How Would a Greatsword Be Carried?
The question of how to carry a greatsword, a formidable weapon of considerable size and weight, is not a straightforward one. Unlike smaller swords that can be easily sheathed and worn at the hip, the greatsword’s dimensions and heft demand specialized methods of transport. The primary answer is that greatswords were most often carried by hand or strapped to a horse, though other less common methods also existed. This largely depended on the context, whether on the march, preparing for battle, or during everyday life (for those who regularly carried such a weapon).
Methods of Carrying a Greatsword
Hand-Carried
The most common way to carry a greatsword was simply by hand, using a variety of grips. Given that it is designed as a two-handed weapon, this method may seem obvious, but it is important to consider the variations. Typically, a soldier or warrior would hold the pommel or the lower part of the grip, allowing the blade to extend upwards, much like carrying a rifle. This allowed for a degree of control while preventing the blade from dragging on the ground. The greatsword could also be carried across the shoulder, resting on the wielder’s back, using both hands for support. This is a good method for a short march, where speed is not essential. A significant consideration is that a greatsword is not balanced for single-hand use, and trying to wield it with one hand would be awkward due to the inertia momentum and the need for constant motion to maintain control.
Strapped to a Horse
When traveling long distances or when the wielder wasn’t actively engaged in combat, greatswords were often strapped to horses. This was especially true for knights and mounted soldiers who would have other equipment to carry. The greatsword, often along with other gear, would be secured to the horse using straps, usually on the side or back of the saddle. This allowed the warrior to conserve energy and keep the sword readily available. A squire might also have the duty of carrying the greatsword while the knight was not engaged in battle.
Baldric Carry
While less common than the other methods, some sources indicate that a slung baldric over the shoulder was sometimes used. This method involved using a strap that ran diagonally across the chest, allowing the greatsword to be secured across the back. This method is often associated with longer blades such as the zweihander, nodachi, and ōdachi, but the principle could be applied to greatswords as well. However, this method would have limited practical use during battle, where such a large weapon strapped across the back could be awkward.
Sheathed (with limitations)
While sheaths for greatswords did exist, they were often impractical due to the sword’s size and weight. Unlike smaller swords, greatswords presented significant difficulties for sheathing. A sheath of adequate size and strength would be heavy, cumbersome, and difficult to draw from quickly. Thus, while sheaths were theoretically possible, they were rarely used in the field. The practicalities of carrying a greatsword favored other carrying methods over using a sheath.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Were greatswords ever sheathed?
Yes, sheaths for greatswords did exist, although they were less common than for smaller swords. The impracticalities of carrying a large, heavy sheath and drawing such a long sword quickly made them less desirable in a combat context. While a sheath certainly helped protect the blade and the wearer from accidental cuts during transport, other methods often proved more efficient.
2. How heavy is a typical greatsword?
A two-handed sword might weigh about 2 kg (4lb), whereas a greatsword might weigh up to 4 or 5 kg (10lb). While this doesn’t seem incredibly heavy, the length of the blade adds to its cumbersome nature.
3. Can a greatsword be wielded with one hand?
Technically, yes, it’s possible, but highly impractical. Greatswords are designed to be used with two hands. They are balanced as two-handed weapons, making single-handed use awkward and difficult due to their size, weight, and the amount of force required.
4. What is the average damage of a greatsword in combat?
In some contexts (such as a D&D style game) The Greatsword averages 8.33 damage, whereas the great axe averages 7.33. On a critical hit, this damage would be doubled for both types of weapons. In reality, damage output is not a concrete metric as it greatly varied based on the skill of the wielder and armor of their opponent, not to mention type of blade.
5. Is it legal to carry a greatsword in public?
Generally, carrying a sword in public is illegal in most places, especially in urban areas. Specific laws vary greatly, and it’s best to check local and state regulations to be sure. Some places may allow it for certain historical reenactments, but these are usually specific events. Swords would not typically be allowed in public gatherings or any commercial location.
6. How did knights carry greatswords?
Knights would often store their greatswords on their horses with other equipment until they arrived at the battlefield. When the fighting began, the sword would be carried resting on the shoulder until it was needed. Their squires also played a significant role in carrying weapons when not in use.
7. How was the Zweihander carried?
The Zweihänder (a larger, two-handed sword) is often considered to be more like a polearm than a sword due to its size and weight. Consequently, it was not usually carried in a sheath, but across the shoulder, similar to a pike or halberd.
8. What is the difference between a longsword and a greatsword?
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, longswords are typically smaller and lighter than greatswords. Longswords can be worn in a sheath at the side like any other sword, and can be wielded with one or two hands. Greatswords are typically larger and heavier, designed exclusively for two-handed use, and are typically not carried in a sheath.
9. How much did a Claymore weigh and how was it carried?
A Claymore is a type of greatsword used in the Scottish Highlands. They typically had an average length of about 140 cm (55 in) and weighed approximately 2.5 kg (5.5 lb). Like most greatswords, they were carried by hand or strapped to horses but rarely sheathed.
10. Who carried the heaviest sword in history?
Maharana Pratap, an Indian Rajput king, is said to have carried two swords, each weighing about 25 kilos. It is also said that his weapons weighed a total of 208 kg, including his armor and other equipment.
11. Are swords still used by the military?
While swords are no longer used in combat, they remain important in honorary and ceremonial contexts. Most military officers have ceremonial swords, and training in swordsmanship is often part of officer training.
12. Why are cane swords illegal in some places?
Cane swords are canes that conceal a blade within their shaft, and are classified as concealed weapons. They are illegal in many places, such as California, because they pose a safety risk and can be used for clandestine or malicious purposes.
13. Why are greatswords so popular in fantasy games?
Greatswords are popular in fantasy games because of their exceptional range and high damage output. They are seen as powerful, imposing, and can be effective against various enemies. This creates a feeling of power, control and impact when using them in a game.
14. What is the difference between a greatsword and a greataxe?
Mechanically, in some games, a greatsword does 2d6 damage whereas a greataxe does 1d12 damage. The greatsword is more likely to hit a result in the middle of its range, while a greataxe is more varied in its result. The difference in real-world terms is that a greatsword is a cutting/slashing weapon whereas a greataxe is a bludgeoning/crushing weapon.
15. What qualifies as a greatsword?
A greatsword generally refers to a large, two-handed sword. This can include weapons like the claymore, the zweihander, and other similar swords that are too big for one-handed use or to be worn on the hip. The term can encompass a variety of swords with long blades designed for two-handed wielding.