Why is Cloud‘s sword so big?
Cloud Strife‘s iconic weapon, the Buster Sword, is positively enormous – seemingly too huge and unwieldy for practical use. Where did this gigantic blade come from, and what‘s the meaning behind its massive size?
The Buster Sword was created by a poor swordsmith
According to Final Fantasy VII lore, the original Buster Sword was forged by the father of Angeal Hewley, one of the key members of SOLDIER. Angeal‘s father was extremely poor and lacked money for proper equipment and materials.[1] As a result, the sword he created for his son turned out far larger than the standard issued SOLDIER blade.
While this origin story offers one explanation for the Buster Sword‘s excessive proportions, I believe there are deeper symbolic reasons behind its design as well.
The Buster Sword represents Angeal‘s dreams and honor
More than a practical weapon, Angeal considered the Buster Sword a physical representation of his dreams, honor and pride as a SOLDIER. Its oversized form reflects these lofty ideals. Wielding the unwieldy Buster Sword also served as a constant reminder for Angeal to maintain his discipline and stay true to himself.
When Angeal later entrusts the Buster Sword to Zack Fair, he specifically calls it "a symbol of my dreams and honor." And for Zack and later Cloud, the sword retains this symbolic meaning – a burden they must bear as they carry on Angeal‘s legacy.
Size comparison: Buster Sword vs real greatswords
| Sword | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Buster Sword | 5-6 ft | Unknown, but very heavy based on depiction |
| Scottish Claymore | 4-5 ft | 5-6 lbs |
| Zweihänder | 5-6 ft | 7 lbs |
| Irish Ring Sword | Up to 6 ft | < 11 lbs |
Sources: Final Fantasy Wiki, Royal Armouries, Wikipedia
As this table shows, the Buster Sword dwarfs even real-life two-handed greatswords in length. Based on Cloud‘s apparent difficulty swinging it, we can assume it‘s extremely heavy as well. This further demonstrates how unwieldy it is as a practical weapon.
Symbolism takes priority over practicality
Impractical proportions aside, the Buster Sword‘s sheer scale makes it incredibly iconic. The development team for Final Fantasy VII clearly prioritized symbolic impact over real-world practicality for Cloud‘s signature weapon.
“Cloud‘s sword was modelled on Miyamoto Musashi‘s famous blade, so I imagined a sword that was so large it could not be used. A symbol of strength and dreams.” – Tetsuya Nomura, FFVII Remake Interview.[2]
By embodying these heroic qualities, the Buster Sword becomes more powerful visually than any normally proportioned blade could. When Cloud finally lifts it aloft in that iconic victory pose, we can feel the weight of his struggle bearing down on those massive shoulders.
The Buster Sword represents Cloud‘s personal growth
What began as a representation of Angeal‘s dreams later became symbolic of Cloud‘s entire character arc…
To be continued in full article!
