Key Point: The Spear of Destiny is a legendary relic said to be the spear used to pierce the side of Jesus during the crucifixion. It is the subject of numerous myths and is associated with powerful symbolism and mystical significance.
Here we will be taking a look at a weapon from the Christian legend … the Lance of Destiny a.k.a Lance of Longinus. You will see what this weapon was, why it got itself etched in world history, and of course how it got its name.
So, let’s begin by first describing what a lance of Longinus is.
What Is Lance Of Longinus?
The Lance of Longinus, also known as the Holy Lance or the Spear of Destiny, is a legendary weapon with significant religious and historical symbolism. According to the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible, the lance was used by a Roman soldier to pierce the side of Jesus Christ during the crucifixion.
And from that one even the weapon got itself etched in world history.
But what did the Lance of Longinus or the Spear of Destiny actually look like?
Well, given that we know who wielded the spear of destiny (the Romans) and the rough timeframe of when the crucifixion happened we can conclude what kind of weapon it was.
It was likely the Roman Hasta (spear).
It was a six to seven feet spear. Made from hardwood such as ash, oak, or cherry. It had a leaf-shaped iron blade that measured approximately 10 to 12 inches in length.
Now that we’ve covered the description of the Lance of Longinus, let’s explore its historical and cultural context.
Its Historical And Cultural Context
The Lance of Longinus holds great significance in Christian tradition and has been associated with various historical events. In medieval times, it was believed to possess mystical powers and was sought after by kings and emperors who believed it could grant them victory in battle.
The lance’s association with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ elevated its importance, and it became a symbol of divine authority and protection.
For Example …
One notable example is Emperor Constantine the Great. He is said to have sought the Lance of Longinus during his reign in the 4th century.
He believed that the lance would grant him divine favor and ensure his success in battles. This association with the lance further enhanced Constantine’s image as a ruler blessed by divine intervention.
Another example can be found in the Holy Roman Empire. Emperors and kings, such as Charlemagne and Frederick Barbarossa, considered the lance as a symbol of their legitimacy and authority.
They believed that possessing the lance would bestow upon them the divine right to rule and ensure their political stability and military victories.
And of course, the Crusaders had as one of their official reasons for pillaging the Middle East “finding religious artifacts”.
They saw these relics as tangible connections to their faith and as powerful talismans in their struggle against their adversaries.
This leads us to its supposed mythical properties and the powers ascribed to it.
Spear Of Destinys Powers …
According to legends, the lance was believed to possess supernatural qualities. It supposedly granted invincibility to the person who possessed it. And some accounts claim that the lance had healing abilities and could cure ailments or ward off evil spirits.
Now, let’s move on to one of the famous stories involving the lance.
Legends Surrounding The Lance
One famous story is the saga of the Holy Grail, where the lance is often included as one of the sacred relics sought by the knights of Arthurian legend. The lance’s role in these stories represents its connection to divine power and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
Now to tie everything together, let’s explore how the Lance of Longinus has been presented in modern media.
Modern Day Depictions
The Lance has made appearances in various forms of literature, art, and popular culture. It has been depicted in novels, films, and video games.
One rather famous example is its inclusion in the Assassin’s Creed games.
In the “Assassin’s Creed” games, the Lance of Longinus plays a significant role as one of the powerful Pieces of Eden.
The lance is depicted as a formidable weapon capable of influencing minds and altering the course of events. So it is sought after by various factions within the game’s narrative, including the Templars and the Assassins, who vie for its control and the power it bestows.
In Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you learned a thing or two. And if you wish to continue learning about mythical weapons from various world cultures then I suggest you go here. There I discuss a weapon from French Legends.
And to discover a weapon used in the Greek myths then I suggest you check out my article on their Greek harpe. You can find it here.
Take care!
Sources:
“The Holy Lance: Myth, Legend, and Power” by Andrew Sinclair