Relics
Relics and religious artifacts are objects that are believed to be connected to a saint, martyr, or other religious figure. They are often considered sacred or holy and are revered by religious factions. Relics can take various forms, including body parts (often bones and skulls), clothing, or items associated with a religious figure’s life. Fictional relics often extend this definition to include any object (often weapons or magical items) once owned by important historical figures.
| Synonyms: religious artifacts |
| Example Mythonyms: the Shield of Saint Casper, the Skull of Ignatius the Penitent |
Designing Fictional Relics
Overview
When creating fictional relics, consider items important to that faith. Often relics are items worn or used by important religious figures. Often they are even body parts (ashes, bone fragments, hair, or teeth) of prophets and martyrs. Occasionally they may treasure items or weapons.
Real World Relics
Often fictional worlds will feature quests to find or obtain real-world legendary relics. Quests for the Holy Grail or missions to find the Ark of the Covenant are two such examples. Having real world relics possess awesome power in fictional worlds is another common trope.
Hebrew Relics
- Ark of the Covenant: A chest made of acacia wood and inscribed with gold that houses the stone tablets on which are inscribed the Ten Commandments
- Noah’s Ark: The ship craft by Moses to survive the flood
- Dead Sea Scrolls: A trove of Hebrew scriptures found buried in the Qumran Cave on the north shore of the Dead Sea.
- The Copper Scroll: One of the Dead Sea Scrolls, etched in copper, which describes the location of a vast treasure that has never been found
Christian Relics
- The True Cross: The cross on which Jesus died. Fragments of the True Cross are reported across the world.
- The Shroud of Turin: A linen cloth thought to be the burial shroud of Jesus and bearing the negative image of his face.
- Sudarium of Oviedo: A bloodstained cloth thought to have been wrapped around the head of Jesus after he died.
- Veil of Veronica: A veil used by Veronica to wipe the brow of Jesus as he carried the cross.
- Holy Crib: The crib Jesus used as an infant. Fragments have been reported across the world.
- Swaddling Clothes: The clothes Jesus wore as an infant
- Gifts of the Magi: Gifts given to Jesus by the three Magi when he was an infant
- Knife of the Last Supper: The knife used to cut bread at the Last Supper
- The Holy Grail: The chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper
- Holy Nails: The nails used to secure Jesus to the cross. Several items, such as the Iron Crown of Lombardy and Bridle of Constantine, are said to be made from recast Holy Nails.
- Crown of Thorns: The sharp headpiece worn by Jesus as he carried the cross.
- The Holy Lance: The spear used by the Roman soldier, Longinus, to pierce the side of Jesus.
Muslim Relics
- The Staff of Moses: The staff of the prophet Moses.
- The Sword of David: A sword belonging to David.
- The Battle Standard of Mohammed: A turban of Buraydah ibn al-Khasib, who was ordered to attack Mohammed but instead affixed his turban to the spear as a sign of peace.
- The Holy Mantle: A white coat of goat’s hair given by Mohammed to the poet Ka’b ibn Zuhayr.
- The Sacred Seal: The original seal of Mohammed used to stamp important documents
- Blessed Sandals: Sandals worn by the Prophet Mohammed.
- Mohammed’s Bowl: A bowl used by Mohammed.
- Cloak of Mohammed: A cloak used by Mohammed during the Night Journey.
- Nine Swords of Mohammed: The nine swords owned by Mohammed.
Buddhist Relics
There are many Buddhist relics scattered in stupas throughout the world, most of which are said to be physical remains of the Buddha. Teeth and hair are common Buddhist relics.
