Guardians' Samurai Sword

Japanese samurai in Hok’s Museum wield the curved blade to charge Indy and raise it for a killing strike; a second guardian swings it to knock Indy's pistol from his grip, nearly severing fingers. Indy counters in whip-versus-sword duel, then grabs the sword to smash a glass display case and seize the Staff of Ra headpiece, triggering alarms and a massive hammer trap.

3 appearances

Purpose

Close-quarters combat weapon; improvised tool to break glass cases

Significance

Embodies lethal protection of museum artifacts; escalates artifact hunt into personal combat, forcing Indy to improvise from guardian's own weapon

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Headpiece Inspection and Samurai Ambush

The samurai sword is the instrument of the guardians' defense: raised in a killing strike by the first attacker and used with brutal precision by the second to knock Indy's pistol away and nearly amputate his fingers, demonstrating lethal intent and martial skill.

Before: Held by the guardians, raised or at the ready as they patrol the exhibit aisles.

After: Remains in the samurai's hands, poised and ready as the Second Samurai steps to face Indy.

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S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Whip vs. Blade in Hok’s Museum

The samurai sword functions as the guardians' ceremonial weapon: one sword-charged attacker is shot, while the second sword is used deliberately to strike the pistol from Indy's hand and then to present a formal challenge.

Before: Wielded by the samurai guardians, raised and ready for attack down the aisle.

After: Still in the second samurai's grasp, raised and poised for the duel with Indy's whip.

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S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Glass Smash — The Hammer Falls

The samurai sword is wielded by Indy as an improvised tool to breach the display. Its arc shatters the protective glass, enabling the theft; the sword functions as both weapon and instrument of access in this high-risk act.

Before: In Indy's possession or immediate control, carried into the gallery from an earlier confrontation.

After: Remains in active use/possession by Indy as he exits the exhibit, having just been used to break the case.

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