Ankh of Spirituality
| The Ankh of Spirituality | |||||||||
 The Ankh of Spirituality, from Ultima IV | |||||||||
| Species: | ankh | ||||||||
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This article is about a character from Ultima IV. For the item in Ultima IX, see Sigils.
The Ankh of Spirituality (also known as Silverspirit in the Nintendo-port of Ultima IV) is sapient silver ankh which could be found by the main entrance to Skara Brae during Ultima IV.
Description[edit]
The Ankh of Spirituality had knowledge of both the rune and the Shrine of its signature Virtue, but would only divulge information regarding them if whomever addressed it knew and could repeat the mantra of Spirituality.[1] The Stranger, having learned the appropriate syllable from the child Barren, could placate from the Ankh accordingly, and would be told that the rune lay in the treasury chamber of Castle Britannia, and that to reach the Shrine, the hero would have to enter a gate when both moons were full.
Trivia[edit]
- In the original Apple II version of Ultima IV, Shamino stands directly to the west of the Ankh, thus the Stranger can only communicate with it after Shamino has joined the Stranger's party. Since Shamino will not join the party when the Stranger is a ranger, such a player's only option is a decidedly non-virtuous one: attack one of the peaceful people surrounding it, followed either by flight or murder. To prevent this predicament, Shamino was moved in other versions to allow the stranger a path to the Ankh.
- In the Nintendo remake of Ultima IV, this construct gives its name as "Silverspirit" and will freely give knowledge as to how to reach the Shrine of Spirituality. In fact, mantras ware omitted in this version of the game.[2]
- In the alleged journal of the Avatar discovered by historians Robert DeMain and Carlotta Stein, the Ankh of Spirituality is described as being made out of smooth marble. The Stranger claims that it communicates telepathically upon the recitation of the mantra – sending foreign thoughts that reverberated through the recipient's mind.[3]
- Other sapient ankhs found in Ultima IV include the Ankh of Knowledge, Life and (in the Nintendo-port only) the Ankh of the Future.
See Also[edit]
Mantra, rune and shrine of Spirituality thread: Granted → Ambule → Barren (Skara Brae) → Ankh of Spirituality
References[edit]
- ↑ Ankh of Spirituality. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima IV transcript. Ultima IV.
- ↑ Ultima IV transcript by subject § Shrines of Virtue
- ↑ DeMaria, Rusel et al. "Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar". Ultima: The Avatar Adventures (Ultima IV). Origin Systems, Inc.: 1992. Page 57.