This year for Christmas I received something special from my girlfriend's parents; a Grey Warden sword letter opener.

For those who may not know, the Grew Wardens are a band of warriors central to the story of the high-fantasy role-playing video game series Dragon Age. Similar to Tolkien's fantasy works and fantasy games such as Dungeons and Dragons, Dragon Age is a sprawling story that has spilled into many spin-offs outside of video games. As a huge fantasy fan Dragon Age is right up my ally.

The gift came at the perfect time as from November I had been actively searching for an Athame of my own. Finding a few nice pieces on eBay but either loosing out as the bids climbed or being to late in finding them I was not able to secure one. However, with the gift of the Grey Warden sword I had found my Athame.

I'm a big believer in using tools that have a specific, important connection to the user. While some may scoff at this, I feel that it more worthwhile using something such as the Grey Warden sword to which I have an emotional connectuon to via my enjoyment and love for its source material rather than any old blade from eBay. (I discuss my thoughts of pop culture in ritual/ worship in more detail here.)

The sword itself is beautifully realised. At 6 3/4-inches long the sword is made from stainless steel with custom etched moulds to replicate exactly the look of the swords from the game. I don't personally do many ceremonies - they seem rather pointless when one is solitary - but as a tool for directing energy and also as a focal tool for meditation it is perfect. Not to mention it also looks damn cool!

So I've finally found myself an Athame, and it's one that speaks to me deeply. When you think about it, could there be any better tool for a pagan to have?