I'm not sure if this is the appropriate subreddit, however, it does deal with something from history. I recently listened to the song "Arizona Sword" by Leslie Fish.

According to the booklet that came with it, "I couldn't tell you the provenance of this local legend that I wrote up and put to music; it seems to date from Conquistador days, which would put it somewhere before 1690, but it also contains sentiments that seem distinctly post-revolutionary. Then again, the Pueblo Indian tribes who threw out Spanish rule in the Great Pueblo Revolt of 1680 had a lot of similar ideas, so the legend really could be that old."

However, Leslie only heard the legend once at a convention and so I have been unable to find the legend behind it. What is the legend? Does it really originate from Arizona in the 1600's? Where does the legend come from and has it evolved over time?

The Lyrics to the song are

“Blacksmith, make a sword for me, such as none did ever see, For ancient symbols of majesty have power in troubled times. Blacksmith, make me a magic sword, one that will make me the valley’s lord Whom folk will hail with one accord to save them from their crimes.” Seeing he would not be deterred, the blacksmith took him at his word And pondered long on what he’d heard about this would-be lord. He pumped the fire and he made his start, melted iron in the fire’s heart, But he named the steel with an older art the Arizona Sword. He chanted words to the blazing mix, of ancient Red Men’s and White Men’s tricks To draw a spirit, and purpose fix in what the blade would feel: The iron laws from Nature’s hand, the ruthless will of the desert land, The freedom no one can command – and cast that thought in steel. And when the blacksmith’s work was done, the new sword gleamed like the setting sun. All down the blade did the old runes run, a warning plain to see. The steel was grained like the finest wood. A full yard long and more it stood. The runes read: “I serve but the good of life and liberty Near the hilt, set in copper wire, a phoenix rose up from the pyre. A copper star within the fire rayed out copper cords. The grip was like a saguaro made that clasped a moon in quartz and jade. In truth, like to no other blade was the Arizona Sword. “Blacksmith, well have ye served my cause. This shall aid me to make the laws. Hmmm, the guards are shaped like cougar’s paws; in truth, like none I’ve seen. The price is steep, but I shall not carp. She’ll sing more praise than a minstrel’s harp. Ye gods, that blade is razor-sharp! ...For a symbol, very keen.” “And cheap she’ll be if I strike ye dead!” The blacksmith promptly turned and fled. The lordling laughed and shrugged instead, and went out to meet his horde. He cried out: “This is the day foretold. Just one hand now this land shall hold, For in this sign will I rule. Behold, the Arizona Sword.” “No more argument shall we find, but all hereafter shall be inclined To just one purpose and just one mind. Thus do I mean to do. Now go ye forth, and take the land.” The sword heard well his first command. She lunged and twisted in his hand, and fell, and ran him through. They say the sword vanished clean away, for none has heard of it since that day, But seek it wisely, and find ye may. Take care, who would be lord. Beware, ye tyrant! Beware, ye fool! For who is the master and who the tool? Ye may well serve, but ye shall not rule the Arizona Sword.