Swords
Swords serve as weapons, marks of kingship, and objects of prophecy.
Introduction#
Swords are among the most important symbols in Arthurian legend. They serve as weapons, marks of kingship, signs of divine favor, and objects of prophecy. Some swords possess magical powers, while others are remembered for the deeds performed with them. Throughout the Arthurian tradition, famous swords become extensions of their owners, reflecting honor, destiny, and authority.
Historical Background#
If King Arthur was based on a historical figure, he would most likely have lived during the fifth or sixth century, in the period following the withdrawal of Roman authority from Britain.
The swords of this age differed considerably from the long, heavy weapons often imagined from later medieval romances. Warriors generally carried relatively short double-edged swords designed for both cutting and thrusting. These blades were usually between 70 and 90 centimeters in length and were intended for fighting on foot or from horseback.
Many swords of post-Roman Britain show influences from both Roman military equipment and Germanic traditions. High-quality blades were valuable possessions, often passed down through generations or buried with their owners.
The richly decorated swords familiar from later Arthurian romance belong largely to the High Middle Ages, centuries after Arthur’s supposed lifetime.
Swords in Medieval Tradition#
Medieval literature frequently gives names to the weapons of legendary heroes. Far more than ordinary tools of war, these swords were treated as companions, heirlooms, and symbols of their owners’ fame and authority.
Named swords appear throughout the heroic traditions of Europe. Among the most famous are Arthur’s Excalibur, Roland’s Durendal, Charlemagne’s Joyeuse, and the swords of Ogier the Dane, Sauvagine and Curetana. Such weapons were often said to possess remarkable histories, superior craftsmanship, or connections to kings, saints, and ancient heroes.
In Arthurian literature, the naming of swords serves to distinguish important weapons from ordinary arms. A named sword frequently carries a story of its own, passing between generations, fulfilling prophecies, or becoming associated with significant events. Some swords symbolize kingship, while others represent divine favor, justice, or the destiny of a particular knight.
The tradition reflects the high value placed upon swords in medieval society. A fine blade was among a warrior’s most prized possessions, and in legend this esteem was elevated further, transforming famous weapons into enduring symbols of heroic identity.
Swords in Arthurian Literature#
Arthurian romance elevates swords far beyond their practical military function. Named swords become symbols of kingship, lineage, divine authority, heroic achievement, and spiritual worthiness.
Many Arthurian swords are associated with prophecies, miraculous origins, or tests of characters. Some can be drawn only by a chosen hero, while others bring misfortune when wielded by the unworthy.
A knight’s sword often reflects his character, while the gaining or loss of a sword may mark a turning point in his story. For kings, prophets, and Grail knights alike, the sword serves as a visible sign of a higher calling.
The Sword as a Symbol of Kingship#
No Arthurian sword is more famous than Excalibur, but it is only one of several royal weapons associated with Arthur.
The tradition of the Sword in the Stone established the sword as a symbol of legitimate rule. By drawing the sword, Arthur demonstrated that he had been chosen to become king. Later writers increasingly linked swords with divine providence, transforming them from weapons into sacred objects.
The Grail Swords#
The Grail romances contain some of the moste elaborate sword traditions in Arthurian literature. Among them are:
– the Sword with the Strange Hangings
– the Sword of David
– the Sword of Resolve
– Trebuchet’s Sword
These weapons are closely connected with prophecy, sacred history, and the Grail Quest. Unlike ordinary swords, they often possess histories stretching back to biblical times.
Famous Arthurian Swords#
Among the best-known swords of Arthurian legend are:
– Excalibur
– Clarent
– Ron
– Rhongomynyad
– Sword with the Strange Hangings
– Sword of Resolve
– Sword with the Red Hilt
– Sword with the Two Rings
– Trebuchet’s Sword
Many other swords appear only briefly in individual romances but nevertheless contribute to the rich weapon lore of the Arthurian world.
