An illustrative scene of blacksmiths in a forge, one raising a hammer over glowing metal, with German soldiers and flags in the background.

Panel 1 – Raw Iron in the Forge "A dim blacksmith’s workshop, raw chunks of iron scattered on the floor, forge barely glowing, uncertain apprentices standing idle, mood of fragmentation and potential, allegory of divided German states." Panel 2 – The Forge is Lit "Forge igniting with bright sparks, apprentices singing heroic songs, walls carved with Germania runes and oak leaves, a glowing iron bar placed on the anvil, allegory of nationalist revolutions stirring Germany." Panel 3 – The Blacksmith Appears "A stern blacksmith with commanding presence, hammer raised high, striking glowing iron on the anvil, apprentices stepping back in awe, allegory of Bismarck forging Germany through blood and iron." Panel 4 – The Quenching (Austria War) "Half-shaped sword plunged into steaming cauldron, violent steam rising, shadowy clash of Austrian and Prussian soldiers in the background, allegory of Austro-Prussian War 1866, Germany hardened in struggle." Panel 5 – The Final Strike (France War) "Nearly finished sword struck against a massive stone, dramatic sparks flying, battlefield silhouettes of Germans and French clashing in distance, allegory of Franco-Prussian War 1870, final test of unity." Panel 6 – The Sword Raised in Triumph "Blacksmith holding gleaming finished sword aloft, apprentices transformed into proud knights raising German banners, backdrop of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, allegory of German Empire 1871, triumphant mood." See more