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Excalibur (エクスカリバー, Ekusukaribā) is the sentient holy sword,[2] one of the Great Old Ones,[4] and a former member of the Eight Reaper Legions.[3] Predating the demon weapon race and serving as the inspiration that led to their creation,[10] he is the most powerful weapon in the world.[2]

Personality[]

Excalibur takes after his original meister Arthur Boyle in his arrogance, causal demeanor, and tendency to make bad impressions on people despite having a universally compatible soul wavelength. As a result, even those who are able to become Excalibur's partner discard him after enough time has passed for their tolerance of him to waver.

Regarded as being a greater narcissist than even Black☆Star, this defective personality is only exacerbated by his short temperament and patience, making Excalibur truly insufferable to all but a "chosen" few. It is for this reason alone that those who are able to utilize Excalibur long enough to achieve anything significant are praised with titles such as "hero" and "king", as only they possess the means and/or strength of will to withstand Excalibur's numerous annoying deficiencies.

This dysfunctional personality manifests itself most frequently in the declaration of the word "fool" (バカメ, bakame), employed as a means of interruption to those Excalibur views with disdain and contempt, which due to his extensive superiority complex is practically applicable to everyone. Amongst such disparaging remarks, Excalibur propagates numerous nonsensical and confused rants about its supposed mythic exploits, before bursting into song. If these defects aren't enough to fend off any would be advocates, his mannerisms will surely repulse even the most convicted of individuals, whether it be from Excalibur waving his cane just millimeters from other's faces or one of his deplorable sneezing fits.

Despite this, he has portrayed moments of complete seriousness when called upon. He was serious with Arthur and with Shinigami. Furthermore, he has been willing to lend himself to people without his provisions, such as to Liz when they were trying to save Kid. This hints at a more complex personality. In fact, one could consider his annoying personality was crafted as a result of him being the "Elder God of Madness Born From Rage."

Appearance[]

Excalibur in the manga

Excalibur's full appearance.

Excalibur is a simplistic anthropomorphic creature, whose diminished stature barely even equates to that of a small child. Its misshapen facial features comprise of bulbous eyes. He also has a prominent upturned snout, a physical representation alluding to its reserved and pretentious attitude, while the remainder of its small white body displays slender limbs and feet strangely akin to those of a rabbit. The only slight indication of Excalibur's prestige is his high quality attire, consisting from a white top hat that nearly equals him in height and a similarly coloured shirt with a frilled ruff, worn under a white jacket. However, this esteemed air is severely compromised by the absence of any clothing covering the creature's lower half. Excalibur also is never seen without his signature cane, which strangely seems to be an extension of himself, since it transforms into and out of weapon form with him.[11]

Power[]

Manga

According to Franken Stein, Excalibur is undoubtedly the strongest weapon in the world, making him far superior in power to even the Death Scythes within Death Weapon Meister Academy or fabled weapons such as the Uncanny Sword and Poseidon's Lance.[12] As a Great Old One, his soul wavelength is at a godly level and as such, his very presence able to render a person mad.[9]

Despite his great power, he is still weaker than Asura, a fellow member of the Eight Reaper Legions, whom Asura was stated by Death to be their strongest member.[13]

Special Abilities[]

Transformation (変身, Henshin): Excalibur is capable of transformation between his normal form and his sword form.[2]

Soul Eater Chapter 74 - Liz wields Excalibur

Excalibur's sword form wielded.

  • Legendary Holy Sword (伝説の聖剣, Densetsu no seiken): The very presence of his transformation makes the air in the immediate vicinity vibrate and when its considerable powers are initially invoked, the surrounding area is bathed in a brilliant dazzling light.[2] Enamored with strong, magical power,[14] its wielders grow Wings of Light and gains the ability of instantaneous teleportation. In addition, each swing slices through space itself.[15] The weapon is able to resonate with anyone and everyone, provided they're capable of bearing the obnoxious personality of Excalibur himself.[2]
    • Wings of Light (光の翼, Hikari no Tsubasa): A pair of bright wings are given to anyone who is wielding Excalibur, giving them the ability of flight at high and capable speeds. In addition to this, Excalibur is also shown to summon forth wings on his own Weapon form to fly independently.[16]
    • Teleportation (瞬間移動, Shunkanidō): Those wielding Excalibur can teleport instantly from location to another.[2] The speed of the teleportation is instantaneous, as shown when Hero using Excalibur was capable of dodging Triple F (Flame Flit Fist) and Sanzu River Shot despite their incredible speeds.[8]

Madness Wavelength (狂気の波長, Kyōki no hachō): Being a Great Old One, Excalibur is reputed to have a godly-level Madness Wavelength on par with the likes of Kishin Asura. It is said by the Great Old One of Power that his very existence drives men to insanity.[3]

Chapter 74 - Excalibur evades Spartoi

Excalibur easily evades Spartoi trying to grab him.

  • Madness of Anger (怒りの狂気, Ikari no kyōki): Nothing is known of the true nature of the Madness of Anger other than as the name suggest, those under the subject of this Madness is pulled into insanity in some shape or form relating to anger, likely due to how easily he can annoyingly disgust anyone who tries to bond with him with infuriation of his personality.[9]

Agility: Despite his looks and demeanor, Excalibur possesses some sort of eccentric skill in avoiding attacks from multiple individuals. This is seen when he easily avoid the attempts of Spartoi members Kilik Rung, Black☆Star, and Patty Thompson, whom are among the most competent unarmed fighters within Spartoi and with the first two aforementioned being some of the DWMA's top students.[9]

History[]

Early life[]

Excalibur first manifested in the Old World while Arthur Boyle was in contact with the reality manipulative energy known as Adolla during the Second Great Cataclysm, Arthur's delusions and bond with his weapon giving Excalibur a soul. Excalibur was present during a battle with an entity known as the Evangelist, being with Arthur to witness Shinra Kusakabe's battle with said woman.[5]

Chapter 302 - Arthur and Excalibur

Excalibur with his meister as part of World Heroes Force

After the creation of the New World thanks to the actions of Shinra Kusakabe, Excalibur assumed his current incarnation form in the area that would eventually be somewhere within the United Kingdom (formerly referred to as Great Britain), where he claimed to be born.[9][5] A member of the World Heroes Force, Excalibur would tag alongside his meister, Arthur, to hunt for the monster known as Hydra until meeting up with fellow troops Shinra and Ogun Montgomery. He is present when the monster's summoner was revealed to be Inca Kasugatani, who extorted Shinra to bear her children to keep her from causing further trouble.[5][17]

13th Century[]

Later in his life, he served as one of the warlords of the Eight Reaper Legions.[9] During his tenure, he earned the scorn and dislike of Eibon. Though he would model the demon weapons off of Excalibur, he'd never admit it to the sword due to his egotistical attitude.[18] Due to serving with the warlords and their strong sense of justice, Excalibur would be one of the key figures that led their fellow warlord, Asura, down the path of becoming a Kishin.[19] Following Asura's betrayal and sealing, he would come to reside within the Eternal Cave.

Synopsis[]

Demon Sword arc[]

Happened upon by a curious Death the Kid and Black☆Star while in his weapon form, both express surprise at being capable of drawing the sword despite the legends. He introduces himself and assumes his true form, only to be called lame by the assassin.[20]

He begins to annoy the duo when he keeps interrupting them after asking both of them specific questions and pointing his cane at Black☆Star. With them being potential meisters, Excalibur gives them both a packet containing his 1,000 rules and after expressing his wanting of them to attend his five hour recitation, he transforms again and accept the two as his meisters. However, both Kid and Black☆Star find him too annoying despite his plea of cutting down his 1,000 rules to 800 instead (though insists on them attending his five hour recitation).[21]

At some point prior to the next day, he leaves the both of them an over-the-top message stating that he'll "be always waiting for them" in the Class Crescent Moon room.[22]

Black Dragon arc[]

Reunion Express arc[]

The following day and numerous incapacitated pupils litter the ground outside of the academy, while a pretentious Excalibur accompanied by an equally exhilarated Hero, asserts that the previous acquaintances in his legendary narrative where far more stimulating and as such, maybe the youth of the DWMA need to be enlightened by this exalted mentor. Attempting to recollect the exact details regarding the inception of his tale, but becoming entirely preoccupied by that day's weather conditions and the noble impression he exudes, Excalibur suddenly demands a five minute break that requires the expectant spectators to assume the "seiza" style until the period concludes. Interrupted by the "ignorant fool" that is Black☆Star, Excalibur is informed that he was a prolific tormentor of his current partner. Despite the two meisters proceeding to converse between themselves about how Hero actually finds the 1000 Provisions not only tolerable but rather agreeable, Excalibur gets the notion that someone has mentioned the day in which his legend began. Infuriating Black☆Star with his indecisiveness, he assumes an eternally vacant stare that only serves to enrage his opposition further, resulting in an inevitable dispute.[23]

Soul Eater Chapter 32

With him, Hero defeats all the top Academy students.

With Black☆Star, Death the Kid, and Kilik Rung accepting this challenge; Excalibur proclaims that he will engrave his legend into their very bodies, before adopting a radiant pose in his fully transformed state, chanting in unison with his partner "come victory, come glory, as one". Releasing his wings of light in response to Black☆Star's impetuous charge, "Hero the Brave" avoids with ease, stating that those who cannot follow the light, can never catch him. However, exposing himself to the resultant combined counter of Kid and Kilik Rung, Hero is forced to traverse space at the speed of light just to dodge. Appearing just as swiftly as his departure, the entire opposition are engulfed in an enormous explosion that defeats them all instantaneously, with these events occurring so quickly that to the casual observer it appears as if nothing has happened.[24]

Soul Eater Chapter 32

Excalibur is retuned to his cave.

Indulging himself in his perverse pleasures without consequence, while always acting in accordance with Excalibur's requirements that now comprise nearly ninety percent of his day, Hero even receives congratulations for his tireless efforts from both his partner and the DWMA, who are considering upgrading him from a one-star meister to that of a three-star in a single promotion. Evidently pleased by the current state of affairs, Hero momentarily forgets to remain three paces behind Excalibur but suffers the consequent reprimand rather happily, which instead causes Excalibur to have a nasty fit of sneezes. However, by the next day, things have returned to normality and Hero once again succumbs to the academy's bullies in the absence of Excalibur. Questioned as to whether he had finally grown annoyed of the 1000 Provisions prescribed by Excalibur's covenant, Hero explains that it was instead the creature's incessant sneezing that he couldn't stand, forcing him to return the sword to its previous residence.[25]

Salvage[]

As the young members of Spartoi continue their courageous infiltration into the sinful depths of the Book of Eibon in order to retrieve an imprisoned Kid, their inevitable decline through the entirety of the seven deadly sins that comprise the chapters of this particular tome, ultimately draws them into the fourth chapter entitled "Wrath". Turbulent and disruptive, this domain was designed with the express purpose of intensifying an individual's dormant aggression, which it aptly demonstrates upon its current temporary inhabitants. Regaining his composure amidst numerous volatile eruptions, Black☆Star inquires about the impending trials that await them here, entirely unaware of the approaching ordeal located just behind him.[26]

Excalibur Wrath

Excalibur appears within the Book of Eibon

Greeting these familiar acquaintances, the initial irritation caused by Excalibur's introduction is soon replaced instead by laughter, at the realization that this moronic creature was captured by Noah in spite of its supposed prestige. Refuting this absurd claim with a brief recital of his capricious nature, which meant that his desires simply coincided with the individual who brought him here, Excalibur talks over any further misgivings about this explanation. Inquiring about the groups reasons behind their presence in such a place, suggesting that it may be to seek his power, he continues to disregard their replies and instead indicates that he isn't easily obtained. Challenged about his ignorance, Excalibur declares that the words of "fools" are meaningless, before informing the spectators that the similarities between itself and The Table of Contents are present due to Eibon utilizing him as the devices basis. Granting them the right to speak, Excalibur continues regardless and after meditating upon the insolence of referring to him as the "Former Governor" that invites people to anger, despite him bringing so much joy to others, he bursts into song.[27]

Concurring that this creature is verily and truly insufferable, even The Table of Contents notes that Excalibur's mere presence has disturbed the order of the book and thrown its letters into disarray, while acknowledging that perhaps its form is indeed based on that of Excalibur, albeit born from Eibon's desire to lower the ostentatious creature's upturned nose. Ignoring Excalibur's resultant claim that all literary works originate from him, a plan is formulated to proceed to the next chapter but to ensure that they are not interrupted again; the attention of the Holy Sword must be distracted. In spite of easily evading numerous futile attempts at capture, Excalibur's concentration is momentarily averted, allowing Spartoi's plot to be enacted.[28]

Soul Eater Chapter 74 - Liz wields Excalibur

Liz wields Excalibur

Escaping into the relative sanctuary of the next chapter, the group momentarily basks in the realms tranquility due to a certain absence but this relief is only temporary, as Excalibur appears once again. Neglecting their disparaging remarks, Excalibur graciously offers his strength and aware of the youths' objective, affirms that this can be achieved instantaneously with just a single swing of his sword. Beckoning them to make use of him, only Liz Thompson's conviction allows her to overcome her reluctance and slash the blade, causing a spatial rift between two separate locations. However, unable to suffer such an offense to her pride by wielding Excalibur, she throws the sword through the resultant tear and yells as it departs, "get the hell out of this book!!!" Because what resembles the Eternal Cave can be seen through the portal, it is likely Liz returned Excalibur to his resting place.[29]

Look Up and You'll See Him[]

Soul Eater Chapter 89 - Locations

Maka senses Excalibur--three times

When Maka scans the world looking for Crona with her Soul Perception, Excalibur's cave can be seen several times. It seems that after being tossed out of the Book of Eibon, Excalibur retired to his former dwelling.

This can also been another hint towards Excalibur's nature as a Great Old One as it was during this Soul Perception search that Maka had been using Madness to find Crona, seeing Excalibur several times hints well towards this.[30]

The Moon[]

As Crona landed and went into the Moon, Excalibur started sneezing continuously. Later, he flew and crash landed in Death City . He said he came to watch the battle. Shinigami says to Excalibur that it would be great if he were to fight with them. Excalibur responds by saying that the same thing is true for the former god of order.

Dark Side of the Moon[]

Excalibur is with Death in the Death Room when Kid, on the Moon, finally connects all three Lines of Sanzu to become a full shinigami. However, as only one full shinigami exists at any one time, Kid's ascension leads to the demise of Death. As Death dies, he asks Excalibur to keep an eye on Kid, which Excalibur agrees to do. Excalibur clutches his cane and seems to bow his head before the smoldering, empty Cloak of Contents.

Versus Asura[]

Aftermath[]

Soul Eater Chapter 113 - Kid dons the cloak

The new Lord Death dons his cloak

After members of the DWMA trap Asura behind a Black Blood barrier on the Moon, Death the Kid returns to the Academy and races to the Death Room to inform his father of their victory. Kid is annoyed to find Excalibur present and demands to know where his father is.

Kid realizes he cannot feel his father’s wavelength. Excalibur explains as only he can: “Fool! He died!” Kid thinks the weapon is joking, only for Excalibur to explain that only one “real shinigami” may appear at any one time, hence when Kid accessed the full power of a shinigami, its power, and the life of his father, transferred to Kid.

As Kid, heartbroken, collapses before the cloak of his father, he asks whether he has killed his father—only for Excalibur to dropkick the new Lord Death. Excalibur lectures: “The rulers of old are gone. Now is the age for humans to shape the world.” Kid is the beginning of that shaping.

Kid, although crying, forces himself to don his father’s cloak and promises to understand kindness, asking that his father watch over, he cannot concentrate as Excalibur rambles about the proper eating practices of yakinuku.

Trivia[]

  • Atsushi Ōkubo, the mangaka of the manga, has said in an interview that he based some of Excalibur's attributes off of his own father.
  • In a 2013 interview with J-Mag, Ōkubo said he based the physical appearance of Excalibur on the illustrations of Edward Gorey.[31]
  • In the official popularity poll taken by the manga's readers, Excalibur ranked 5th.
  • In the video game Soul Eater Battle Resonance, he asks the entire main cast to pick a number between 1 and 12. As in Chapter 6 and Episode 9, Kid and Black Star again pick 8 and 1. Maka picks 6, Patty 100, and Liz tells her sister that 100 is not between 1 and 12.
  • The face that characters make in response to Excalibur's annoyance, referred to as the "Excalibur face," is a popular Internet meme, sometimes visualized as the following emoticon: (ﺧ益ﺨ). The Excalibur face has been alluded to in other comics, such as the United States comics Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man as published by Archie Comics.[32]

Cultural References[]

Excalibur is derived from the sword of the same name that once belonged to King Arthur. In some Arthurian legend, the weapon is attributed with magical powers or associated with the rightful sovereignty of Great Britain.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Soul Eater Super Guidebook: How to Make a Death Scythe
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 6
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 72
  4. 4.0 4.1 (Yen Press) Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 74 — Excalibur: It is true that I am called "The Great Old One who lures people into the Madness of the Anger" by some but this is beyond rude.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Fire Force manga: Chapter 292 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "FF" defined multiple times with different content
  6. Soul Eater Super Guidebook: How to Make a Death Scythe - "Holy sword" is listed as his occupation on his blog.
  7. Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 8
  8. 8.0 8.1 Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 32.5
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 74
  10. (Yen Press) Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 99 - Death: Long ago, The Witches' control spread farther, and their curses caused much more damage than they do today; they are exceedingly crafty...We needed a new power. A new means to combat the Witches. So Eibon developed a countermeasure modeled upon Excalibur: The "Demon Weapons". Though Eibon denies it...A weapon is power! Everyone knows that. Great strength is born when such a weapon is touched by a soul...so the weapons needed to be changed into something that can commune with a soul...which was not the case with Excalibur.
  11. Soul Eater Chapter 6, page 24
  12. Soul Eater Volume 3; Chapter 6, page 38
  13. Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 16
  14. Soul Eater: How to Make a Death Scythe Guidebook
  15. (Yen Press) Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 6 — Stein: The one of carries it grows Wings of Light and gains the ability to teleport instantly. And each swing of the sword slices through the air!!
  16. Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 32.5; Episode 46
  17. Fire Force manga: Chapter 304
  18. Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 99
  19. Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 79
  20. Soul Eater Volume 3; Chapter 6, page 27-30 (ebook)
  21. Soul Eater Volume 3; Chapter 6, page 35-40 (ebook)
  22. Soul Eater Volume 3; Chapter 6, page 44 (ebook)
  23. Soul Eater Chapter 32.5, pages 5-12
  24. Soul Eater Chapter 32.5, pages 13-18
  25. Soul Eater Chapter 32.5, pages 20-28
  26. Soul Eater Chapter 74, pages 19-21
  27. Soul Eater Chapter 74, pages 22-24
  28. Soul Eater Chapter 74, pages 26-27
  29. Soul Eater Chapter 74, pages 28-35
  30. Soul Eater Volume 21, Yen Press English translation: Chapter 89, Page 48
  31. J-Mag. Video. 7:30-15:00. English Transcript.
  32. "Excalibur Face." Know Your Meme. Accessed 9 February 2016.

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