with shame, and all were silent with her. It was then the Prophet raised her eyes, her visage wreathed with sacred flame. It was then I saw her sorrow and her acceptance. I felt the flame eat mine own flesh. I felt its slow death upon me and knew her suffering. Through flame I walked and drove the sword into her heart. And so the Prophet was released. The Maker whispered in my ear and knew I had become the instrument of Her will.
An interpretation of the conversion of Hessarian, the Tevinter magistrate who killed Andraste; claims that it draws from a text written by Hessarian himself remain unconfirmed (and likely will forever be)
In every corner of the world where a Chantry stands erect, I have never seen Andraste's death portrayed the same way. Some show her in great pain, others welcoming of her fate. Some show Andraste's killer, Hessarian, taking great pride in his actions, others show him with great regret.
What stands out most to me is the similarities amongst all the depictions: a blade engulfed in flame, (seemingly Andraste's, and thus the Maker's). Of all things, why would a weapon of steel be remembered more than our holiest prophet? Simple: it's more than what it lets on.
Its history is elusive, for it stayed in the Imperium for some long time, but from studying Emperor Kordilius Drakon I of Orlais I have come to the conclusion that it fell into his hands at some point during his later years. Was it what allowed him to be as famed as he is now? Did it guide him? Or did he guide it? And why are there so few mentions of this blade in recent history?
This mysterious blade only creates more questions than it answers, assuming it even exists (which may be wishful thinking).
It should be noted: the symbol of the Templars is an artistic depiction of this same weapon.
From Thedas: Myths and Legends, by Ferdinand Genitivi
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