"The retired soldier never dies, he just wastes away....wait, what am I saying? Of course you're going to die!!! Have no fear. I will stand witness to the very end."

— Excalibur to — Excalibur to Death in " Dark Side of the Moon V

Excalibur (エクスカリバー, Ekusukaribā) is the obnoxious Great Old One[5] and former member of the Eight Shinigami Legions.[6] Predating the demon weapon race and serving as the inspiration that led to their creation,[7] he is a sentient sword and is officially recognized as the most powerful weapon in the world.[8]

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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.

Personality

Despite its classification remaining amongst the other pre-existing demon weapons, at least in regards to its properties, Excalibur doesn't conform to the typical restrictions of its kin, as in actuality anyone is considered compatible with its wavelength and thus, capable of wielding him. However, contrary to this unique trait, the number of people counted as his partner over the various centuries remains relatively few, due solely to the fact that no individual is able to withstand his personality for prolonged periods of time. Regarded as being a greater narcissist than even the egotistical 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 King 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 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 that, according to Joe, look like a failed arts and crafts project. 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.[9]

Power

As stated by Stein, Excalibur is undoubtedly the strongest weapon in the world, placing him above other death weapons by extension.[10] However, his power is not on par with that of Asura, the latter stated to be the strongest warlord of the Eight Shinigami Legions.[11]

As a Great Old One, his soul wavelength is assumed to be at a level of a god, his very presence capable of rendering a person mad.[12]

Special Abilities

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.[6]

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.[12]

Transformation (変身, Henshin): Excalibur is capable of transformation due to being that of a Legendary Blade.[8]

Holy Sword (聖剣, 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.[8] Enamored with strong, magical power,[13] its wielders grow Wings of Light and gains the ability of instantaneous teleportation. In addition, each swing slices through space itself.[14]The weapon is able to resonate with anyone and everyone, provided they're capable of bearing the obnoxious personality of Excalibur himself.[8]

Wings of Light (光の翼, Hikari no Tsubasa ): A pair of bright golden 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. [15]

(光の翼, ): A pair of bright golden 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. Holy Explosion (unnamed): Excalibur's ultimate move in Soul Eater: Battle Resonance . Excalibur transforms into his holy sword form, shooting himself downward onto the ground close to the opponent and releases a very powerful explosive wave. [16]

(unnamed): Excalibur's ultimate move in . Excalibur transforms into his holy sword form, shooting himself downward onto the ground close to the opponent and releases a very powerful explosive wave. Teleportation (瞬間移動, Shunkanidō): Those wielding Excalibur can teleport instantly from location to another.[8] 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.[17]

Enhanced 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.[12]

Autonomous Skill: Excalibur has the ability to not only be used by potential Meisters but also can utilize all of his skills he bestows onto other individuals himself, such as flying using the wings of light and pass through spatial rifts. However, he does so within his own weapon transformation.[18]

Enhanced Durability: Excalibur is an extremely durable individual, able to survive a blast from Asura using Vajra--a blast capable of downing even Death himself. However, due to the fact it was Death who took the full force of the blast at the time, it is unknown how much of his actions contributed to Excalibur surviving the blast.[19]

Hero the Atomic: By merely posing and calling out the name of the attack, the user causes a powerful explosion of holy origin. The explosion is powerful enough to knock out even Black☆Star, Kid and Kilik Rung (the top three fighters of the DWMA) all at once. It is a mystery as to how this attack is actually executed, however.[20]

History

Having been born somewhere within the United Kingdom (formerly known as Great Britian)[21], Excalibur a legendary weapon whom garnered much fame from his affiliation with King Arthur and from his own written auto-biography, Excalibur, in which contains both factual and exaggerated exploits from Excalibur.[22]

Later in his life, he served as one of the warlords of the Eight Shinigami Legions.[12] 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.[23] 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.[24] Following Asura's betrayal and sealing, he would come to reside within the Eternal Cave.

Anime History

In the anime, more of his history is told although some accounts is possibly exaggerated.

Having been born "old" and "wise"[25], Excalibur was a member of the Knights of the Round Table and King Arthur's weapon. He was present as Arthur and himself battled Rome, offering him kind and comforting words. The fate of the battle is left to be unknown. [1]

Following that period, he spent more of his time solving crimes with Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, having always incorrectly claim he was the one to commit the crime, and later found himself in the streets of New York as a "rough and tough combatant". He also entered relationships with numerous women, most significant being Cathy, and even had a family. However, while the circumstance is unknown, he ends up losing both Cathy and the children in which he fathered.[1]

Synopsis

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.[26]

He begins to annoy the duo when he keeps interrupted 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).[27]

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.[28]

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.[29]

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.[30]

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.[31]

Excalibur goes to the the DWMA and reunited with Shinigami saying that he has come to watch. He appears to know Eibon's story very well, which Shinigami confirms, and speaks with the remaining members of the eight warriors on a casual basis. It was later shown that Asura and Excalibur know each other, with Excalibur the only one not fearful of him.

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.[32]

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.[33]

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.[34]

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.[35]

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.[36]

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

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 is his father.

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. [37]

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.

, 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. Excalibur's humanoid form bears a slight resemblance to a Moomin.

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. [38]

and as published by Archie Comics. References to Excalibur, and related Arthurian legend, appear in Okubo's subsequent series, Fire Force . The name of Arthur Boyle's sword is Excalibur, as are the keychain-swords he uses. "The Holy Sword" is also the title to Chapter 60 of Fire Force .

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References

↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Soul Eater Anime: Episode 17 ↑ Soul Eater: The Official Fanbook ↑ Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 8 ↑ Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 32.5 ↑ (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. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 72 ↑ (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. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 6 ↑ Soul Eater Chapter 6, page 24 ↑ Soul Eater Volume 3; Chapter 6, page 38 ↑ Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 16 ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 74 ↑ Soul Eater: How to Make a Death Scythe Guidebook ↑ (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!! ↑ Soul Eater Manga: Manga: Chapter 32.5 ; Episode 46 ↑ Soul Eater: Battle Resonance ↑ Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 32.5 ↑ Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 100 ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Episode_48 ↑ Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 32.5 ↑ Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 74 ↑ Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 7 ↑ Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 99 ↑ Soul Eater Manga: Chapter 79 ↑ Soul Eater Anime: Episode 35 ↑ Soul Eater Volume 3; Chapter 6, page 27-30 (ebook) ↑ Soul Eater Volume 3; Chapter 6, page 35-40 (ebook) ↑ Soul Eater Volume 3; Chapter 6, page 44 (ebook) ↑ Soul Eater Chapter 32.5, pages 5-12 ↑ Soul Eater Chapter 32.5, pages 13-18 ↑ Soul Eater Chapter 32.5, pages 20-28 ↑ Soul Eater Chapter 74, pages 19-21 ↑ Soul Eater Chapter 74, pages 22-24 ↑ Soul Eater Chapter 74, pages 26-27 ↑ Soul Eater Chapter 74, pages 28-35 ↑ Soul Eater Volume 21, Yen Press English translation: Chapter 89, Page 48 ↑ J-Mag . Video. 7:30-15:00. English Transcript ↑ "Excalibur Face." Know Your Meme. Accessed 9 February 2016. . Accessed 9 February 2016.