Forged: A Random Word Association Post

Forge, as per dictionary.com:

–verb (used with object)
1. to form by heating and hammering; beat into shape.
2. to form or make, esp. by concentrated effort: to forge a friendship through mutual trust.

It's just such an evocative word.  It makes me think of fire and heat and sweat and dark smoky places lit with glowing orange; of  mysteries and caves and middle earth; of volcanos and lava and brute force.

"To form by heating and hammering; to beat into shape..."  That works on so many levels, doesn't it?  The raw material is tested by fire, pounded on by great force -- and emerges stronger, less brittle, able to be honed and sharpened; potentially deadly.

Then there's the notion of forging on, forging ahead, forging a path -- strong phrases with strong imagery; the implication of challenging barriers.  You never hear about someone forging a retreat.  One who forges is almost by definition a hero, right?

This post was inspired by the title Hellforged by Nancy Holzner-- which I'm liking; and which reminded me of Demon Forged by Meljean Brook which I totally loved.  It almost makes me want to go hunt for titles that use the word "forged" (except as it turns out you need to really enjoy reading World of Warcraft books if you want to go that route).

Is there a powerfully evocative word that's been catching your attention lately?