The Rantings Of A Christian Conservative Gamer

The Right Spin

Debunking A Myth
I love swords. Well, I love weapons of all types but swords hold a particular place of honor within my heart. I'm sure a lot of this is the romanticism surrounding the weapon but I don't care. That said, I am familiar with details of the history of swords I'm sure most are not. I'm not saying an expert, I would never say that, just that my knowledge is a bit more than a passing one.

However, apparently I'm completely off about most ancient swords common to Europe. This very, very, very well done piece, as linked by Dean, makes it quite clear these swords were anything but clumsy and lumbersome. If you like swords, or even have a passing interest in ancient/medieval history, you would be well served reading this article.
Posted by Kevin D. on Sunday September 11, 2005 at 2:55am
johnpatrickmcp (mail) (www):
Oh man that was a good article I have always belived that the portrayl of European Swords as heavy unwieldy things was a little bias but I had no idea how bias it was. It is kinda funny to see how a few peoples opinions have come to shape the entire way that our society views swords of that period.
9.15.2005 8:51am
Kevin D. (mail) (www):
I think what may have caused this misconception is that modern historians simply have not lived with these weapons as those of the time have. As the article pointed out the men who wielded these weapons lived with them and used them nearly daily. Additionally, the so-called sword experts of our day use often wield a sword in sport - such as fencing. Of course a bastard sword is going to feel like it weighs a ton when compared to a fencing foil! The fighting styles for each weapon are specific and unique. Trying to use a broadsword like a foil will probably break your wrist.
9.15.2005 11:14pm