Archive for the 'Swords' Category
An early Crusader who had just arrived in the Holy Land viewed a band of Saracens from a distance. He was so impressed with the curved sword that they wielded that he attempted to locate his own. Naturally the Saracens were not anxious to trade with the enemy, so he was forced to use his own straight blade crusader sword. The image that the Crusader saw is the picture that the western world still holds of the Islamic warrior—a turbaned soldier with a curved blade sword.
However straight bladed swords were also used by Islam during the Crusades. The stereo-type exists, because the Prophet Mohammed likely carried a curved weapon. There are relics which are preserved in the armory of the Sultans in the Topkai Palace in Istanbul that substantiate that he possessed a Scimitar. There are two swords that are associated with Mohammed at the armory. One of the swords is a narrow blade and is slightly curved. The hilt and scabbard of the weapon are embellished with precious stones and gold. The period that he utilized the blade would have been 560-632.
We have written about western swords with names in this blog. Islamic warrior’s swords also had names. The famous sword mentioned above was ‘Dhu’l Faqar’. Mohammed wielded this weapon at the battle of Badr in 624. Legend recounts that the sword was cloven in two near its point, and this is how it has been depicted ever since. It was bequeated to Ali, son-in-law to Mohammed. He served as Caliph from 656 to 661.
The Scimitar as well as being a beautifully formed sword, it also is very balanced and easy to handle. Collectors and reenactors appreciate the sword. Also it is so easy to wield that it is also used today in exotic belly-dancing.
Swords, with their long sharp blades and sturdy handles unfailingly bring to mind swash-buckling, dragon-slaying knights either in flouncy costumes or in shiny armor. More often than not, these men are princes or noblemen out to save their kingdom or rescue some damsel in distress. Swords also remind us of medieval times with their action-packed, crisscrossing swordfights, of flying, all-in-black ninjas, and of fencing fights. Unquestionably, these well-built weapons are impressive and remarkable that is why a number of people revel in collecting them.
Sword buffs will be ecstatic over the rich selection of swords in online stores. There are scores of handsome swords for the taking, which they can purchase and add to their precious sword displays. Browsing and selecting are bound to be hassle-free and satisfying because the items are sorted accordingly. A few of those categories are Samurai and Katana Swords, Sword Sets, Fantasy Swords, the Side Sword, Sword Canes, and Movie Swords.
One of the most storied and legendary civilizations in recorded history is that of ancient Rome. Although it was started as a monarchy, the political structure shifted to an oligarchic republic during its span. During a time when empires rarely lasted for than a few generations, the Roman Empire thrived for over a thousand years in various incarnations.
Although there are a myriad of facets that make up the complexion of the society, the military is one of the most important. While Ancient Roman swords and armor would obviously be rudimentary by today’s standards, they were inline with their contemporaries. Along with Ancient Greece—who had a considerable influence on Rome—the two makeup what is now referred to as the “classical period.”
Imaginations have been stimulated for years by the Arthurian legend—a young boy who removed a beautiful sword from a stone and became a magical king. Numerous novels and poetry have been penned about this exciting story. Some of the most well know writings are LeMorte de Arthur, The Once and Future King, and The Idyls of the King.
In the present day many movies have been presented about the legend. Some of the most recent are First Knight, The Mists of Avalon and perhaps the most well known movie of all, Camelot. There are many more movies based on this legend spanning back many years.
What is so inspirational about this early myth? Is it perhaps the belief that there is something bigger and better than our present situation? Or does the myth continue to inspire because the story is magical for everyone? The history includes an honorable leader, a beautiful queen, a magical right hand man and a cabinet of fearless knights.
Merlin, Arthur’s advisor, mentor and Vice President coached him so well that he was so advanced that he could pull a magical sword from a heavy stone. Merlin naturally became King Arthur’s major advisor because the magician made Arthur the King. As his closest advisor, Merlin was capable of turning anyone who disagreed with his King into a frog or even worse–a slimy snake. With Excalibur, Merlin and his band of mighty knights or generals, Arthur could defeat any enemy.
Eventually all good things come to an end. Camelot fell due to corruption from within. Arthur was defeated and the kingdom disintegrated. Although Arthur died and the perfect nation was no more, lore instills the hope that Arthur will someday return.
I certainly would like to live under Arthur’s leadership. If I hear of an individual that pulls a sword from a stone, it would get my attention. I do not think that will ever happen, but if I became aware of any leader who put his nation’s interest above his own political ambitions that act alone will be about as close to Arhur’s leadership as we will ever get.
Like most kids from Generation Y, my conception of medieval and fantasy themes is derived from my video gaming experiences. Growing up there were two distinct sects when it came to the realm of video games; Nintendo kids and Playstation kids. Depending on which side of the divide you fell on, you were probably either a fan of the Zelda series or the Final Fantasy series.
My loyalties were always with Nintendo, and as such I was a devout Zelda fan. I can vividly recall playing the Ocarina of Time video game for the first time and earning the first of the medieval fantasy swords in the game, the Kokiri Sword. While these reminiscences may seem trivial to many, video games are a fond memory for most of Generation Y.
Does your child hate history and think that its study is a waste of time? Most young children cannot understand the reasoning behind studying something that occurred many years ago.
All children seem to love a particular movie or game that has a historical significance, such as The Lord of the Rings, Excalibur, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, or whatever holds your child’s attention. My first venture into attempting to teach my child the value of history was the story of King Arthur and his great sword, Excalibur.
Although this is an allegory and a legend that owes its birth to a poet who wrote the story for Eleanor of Aquitaine, an early Queen of England, it certainly has relevance in this day and time. The magic of an ordinary young boy, Arthur, possessing the power to pull a beautiful jeweled sword from a stone, and in doing so, becoming the King of his country will hold a young child’s attention.
To make the story more entertaining, I bought a replica Excalibur sword. It was made of a material that was safe for a child. The name of the maker of this sword type of sword is Denix. Now latex swords, shields and even helmets are available for purchase.
There are many lessons that a child can take from the story of Camelot. However, there are some lessons that are too mature for a youngster. I read to my son selected stories from Sir Thomas Malory’s edition of Le Morte D’Arthur. There are now many volumes that are directed toward a child.
Readers of this blog are probably asking what do these three things have in common? Footballs are pigskin balls that young men use to play a popular game. Lances and swords on the other hand are ancient weapons that were utilized in many wars of the past.
Being very good at playing football entitles young men to many privileges. Highschool football players are some of the most popular boys around. At least that is the situation in the southern United States. These athletes are even more revered in college. It requires a certain toughness to play football, and it is likely one of the most dangerous sports.
In the Middle Ages, there were sports that nobles enjoyed watching as much as we enjoy football. These were tournaments which were thrilling but potentially dangerous for the contestants just like football. Christien de Troyes remarked in Yvain, or the Knight with the Lion, that “people are wont to rush up when they are eager to see swordplay.”
Some of the participants in this ancient sport were sons who would not inherit property or a title because they were not the first son. Often they participated in tournaments to make money just like our professional footballs players today. One of the most famous of these professional sword fighters was William Marsechal. Because he was the most powerful man with a sword, he acquired a castle and land through a marriage to a wealthy noble woman. Medieval times were not so different than the modern day. A powerful athlete often attracts money and beauty.
Many times wealthy young men played the game just for love of the sport or to prove their superiority in arms. The Plantagenets, a famous ruling family, of Medieval Britain participated in this dangerous sport. Richard the Lionheart was an avid participant in swordplay games and also jousting. He usually won. His brother, Geoffrey, however, was not so lucky; he was killed in a tournament . He suffered a broken neck when he was knocked from his horse with a lance. Had he not been addicted to this dangerous sport, the Plantagenet line of ruling monarchs would likely have been much changed. Richard, who became King of England was killed in a trivial skirmish at a very young age. Geoffrey would probably have acceded to the the throne at his brother’s death, and since he had children they would have been in line to rule the British Empire.
Things change but not dramatically. Certainly we live in a different age; we play different games than the Medieval athlete. The results of being great at a sport still apply. Rewards are waiting for the “best of the best.”
The legend prevails that Rome ascended with the fall of Troy. Aenas, the famed Trojan, escaped the destruction of Troy and made his way to Italy where he married a princess. They bore two sons, Romulus and Remus; the boys were left to die by the Tiber river. A she-wolf saved them. They decided to consecrate a city by the river where the miraculous she-wolf saved them. They fought over the name of the city and Romulus son and thus began the powerful city-state of Rome.
Many historical events and persons of the ancient past are often shrouded in legend and they make great stories. Whatever the origins of Rome, it became one of the most powerful states that ever existed under the sun.
The Legionnaire was the foundation of the Roman army. The Legions of the early Roman army were an outstanding group, formidable in battle and in all areas of seige warfare. They were also excellent engineers; they built roads, bridges, and water systems for the empire.
They were professional soldiers who served with each other often for twenty years. They fought very hard for the empire, but they were more dedicated to their legion than to the state. The system worked well for Rome, because each Legionnaire fought his heart out for his comrades They were prohibited from marrying, so their loyalty was to their fellow soldiers After service of twenty years, they were allowed to retire with a pension and an allotment of land. Perhaps they married at this late stage of life.
They had the finest weapons of the day. They often made changes to make them more efficient. They wore a breast plate armor called lorica segmentata. It was made of iron strips that were held in place by leather strips. This replaced the solid breastplate which restricted movement. They wore an iron helmet with a peak to prevent blows to the head. They carried a colorful shield made of wood and metal. The Roman foot soldier carried three weapons. They carried a 7 foot javelin which is now referred to as a pilium. By their side was also a pugio ( small dagger) and a two foot short sword (gladius). On their feet they wore sandals with hobnails on the bottom. With this equipment they conquered most of the ancient world.
The Roman Legionnaire was powerful, dedicated to his legion, and a very effective fighting machine. The colorful Roman soldier is a popular character for reenactors or even with the individual that desires a unique Halloween costume.
The Vikings gave their swords names such as ‘Gramr’ (fierece), and ‘Fotbitr’ (legbitr). Viking swords were also valuable family heirlooms, and were passed down from father to son. They were decorated with gold and valuable stones set in the hilt.
The Norse sagas are full of accounts of combat using swords. The Lausaviser, a Norwegian epic, recounts the story of the revenge of Einar, son of Ragnvald. Ragnvald was a chieftain who ruled in Orkney around 860. He was burnt to death in his own house by two of Harald Fairhair’s sons. Einar fought with one son, Halfdan Halegga, and killed him. Halegga was found the next morning on the side of a hill and his back had the shape of an eagle cut into it with a sword. The ribs had been separated from the backbone and the lungs had been pulled out on either side to represent an eagle’s wings. This was Einar’s victory sacrifice to Odin.
The Viking blades were most often pattern-welded. The pattern-welded technique was accomplished by the smith welding together long strips of iron and steel. Then he forged them into square-sectioned rods, which he twisted or folded and welded together in groups of three or four. These were used for the central core of the blade. The edges of the blade were then welded to it. After grinding and polishing, the twists and folds of the core pattern were brought out with acid.
The crossguard was very simple. There was elaborate decoration on the pommel.
The Vikings were some of the most feared and highly regarded warriors of any age. These Viking swords with a soul were a mighty extension of the legend of the Norsemen. Many reenactors choose the Viking persona for this reason.
Swords and Hilt Weapons published by Prion, 20 Mortimer Street, London WIT 3JW is an excellent resource for information on Viking and all other swords.
When caring for a sword collection, it’s important to be aware of the factors that can cause damage to the blades and hilts of swords. The leading cause of damage to collectible swords is the oil from human fingers. For example, if the blade is touched by human hands and then not wiped clean, small stains will develop that can cause blemishes to appear over time. These blemishes are near impossible to remove after appearing, so it’s important to avoid touching the blade when possible, and if touched, remove the oils with a soft rag or even a t-shirt. The same principles can apply to the hilt and all other areas of the sword that are metal.
In order to store collectible swords, it’s best to keep them on a wall rack to avoid them becoming damaged. Most collectible swords don’t have sharp edges, so never attempt to cut or hack at an object or risk damaging the blade. For swords with sharp edges, be careful to exercise caution, and keep out of reach of small children and even older children. Collectible words are still weapons and can be dangerous.