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{{short description|Star Trek weapon}}
]
{{Use American English|date=May 2013}}
The '''bat'leth''' is a curved ceremonial long-sword with handholds on the back. It was created by '']'' visual effects producer, ], for the '']'' franchise. It is mainly used within ] by the ]s, a race in the franchise. It is considered an iconic image of ''Star Trek'' and replicas are widely available online as collectibles and as a part of costuming; they have also been used in crimes.
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2013}}
{{good article}}
]
The '''bat'leth''' (]: {{Lang|tlh|betleH}}, rough pronunciation: {{IPA|}}; plural {{Lang|tlh|betleHmey}}, {{IPA|}}<ref name="Okrand">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Vz1q4p87GgC&q=betleH|title=Klingon for the Galactic Traveler|first=MARC|last=OKRAND|date=September 25, 2012|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=9781471106811|via=Google Books}}</ref>) is a double-sided ]/]/] hybrid-edged weapon with a curved blade, four points, and three handholds on the back. It was designed and created by '']'' visual effects producer ] for the '']'' franchise, where it is the characteristic close combat weapon of ]s. Curry has called the bat'leth "one of the iconic images associated with the show."<ref name=mov /> It has spawned a smaller weapon, which became known as the '''mek'leth'''; in ], this is written {{Lang|tlh|meqleH}}. A third weapon, a '''kur'leth''', was later designed by Dan Curry, for Season 3 of '']''.<ref name="Terry Matalas">{{cite web |url=https://mobile.twitter.com/terrymatalas/status/1551004516094332928?s=46&t=35NJprkrOh0bD2Fg3IEq0g |title=Terry Matalas - Twitter |last=Matalas |first=Terry |date=2022-07-23 |accessdate=2023-02-08 }}</ref> Bat'leths have become an enduring symbol of the franchise among fans, and they are occasionally referenced in other media.


==History== == Description ==
A bat'leth consists of a curved blade with spiked protrusions at both ends and with handholds along the centre of the blade's back, and is approximately five feet long.<ref name=sun>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/49507/Star-Trek-blade-seized.html |title=Star Trek blade seized |newspaper=] |date=2007-08-03 |accessdate=2012-05-02 |location=London |first=Mike |last=Sullivan}}</ref> The handholds are used to twist and spin the blade rapidly;<ref name=BBC /> the weapon can be used with either one or both hands. A bat'leth is a curved blade approximately {{Convert|5|ft|m|sp=us}} long, with two spiked protrusions at each end and three handholds along the back which can be used to twist and spin the blade rapidly.<ref name=BBC>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/dna/ptop/alabaster/A56209287 |title="Star Trek" - Klingon Weapons, Honour, Pain and Sex |publisher=BBC |access-date=2012-05-02 |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203074144/http://news.bbc.co.uk/dna/ptop/alabaster/A56209287 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Dan Curry created the bat'leth for ]'s ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'' character, ] in 1990.<ref name="Encyc">{{cite book|title=]|author=] and Denise Okuda, with Debbie Mirek|publisher=Pocket Books|isbn=0-671-53609-5|year=1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Poe |first=Stephen Edward |title=Star Trek Voyager: A Vision of the Future |publisher=Pocket Books |year=1998 |location=New York |page=12 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=MiJTlrdSkpAC&pg=PA12&dq=Dan+Curry+Bat%27leth&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DpGoT9uIOeWOiALqhZDXBQ&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Dan%20Curry%20Bat%27leth&f=false |isbn=978-0-671-53481-3}}</ref> He based it on the concept of a "]".<ref name=mov>{{cite web|url=http://trekmovie.com/2011/04/18/visual-effects-artist-dan-curry-talks-about-time-with-star-trek-designing-the-batleth/ |title=Visual Effects Artist Dan Curry Talks About Time With Star Trek & Designing The Bat'leth |publisher=TrekMovie.com |date=April 18, 2011 |accessdate=2012-05-07}}</ref> A martial artist, Curry also developed an initial fighting style similar to ] for the use of the weapon.<ref name=Poe13>Poe, .</ref> In 1995, he developed a smaller version of the bat'leth, the "mek'leth", for Dorn to use when the Worf character was added to '']''. He based this on a Northern Tibetan ] sword.<ref name=Poe13/> Mek'leths are intended for one-handed use and are said to be in the shape of a scimitar and about half the length of the full-size bat'leth.<ref name=BBC /><ref name=mekleth>, ''Star Trek Encylopedia''.</ref> Dan Curry created the bat'leth in 1990 for ], the character played by ] in ''],''<ref name="Encyc">{{cite book|title=]|author=Okuda, Mike|author-link=Michael Okuda|author2=Denise Okuda|author3=Debbie Mirek|name-list-style=amp|publisher=Pocket Books|isbn=0-671-53609-5|year=1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Poe |first=Stephen Edward |title=Star Trek Voyager: A Vision of the Future |publisher=Pocket Books |year=1998 |location=New York |page=12 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MiJTlrdSkpAC&q=Dan+Curry+Bat%27leth&pg=PA12 |isbn=978-0-671-53481-3}}</ref> after receiving approval from producer ].<ref>{{cite book|title=Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Continuing Mission|author=Judith|author-link=Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens|author2=Garfield Reeves-Stevens|name-list-style=amp|publisher=Pocket Books|isbn=0-671-87429-2|year=1997|page=|url=https://archive.org/details/startreknextgene0000reev/page/184}}</ref> Curry based the bat'leth's design on the ].<ref name=mov>{{cite web|url=http://trekmovie.com/2011/04/18/visual-effects-artist-dan-curry-talks-about-time-with-star-trek-designing-the-batleth/ |title=Visual Effects Artist Dan Curry Talks About Time With Star Trek & Designing The Bat'leth |publisher=TrekMovie.com |date=April 18, 2011 |access-date=2012-05-07}}</ref> A martial artist aside from his regular work as a visual-effects producer, Curry also developed a fighting style, based on a variety of different martial arts he learned during his time in Asia, for the use of the weapon.<ref name=mov /><ref name=Poe13>Poe, .</ref>


== Canon == ===Mek'leth===
]
⚫ According to'' Star Trek'' canon, the Klingon ] created the first bat'leth around 625 A.D. Klingon mythology holds that he formed the blade by dropping a length of his hair into some lava from inside the Kri'stak Volcano, then cooling, shaping, and hardening it in the lake of Lursor.<ref name="Encyc" /> He then united Qo'noS, the Klingon homeworld, by killing a tyrant named Molor with the weapon, which became known as the "Sword of Kahless".<ref name="Encyc" /> The sword was later stolen by a species called the ] during their invasion of Qo'noS.<ref name="Encyc" /> In the ''Deep Space Nine'' episode, "]", Worf and another Klingon named ] rediscovered the artifact, but it was eventually ] into space to prevent them from using it to attack each other.<ref name="DS9 ep">
In 1995, Curry developed a smaller version of the bat'leth, the mek'leth, whose design he based on that of a Northern Tibetan cavalry sword,<ref name=Poe13/> for Dorn to use when Dorn joined the cast, and Worf joined the crew, of ''].'' Mek'leths are intended for one-handed use and shaped like a ]; they are approximately half the length of the full-size bat'leth.<ref name=BBC /><ref name=mekleth>, ''Star Trek Encyclopedia''.</ref>

== Use in ''Star Trek'' ==
⚫ In ''Star Trek'' lore, the Klingon ] created the bat'leth around CE 625. According to Klingon mythology, he formed the blade by dropping a length of his hair into some lava from inside the Kri'stak Volcano, then cooling, shaping, and hardening it in the lake of Lursor.<ref name="Encyc" /> He then united ], the Klingon homeworld, by killing a tyrant named Molor with the weapon, which became known as the Sword of Kahless.<ref name="Encyc" /> The sword was later stolen by a species called the ] during their invasion of Qo'noS.<ref name="Encyc" /> In the ''Deep Space Nine'' episode "]", Worf and another Klingon named ] rediscover the artifact, but it is eventually ] into space to prevent them from using it to attack each other.<ref name="DS9 ep">
{{Cite episode {{Cite episode
| title = The Sword of Kahless | title = The Sword of Kahless
| series = Star Trek: Deep Space Nine | series = Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
| credits = Directed by LeVar Burton | credits = Directed by LeVar Burton
| network =
| station =
| airdate = 20 November 1995 | airdate = 20 November 1995
| seriesno= 4 | series-no= 4
| number = 9}} | number = 9}}
</ref> The Sword of Kahless differs from normal bat'leths as it has five points and one handhold compared to four points and three handholds.<ref name="DS9 ep" />
</ref>
⚫ In the ] the bat'leth was originally referred to as ''batlh'etlh'', then also shortened to ''betleH''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coldnorth.com/owen/game/startrek/nomghar/weapons.htm |title=Klingon Weapons |publisher=Coldnorth.com |date= |accessdate=2012-05-07}}</ref> The word "bat'leth" translates as "Sword of Honour" in the Klingon language.<ref name=BBC>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/dna/ptop/alabaster/A56209287 |title='Star Trek' - Klingon Weapons, Honour, Pain and Sex |publisher=] |date= |accessdate=2012-05-02}}</ref> In Star Trek canon, bat'leths are made of a reinforced metal called baakonite.<ref>, ''Star Trek Encyclopedia''.</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Anderson |first=Dayan |title=Mining and sustainable development in a 'Star Trek' universe |journal=SME News |date=February 2010 |page=54}}</ref>


⚫ In the Klingon language, the bat'leth was originally referred to as {{Lang|tlh|batlh'etlh}}, then was shortened to {{Lang|tlh|betleH}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.coldnorth.com/owen/game/startrek/nomghar/weapons.htm |title=Klingon Weapons |publisher=Coldnorth.com |access-date=2012-05-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201205104/http://www.coldnorth.com/owen/game/startrek/nomghar/weapons.htm |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The word bat'leth itself means "sword of honor".<ref name="Okrand" /> Bat'leths are made of a reinforced metal called baakonite<ref>, ''Star Trek Encyclopedia''.</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Anderson |first=Dayan |title=Mining and sustainable development in a "Star Trek" universe |journal=SME News |date=February 2010 |page=54}}</ref> and are normally {{Convert|116|cm|ft|sp=us}} long and weigh {{Convert|5.3|kg|lb|sp=us}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.startrek.com/database_article/batleth |title=Bat'leth |publisher=Star Trek |access-date=2013-02-01}}</ref>
The bat'leth appeared in 29 television episodes across the ''Star Trek'' franchise and was also used in the 1994 film '']''.<ref name=mov /> In addition to the ''Deep Space Nine'' television series, the mek'leth appears in the 1996 film '']''.<ref name=mekleth/> Some of the bat'leth's notable usages were in the episode "]", where Worf taught his son, ] how to use a bat'leth and used one to kill Duras, another Klingon who had killed Worf's mate, ].<ref name="TNG ep">

The bat'leth appeared in 29 television episodes across the ''Star Trek'' franchise in ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'', '']'', ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', and '']'',<ref>
{{Cite episode
| title = ]
| series = Star Trek: Enterprise
| credits = Directed by Mike Vejar
| airdate = 30 October 2002
| series-no= 2
| number = 6}}
</ref> and later appears in several episodes of '']''. The bat'leth was also used in the 1994 film '']''.<ref name=mov /> The mek'leth appeared in the television series ''Deep Space Nine'' and in the 1996 film '']''.<ref name=mekleth/> The Sword of Kahless appeared in the 2000 video game '']''<ref>{{cite video game |title=Star Trek: Armada |developer=] |publisher=Activision |date=2000-02-29 |platform=] |version=1 |scene=Level complete cutscene |level=Vendetta |quote='''Worf''': Excellent, beam The Sword of Kahless onboard and send a message to Chancellor Martok informing him that we are on our way. }}</ref> and normal bat'leths appeared in the 1996 video game '']''.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Star Trek: Klingon |developer=] |publisher=Simon & Schuster |date=1996 |platform=] |version=1 |scene=Game complete cutscene |level=20 }}</ref> Some of the bat'leth's uses were in the debut episode "]", where Worf teaches his son ] how to use one. Worf used a bat'leth to kill Duras{{mdash}}a Klingon who killed Worf's mate ].<ref name="TNG ep">
{{Cite episode {{Cite episode
| title = Reunion | title = Reunion
| series = Star Trek: The Next Generation | series = Star Trek: The Next Generation
| credits = Directed by Jonathan Frakes | credits = Directed by Jonathan Frakes
| network =
| station =
| airdate = 5 November 1990 | airdate = 5 November 1990
| seriesno= 4 | series-no= 4
| number = 7}} | number = 7}}
</ref> Notable uses of the weapon occurred in the ''Voyager'' episode "]"{{mdash}}in which ] uses a bat'leth to teach ] about her Klingon heritage,<ref>
{{Cite episode
| title = Barge of the Dead
| series = Star Trek: Voyager
| credits = Directed by Mike Vejar
| airdate = 6 October 1999
| series-no= 6
| number = 3}}
</ref> and in the ''Deep Space Nine'' episode "]"{{mdash}} in which Worf kills the leader of the ], ], in a bat'leth duel to give the Klingon Chancellorship to General ].<ref>
{{Cite episode
| title = Tacking into the Wind
| series = Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
| credits = Directed by Mike Vejar
| airdate = 12 May 1999
| series-no= 7
| number = 22}}
</ref> </ref>


== In popular culture == == Cultural legacy ==
]er in a Klingon costume with a bat'leth]]
The bat'leth is considered to have become one of the iconic images of ''Star Trek''.<ref name=mov />
Replicas are widespread and are considered collectables by some and are sold from a number of outlets ranging from replica merchants<ref>{{cite news |last=Bragg |first=Mary Rae |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-20344432.html |title=Surely, you joust |newspaper=Telegraph-Herald (archived at Highbeam) |location=Dubuque, Iowa |date=2009-05-31 |accessdate=2012-05-08 }}</ref> to weapons dealers to pawn shops.<ref name=gaz /> Among those who display one is ], who has worked on both ''Star Trek'' and '']'' in his office.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hodgman |first=John |title=Ron Moore's Deep Space Journey |newspaper=] |date=2005-07-17 |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/17/magazine/17GALACTICA.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print |accessdate=2012-05-08 }}</ref> However, due to the dangers of real bat'leths, there are no official or licenced replica versions of the weapon from either Curry or ].<ref name=live /> The bat'leth is considered an iconic image of the ''Star Trek'' universe.<ref name=mov /> Replicas are widespread and are considered collectibles by some and a part of Klingon costume. A number of outlets, including replica merchants,<ref>{{cite news |last=Bragg |first=Mary Rae |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-20344432.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924190150/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-20344432.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-09-24 |title=Surely, you joust |newspaper=Telegraph-Herald (archived at Highbeam) |location=Dubuque, Iowa |date=2009-05-31 |access-date=2012-05-08 }}</ref> weapons dealers, and pawn shops sell them.<ref name=mov /><ref name=gaz /> ], who has worked on ''Star Trek'' and '']'', displays one in his office.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hodgman |first=John |title=Ron Moore's Deep Space Journey |newspaper=] |date=2005-07-17 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/17/magazine/17GALACTICA.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print |access-date=2012-05-08 }}</ref> However, due to the dangers that real bat'leths can pose, no officially licensed replicas of the weapon are available from either Curry or ].<ref name=live />


The rise in popularity of the bat'leth have also led to martial arts teams being founded to try to develop a distinct martial art, different from the one Curry initially developed, using the bat'leth. Such teams have incorporated moves from ], ], kinjitsu, and ] martial arts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rapplean.net/batleth/whatis.html |title=WHAT IS the Vulcan Undiplomatic Corp? |publisher=Vulcan Undiplomatic Corp Bat'leth Martial Arts Team |date=2002 |accessdate=2012-06-15}}</ref> Bat'leth competitions have also been held at conventions such as ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rapplean.net/batleth/team.html |title=Want to join the VUC? |publisher=Vulcan Undiplomatic Corp Bat'leth Martial Arts Team |date= |accessdate=2012-06-15}}</ref> The rise in the popularity of the bat'leth has led to the formation of martial arts teams aiming to develop a martial art distinct from the one Curry initially developed. Such teams have incorporated moves from ], ], {{transl|ja|italic=no|kinjitsu}}, and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rapplean.net/batleth/whatis.html |title=WHAT IS the Vulcan Undiplomatic Corp? |publisher=Vulcan Undiplomatic Corp Bat'leth Martial Arts Team |year=2002 |access-date=2012-06-15}}</ref> Bat'leth competitions have been held at conventions such as ] and StarCon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rapplean.net/batleth/team.html |title=Want to join the VUC? |publisher=Vulcan Undiplomatic Corp Bat'leth Martial Arts Team |access-date=2012-06-15}}</ref>


Bat'leths have also appeared in television programmes outside the ''Star Trek'' franchise. In 2002, it was seen in "]" episode of the ] and American ] programme '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0709195/trivia |title=The Other Guys (2002) - Trivia |publisher=] |date= |accessdate=2012-05-07}}</ref> In 2005, a bat'leth was in the background of the "]" episode of the American detective programme '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0650655/trivia|title=Mr. Monk vs. the Cobra (2005) - Trivia |publisher=IMDB |date= |accessdate=2012-05-07}}</ref> In 2010 a bat'leth was seen in the "]" episode of American comedy '']''.<ref name=mov /> In 2011, a bat'leth was used in the "The Zarnecki Incursion" episode of American ], '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1632234/quotes|title=Memorable quotes for "The Big Bang Theory" The Zarnecki Incursion (2011) |publisher=IMDB |date= |accessdate=2012-05-07}}</ref> The bat'leth has appeared in television programs outside the ''Star Trek'' franchise. In 2002, it was seen in '']'' episode "]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0709195/trivia |title=The Other Guys (2002) - Trivia |publisher=] |access-date=2012-05-07}}</ref> In 2005, a bat'leth was in the background of the US detective series '']'' episode "]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0650655/trivia|title=Mr. Monk vs. the Cobra (2005) - Trivia |publisher=IMDB |access-date=2012-05-07}}</ref> In 2010, one was seen in the "]" episode of the American action-comedy series ''].''<ref name=mov /> In 2011, a bat'leth was used in American ] '']'' episode "The Zarnecki Incursion".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1632234/quotes|title=Memorable quotes for "The Big Bang Theory" The Zarnecki Incursion (2011) |publisher=IMDB |access-date=2012-05-07}}</ref> A bat'leth also receives screen time in the television film '']'' (2013).


== Legality == == Legality ==
Replicas of the bat'leth are often made of metal and can be considered dangerous. A ] bat'leth was once said to be able to "literally, take someone's head off" by a police spokesman.<ref name=Mail /> However, bat'leths are also considered to be a kind of martial arts sword,<ref name=sun /> which could be seen to tie in to Dan Curry's work in martial arts in films. Media reports documenting instances of replica bat'leths being used in alleged crimes have referred to the weapon as a "double-pointed Klingon crescent-shaped sword",<ref name="7-11" /> a "Klingon-type sword",<ref name=7-11 /> a "Star Trek Klingon-type sword"<ref>{{cite news|last=Nicholson |first=Kieran |url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_11631084 |title="Star Trek" sword boldly used in thefts |newspaper=] |date=2010-09-14 |accessdate=2012-05-07}}</ref> or as a "double-pointed scimitar".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/521585-man-holds-up-store-with-star-trek-weapon |title=Man holds up store with Star Trek weapon |newspaper=Metro |date=2009-02-05 |accessdate=2012-05-02}}</ref> Replicas of the bat'leth are often made of metal and can be dangerous. Media reports documenting instances of replica bat'leths being used in crimes have referred to the weapon as a "double-pointed Klingon crescent-shaped sword",<ref name="7-11" /> a "Klingon-type sword",<ref name=7-11 /> a "''Star Trek'' Klingon-type sword"<ref>{{cite news|last=Nicholson |first=Kieran |url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_11631084 |title="Star Trek" sword boldly used in thefts |newspaper=] |date=2010-09-14 |access-date=2012-05-07}}</ref> or as a "double-pointed scimitar".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2009/02/05/man-holds-up-store-with-star-trek-weapon-433125/ |title=Man holds up store with Star Trek weapon |newspaper=Metro |date=2009-02-05 |access-date=2012-05-02}}</ref>


===In the United Kingdom=== === United Kingdom ===
In the United Kingdom, bat'leths are not illegal to possess on private property; however, they are liable to be seized if they are considered to be "potential evidence of a criminal lifestyle"<ref name=Lanc /> They are classed as weapons, which makes them illegal to carry in a public place.<ref name=live /> In the United Kingdom, it is legal to possess a bat'leth on private property; however, they may be seized if they are considered to be "potential evidence of a criminal lifestyle."<ref name=Lanc /> They are classed as weapons, which makes it illegal to carry one in a public place.<ref name=live /> In 2009, a man from ], County Durham, was arrested for possession of what the court documents later described as a "multi-bladed sword" in a public street. His defense called the item a "Star Trek bat’leth sword" although it was not an official replica, and the judge said, "I've never seen anything like it in my life before."<ref name=live /> The accused pleaded guilty at ],<ref name=live>{{cite web|last=Lightfoot |first=Garth |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/10/08/billingham-man-found-with-star-trek-klingon-sword-84229-24877898/ |title=Billingham man found with Star Trek Klingon sword |publisher=Gazette Live |date=2009-10-08 |access-date=2012-05-07}}</ref> and he was later sentenced to thirteen weeks in prison. The court ordered that the bat'leth was to be forfeited and destroyed.<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://ts23.gazettelive.co.uk/local-news/knifeman-jailed.html
| title = Knifeman jailed
| work = Evening Gazette
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721000741/http://ts23.gazettelive.co.uk/local-news/knifeman-jailed.html
| archive-date=July 21, 2011| access-date =30 May 2013}}</ref> A custom-made bat'leth was seized in 2009 in ], Lancashire.<ref name=Lanc>{{cite news|url=http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/4521499.Klingon_sword_seized_in_Accrington_police_raids/ |title=Klingon sword seized in Accrington police raids |newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph |publisher=This Is Lancashire |date=2009-07-30 |access-date=2012-05-02}}</ref>


⚫ === United States ===
A replica bat'leth was among the blades surrendered to ] as part of the 2006 ] in the United Kingdom.<ref name=Mail>{{cite news | title = Lethal Star Trek blade seized in knives amnesty | newspaper = ] | url = http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-387680/Lethal-Star-Trek-blade-seized-knives-amnesty.html | accessdate = 2008-07-31 | location=London | date=2006-05-25}}</ref> In 2008, a miniature version of the bat'leth was seized in ], ] after a 17-year-old was caught trying to smuggle it into ]. The miniature bat'leth was described as "most horrendous" by police. The person was arrested and sentenced to six months in a ].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2013781/Police-confiscated-1-000-deadly-weapons-children-school.html | location=London | newspaper=Daily Mail | first=Andrew | last=Levy | title=Meat cleavers, bayonets and axes: The weapons seized from children as young as six at school |date= 2011-07-13 |accessdate= 2012-05-04}}</ref> In 2009, a man from ], ] was arrested for possession of a miniature bat'leth in a public street. In the court documents, it was referred to as a "multi-bladed sword", and the judge said "I've never seen anything like it in my life before."<ref name=live /> The accused pled guilty in ] ],<ref name=live>{{cite web|last=Lightfoot |first=Garth |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/10/08/billingham-man-found-with-star-trek-klingon-sword-84229-24877898/ |title=Billingham man found with Star Trek Klingon sword |publisher=Gazette Live |date=2009-10-08 |accessdate=2012-05-07}}</ref> and he was later sentenced to thirteen weeks in prison. The court ordered that the bat'leth was to be forfeited and destroyed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ts23.gazettelive.co.uk/local-news/knifeman-jailed.html |title=Knifeman jailed |publisher=Evening Gazette|date=October 28, 2009 |accessdate=2012-05-07}}</ref> Also in the UK, a custom-made bat'leth was seized in 2009 in ], ].<ref name=Lanc>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/4521499.Klingon_sword_seized_in_Accrington_police_raids/ |title=Klingon sword seized in Accrington police raids |publisher=This Is Lancashire |date=2009-07-30 |accessdate=2012-05-02}}</ref>
⚫ The legality of the bat'leth in the United States differs between states. In 2009, a small double bladed knife shaped like a bat'leth was used in ], Colorado, in two armed robberies.<ref name="7-11">{{cite web | url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/pic-shows-man-robbing-stores-with-klingon-sword | title=Pic Shows Man Robbing Stores With Klingon Sword: Clerks Recognize Sword As 'Bat'leth' | date=2009-02-04 | access-date=2012-05-08 | publisher=ABC News, Denver | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001163409/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/pic-shows-man-robbing-stores-with-klingon-sword | archive-date=October 1, 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The ] said that it was a deadly weapon.<ref name=gaz>{{cite web |last=Benzel |first=Lance |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/store-47426-colorado-sword.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123223109/http://www.gazette.com/articles/store-47426-colorado-sword.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-23 |title=Where no Klingon has gone before |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=2009-02-04 |access-date=2012-05-07 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Pascale |first=Anthony |url=http://trekmovie.com/2009/02/04/man-weilding-batleth-robs-2-colorado-7-11s/ |title=Man Wielding Bat'leth Robs 2 Colorado 7-11s UPDATE: Surveillance Cam Image |publisher=TrekMovie.com |date=2009-02-04 |access-date=2012-05-07}}</ref> The ] discovered and seized a bat'leth like weapon as part of a cache of weapons in connection with a $4 million ] fraud investigation in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0111/48108.html |title=Medicare fraud-busters' Star Trek turn |first=Brett |last=Coughlin |publisher=Politico.Com |date=January 25, 2011 |access-date=2012-05-07}}</ref>

⚫ ===In the United States===
⚫ The legality of bat'leths in the United States differs from state to state. A "replica bat'leth" was used in ], ], in two ] armed robberies in 2009.<ref name="7-11">{{cite web | url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/18637190/detail.html | title=Pic Shows Man Robbing Stores With Klingon Sword: Clerks Recognize Sword As 'Bat'leth' | date=2009-02-04|accessdate = 2012-05-08 | publisher = ABC News, Denver}}</ref> The ] opined that it was a "deadly weapon", just like a gun or knife.<ref name=gaz>{{cite web|last=Benzel |first=Lance |url=http://www.gazette.com/articles/store-47426-colorado-sword.html |title=Where no Klingon has gone before |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=2009-02-04 |accessdate=2012-05-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Pascale |first=Anthony |url=http://trekmovie.com/2009/02/04/man-weilding-batleth-robs-2-colorado-7-11s/ |title=Man Wielding Bat'leth Robs 2 Colorado 7-11s UPDATE: Surveillance Cam Image |publisher=TrekMovie.com |date=2009-02-04 |accessdate=2012-05-07}}</ref> In ], bat'leths are also considered weapons and are liable to be seized.<ref>{{cite web|first=Peter |last=Suderman |url=http://reason.com/archives/2011/09/13/medicare-thieves/1 |title=Medicare Thieves |publisher=Reason.com |date=2011-09-13 |accessdate=2012-05-07}}</ref> A bat'leth was discovered and seized by the ] along with a cache of other weapons as part of a $4 million ] fraud investigation in New Jersey in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0111/48108.html |title=Medicare fraud-busters' Star Trek turn |first=Brett |last=Coughlin |publisher=Politico.Com |date=January 25, 2011 |accessdate=2012-05-07}}</ref>


== References == == References ==
{{reflist|2}} {{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* at the official ''Star Trek'' website
* {{Memory Alpha}}


{{Klingon}}
{{Star Trek}} {{Star Trek}}


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Star Trek weapon

A collection of replica Bat'leths. Note the replica of "The Sword Of Kahless" at the top.

The bat'leth (Klingon: betleH, rough pronunciation: ; plural betleHmey, ) is a double-sided scimitar/hook sword/lujiaodao hybrid-edged weapon with a curved blade, four points, and three handholds on the back. It was designed and created by Star Trek: The Next Generation visual effects producer Dan Curry for the Star Trek franchise, where it is the characteristic close combat weapon of Klingons. Curry has called the bat'leth "one of the iconic images associated with the show." It has spawned a smaller weapon, which became known as the mek'leth; in Klingon, this is written meqleH. A third weapon, a kur'leth, was later designed by Dan Curry, for Season 3 of Star Trek: Picard. Bat'leths have become an enduring symbol of the franchise among fans, and they are occasionally referenced in other media.

Description

A bat'leth is a curved blade approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) long, with two spiked protrusions at each end and three handholds along the back which can be used to twist and spin the blade rapidly.

Dan Curry created the bat'leth in 1990 for Worf, the character played by Michael Dorn in Star Trek: The Next Generation, after receiving approval from producer Rick Berman. Curry based the bat'leth's design on the Chinese fighting crescent. A martial artist aside from his regular work as a visual-effects producer, Curry also developed a fighting style, based on a variety of different martial arts he learned during his time in Asia, for the use of the weapon.

Mek'leth

A Mek'leth, a smaller version of the Bat'leth

In 1995, Curry developed a smaller version of the bat'leth, the mek'leth, whose design he based on that of a Northern Tibetan cavalry sword, for Dorn to use when Dorn joined the cast, and Worf joined the crew, of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Mek'leths are intended for one-handed use and shaped like a scimitar; they are approximately half the length of the full-size bat'leth.

Use in Star Trek

In Star Trek lore, the Klingon Kahless created the bat'leth around CE 625. According to Klingon mythology, he formed the blade by dropping a length of his hair into some lava from inside the Kri'stak Volcano, then cooling, shaping, and hardening it in the lake of Lursor. He then united Qo'noS, the Klingon homeworld, by killing a tyrant named Molor with the weapon, which became known as the Sword of Kahless. The sword was later stolen by a species called the Hur'q during their invasion of Qo'noS. In the Deep Space Nine episode "The Sword of Kahless", Worf and another Klingon named Kor rediscover the artifact, but it is eventually transported into space to prevent them from using it to attack each other. The Sword of Kahless differs from normal bat'leths as it has five points and one handhold compared to four points and three handholds.

In the Klingon language, the bat'leth was originally referred to as batlh'etlh, then was shortened to betleH. The word bat'leth itself means "sword of honor". Bat'leths are made of a reinforced metal called baakonite and are normally 116 centimeters (3.81 ft) long and weigh 5.3 kilograms (12 lb).

The bat'leth appeared in 29 television episodes across the Star Trek franchise in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Enterprise, and later appears in several episodes of Star Trek: Discovery. The bat'leth was also used in the 1994 film Star Trek Generations. The mek'leth appeared in the television series Deep Space Nine and in the 1996 film Star Trek: First Contact. The Sword of Kahless appeared in the 2000 video game Star Trek: Armada and normal bat'leths appeared in the 1996 video game Star Trek: Klingon. Some of the bat'leth's uses were in the debut episode "Reunion", where Worf teaches his son Alexander how to use one. Worf used a bat'leth to kill Duras—a Klingon who killed Worf's mate K'Ehleyr. Notable uses of the weapon occurred in the Voyager episode "Barge of the Dead"—in which Tuvok uses a bat'leth to teach B'Elanna Torres about her Klingon heritage, and in the Deep Space Nine episode "Tacking into the Wind"— in which Worf kills the leader of the Klingon High Council, Gowron, in a bat'leth duel to give the Klingon Chancellorship to General Martok.

Cultural legacy

A cosplayer in a Klingon costume with a bat'leth

The bat'leth is considered an iconic image of the Star Trek universe. Replicas are widespread and are considered collectibles by some and a part of Klingon costume. A number of outlets, including replica merchants, weapons dealers, and pawn shops sell them. Ronald D. Moore, who has worked on Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica, displays one in his office. However, due to the dangers that real bat'leths can pose, no officially licensed replicas of the weapon are available from either Curry or Paramount Pictures.

The rise in the popularity of the bat'leth has led to the formation of martial arts teams aiming to develop a martial art distinct from the one Curry initially developed. Such teams have incorporated moves from ju-jitsu, kendo, kinjitsu, and nunchaku. Bat'leth competitions have been held at conventions such as MileHiCon and StarCon.

The bat'leth has appeared in television programs outside the Star Trek franchise. In 2002, it was seen in Stargate SG-1 episode "The Other Guys". In 2005, a bat'leth was in the background of the US detective series Monk episode "Mr. Monk vs. the Cobra". In 2010, one was seen in the "Chuck Versus the Beard" episode of the American action-comedy series Chuck. In 2011, a bat'leth was used in American situation comedy The Big Bang Theory episode "The Zarnecki Incursion". A bat'leth also receives screen time in the television film Swindle (2013).

Legality

Replicas of the bat'leth are often made of metal and can be dangerous. Media reports documenting instances of replica bat'leths being used in crimes have referred to the weapon as a "double-pointed Klingon crescent-shaped sword", a "Klingon-type sword", a "Star Trek Klingon-type sword" or as a "double-pointed scimitar".

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, it is legal to possess a bat'leth on private property; however, they may be seized if they are considered to be "potential evidence of a criminal lifestyle." They are classed as weapons, which makes it illegal to carry one in a public place. In 2009, a man from Billingham, County Durham, was arrested for possession of what the court documents later described as a "multi-bladed sword" in a public street. His defense called the item a "Star Trek bat’leth sword" although it was not an official replica, and the judge said, "I've never seen anything like it in my life before." The accused pleaded guilty at Teesside Crown Court, and he was later sentenced to thirteen weeks in prison. The court ordered that the bat'leth was to be forfeited and destroyed. A custom-made bat'leth was seized in 2009 in Accrington, Lancashire.

United States

The legality of the bat'leth in the United States differs between states. In 2009, a small double bladed knife shaped like a bat'leth was used in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in two armed robberies. The Colorado Springs Police Department said that it was a deadly weapon. The Federal Bureau of Investigation discovered and seized a bat'leth like weapon as part of a cache of weapons in connection with a $4 million Medicare fraud investigation in 2010.

References

  1. ^ OKRAND, MARC (September 25, 2012). Klingon for the Galactic Traveler. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9781471106811 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ "Visual Effects Artist Dan Curry Talks About Time With Star Trek & Designing The Bat'leth". TrekMovie.com. April 18, 2011. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  3. Matalas, Terry (July 23, 2022). "Terry Matalas - Twitter". Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  4. ^ ""Star Trek" - Klingon Weapons, Honour, Pain and Sex". BBC. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
  5. ^ Okuda, Mike; Denise Okuda & Debbie Mirek (1999). The Star Trek Encyclopedia. Pocket Books. ISBN 0-671-53609-5.
  6. Poe, Stephen Edward (1998). Star Trek Voyager: A Vision of the Future. New York: Pocket Books. p. 12. ISBN 978-0-671-53481-3.
  7. Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens (1997). Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Continuing Mission. Pocket Books. p. 184. ISBN 0-671-87429-2.
  8. ^ Poe, p. 13.
  9. ^ "mekleth", Star Trek Encyclopedia.
  10. ^ Directed by LeVar Burton (November 20, 1995). "The Sword of Kahless". Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Series 4. Episode 9.
  11. "Klingon Weapons". Coldnorth.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  12. "Baakonite", Star Trek Encyclopedia.
  13. Anderson, Dayan (February 2010). "Mining and sustainable development in a "Star Trek" universe". SME News: 54.
  14. "Bat'leth". Star Trek. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  15. Directed by Mike Vejar (October 30, 2002). "Marauders". Star Trek: Enterprise. Series 2. Episode 6.
  16. Activision (February 29, 2000). Star Trek: Armada (PC) (1 ed.). Activision. Scene: Level complete cutscene. Level/area: Vendetta. Worf: Excellent, beam The Sword of Kahless onboard and send a message to Chancellor Martok informing him that we are on our way.
  17. Simon & Schuster (1996). Star Trek: Klingon (PC) (1 ed.). Simon & Schuster. Scene: Game complete cutscene. Level/area: 20.
  18. Directed by Jonathan Frakes (November 5, 1990). "Reunion". Star Trek: The Next Generation. Series 4. Episode 7.
  19. Directed by Mike Vejar (October 6, 1999). "Barge of the Dead". Star Trek: Voyager. Series 6. Episode 3.
  20. Directed by Mike Vejar (May 12, 1999). "Tacking into the Wind". Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Series 7. Episode 22.
  21. Bragg, Mary Rae (May 31, 2009). "Surely, you joust". Telegraph-Herald (archived at Highbeam). Dubuque, Iowa. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  22. ^ Benzel, Lance (February 4, 2009). "Where no Klingon has gone before". Colorado Springs Gazette. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  23. Hodgman, John (July 17, 2005). "Ron Moore's Deep Space Journey". The New York Times. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  24. ^ Lightfoot, Garth (October 8, 2009). "Billingham man found with Star Trek Klingon sword". Gazette Live. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  25. "WHAT IS the Vulcan Undiplomatic Corp?". Vulcan Undiplomatic Corp Bat'leth Martial Arts Team. 2002. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  26. "Want to join the VUC?". Vulcan Undiplomatic Corp Bat'leth Martial Arts Team. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  27. "The Other Guys (2002) - Trivia". IMDB. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  28. "Mr. Monk vs. the Cobra (2005) - Trivia". IMDB. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  29. "Memorable quotes for "The Big Bang Theory" The Zarnecki Incursion (2011)". IMDB. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  30. ^ "Pic Shows Man Robbing Stores With Klingon Sword: Clerks Recognize Sword As 'Bat'leth'". ABC News, Denver. February 4, 2009. Archived from the original on October 1, 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  31. Nicholson, Kieran (September 14, 2010). ""Star Trek" sword boldly used in thefts". The Denver Post. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  32. "Man holds up store with Star Trek weapon". Metro. February 5, 2009. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
  33. ^ "Klingon sword seized in Accrington police raids". Lancashire Telegraph. This Is Lancashire. July 30, 2009. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
  34. "Knifeman jailed". Evening Gazette. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
  35. Pascale, Anthony (February 4, 2009). "Man Wielding Bat'leth Robs 2 Colorado 7-11s UPDATE: Surveillance Cam Image". TrekMovie.com. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  36. Coughlin, Brett (January 25, 2011). "Medicare fraud-busters' Star Trek turn". Politico.Com. Retrieved May 7, 2012.

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