Unlike many literary awards, the David Gemmell Awards became renowned for their distinctive trophies. Inspired directly by characters, locations and imagery from David Gemmell’s fiction, the awards developed a visual identity that was unique within fantasy publishing. Decided by popular vote, the awards consisted of three categories – the Legend Award (best novel), the Morningstar (best debut) and the Ravenheart (best book cover art).

Trophy Evolution.
2009 saw the introduction of the Snaga-based Legend Award. In 2010 the Morningstar and Ravenheart categories were added. The Ravenheart trophy was redesigned in 2014 and the Morningstar received a new design in 2015. These developments created three highly distinctive trophies that became synonymous with the Gemmell Awards.

Legacy.
The trophies became one of the defining features of the David Gemmell Awards. Rather than relying on traditional plaques or certificates, the awards produced physical artefacts that embodied the heroism, mythology and imagination found within Gemmell’s novels. Their designs remain an important part of the awards’ legacy.

The Legend Award (2009–2018).
Introduced in 2009, the Legend Award trophy was a handcrafted half-scale replica of Snaga, the famous battle axe wielded by Druss the Legend. Created by Simon Fearnhamm of Raven Armoury, each trophy was individually produced and engraved for the recipient. Estimated to be worth around £3,000 when commissioned, it remained unchanged throughout the entire ten-year history of the awards. During the early years, shortlisted authors also received miniature versions known as Baby Snagas.

Baby Snaga.

The Morningstar Award (2010–2014).
The Morningstar Award was introduced in 2010 to recognise outstanding fantasy debuts. The original trophy design was used from 2010 to 2014 and accompanied the expansion of the awards from a single category into a broader celebration of fantasy literature.

The Morningstar Award (2015–2018).
In 2015 a completely redesigned Morningstar trophy was unveiled. Created by artist Lee Blair, the new design gave the category a much stronger visual identity and brought it into line with the prestige and uniqueness of the Legend and Ravenheart trophies.

New Morningstar Trophy.

The Ravenheart Award (2010–2013).
Introduced alongside the Morningstar Award in 2010, the Ravenheart Award recognised excellence in fantasy cover art and design. The original trophy design remained in use for the first four years of the category.

The Ravenheart Award (2014–2018).
A redesigned Ravenheart trophy was introduced in 2014, created by artist Lee Blair. The sculpture depicted Druss standing upon the battlements of Dros Delnoch from Legend. Initially produced in a pewter finish, a full-colour version followed later. Stella Gemmell publicly praised the design, noting that David Gemmell himself would have loved it.

New Ravenheart Award (Colour Version).