If you have ever read a fantasy book, watched a fantasy movie, or played a fantasy video game, you know that fantasy swords can take many forms. From glowing blades to massive greatswords, the fantasy sword has become a lasting symbol of strength, honor, and destiny.

However, below these magical weapons are real historical swords that inspired their design and look. The Falchion sword and the Zweihander sword, for example, are two of them. They may not shoot fire or help you control time, but their historical significance and purpose helped develop many of the renowned swords we see in fantasy fiction today.

The True Potential of the Falchion Sword

The Falchion sword is one of the less common, but well-known weapons used in medieval European warfare, although they were still common in battle. These swords were used between the 13th and 16th centuries, had a single-edged and curved blade, which allowed them to be a hybrid between a sword and a machete. Its shape gave it an effective cutting surface, which made it better against lightly armored opponents.

Knights wore flashy, nobly crafted swords, whereas foot soldiers wore Falchion swords. Foot soldiers had to have a sword that was easy to use, required less training, and was effective in close hand-to-hand combat. The wide tip allowed foot soldiers to strike as hard as they could, and the sword could be deadly in the right hands.

In modern fantasy, Falchion inspired many curved swords carried by rogues, hunters, or pirates. The shapes are very appealing to weapon designers as they make a blade feel exotic and realistic.

Zweihander Sword: The Heavyweight Champion of History

If Falchion means swift and aggressive in cutting, then Zweihander is all about size and brute strength. The word "Zweihander" comes from German and means "two-handed" for a very good reason. The Zweihander was a massive sword that required two hands to control.

The Zweihander sword was a popular weapon in the 16th century and was utilized by the elite cavalry soldiers known as Doppelsöldners. These elite soldiers were used at the front lines of battle to use the long reach of the weapon to break through enemy lines or defend against enemy pikes and spears. Some aspects of Zweihanders were more than 6 ft and are one of the biggest swords that were used in actual combat.

Many times in fantasy settings, these large swords exist in the hands of warriors, champions, knights, and guardians. The enormous blades seen in tabletop role-playing games and anime are based on the design and strength of the Zweihander sword.

From History to Fantasy: How Real Swords Influenced Fantasy Blades

The connection between historical arms and the fantasy sword world is significant. Writers and creators continue to look to real swords for inspiration because they offer practical designs that make sense in battle. The Falchion sword and the Zweihander sword are exceptional examples of history and imagination together.

The concave part of the falchion blade and the quick-striking traits of such blades are featured in many fantasy sword designs. It is often used to associate with characters that are portrayed as rogues, thieves, or assassin-type characters. Meanwhile, the Zweihander’s enormous size and powerful heft are perfect for creating an artifact that belongs to brave and noble heroes or a final boss villain in a lawless world.

Materia, myth, or mystery aside, fantasy swords can be seen to have a significant amount of real-world weaponry as roots. This provides a sense of realism that would help the audience connect to the fiction.

Why These Swords are Important to Fans and Collectors

For fans or collectors of fantasy or medieval history, owning a replica of a Falchion sword or a Zweihander sword is more than just a hobby; it is a chance for fans or collectors to connect to the past that led to many of the stories you have read that have influenced modern imagination. These swords are often well-made, and they have real stories dating back to the warriors who carried, used, and died with them in battle.

Many lovers of fantasy enjoy seeing how these types of weapons worked, and how they might still be in use today in fiction. From things like cosplay costumes or training with a sword, maybe they are building a collection of swords.

Clearly, these swords still serve a purpose, and for many, the imaginary gets transformed from reality into the fantastical realm in which they belong.

Bringing Imagination to Reality at BattlingBlades.com

Recreational and competitive, BattlingBlades offers a wide array of sword replicas from many different periods, including medieval pieces like the Falchion sword and Zweihander sword, as well as various styles of fantasy swords. Each sword is made with meticulous care, whether it’s for display items or storytelling.

Regardless of how you intend to use a sword, these blades become an expression of history, craftsmanship, and imagination.

Final Thoughts

The swords found in fantasy books, shows, and games didn’t come from nowhere. Many are directly inspired by weapons from hundreds of years ago, such as the Falchion sword and Zweihander sword. Their influence on the design and mythology surrounding the fantasy sword is deep and fascinating.

By understanding the history behind these blades, fans gain a deeper appreciation for the weapons their favorite characters wield. Whether you're a collector, gamer, or history buff, the world of swords offers a unique blend of fact and fantasy that continues to inspire and amaze.