Kids from the ’80s would probably remember Thundarr the Barbarian. It was created by Steve Gerber and was known as a Saturday morning animated series that ran from October 1980 to October 1981. Set in the post-apocalyptic wasteland, the story follows the adventure of Thundarr, the Barbarian, Princess Ariel, a young sorceress, and Ookla, a leonine humanoid.
It was notable in the series that the main protagonist, Thundarr, wielded a blade of pure energy that can cut through almost everything! But what exactly is that sword? How did Thundarr come to possess it? And what happened to the sword after the season ended? This article will guide you on the basics that you need to know about Thundarr, the Barbarian’s Sunsword.
What is the Sunsword?
The Sunsword is a magical sword wielded by Thundarr in the animated series called, Thundarr the Barbarian. In the series, the sword was forged by an unknown wizard. However, in the following story, Princess Ariel was seen giving the Sunsword to Thundarr the Barbarian.
Later on, the Sunsword’s power was revealed. It has then showcased its abilities to deflect energy blasts, ignite flora, and disrupt magic spells. Also, the Sunsword can be ignited and extinguished using the wielder’s mind. However, the sword’s only known weakness is Negative Lightning. It is a form of energy that was associated with the Nega-Storms, a crimson-colored acidic rain. In the world of Thundarr, the energy of Negative-Lightning was known to have a harmful effect on his Sunsword. It can drain the sword’s power. When that happens, the sword will need to recharge at a ‘Pool of Power.’ Although Thundarr the Barbarian animated series lasted for only two seasons, the Sunsword find its way to Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D.
Thundarr the Barbarian’s Adventures
Thundarr the Barbarian’s Adventures were inspired by the likes of Conan the Barbarian and Flash Gordon comic books. The Thundarr’s series was set in the post-apocalyptic wastelands that were divided into different kingdoms ruled by wizards. Some of the settings shown in the animated series were typically recognizable geographical features from New York, Mount Rushmore, Las Vegas, Washington D.C, and San Francisco.
Moreover, some of the series’ episodes were set in Mexico, Central America, and in London. Another notably featured location was this Earth, reborn in a world full of savagery, sorcery, and super-science.
The main protagonist of this series, Thundarr, voiced by Robert Ridgely, was a muscular warrior, sharing a resemblance with the character Conan the Barbarian. He and his friends, Princess Ariel, and Ookla traveled the world and battled against evil wizards who used combined magic and technology.
The Sunsword in Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is a table-top role-playing game designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. It was initially published by Tactical Studies Rules Inc. in 1974. In this game, the Sunsword or Sun Blade was featured. Originally from Thundarr the Barbarian, the sword then paved its way to another platform, the D&D Role-playing game (RPG).
The Sunsword in Dungeons & Dragons
The Sunsword, also known as the Sun Blade, is a uniqueblade that was once wielded by Strahd’s brother, Sergei Von Zarovich. Originally, the sword has a platinum hilt and guard. The sword was notable for its thin crystal blade that was as strong as steel.
After Sergei’s death, his brother employed Khazan, a powerful wizard, to destroy the Sun Blade. In order to destroy it, the hilt and its blade need to be separated. A process that Khazan had easily accomplished. However, when he was busy destroying the sword’s blade, his apprentice stole the hilt. Subsequently, Khazan had found his apprentice’s dead body, but the hilt was nowhere to be found. To avoid Strahd’s wrath, he then told him that the sword was destroyed.
Unbeknownst to him, the hilt is sentient. Although it can never be reunited with its crystal blade, it has gained its sentience and personality.
Sentience: The Sun Blade is a sentient weapon with intelligence, wisdom, and charisma. It has a hearing and visual that has a range of about sixty feet.
Personality: The Sunsword’s particular purpose was to destroy Strahd. The sword wants to revenge for its lost crystal blade. Secretly, the sword fears its own destruction.