Why is it called a bastard sword?
The bastard sword, also referred to as a hand-and-a-half sword, was nicknamed the bastard because it had no specific category, as it could not be classified as a single-hand sword and it was not a two-handed great sword. The bastard sword fell into a middle ground, with its blade length varying but generally ranging between 30 to 34 inches (75 to 85 cm), making it a unique and versatile weapon.
Understanding the Bastard Sword
The term “bastard sword” may also be used to describe an early form of the longsword, with the primary difference between a bastard sword and a longsword lying in their length and design variations. To provide more insight into the world of swords, including the bastard sword, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a longsword and a bastard sword?
The blade length of a bastard sword can vary, but it generally ranges between 30 to 34 inches (75 to 85 cm), with the term “bastard sword” also used to describe an early form of the longsword.
2. What is another name for bastard sword?
The French épée de passot was also known as épée bâtarde (i.e., bastard sword) and also coustille à croix (literally a cross-hilted blade), referring to a medieval single-handed sword optimized for thrusting.
3. What type of sword is Excalibur?
Excalibur is often portrayed as a longsword, although during the 6th century when King Arthur supposedly lived, it is more likely he would have had a short blade, similar to a Roman gladius.
4. What is a Pell sword?
The pell was an ancient training device for practicing swordplay and training soldiers in arms, serving as a practice target for striking with a shield and a wooden sword.
5. When a Longsword becomes a Greatsword
The distinction between a longsword and a greatsword often comes down to size and usage, with greatswords being significantly larger and used in different combat scenarios.
6. What are the benefits of a bastard sword?
The Bastard Sword (with a longer grip) could be used for thrusting or cutting and had fearsome capabilities on the battlefield, making it effective against plate armour.
7. Is a Zweihander a longsword?
Early Zweihänders were simply larger versions of longswords, with later examples featuring Parierhaken (“parrying hooks”) and side rings on the hilt, distinguishing them from traditional longswords.
8. What is the difference between a longsword and a Zweihander?
Zweihänders are generally very long, usually as long as the user, and cannot be worn at the side like longswords, often used in battle for their reach and power.
9. Is a flamberge a Zweihander?
Flamberge describes a particular style of Zweihander with a waved blade, though not all Zweihänders are flamberges.
10. Is a Claymore a longsword or a greatsword?
A Claymore is a specific type of long sword, originally native to the highlands of Scotland, with many blades imported from European bladesmiths.
11. Is a rapier better than a broadsword?
A rapier typically has greater reach and is more thrust-centric with a lighter blade, allowing for quicker movements and potentially better ability to find holes in defense, though armour remains a challenge for all swords.
12. Who used the heaviest sword in history?
The Rajput king Maharana Pratap used to carry two swords which weighed nearly 25 kilos each, showcasing his remarkable strength and combat prowess.
13. Why were Zweihanders curved?
The waved blade of a Zweihander could better distribute the force of impact, making it less likely to break, and also served as a psychological deterrent in duels.
14. What does swinging a sword do to your body?
Swinging a sword provides an intense workout for the lower body through footwork and lunges, and requires significant muscular activity from the core, arms, shoulders, back, and chest.
15. Why do swords have blood gutters?
These grooves, often called “blood grooves” or “blood gutters”, are used to lighten the blade, similar to how an I-beam achieves strength with less material, and have nothing to do with blood.
By exploring these questions, we gain a deeper understanding of the bastard sword and its place within the broader world of swords, highlighting the complexity and richness of historical weaponry and the history of combat.