7 Legendary Swords Wielded by Kings That Shaped History

Swords have always been objects of fascination throughout history. Yet, there have been a few that have stood out not just for their craftsmanship but also for their wielders. The legendary swords of history have played a crucial role in shaping history.

From the legendary swords of mythology to those of history that have come to define an era, here is a guide to 7 legendary swords wielded by kings.

Legendary Royal Swords and Their Significance

King’s legendary weapons are not just ordinary swords but have a significant amount of cultural and historical importance. The following is a brief description of some of the most famous royal swords in the world.

Excalibur - The Quintessential Legendary Sword

Excalibur is the legendary sword that is most commonly associated with the legend of King Arthur. While its exact origins are wrapped in folklore, Excalibur is universally acknowledged as a symbol of legitimate authority and extraordinary leadership.

According to legend, the sword is imbued with magical powers that grant strength and a sense of predestination to its wielder. In some versions of the legend, Excalibur is bestowed upon King Arthur by the Lady of the Lake instead of being drawn from the stone. This ensured that the sword was associated with divine authority.

The legend of Excalibur is the quintessential legend of chivalry, justice, and leadership, making it arguably the most famous sword in medieval times.

Joyeuse - Sword of Charlemagne

Joyeuse is said to be the coronation sword of Charlemagne, who is arguably one of the most influential leaders of European history. The sword is said to change color thirty times a day during battle, which shows how special it is.

Today, Joyeuse is on display at the Louvre Museum, where it represents the prestige of the French monarchy. This sword represents the significance of a sword being part of a king’s identity.

Tizona - The Blade of El Cid

Tizona is the sword used by El Cid, a Spanish knight and ruler who is a byword for bravery and military skill, and whose name is invoked during the period of the Reconquista.

Tizona is a sword that actually existed in the real world and was used in a series of historic battles. Its durability and sharpness have given it a place among the legendary swords of history.

Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi – Japan’s Sacred Sword

A Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi is one of the three Imperial Regalia in Japan, which are sacred treasures that symbolize the divine right to rule the country by the Emperor.

This sword is deeply rooted in Japanese mythology, where it is said to have been found in the body of an eight-headed serpent killed by the storm god named Susanoo. The sword represents a symbol of honor, legitimacy, and spirituality in Japan.

Though the sword is not visible to the public, its significance to Japan’s monarchy and its history is huge.

Zulfiqar – The Sword of Ali ibn Abi Talib

Zulfiqar, identified by its one-of-a-kind design of a split blade, was the legendary sword of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. The sword symbolizes the legendary strength of Ali ibn Abi Talib, known for his courage and justice.

The numerous artistic representations of Zulfiqar in action are a testament to its strength not only as a combat sword but also as a symbol of spiritual strength, courage, and virtue.

Curtana – The Sword of Mercy

Curtana, also called the Sword of Mercy, is a part of the English coronation regalia. The sword is different from all other swords in that its tip is blunt, signifying mercy rather than aggression.

Curtana, being a ceremonial sword used by a king, signifies the evolution of swords from being used in warfare to being a symbol of moral authority and merciful leadership. This sword signifies that a king’s power did not only lie in his ability to wage war but also in his wisdom.

Wallace Sword – Scotland’s Symbol of Courage

The Wallace Sword is a sword that was used by the famous hero of Scotland, William Wallace, during the Wars of Independence that took place in the 13th century. The sword is over 5 feet long, making it a formidable sword that is a symbol of courage.

While mythical swords are purely legendary, the historical significance of the Wallace Sword is that it is displayed at the National Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland, providing a connection to the legacy of the famous hero.

Why Legendary Swords Remain Important

Legendary swords of history are important because they represent much more than just metal pieces. They represent identity, power, and stories — a tangible connection to an era of history characterized by conquests, culture, and rituals.

Legendary swords were used in wars, in coronations, or in myths. Whatever their purpose may have been, they represent the values of an era from which they were created. Studying legendary swords adds to our knowledge of history and our appreciation of its craftsmanship and symbolism.

Conclusion

From the legendary Excalibur to the sacred Zulfiqar, these legendary swords wielded by kings prove that a sword can be much more than just a King’s legendary weapon of war.

Every sword has a story to tell – of leadership, conquest, culture, and human aspirations. For sword enthusiasts and history buffs, delving into these swords is more than just a glimpse into the craftsmanship – it’s a glimpse into the values that built civilizations.

Discover more legendary king swords and historical swords at Battling Blades – where history comes alive in every sword.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.   What is Excalibur?

Excalibur is the legendary sword given by the Lady of the Lake to King Arthur in British mythology, symbolizing rightful rule and heroic leadership.

2.   Are legendary swords real?

Some of the legendary swords are real. However, some of them are just fictional. For example, Joyeuse and the Wallace Sword are real. However, Excalibur and Gram are fictional.

3.   Which sword is most famous in history?

The most famous sword in the history of the world varies depending on the source. However, Excalibur is the most famous sword. Other famous swords include the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi and Zulfiqar.

4.   What makes a sword legendary?

A sword becomes legendary because it has a deep connection to heroic legends, cultural symbolism, and historical impact.

5.   What are the roles of the sword in royal ceremonies?

Swords play a crucial role in royal ceremonies. They symbolize power, justice, and morality.