Zantetsuken ( Final Fantasy XIII weapon ) The Zantetsuken in " Final Fantasy XIII " is an incarnation of the recurring weapon that appears in several games in the " Final Fantasy " series . While the Zantetsuken is traditionally Odin ' s signature weapon , its " Final Fantasy XIII " incarnation is more closely associated with Lightning . The weapon is called Gagnrad in " " . Design . The Zantetsuken is a pair of large curved swords that each form a hook shape . The swords are identical in design with no known differences between them . The hilt is formed from a golden horse ' s head and front hooves with the blue handle and lower section of the handguard coming from the head and hooves and joining at a golden pommel , which is where the blades connect . From the bottom of the horse head ' s neck extends a white plumage of feather - like spikes along a central green core decorated with lightning - like jagged yellow lines . The inside of the blades ' hook shape bears writing in Etro script , which reads " Odin . " The " Lightning Returns " model features a different handle , with the pommels being larger and the blue handles and handguards being smaller and differently shaped . The Zantetsuken can be wielded as either two individual swords or a single double - bladed sword . The swords face opposite directions when connected , forming an " S " shape . Appearances . " Final Fantasy XIII " . The Zantetsuken is wielded by Odin in battle , both as a boss and as an ally . When Odin transforms in Gestalt Mode , Lightning rides atop him wielding the Zantetsuken in its individual forms , but combines them for some attacks , and performs the finishing move Zantetsuken the weapons are named after with them . When the party crashes the Eden grand prix Lightning rides Odin in Gestalt Mode and thus wields the Zantetsuken outside of battle for the cut scene . " Final Fantasy XIII - 2 " . Lightning wields the Zantetsuken in the prologue sequence while riding Odin . Twilight Odin wields his own version of the swords , predominately colored green . Lightning obtains this weapon from Odin himself as a symbol of his continuing support upon completion of the sidequest " To Live in Chaos " in the Wildlands . The weapon ' s name is not Zantetsuken , but , which is another name for Odin . It increases Strength by 500 , Magic by 500 , ATB Speed by 25 , decreases maximum HP by 5 % and Stagger Power by 90 % . It also has two passive abilities , Strength - 50 % . It is classified as a dual - blade , and attacks twice per turn when attacking . The Angel of Valhalla has a tattoo in the shape of Zantetsuken above his left eye . " Final Fantasy XIV " . Zantetsuken appears as Odin ' s weapon during the event Lightning Strikes . " Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy " . Lightning uses the Zantetsuken to execute her HP attacks , automatically swapping the Blazefire Saber for the swords when an HP attack is performed . She wields the Zantetsuken in both combined and separated states , depending on the attack . The Zantetsuken is used in her EX Burst . Lightning ' s level 100 exclusive weapon is also named Zantetsuken . It provides + 68 attack , + 10 % defense , and a Riposte effect , and can be traded for in the shop for an Omega Weapon , Survival Knife , Flash ' s Hope x5 , and 182 , 800 gil . As a likely reference to Zantetsuken existing as two swords , Lightning has a second Level 100 exclusive weapon named the Odin Blade . The Odin Blade also has 68 attack , but instead provides the abilities Back to the Wall and Free Air Dash Boost . The trade materials and cost are the same , with the exception of needing the Barrage Blade to trade instead of the Omega Weapon . " Dissidia Final Fantasy " ( 2015 ) . Lightning uses the Zantetsuken when executing her HP attacks . " Final Fantasy All the Bravest " . Lightning wields and attacks with the Zantetsuken when performing Lightning Strike against the enemy during battle . Non - " Final Fantasy " guest appearances . " Guardian Cross " . Odin appears with the signature " Final Fantasy XIII " Zantetsuken in the card game " Guardian Cross " . Merchandise . The Zantetsuken is featured with Lightning in her Trading Arts Kai Mini figure , which depicts her riding Odin in Gestalt Mode wielding the two individual swords . The Odin Play Arts Kai Action Figure comes with the Zantetsuken , which can be held in either separated or combined forms . The figure is compatible with the Play Arts Kai Lightning figure , and comes with a set of hands for her that allow it to hold the Zantetsuken . T - shirts with " Final Fantasy XIII " Eidolon designs have been on sale in the Japanese Square Enix store . The shirts cost ¥3 , 900 , with Odin wielding Zantetsuken . The Eidolons from " Final Fantasy XIII " have also been made into action figures in the Final Fantasy Creatures Kai Vol . 3 series . Etymology . ( anglicized as Gagnrad ) is one of many names for . It means " Advantage Counsel " .