Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series is known for its powerful characters, magical creatures and dangerous kingdoms. Yet many of the world’s strongest figures also depend on legendary weapons and artifacts. Seven in particular stand out for their ability to kill immortal beings, control minds, raise the dead or even manipulate time itself.
The Cauldron is described as the most powerful object in the ACOTAR world, but it is treated separately from this ranking because it is considered an entity rather than a weapon. The seven entries are connected to it through their status as “made” objects: they were either created by the Cauldron, dipped into it or fashioned through magic associated with it.
7. Ataraxia
Ataraxia is one of the newest made-blades in Prythian and was imbued with magic by Nesta. At first glance, it resembles an ordinary sword, but it reacts to Nesta’s power by glowing and appearing to sizzle with her silver fire.
Because it is so new, Ataraxia remains relatively untested. However, it has already demonstrated the ability to kill powerful monsters and beings once considered immortal. Its effectiveness is linked both to its status as a made-blade and to the death magic associated with Nesta.
6. Truth-Teller
Azriel’s small knife is recognizable by its obsidian handle, black blade and silver Illyrian runes. Early in the series, Truth-Teller is primarily presented as an extension of Azriel, helping him expose lies and intimidate or interrogate others.
The Crescent City books later reveal that it is a made-blade capable of unmaking matter. It is also the twin of Gwydion, with both weapons created from the same meteorite. When brought close together, the blades can glow and help create portals, although Truth-Teller is considerably smaller than its counterpart.
5. Gwydion
Also known as the Starsword, Gwydion is Truth-Teller’s twin. Made from meteorite and iridium, it has a dark appearance but emits a white glow when near its sister blade. The weapon was originally created in Prythian before being taken to Midgard, where Bryce Quinlan used it in Crescent City.
Bryce eventually returns Gwydion to Prythian by giving it to Nesta, saying that the sword is connected to her destiny. In combination with Truth-Teller, it can open portals when used by someone with Starborn lineage. Nesta’s own status as a made being also makes her highly compatible with the blade, which allows her to kill powerful and immortal enemies.
4. Narben
Narben is the oldest weapon on the list, an ancient sword surrounded by legend and believed to possess death magic. It was lost long ago, so little is known about its actual history, but accounts describe its wielder as nearly unstoppable.
Amren states that King of Hybern would have won the war if he had obtained Narben, since the sword is believed to be capable of killing powerful immortal beings. Rumors also claim that Amarantha once found it and cast it into the sea after the weapon refused to obey her. Although its return has not been confirmed, some fans believe it may have briefly appeared in A Court of Splintered Harmony.
3. The Crown
The Crown is one of the three objects in the Dread Trove. Although it is considered the least powerful of the trio, it can still devastate kingdoms by taking control of people’s minds.
The artifact can replace another person’s will with that of its user, and only a small number of individuals are able to resist it. Its power has limitations: stronger-willed targets may interpret commands in unexpected ways, and the initial command requires the victim to be near the Crown’s user. Once established, however, its effects can continue at a greater distance.
2. The Mask
The Mask, another Dread Trove artifact, resembles a golden death mask and serves as a tool of necromancy. Nesta uses it during an encounter with a Kelpie, but its full potential is far greater than that scene alone suggests.
The artifact can raise an entire army of the dead and compel them to follow its user’s orders. It can even summon some of the most frightening and powerful beings who have died in Prythian. The Mask ranks below the Harp because its abilities are more focused, while its effects on the wearer can be severe or fatal.
1. The Harp
The Harp is the third item in the Dread Trove and has the broadest range of abilities among the weapons and artifacts listed. Its 26 silver strings can influence time, space, magic and life. Different strings allow the user to teleport people or objects, move physical matter, break magical wards and transfer magic between souls.
Its most dangerous powers involve opening doors and controlling time. The Harp can unlock physical, magical and interdimensional doors, while its 26th string governs time itself. In A Court of Silver Flames, Nesta uses that power to stop time and save her sister during childbirth, establishing the Harp as the most versatile and powerful weapon in the ranking.
Sources: Comic Book Resources.