Carrying the Colossus: Can You Actually Carry a Greatsword on Your Back?
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So, you’ve seen it in countless video games, fantasy art, and maybe even a few questionable anime – the lone warrior, greatsword strapped jauntily across their back, ready to cleave through hordes of enemies at a moment’s notice. But how much of that is fantasy, and how much is based in reality?
The short answer is: Yes, it is possible to carry a greatsword on your back, but it’s deeply impractical for most situations and was not the historical norm. While compelling in fiction, a true greatsword, like the Zweihänder, is a massive weapon. Successfully and efficiently drawing it from a back-mounted position during a fight would be an impressive feat bordering on impossible. Historical sources and practical experimentation suggest that greatswords were primarily carried in the hands, by a squire, or sometimes over the shoulder like a polearm. While not impossible, it’s far from the most efficient.
Here’s why:
- Weight and Size: Greatswords were heavy, often weighing between 4 to 8 pounds or more and ranging from 5 to 6 feet in length. Imagine trying to maneuver that weight over your head and around your body in the middle of a tense situation.
- Draw Speed: The essence of combat hinges on reaction time. Drawing a blade that size from your back and into a fighting stance would be incredibly slow, leaving you incredibly vulnerable.
- Scabbard Design: Scabbards designed for back carry would need to be exceptionally rigid and specialized to prevent the sword from flopping around and injuring the wielder. These types of scabbards add even more bulk and further impede the draw.
- Balance and Agility: A large sword on your back dramatically shifts your center of gravity. It makes running, dodging, and even maintaining balance difficult, severely compromising your agility in a fight.
While carrying a greatsword on your back may look cool, practicality always trumps aesthetics. It’s more efficient to carry it in hand or have a dedicated way to stow it on a pack.
Greatsword FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about greatswords, their usage, and how they were handled:
Is it illegal to own a greatsword?
No. In most places, there are no laws specifically banning the ownership of swords, including greatswords. However, carrying one in public might be illegal, as it could be considered a weapon. It is crucial to check your local and state laws regarding weapon possession and carry.
How did people actually carry greatswords?
Historically, greatswords were most commonly carried in the hands, particularly by specialized soldiers known as Doppelsöldner. They might also be carried by a squire, transported on a baggage train, or, when at rest, slung over the shoulder like a halberd, especially in its developed form when the Zweihänder acquired characteristics of a polearm.
Did ninjas carry swords on their backs?
While popular culture often depicts ninjas with swords on their backs, this is largely a myth. Ninjas, like samurai, typically carried their swords at their side for easier and faster access.
Can you use a sword for self-defense?
While technically possible, a sword is generally a poor choice for self-defense in modern society. It’s less practical than firearms or non-lethal options like pepper spray or a taser. Swords are better than knives in a “straight” fight, but they aren’t better than pistols
Why are cane swords illegal?
Cane swords are often illegal because they are considered concealed weapons. They disguise a deadly weapon as an innocuous item, which is prohibited in many jurisdictions.
When did carrying a sword become illegal?
The legality of carrying a sword varies greatly depending on location and time period. In Japan, for example, the Haitō Edict of 1876 prohibited former samurai from carrying swords as part of the modernization efforts.
What is “sword rule”?
“Sword rule” isn’t a universally recognized legal term. The provided context refers to a fictional law on the planet Telerath, where disputes were settled through duels with edged weapons. This is not a real-world legal concept.
Can you openly carry a sword in the US?
The legality of openly carrying a sword in the U.S. depends on state and local laws. Some states may allow it, while others have restrictions or outright bans. Always check your local regulations. In Montana, it is legal to openly carry any firearm that is legal to possess.
Did anyone ever carry swords on their backs?
Yes, there is limited evidence of some cultures, like Mongol light horse archers, Chinese soldiers, Japanese Samurai and European Knights, carrying longer blades (like greatswords) across their backs using a slung baldric over the shoulder. However, this was likely more for transport than for quick access in combat.
How is a greatsword worn for transport?
When not actively wielding it, a greatsword could be rested on the shoulder or bicep, point up, much like carrying a musket.
Why are katanas illegal in Japan?
Katanas are not inherently illegal in Japan. However, strict regulations govern their ownership and carrying. Only swords certified as “important cultural properties” or “art objects” are allowed, and even then, they cannot be carried in public or used as weapons.
How would a greatsword be carried by someone on horseback?
On horseback, a longer sword would be stowed in a scabbard attached to the horse’s saddle. The rider might also carry a shorter “arming” sword on their hip.
Do you sheath a greatsword?
Yes, sheaths for greatswords existed, though they weren’t always practical due to the sword’s size and weight.
Can you carry a greatsword with one hand?
Greatswords are designed for two-handed use. While possible to wield with one hand, it’s awkward, inefficient, and not recommended. You have to keep it constantly in motion.
What is the best weapon to defend yourself with?
The “best” self-defense weapon depends on the situation and your training. Modern non-lethal options like pepper spray, tasers, and personal alarms are often more practical and legally defensible than a sword. If deadly force is justified, a firearm is generally a more effective choice. However, remember that even your own hands and feet can be used to fend off an attack. In the pursuit of mastering martial arts and sword techniques, finding reliable resources is crucial.
The Final Verdict
While the image of a warrior with a greatsword strapped to their back is undeniably cool, it’s not necessarily the most practical or historically accurate way to carry such a weapon. Understanding the historical context, weight, and design limitations helps separate fantasy from reality. Remember, real-world sword fighting is about practicality and efficiency. While the dream is great, sometimes reality differs from the video game.
For those fascinated by the intersection of games and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org for valuable insights and resources.