History Of The Masamune Legend

The legendary sword, Masamune, has a long, rich backstory. This sword, introduced in Final Fantasy VII as the primary weapon of Sephiroth, is difficult to wield and powerful when wielded properly. Masamune Okazaki is considered Japan's greatest sword smith from the 13th and 14th centuries, creating various swords and dangers that were especially prized for superior beauty and quality.

A legend, though inaccurate, tells that tale of Masamune and Muramasa, another swordsmith of the time. Legend says that Muramasa challenged Masamune to see who could make a finer sword. Each poured enormous effort into creating the best work, and each created a vastly superior blade than might be the standard. To test the effectiveness of each sword maker's skill, they dipped each into the water of a small creek, with the cutting edge facing the current. 10,000 Winters, the blade of Murasama, cut everything that crossed it; fish, leaves, even the air itself. Tender Hands, Masamune's sword, did something rather unexpected. No leaves were cut, fish swam right up next to it, and a gentle hum could be heard of the air passing by it. Smiling to himself, Masamune pulled his sword from the water, dried it, and sheathed it.

Muramasa laughed at the sight, seeing the seeming ineffectiveness of the other's blade. But a wise monk had been watching the whole ordeal. The monk took note of everything that had happened, and told Muramasa what he saw. "The first of the swords was by all accounts a fine sword, however it is a blood thirsty, evil blade as it doesn't discriminate as to who or what it will cut. It may just as well be cutting down butterflies as severing heads. The second was by far the finer of the two, as it doesn't needlessly cut that which is innocent and undeserving."

Truthfully, though, Muramasa and Masamune were from different time periods and could have never met for such a contest. Though it is likely that Final Fantasy creators heard of the legendary swordsmith, Masamune, when deciding on a name for the omnipotent sword of Sephiroth.

How To Properly Wield Sephiroth's Sword

Sephiroth's sword, Masamune, is the most powerful sword ever created. This sword, the most powerful sword in the world of Final Fantasy VII, is so powerful that only Sephiroth is able to wield it. It is nearly one hundred inches long, if not longer, extremely heavy, and amazingly sharp. The legendary Masamune blade is also extremely dangerous in the hands of an improperly trained novice. This guide will help give you some tips on how to properly wield the weapon, but is not actual weapons safety training, and should not be used as a replacement for real safety training.



Practice proper balance holding your sword. In order to do this, you will likely need to strengthen both your biceps and triceps so that you can properly wield the sword for long periods of time. The average Sephiroth sword is roughly between 25 to 35 lbs. Normally this would not be excessive, but the length of the sword makes it feel as though it were much heavier, especially when it is being wielded properly.



Next, you will need to learn how to correctly attack with this weapon. Remember, though, the Masamune blade (and all other weapons) can be dangerous, and should always be wielded with caution and taking the utmost care for safety. A sword this long, especially a curved one, is designed only for slashing – piercing/thrust attacks are not effective with this type of weapon. Wildly swinging is unprofessional and dangerous, though, so take only carefully executed, deliberate swings.



Typically, though, you will be wielding your sword in a controlled environment - for play fighting, or a skit, as a couple examples. You will need to make slow, deliberate movements, being especially coordinated with your opponent. Always be sure that you and your partner practice with slow movements before moving onto faster, more flashy movements.

Support The University

Your support would greatly help. I need fans, my fans (that's you), to help get the word out about my SephirothPictures.info website. I have plenty of great pictures of myself, artists renditions, and much more. But your support would be critical to the growth and success of this establishment. For example, the new university (Sephiroth U) will need your talent. To start, go directly to the homepage of the sephiroth website, and scroll to the bottom. Note the four or five topsites lists? This is where you can help right now. Click on each of them, and vote for us as the best Final Fantasy website in existence. This will help the website's growth, fuel my search for new pictures, and much more.

Thanks in advance,

Sephiroth

One Winged Angel Lyrics

These are the lyrics of One Winged Angel, my personal theme song.

[CHORUS] Estuans interius ira vehementi Estuans interius ira vehementi Sephiroth Sephiroth	[CHORUS] Burning inside with violent anger, Burning inside with violent anger, Sephiroth Sephiroth
[REPEAT CHORUS]	[REPEAT CHORUS]
Sors immanis Et inanis Sors immanis Et inanis	Fate - monstrous and empty, Fate - monstrous and empty,
[REPEAT CHORUS]	[REPEAT CHORUS]
Veni, veni, venias, Ne me mori facias Veni, veni, venias, Ne me mori facias	Come, come, O come, do not let me die Come, come, O come, do not let me die
[REPEAT VERSE]	[REPEAT VERSE]
Veni, veni, venias, (Gloriosa) Ne me mori facias (Generosa) Veni, veni, venias, (Gloriosa) Ne me mori facias (Generosa)	Come, come, O come, (Glorious) do not let me die (Noble) Come, come, O come, (Glorious) do not let me die (Noble)
[REPEAT VERSE]	[REPEAT VERSE]
Sephiroth Sephiroth	Sephiroth Sephiroth

How To Act Like Sephiroth

Acting is a skill that takes time to develop - time spent rehearsing and practicing. Not everyone can be an excellent actor, but a good acting ability is critical to portraying your role as Sephiroth. You'll want to focus on how you speak, how you stand, how you wield your sword, and your overall demeanor.

Remember, if you're going to act like me then you must remember that you are an typically an evil villian. For the purpose of this article, I will refer to myself mainly in third person. There are three versions of Sephiroth, though. First is Sephiroth before he discovered his past, both a hero among the people, and a SOLDIER for Shinra. Second, is insane Sephiroth. This is the guy who killed the President of Shinra, caused chaos, and chased after mother. Lastly is the final version of Sephiroth, Sephiroth after he accepts his destiny to rule. This Sephiroth is calm, cool, collect, and in-charge. You can pick which Sephiroth to act as, but often you will have to act as the final verson, because some outfits (KH outfits, for example) are from after you accept your fate.

1. Focus on your speech. Sephiroth usually has a deep, strong, clear voice. He does not stumble over words, and always thinks of his words in advance. Don't be afraid to speak slowly, find your words and then say them aloud.

2. Don't show much with your facial expressions. An overexagerated smile might be on your mind when at some exciting Anime Convention, but you can't do this. The only appropriate time to smile (especially teeth-bearing) is when about to defeat someone in battle.

3. Don't run, except when chasing or being chased. Sephiroth doesn't hasten, he will get there when he gets there. If you have need to zip around, perhaps you should not be wearing your outfit. Don't forget that black trenchcoats are usually fairly warm, and you might regret overexerting yourself. Besides, after running you may find yourself out of breath - and Sephiroth would never be caught out of breath.

4. Wield your Sephiroth sword properly. Never flail about with such a dangerous weapon, but just as important you should look skilled when you have it out. Random, sloppy chops are not good form.

Where To Show Off Your Costume

Anime conventions are the primary place to show off your Sephiroth cosplay costume. There are few 'video-game-centered' conventions across the country, but most anime conventions have a huge focus on video games, especially fantasy games such as Final Fantasy, Xenosaga, Dragon Wars, etc. Final Fantasy, especially Final Fantasy VII, is obviously the favorite video game at most of these anime cons.

If you've followed my Sephiroth cosplay guide then you have the opporunity to impress literally thousands of fans with your skill. Moreover, you can use this as a chance to meet fellow fans and friends (and perhaps girls). Many con-goers adore Sephiroth, and you will stand a fair chance of being one of the most popular costumes.

If you think you really shine, be sure to enter at least one of the cosplay contests. There is usually an exhibition, or hall, event in which you simply stand in a hall and be judged by professional judges. You can also enter for a walk-through on the 'cat-walk', which might literally be a catwalk if you see a high volume of neko costumes (end tangent).

How To Create A Sephiroth Cosplay Outfit

A Sephiroth cosplay costume is something to be cherished, admired, and even worshiped. A fantastic costume can also help you out in the case of terrible acting ability. But to dress as the world's most worshiped white hair, black trenchcoat, evil-villian is a sacred privilege not to be taken lightly. A poor costume is a disgrace to my name, and you will be mocked, laughed at, and perhaps even tortured (if I catch you).

1. The Black Trenchcoat is the centrally most recognizable piece of the cosplay. It is imperative that this piece look as authentic as possible. Try to get in touch with a local seamstress to have yours done professionally, and fit to your body size. A perfectly-fitting trenchcoat adds buku bonus points to your overall appearance. Remember to find something like black vinyl material, which closely replicates the real thing.

2. The should pads should never be neglected either, but they are the most frequently under-emphasized part. The shape and size don't necessary need to be exact this time, but the material is of paramount important. Having shoulder pads (called pouldrons) made of a hard, metallic material, preferably real metal, will dramatically increase the appeal of your outfit.

3. Sephiroth's knee-high boots are next on the list. Remembering that knee-high boots of this style are difficult to come by, you could settle on a variety of potential replacements. You can find tall, uni-sex boots at Hot Topic, for example. You may have to search a variety of specialty stores if you don't have a Hot Topic, or ask a genuine cobbler to make yours.

4. The sword is probably the most important accessory of any costume. If you are calling yourself Sephiroth, but don't have the length to back up that claim, you disgrace my glorious name.