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The Sword or the Knee

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The Sword or the Knee


Location

Valm Castle

Boss(es)

Walhart

Previous chapter(s)

The Conqueror

Next chapter(s)

Five Gemstones

Rally every last man! We make our stand with Emperor Walhart!
— A Valmese soldier, calling reinforcements

The Sword or the Knee (Japanese: 真の王 True King) is the twentieth chapter in Fire Emblem Awakening. In this chapter, Walhart and his generals are making their last stand against Chrom and the Shepherds with the freedom of the Valmese people on the line, in a battle that ends the second major arc of the game. The third major arc of the game begins with Chrom making preparations for a dangerous ritual, eventually learning the final Gemstone is held by a familiar face, who seemingly wishes to easily hand it over.

Plot

Main article: The Sword or the Knee/Script

In Walhart's throne room, Excellus concludes the southern dynasts had only allied with Yen'fay, and Walhart reveals that he is aware of many secrets Excellus thought he had kept secret, such as his correspondence with Aversa. When Excellus insults Walhart, he appoints Excallus as captain of his guard, allowing him the alternative of fighting Walhart then and there. As the Shepherds enter the throne room, Chrom spots Walhart and Robin notes that the Valmese soldiers seem willing to die fighting.

Once Walhart is defeated, Frederick informs Chrom that Walhart's soldiers have ceased hostilities; Chrom orders the Shepherds to stop fighting, and he reflects on the differences between how Walhart and Emmeryn united their people. At the throne room, Say'ri thanks Chrom for his assistance against Valm and grants him Vert, recovered from the Valmese. With Valm no longer a threat to Ylisse, Chrom and the Shepherds return to Ylisstol to prepare for the return of Grima.

At the Shepherds' garrison, Chrom and Robin reflect on the first few days after they met and how far they've come. Chrom states that Frederick has been searching for Sable, the final Gemstone for the Fire Emblem, and reveals some details of the Awakening ritual: Chrom must "brave Naga's fire"—if he survives, he will receive Naga's power, but he will die if he fails. Lucina objects to Chrom risking his life, but Chrom reassures her that he will be fine. Frederick returns and relays a message from Validar: Plegia has been guarding Sable and Chrom is invited there to receive it in person. While Chrom suspects it to be a trap, he accepts the invitation, citing it as their best chance to find Sable. Frederick suggests leaving the Fire Emblem in Ylisse, but Chrom states that it is safest with him, where Validar cannot send men to steal it unguarded.

Summary

Walhart's defeat ends the war—but Lucina's dark future edges closer. Chrom must perform the Awakening and heads to Plegia to secure the last Gemstone.

Chapter data

Normal Hard Lunatic

Chapter Data
Conditions
Unit Data
Victory: Defeat Walhart Player Partner Other Enemy
Defeat: Chrom or Robin dies 1–15 {{{partner}}} {{{other}}} 40+9
Cm fe13 20.png
Map dimensions:
21 columns by 30 rows

Character data

Characters
New units

None

Required characters
Chrom l ​
Available characters
Robin f ​Lissa ​Frederick ​Sully ​Virion ​Stahl ​Vaike ​Miriel ​Sumia ​Kellam ​Lon'qu ​Ricken ​Maribelle ​Panne ​Gaius ​Cordelia ​Gregor ​Nowi ​Libra ​Tharja ​Olivia ​Cherche ​Henry ​Lucina ​Say'ri ​

Note: The returning characters list does not include any characters recruitable in paralogues, as the player may not have taken on any available paralogue chapters yet. The list also does not include any bonus units, as they are recruitable at the player's discretion.

Item data

Items
Name Obtainment Method
Is 3ds01 bullion large.png Bullion (L) Dropped by Walhart
Is 3ds01 dracoshield.png Dracoshield Dropped by Cervantes
Is 3ds01 elixir.png Elixir Dropped by enemy Hero
Is 3ds01 bolganone.png Bolganone Dropped by Excellus
Is 3ds01 longbow.png Longbow Dropped by enemy Sniper
Is 3ds01 physic.png Physic Dropped by enemy War Monk
Is 3ds01 second seal.png Second Seal Open left chest in western treasure room
Is 3ds01 dragonstone+.png Dragonstone+ Open right chest in western treasure room
Is 3ds01 beaststone+.png Beaststone+ Open left chest in eastern treasure room
Is 3ds01 spirit dust.png Spirit Dust Open right chest in eastern treasure room

Shop data

After clearing this chapter, the shop at this location will become available.

Armory contents

Normal stock Possible merchant items

Item Price
Is 3ds01 silver lance.png Silver Lance 1,560
Is 3ds01 killer lance.png Killer Lance 1,680
Is 3ds01 silver axe.png Silver Axe 1,740
Is 3ds01 killer axe.png Killer Axe 1,860

Event tiles

  • Column 9, row 13: Two squares south, two squares west of Excellus's initial position
  • Column 13, row 8: Three squares north, two squares east of Excellus's initial position

Enemy data

Stats with two figures separated by a ~ are presented as a range, representing stats that vary due to random growths. The figures to the left and right of the ~ are the stat's minimum and maximum possible values respectively.

Normal Hard Lunatic(+)

Enemy Units
Name Class Lv # HP Str Mag Skill Spd Lck Prf Def Res Cha Lck Con Mov Inventory and Skills
Ma 3ds01 conqueror enemy.gif Walhart Conqueror 25 1 59 31 10 26 25 21 26 15 8 Wolf Berg Bullion (L)This item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Conquest
Starts on a throne.
Ma 3ds01 general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 3 54 25 0 17~18 10~11 14~15 24~25 9~10 5 Silver Axe
Defense +2 Indoor Fighter Rally Defense
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
The northern one begins moving unprovoked on turn 8.
Ma 3ds01 general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 4 54 25 0 17~18 10~11 14~15 24~25 9~10 5 Silver Lance
Defense +2 Indoor Fighter Rally Defense
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
The northern two both begin moving unprovoked on turn 8.
Ma 3ds01 general enemy.gif Cervantes General 10 1 55 28 0 25 15 20 28 12 5 Tomahawk DracoshieldThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Indoor Fighter
Immediately begins moving unprovoked.
Ma 3ds01 hero enemy.gif Valmese Hero 8 6 45~46 19~20 1 24 20~21 15~16 15~16 8~9 6 Silver Sword
HP +5 Zeal Patience
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
• The furthest southern two immediately begin moving unprovoked.
• The center one begins moving unprovoked on turn 8.
Ma 3ds01 warrior enemy.gif Valmese Warrior 8 6 50~51 25 0 18~19 14~15 16~17 13~14 7~8 6 Silver Axe
Gamble HP +5 Zeal Rally Strength
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
• The furthest southern two immediately begin moving unprovoked.
• The northern two both begin moving unprovoked on turn 8.
Ma 3ds01 general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 2 54 25 0 17~18 10~11 14~15 24~25 9~10 5 Spear
Defense +2 Indoor Fighter Rally Defense
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
The southern one immediately begins moving unprovoked.
Ma 3ds01 general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 2 54 25 0 17~18 10~11 14~15 24~25 9~10 5 Tomahawk
Defense +2 Indoor Fighter Rally Defense
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
The southern one immediately begins moving unprovoked.
Ma 3ds01 sniper enemy.gif Valmese Sniper 8 2 43~44 16~17 1 25 18~19 12~13 16~17 8~9 6 Silver Bow
Skill +2 Prescience Hit Rate +20
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
Immediately begins moving unprovoked.
Ma 3ds01 sage enemy.gif Valmese Sage 6 2 36~37 1 17~18 14~15 16~17 13~14 8~9 13~14 6 Arcwind
Magic +2 Focus Rally Magic
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
• The southern one immediately begins moving unprovoked.
• The northern one begins moving unprovoked on turn 8.
Ma 3ds01 sage enemy.gif Valmese Sage 6 2 36~37 1 17~18 14~15 16~17 13~14 8~9 13~14 6 Arcthunder
Magic +2 Focus Rally Magic
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
• The southern one immediately begins moving unprovoked.
• The northern one begins moving unprovoked on turn 8.
Ma 3ds01 hero enemy.gif Valmese Hero 8 1 45~46 19~20 1 24 20~21 15~16 15~16 8~9 6 Silver Sword ElixirThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
HP +5 Zeal Patience
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
--
Ma 3ds01 sage enemy.gif Valmese Sage 6 1 36~37 1 17~18 14~15 16~17 13~14 8~9 13~14 6 Arcfire
Magic +2 Focus Rally Magic
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
--
Ma 3ds01 thief enemy.gif Ruffian Thief 20 1 27~28 11~12 0 14~15 16~17 8~9 5~6 1~2 5 Steel Sword
Locktouch
Prioritizes opening the right eastern chest, then escaping via the east.
Ma 3ds01 sage excellus enemy.gif Excellus Sage 10 1 46 5 25 21 22 18 15 20 6 BolganoneThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Focus
Begins moving unprovoked on turn 8.
Ma 3ds01 hero enemy.gif Valmese Hero 8 1 45~46 19~20 1 24 20~21 15~16 15~16 8~9 6 Silver Axe
HP +5 Zeal Patience
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
Begins moving unprovoked on turn 8.
Ma 3ds01 sniper enemy.gif Valmese Sniper 8 1 43~44 16~17 1 25 18~19 12~13 16~17 8~9 6 Silver Bow Longbow
Skill +2 Prescience Hit Rate +20
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
Begins moving unprovoked on turn 8.
Ma 3ds01 sniper enemy.gif Valmese Sniper 8 1 43~44 16~17 1 25 18~19 12~13 16~17 8~9 6 Silver Bow LongbowThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Skill +2 Prescience Hit Rate +20
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
Begins moving unprovoked on turn 8.
Ma 3ds01 war monk enemy.gif Valmese War Monk 6 1 45~46 16~17 13~14 11~12 16~17 14~15 12~13 14~15 6 Silver Axe PhysicThis item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Resistance +2 Healtouch Rally Luck Renewal
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
--
Ma 3ds01 war monk enemy.gif Valmese War Monk 6 1 45~46 16~17 13~14 11~12 16~17 14~15 12~13 14~15 6 Silver Axe Physic
Resistance +2 Healtouch Rally Luck Renewal
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
--
Reinforcements
Name Class Lv # HP Str Mag Skill Spd Lck Prf Def Res Cha Lck Con Mov Inventory and Skills
Ma 3ds01 general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 1 54 25 0 17~18 10~11 14~15 24~25 9~10 5 Silver Axe
Defense +2 Indoor Fighter Rally Defense
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
--
Ma 3ds01 general enemy.gif Valmese General 8 3 54 25 0 17~18 10~11 14~15 24~25 9~10 5 Silver Lance
Defense +2 Indoor Fighter Rally Defense
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
--
Ma 3ds01 hero enemy.gif Valmese Hero 8 1 45~46 19~20 1 24 20~21 15~16 15~16 8~9 6 Silver Sword
HP +5 Zeal Patience
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
--
Ma 3ds01 sage enemy.gif Valmese Sage 6 2 36~37 1 17~18 14~15 16~17 13~14 8~9 13~14 6 Arcfire
Magic +2 Focus Rally Magic
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
--
Ma 3ds01 sage enemy.gif Valmese Sage 6 1 36~37 1 17~18 14~15 16~17 13~14 8~9 13~14 6 Arcthunder
Magic +2 Focus Rally Magic
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
--
Ma 3ds01 warrior enemy.gif Valmese Warrior 8 1 50~51 25 0 18~19 14~15 16~17 13~14 7~8 6 Tomahawk
Gamble HP +5 Zeal Rally Strength
Can have 0–1 skill(s) at random
--

Reinforcements

  • Turn 4 (Lunatic)/6 (Hard)/8 (Normal)
    • 1 General with a Silver Axe from the southern border of the central corridor
    • 3 Generals with Silver Lances from the southern borders of the central, western, and eastern corridors
    • 1 (Normal/Hard)/2 (Lunatic) Hero(es) with Silver Sword(s) from the southern border of the central corridor
    • 2 Sages with Arcfire (Normal)/Bolganone (Hard/Lunatic); one from the southern border of the central corridor, one from the southern border of the eastern corridor
    • 1 Sage with Arcthunder (Normal)/Thoron (Hard/Lunatic) from the southern border of the central corridor
    • 1 Hero with a Tomahawk from the southern border of the central corridor (Lunatic only)
    • 1 General with a Spear from the southern border of the central corridor (Lunatic only)
    • 2 Warriors with Silver Axes and Silver Bows from the southern border of the central corridor (Lunatic only)
    • 1 Warrior with a Tomahawk from the southern border of the western corridor
    • 1 Warrior with a Silver Axe and a Silver Bow from the southern border of the western corridor (Hard/Lunatic only)
    • 1 General with a Spear from the southern border of the western corridor (Hard/Lunatic only)
    • 1 Sage with Rexcalibur from the southern border of the eastern corridor (Hard/Lunatic only)
    • 1 General with a Tomahawk from the southern border of the eastern corridor (Hard/Lunatic only)

Boss data

Main article: Walhart

Normal Hard Lunatic

Small portrait walhart fe13.png
Ma 3ds01 conqueror enemy.gif Conqueror
Level 25
Movement 8
Stats
Max HP 59 Speed 25
Strength 31 Luck 21
Magic 10 Defense 26
Skill 26 Resistance 15
Inventory Skills
Wolf Berg
Bullion (L)This item is dropped upon this unit's defeat.
Conquest
Weapon Levels
Swords A Lances A Axes A
Bows -- Tomes -- Staves --

Strategy

This section details unofficial strategies that may help with completion of the chapter. This may not work for everybody.

This section has been marked as a stub. Please help improve the page by adding information.


At the end of this chapter on Lunatic+, you will have a minimum of 470 Renown (even if you skipped the paralogues). This means you can claim the Spirit Dust.

Etymology and other languages

Names, etymology, and in other regions
Language Name Definition, etymology, and notes
English

The Sword or the Knee

--

Japanese

真の王

True King

Spanish

Lucha o sumisión

Fight or surrender

French

Roi acculé

Cornered king

German

Kampf oder Kapitulation

Fight or Surrender

Italian

Alle armi o alle catene

To arms or to the shackles

Gallery


This section has been marked as a stub. Please help improve the page by adding information.


← The Conqueror • The Sword or the Knee • Five Gemstones →
Fire Emblem Awakening
Playable characters AnnaAversaBasilioBradyChercheChromCordeliaCynthiaDonnelEmmerynFlaviaFrederickGaiusGangrelGeromeGregorHenryInigoKellamKjelleLaurentLibraLissaLon'quLucinaMaribelleMirielMorganNahNoireNowiOliviaOwainPannePriamRickenRobinSay'riSeveraStahlSullySumiaTharjaTikiVaikeVirionWalhartYarneYen'fay
Non-playable characters HollandMaidenNagaOld HubbaPhila
Bosses AlgolAnguillaArdriAversaBovisCampariCanisCassiusCervantesChalardDalenDaltonDracoEquusExcellusEzraFarberGallusGangrelGarrickGeckoGrimaGyralIgnatiusJamilLepusMarthMorristanMusMustafaNelsonNombryOrtonOvisPherosPorcusPriamRaimiRisen ChiefRoddickRugerSimiaTigrisValidarVastoVictorVincentWalhartXalbadorYen'fayZanth
Background characters First exaltKe'riMarth
DLC characters AlmCatriaCelicaEirikaEldiganElinciaEphraimEstIkeKatarinaLeifLynPrince MarthMicaiahPallaRoySeliph
SpotPass characters Shadow Dragon CaedaGharnefLindeMerricMinervaNavarreNynaOgmaPrince MarthTiki
Gaiden AlmBoeyCelicaClairCliveDeenLuthierMycenNomahValbar
Mystery of the Emblem AthenaCatriaEtzelHardinHoraceKatarinaKing MarthLegionMaliceNorne
Genealogy of the Holy War G1 ArdenArvisAyraDeirdreEthlynJamkeLewynQuanRaquesisSigurd
Genealogy of the Holy War G2 AltenaAresArthurCedFeeJuliaJuliusLarceiSeliphUlster
Thracia 776 DagdarEyvelFinnLeifMareetaNannaOlwenRaydrikSaiasSalem
Binding Blade CeciliaLilinaLughPercevalRaighRoyShannaSophiaWoltZephiel
Fire Emblem EliwoodFlorinaHectorJaffarKarelLynMatthewNergalNinoSerra
Sacred Stones AmeliaEirikaEphraimInnesL'ArachelLuteLyonMarisaMoulderSeth
Path of Radiance AshnardElinciaGeoffreyIkeLuciaMiaMistSorenTitaniaZihark
Radiant Dawn Black KnightBromEdwardLeonardoMicaiahNepheneeSanakiSephiranSigrunSothe
Others CamusIshtarLinusLloydNarcianOliverPetrineSelenaTravantUrsula
Regalia and personal weapons AmatsuArmadsBalmungBook of NagaDouble BowExcaliburFalchion (Exalted FalchionParallel Falchion) • ForsetiGáe BolgGoddess StaffGoetiaGradivusGrima's TruthGungnirHauteclereHelswathMercuriusMissiletainnMjölnirMystletainnNidhoggNoble RapierParthiaRagnellRapierSol KattiTyrfingValflameWolf BergYewfelle
Chapters Main story Pm: Invisible Ties • P: The Verge of History • 1: Unwelcome Change • 2: Shepherds • 3: Warrior Realm • 4: Two Falchions • 5: The Exalt and the King • 6: Foreseer • 7: Incursion • 8: The Grimleal • 9: Emmeryn • 10: Renewal • 11: Mad King Gangrel • 12: The Seacomers • 13: Of Sacred Blood • 14: Flames on the Blue • 15: Smoldering Resistance • 16: Naga's Voice • 17: Inexorable Death • 18: Sibling Blades • 19: The Conqueror • 20: The Sword or the Knee • 21: Five Gemstones • 22: An Ill Presage • 23: Invisible Ties • 24: Awakening • 25: To Slay a GodE: Grima
Paralogues 1: Sickle to Sword • 2: The Secret Seller • 3: A Strangled Peace • 4: Anna the Merchant • 5: Scion of Legend • 6: A Man for Flowers • 7: Noble Lineage • 8: A Duel Disgraced • 9: Wings of Justice • 10: Ambivalence • 11: Twin Wyverns • 12: Disowned by Time • 13: Rival Bands • 14: Shadow in the Sands • 15: A Shot from the Dark • 16: Daughter to Dragons • 17: The Threat of Silence • 18: The Dead King's Lament • 19: Irreconcilable Paths • 20: A Hard Miracle • 21: Ghost of a Blade • 22: The Wellspring of Truth • 23: The Radiant Hero
Xenologues Champions of Yore 1Champions of Yore 2Champions of Yore 3The Golden GaffeEXPonential GrowthInfinite RegaliaLost Bloodlines 1Lost Bloodlines 2Lost Bloodlines 3Smash Brethren 1Smash Brethren 2Smash Brethren 3Rogues & Redeemers 1Rogues & Redeemers 2Rogues & Redeemers 3Death's EmbraceFive-Anna FirefightRoster RescueHarvest ScrambleSummer ScrambleHot-Spring ScrambleThe Future Past 1The Future Past 2The Future Past 3Apotheosis
Locations YlisseFerox (Arena Ferox) • Outrealm Gate (Outrealms) • Plegia (Dragon's Table) • YlisseValmChon'sinRosanneValm
Groups, objects, and concepts AwakeningEinherjarFire EmblemGrimleal (Deadlords) • RisenShepherds
Lists ChaptersCharactersClasses (Class change) • Hidden treasureItemsScriptsSkillsSupportsWeapons
Related topics Ancient LettersBirthdayDouble DuelDownloadable contentName chartNintendo Dream comics • Other games (GaidenGenealogy of the Holy WarShadow DragonNew Mystery of the Emblem) • Pre-release information (Unused content) • Unit Gallery (Soundtrack) • SpotPassStreetPassTimelineWorld map