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The mighty Masamune sword is embedded in Final Fantasy history but has never been credited to a single character. That all changed when Sephiroth laid claim to his version of the blade, a sword standing out for its power and length. Read on to learn more about this incredible blade and the man who wields it. Let’s begin our Masamune Sephiroth’s Sword guide by seeing who exactly Sephiroth is.
Who is Sephiroth?
Sephiroth is the main antagonist of Final Fantasy VII. From birth, he was trained to be a pawn of the Shinra Company in their elite fighting group SOLDIER. To increase his fighting prowess, Sephiroth was infused with the cells of the powerful alien Jenova while still a fetus.
The first of many to receive such treatment, Sephiroth was born with supernatural power. He quickly became smarter, stronger, and faster than all those around him. Through this prowess, Sephiroth quickly rose through the ranks to SOLDIER 1st Class. His skills and ability with his weapon inspired many to join SOLDIER’s ranks.
Unfortunately, the treatments Sephiroth received as a child would drive him to insanity. Believing that Jenova was his real mother, Sephiroth took up the alien’s mantle and set out to destroy the planet. Here’s all we know about Jenova.
A Look at Sephiroth’s Masamune
Sephiroth’s weapon of choice is the Masamune, a long, thin sword that only he can easily handle. Crafted for two-hand use, Sephiroth wields the blade effortlessly with just one hand due to his enhancements from Jenova’s cells.
The blade is angled in appearance, varying in degree from game to game. The hilt also changes colors during the series, seen as red, blue, gold, or black. The blade guard is rectangular and is typically gold-colored.
Although never clearly stated anywhere, the Masamune is much longer than a sword of its type should be. Loyal fans believe the blade stands about a foot taller than Sephiroth, putting it somewhere in the seven-and-a-half-foot mark.
Designed for slicing opponents, Sephiroth often chooses to impale his enemies with the sword’s impressive length.
What Type of Sword is Masamune?
The Masamune has the appearance of a traditional Japanese ōdachi, meaning a great sword. In feudal Japan, samurai class warriors would carry similar blades, albeit much shorter in length.
The ōdachi carried by samurai needed to be at least three feet long and typically weighed close to five pounds. Japanese fighters would equip this weapon in both hands during battles.
History of the Masamune Name
It’s most likely that the name of Sephiroth’s sword comes from a famous Japanese blacksmith by the name of Gorō Nyūdō Masamune. He most likely lived toward the beginning of the Japanese feudal period circa 1250 AD, when the samurai class first began to appear.
Few of Masamune’s works have survived, but those standing the test of time are katana and tantō. Five of the most popular are in Japan, with one gifted to Harry Truman shortly after the end of World War II.
Masamune Sword Stats
At a pivotal juncture in the original Final Fantasy VII game, players get the opportunity to briefly play as Sephiroth while he was a SOLDIER in Shinra. When checking the equipment menu, the sword shows 99 attack power, 255 hit rate, and a 100% chance of a critical hit. It can house six materials in three linked pairs but has zero materia growth.
Masamune’s Appearances
Sephiroth and his Masamune show up in all versions of Final Fantasy VII, its companion games, and movies.
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII is the original game in an ever-increasing universe, debuting in 1997 for the PlayStation One console.
Being the game’s main antagonist, Sephiroth and his Masamune make several appearances throughout Final Fantasy VII. In one of the saddest moments in video game history, Sephiroth uses Masamune to impale Aerith in hopes of ending any chance she has of restoring the planet.
After increasing his power by entering the Lifestream, Sephiroth obtains the ability to manifest Masamune in his hand any time he chooses to.
While playing games in the Gold Saucer, players have the opportunity to acquire a copy of the sword from the Speed Square section. The replica serves no purpose in the game and can’t be equipped or used.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Sephiroth again shows up as the main bad guy in the new Final Fantasy VII Remake for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. During the game, it becomes clear that Sephiroth uses Masamune to kill Cloud’s mother, Tifa’s father, President Shinra, and even stab Barrett at Shinra Headquarters.
Tifa attempted to use the sword against Sephiroth at one point but lacked the strength to wield the blade. At the end of the remake, Sephiroth uses Masamune to gain access to the singularity, granting him new powers.
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children is a movie that takes place after the events of the original game. Sephiroth, unable to become one with the Lifestream, is resurrected by a clone by the name of Kadaj.
Still able to manifest Masamune at will, Sephiroth shows off the blade’s power during the movie by slicing effortlessly through thick metal structures. During an epic final battle with Cloud, Sephiroth impales Cloud on the shoulder before Cloud can finish him off.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is a prequel to the original Final Fantasy VII, giving more backstory into Sephiroth’s past. Starting in SOLDIER, players see Sephiroth’s excellent swordsmanship through training exercises and on the actual battlefield. At one point, he uses Masamune to slay Ifrit in a single blow.
During the events at Nibelheim, Sephiroth loses his mind and slays most of the town’s population. A battle against Cloud ensues, and Cloud can cast the maniac villain into the Lifestream.
Dissidia Final Fantasy
Sephiroth and Masamune are playable characters in Dissidia Final Fantasy. He commands several sword attacks in the game, including Reaper, Fervent Blow, and his powerful Octaslash.
Kingdom Hearts
Sephiroth is an optional boss in Kingdom Hearts, appearing in his original form. He carries Masamune and is considered the hardest boss in the game.
History of the Masamune in Final Fantasy Games
The legacy of the Masamune sword doesn’t begin with Sephiroth. Most Final Fantasy games from the very first have some form of the sword in them. In many cases, it is the most or nearly the most powerful sword players can find.
At times, the sword is limited to a certain character or class. In others, anyone can equip the mighty blade. It even appears in many offshoot games like Final Fantasy Tactics and lesser-known Final Fantasy titles.
Buying a Physical Masamune Sword
A handful of companies have attempted to recreate Sephiroth’s famous Masamune in real life. These blades are made out of stainless steel material and would in no way be usable in a ComicCon setting. They are slightly shorter than the sword from the game but designed to look and feel the same. The swords average five feet in length.
FAQ
Question: How Long is Sephiroth’s Masamune?
Answer: It’s never revealed just how long Sephiroth’s sword is, and its size does change depending on the game you’re playing. By best estimates, Masamune ranges anywhere between six and eight feet in length.
Question: How Heavy is Sephiroth’s Masamune?
Answer: Typical ōdachi average three feet in length and weigh about 5 pounds. Given that Sephiroth’s Masamune is at least twice this length, one can assume that the sword weighs somewhere between 10 and 20 pounds. Given how long it is, it would be that much more unwieldy to use.
Question: Can Sephiroth Summon Masamune?
Answer: At various places in Final Fantasy VII, Sephiroth leaves his Masamune impaled in his target. At some point, the villain discovers a way to manifest the sword back into his hand whenever he needs to make use of it.
Question: Why Does Sephiroth Have a Long Sword?
Answer: Due to his uncharacteristic strength, Sephiroth can move and use objects that most can’t handle. It only seems natural that the villain would carry a sword matching his prowess as a fighter.
Conclusion
Sephiroth’s Masamune makes him stand out as one of the most memorable villains from any game. The sword’s power brings to an end countless characters throughout the Final Fantasy VII series, often in gruesome ways. With the Final Fantasy VII remake unfinished, Masamune’s story is not yet at its end.