Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon captured fans’ imagination after featuring a curious looking sword with a curvy blade. Since the film’s fictional nation of Kumandra is based on multiple Southeast Asian nations, its sword takes inspiration from a traditional dagger found in many countries in the region.
Raya’s Whip Sword Is Based On the Southeast Asian Kris
Raya’s Dragon Blade sword is a stylized take on the Southeast Asian kris, a type of curved blade that’s used in daggers and swords in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Philippines. The sword has a snake-like appearance because of the way the metal bends and curves before tapering to a thin, sharp tip.
The sword’s design is made to suit a very fluid fighting style that focuses more on movement instead of defensive blocking. The curves on the blade allow the fighter to make quick slashes and cuts without the risk of hurting themselves.
What Are Most Toy Replicas Made Of?
Cosplay Sword replicas typically use either ABS or PBS plastic. ABS plastic is more common for toys with lighting effects because the material lets light shine brightly through the toy. That said, PBS is more resistant to wear and tear which you can tell from the shine that plastic develops after long periods of use.
Both materials are still incredibly durable and are weather resistant, in addition to keeping their color well.
Raya and the Last Dragon Toy Sword
This Dragon Sword replica is a copy of the original Dragon Sword that Raya used to fight enemies while looking for Sisu, the last dragon, in order to save her father. In the movie, we see Raya turn the sword into a long, chain-like whip that got the blade its alternative name “The Whip Sword”.
The replica can’t transform into a whip, but its ABS plastic construction lets this sword glow brightly whenever you press the gemstone in the middle of the crossguard. Segment marks run along the length of the blade to show how the sword transforms in the movie.
The crossguard is molded to look like a pair of carved water dragons, similar to the designs found on traditional Southeast Asian boats and houses. The handle follows the same motif and ends in a bright red pommel that ties the sword’s color palette back to Raya’s outfit by sharing the same color as her cape.
Length: 55.88 cm
Material: ABS plastic
Conclusion
Raya and the Last Dragon’s acknowledgement of Southeast Asian culture runs deep and it shows in the details the film included in both its sets and props. The film’s fantasy version of the kris has helped introduce Southeast Asian culture to a wider audience while making it fun for the history buffs, cosplayers, and kids who want their own copy of this beautiful replica sword.
20-something freelance writer who likes games and history maybe a little too much. When I'm not writing for the web, I write notes for a new Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Hyperfixations include Genshin Impact, color eyeliner, true crime, and Star Wars.
Juliana has been writing for nearly thirty years and concentrates on Tudor and Medieval history. She has written for Tudor Dynasty, Tudor Writing Circle, Historian Matt Lewis, and others. Juliana currently writes for Pen and Sword Publishers and is the author of several books, including Medicine in the Middle Ages and A History of Insanity and the Asylum.
