I love how I've gained a genuine interest in historical weponary, warfare and defence strategies from just stumbling upon a Skyrim Castle review one day, shad your an absolute hero. edit: I genuinely can't play a game that includes a castle without an internal vocie tuttng and saying "shad would NOT be happy with this"
I feel sorry for the Bastard sword. So often forgotten from history. Isolated. Standing in when the regular folks can't be risked. Trying to earn a reputation to call their own. All because his parents weren't married.
I don't believe it is perspective. It's much more likely that Shad can shrink and grow magically and he uses that ability to make fun at the expense of gullible viewers! Well, some of us aren't fooled so easily, Shad!
Shadiversity A Witch! Burn him! Although maybe we should first see if Shad weighs as much as a duck to be fair. how do you call a male witch anyway?A warlock?
@@JaxdoesArt I don't care what people do with their own body. I just don't believe in the gender spectrum. You either have XX or XY chromosomes. No amount of surgery can change that.
dear shad, after your videos, I became the most boring and critical person to talk about armor and weapons, you have ruined all my favorite medieval games and movies (also my friendships), thank you. ps. if you are feeling a little remorse, and want to patch things up, I totally recommend you doing a video about polearms (names, functions and origins), nobody gives attention to these beasts, just because they're not as stylish as swords are. thnxs man, loving your vids (did you make you chair out of your wall? why is it strangely the same material?)
Yeah, I hate how overshadowed polearms are in movies and video games. Realistically if I _had_ to fight in a medieval battle I'd take any polearm over a sword 90% of the time.
I did not know that about Bastard Swords and was absolutely wondering about it last night. It was like you read my mind from afar. Thanks for clearing some of that up for me.
Samuel Steed Well I'm gonna admit it: I never read or watched or played or really even touched anything in the Game of Thrones universe... so I wouldn't really know
Dragon HearthX Well I know a slight bit about it because it's impossible to avoid since EVERYBODY except me watched Game of Thrones. But to be honest your second reply I didn't really get...
In Game of Thrones, or at least in the books, arming swords are called longswords, longswords are called bastard swords, and warswords and greatswords are called greatswords. So the terminology is a bit different.
My experience and research is the most accurate classification taking in all the various sources is: Arming Sword/Sword - Conventional knightly sword. Bastard Sword - Intermediary between arming swords and longswords in length, these were NOT a transitional sword, but instead first appeared in the early Renaissance (c. late-15th, early-16th centuries). Greatsword/War Sword - Early longswords of the later 12th and early 13th centuries with some later examples from the end of the Middle Ages, IE the Oakeshott Type XX. Evolved in response to improvements in armor protection by growing larger with a handle long enough to accommodate both hands. The blade is heavy, broad, and focused on the cut over the thrust. Longsword - True longswords first appearied in the 14th century. The blades are better balanced between the cut and thrust. Epitome of this philosophy was the Type XVIIIb with its convex profile, allowing both a broad cutting edge through the center of percussion, yet a very slender, awl-like point. The handles are generally a good deal longer than the earlier Greatsword (again, as typified by the XVIIIb). Dopplehander/Zweihander - Large two-handed swords as much as six feet in length of the later Middle Ages and early Renaissance, generally wielded half-sword like polearms.
As near as I can figure that was the actual period term, (correct spelling: Doppelhänder) with Zweihander being a more modern invention. The German term would be most appropriate since they were primarily used by the Landsknechts in the latter Middle Ages.
Ah, sword ownership. I've owned a sword for about 16 years, but currently it's stuck somewhere overseas with someone else. Why? Because I managed to move to the ONE state in Australia that doesn't just say you can't walk around with a thing like that, but that you can't even own one. And where did I get this sword anyway? A shop in Dubbo where you could just walk in, no questions asked, point at a sword and say 'I'd like that one please'. So now I'm stuck with still technically owning this thing, but not knowing what to do with it, because I can't bring it to the place I live, which is where I've had that sword most of that time. I took it on an aircraft in checked luggage at least 3 times, took it through 4 different countries, and had it on my wall in various places in Australia and England... Even once when some police and earlier some ambulance services needed access to my place due to one of my neighbours. It was never once a problem, but no, I manage to move to the one place where legally speaking it's harder to own a sword than a gun. Go me. XD
Your shirt promotions are one of the few I actually watch completely. They're hilarious! Edit: I just had the most awesome idea. In about a decade or so, when I finally have my blacksmith career up and running, all of the historical youtubers and such should start a gofundme campaign to build.... You guessed it... A castle!! I think that eventually, especially considering the rate some of these youtube channels grow, we could amass that mass amount of money to fund the construction of such a thing.
So simply put, while classifications we use today are useful and make speaking about swords easier in real life history none of these terms were exactly set in stone, there was no clearly defined lines what made long sword a long sword and not a bastard sword or war sword and so on. Names used could also be very situational. IE what we call war sword today could have been called a great sword back in the day and not be wrong. Especially by a person of small stature a big war sword was truly great in size for him. :)
Thank you so much Shad! This video was _perfect_ and exactly what I've been looking for all these years. When I was little, I was always so confused over different sources' descriptions of bastard swords, longswords, great swords, and two-handed swords because they seemed to contradict, but these reference books I looked at would never go into detail. They would also give the labels and make them seem indisputable rather than acknowledging the varying interpretations behind them.
Brokenbob13 Saddly it's probably the best in the game. I say saddly cause i already went there to look around to see things I learned from Shads videos and saw a few irritating things. Still want a video though cause I didn't do a very detailed search of the castle.
actually given my state's laws, the part about the shirt is wrong. walking around with a sword would be perfectly legal. Assuming you don't do anything illegal with it.
Fair point, standardization is a relatively new concept, quick wikipedia search says that we only got the metric and imperial systems in the late 1700s and early 1800s, and those are just standards on measuring things much less describing weaponry.
Martin Madsen Dragons come in several standard species, of which there are many variations. They break into two tradition families, True Dragons and Dragon-Kin. True Dragons always feature six limbs- four legs and two wings. True Dragons often carry pouches of toxic chemicals that ignite when mixed with oxygen. The chemicals are fed from pouches in the upper jaw, much like venom in a serpent. The Dragons' teeth are as hard as steel, ignition can come from a combination of grinding teeth and forceful exhalation. Many dragons have toxic blood- or "impenetrable" scales, can see best in twilit conditions and pure darkness, can track prey on a month old trail, and can see an average distance of twenty miles in the largest species. True Dragons almost never have a maximum size smaller than the average human home, and have the potential to fly at a year old. Dragon-Kin come in every other form, Including, but not limited to Wyrms, Lindwyrms, Orobourus, Drake, and Wyvern. Wyvern are smaller than true Dragons, on average about the size of a horse, though at least one example was found to be approximately the size of a head car of a train. They have a single set of legs for walking, and are incredibly awkward while grounded, having to use their wings as a form of movement. They are typically unable to breathe fire or have any individual characteristics, except for the power of their flight and broad range of camouflages. Drake are very similar to Dragons, except they come in the size of a large horse, have four limbs, and noticeably lack wings. Strangely, Drakes may or may not feature fire breath. Why this is unclear, but may stem as a defect from True Dragons simply not growing wings within the eggs after birth. Wyrms and Wyrmkin are very large, carnivorous, Dragons that typically feature no limbs, or a single set of wings. Sometimes, a Wyrm may feature both legs AND wings, and this distinction creates a Lindwyrm. Unable to breath fire, they appear rather non threatening. Except, for the fact that they appear the size of a house, or a small cave, and feature a head strongly resembling that of a true Dragon's, of course. Imagine "Tremors", but bigger, sleeker, and more dragonlike. Here's hoping it helps~ from a Pagan.
I would love to hear your opinion on weapon damage in games and tabletop RPGs. Should it be a constant damage value like in Fire Emblem or variable like in D&D? (Like 2d6 vs a constant 12)
You didn't ask for my opinion, but here it is anyways. Consistent damage is more strategic, but more predictable, whereas variable damage can make things more tense, but often produces results that are underwhelming or anti-climactic. I actually really like how Pokemon does damage. You take a move's base power, then multiply and divide it by a bunch of factors such as attack, defense, STAB, weakness/resistance, etc. You get a result that will basically "feel" right given the factors at play. It then multiplies that value by a random amount between 75% and 100%. I think this hybrid system is best, which is why I'm doing something similar with my own game. You'll get results that are consistent enough to let players make strategic decisions, while also having that bit of randomness that makes things interesting without feeling arbitrary.
Comment left before watching. My understanding is that the bastard sword is a subtype of longsword , and is generally smaller because it is made with both one handed and two handed use in mind. A kind of middle ground between longsword and arming sword but still technically a longsword.
In the Czech Republic, the sword can be worn of course, it is subject to certain rules... :-) Great video, finally people will understand the terminology (One and half hand sword vs Bastard sword), thanks to you man... My big thanks for this video.
I wonder from where you get the notion that longsword was in period for what we now called rapier and rapier referred to sidesword? George Silver and Joseph Swetnam both wrote "long sword or long rapier", indicating that these are similar swords but doesn't explain the difference. Swetnam also mention the "long sword" being used with a dagger, so it referred to a one-handed sword. Silver also seems to use "long sword" in opposition to the "short sword", the latter which seems to be synonymous with (or the term included) the basket-hilted backsword. I've seen people suggest that "long sword" in this period could mean longer sword regardless of it being one- or two-handed. I don't know if this is true, but it would fit with Swetnam's statement that: "The Bastard Sword, the which Sword is some-thing shorter then a long Sword, and yet longer then a Short-sword"
I never really knew about the warsword or arming sword classifications before I started watching you channel, so I would just use one handed sword, bastard sword, longsword, big longsword, greatsword.
Roby the MythosMan Let's take a look at function- soldiers of the day wore arming swords as battlefield weapons, and it was illegal for peasantry to own or carry. And yet, people did own them. So- conceivability? Or to sell the idea that this isn't a sword?
Good video, Shad. Thank you for that. But, if I may, could you put your sources of studies in the videos? I am a medieval warfare researcher, and I really approuve your videos, but it would be great if you could link the studies from where you take your knowledge. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, MAN!
Four years later, I believe what really sets the bastard sword apart from longsword is the length of the grip. Most bastard swords, you can fit a finger or two in between your hands when using it two handed. An actual longsword, you can fit four fingers or a bit more in between you're gripping it two handed. Why? I'm guessing it's for those times when you want to use a sword mostly from horseback, but if you had a need for a bit more leverage, you could use two. I've found that even with a 32" blade with a two-handed grip, it's much more awkward to use it one handed than a bastard or arming sword. This for the modern age where we have so many damn styles of sharpened iron bars that we need over twenty different names to keep them clear.
"lange Schwert" is actually pronounced like this: Lange is pronouced like lung, but with the e at the end is pronounced like the a in land. For the pronounciation of Schwert you can listen to this: de.forvo.com/word/schwert/
Hey Shad, can you or someone else here tell me a bit about the reliability of Darksword armory? I see you have their ranger sword from your intro, and I was thinking of getting it too. However, I've heard that they had many problems in the past with extremely slim tangs that can snap during cutting. Can you or anyone confirm weather this is still an issue? I'd also like to know what is an acceptable weight for a bastard sword, as the ranger sword from Darksword armory is a hefty 4lbs 11 ounces.
Quick note on (modern) French pronunciation; the _d_ (or _de)_ at the end of a word is usually either softly pronounced or silent, particularly when the word ends in _ard_ (or _arde)._
The "Great swords of war" historically refers to the transitional arming sword-to-longsword Oakeshott types xiia and xiiia, the ones you describe at 05:35
So as a speaker of 5 different European languages, i find it difficult to find a fit for the Two-Hander = Longsword category. You are correct in all the others although its more period related (arming sword might be called a longsword in the early middle ages) English also seems to be the most inconsistent of all the languages, in Italian,Spanish, German and Czech the names and definitions overlap very well. Could you provide an example of the longsword=gretasword equivalency? thanks!
Regarding the German "Lang Schwert", I think it's interesting to look at the fight-book by Andre Paurñfeyndt in which he writes: "... the long sword, which is used with both hands, such as the battle sword, riding sword, estoc, and many others". Note: battle sword (Schlachtschwert) is what is what they called greatswords in German at the time. So it seems that "Lang Schwert" meant any type of two-handed sword.
Why everybody thinks that longsword refers to the length of blade? It is as much plausible that name longsword came from the length of hilt. Sword became long, when the hilt has enough space to comfortably accommodate both hands.
I remember searching for what kind of sword Anduril/Narsil (Aragorn's sword) was. There's apparently a quote that says it was a "long sword", so people assume it was supposed to be a longsword. But I'm thinking, based on what Tolkien knew, it was more likely some kind of Viking-esque sword, or more generally an arming sword, just perhaps a longer than average one. It's too bad Tolkien isn't around to answer such questions.
So Shad, where did the use of "Claymore" come into play when referring to Two-Handed Swords and which was the common sword that had this name (Warsword vs Greatsword essentially )
Great definitions. I've come to the conclusion (helped out by one of your previous videos) that the proper name for a given sword is how it is meant to be used. A 51" longsword properly made for me is still a longsword even when a 7' tall or 4'9" tall person is wielding it. A properly made 61" great sword for me is likewise still a great sword no matter who gets a hold of it. (I'm sure with the right combination you could find people who's dimensions could possibly make it so an arming sword made for one person could be used by them as a longsword but I'd think those would be extreme cases.)
The problem is that in the medieval times, there wasn’t any industrial standard. Most weapons are custom made for a person or a group of people. An arming sword for a massive Viking can be a long sword for a small Italian. People probably pick up a weapon and fight in the style according to its size in relation to the wielder.
In modern German the term Zweihänder can be used for every sword thatis primarily used two handed. Fortunately terms like Langschwert and Kriegsschwert are becoming more common
I was going to make a comment on tabletop roleplay longswords, but it seems 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons has made my particular process much more expedited. The greatsword is listed as a two-handed weapon, where as the longsword is listed as a versatile weapon, meaning it can be wielded with one or two hands. It has me thinking I could include the home-brew rules option of an arming sword as a one-handed martial weapon dealing damage with an eight-sided die, with the longsword maintaining the versatility and damage depicted in the player's handbook. Thoughts from Shad and/or the community?
You could also do what you described, and make it finesse. Just like a rapier in d&d 5th, except slashing. The finesse-property would make it different from d&d5th Longsword wielded one handed and a worthwile option to dex based characters.
I remember that 2nd Edition AD&D used bastard swords (2d6) as a "hand and a half" blade which could optionally be wielded with two hands while long swords (1d8) were usually one-handed only. Do they not have bastard swords in 5th edition?
+Shadiversity Is there any chance we could see Valdek's Dark Fortress(Lego), Castle of Morcia(Lego), Nanda Parbat(DC comics), Castle Acorn(Sonic the Hedgehog), or the Royal Palace of Eternia(MOTU 200x) for your series on castles? Also could you do a medieval weapons video on Gargoyle, Fauns, Naga/Lamia, and Nymphs/Fairies/Pixies.
Shad did you know in Decatur Illinois in the USA swords can be carried as long as you dont conceal them . thay only restrict knife lingth not swords in Decatur Illinois in the USA
Interesting points! Descriptions of swords can really be a confusing topic especially when talking about European straight double edged cruciform hilt swords. At least how I define the differences is how they are designed to be used/how the handle, the classes being the following: Arming Sword: Designed to be used one handed primarily either with a shield or as a side arm in either in a battlefield or self defense scenario. Also designed to be easy to carry for long periods of time. Best uses: As a light self defense weapon. Battlefield sidearm (both cavalry and infantry). Sword and Shield combo. Hand and a Half/Bastard Sword: Designed to be used effectively both one and two handed either in a battlefield or self defense scenario. Also designed to be easy to carry for long periods of time. Best uses: As a heavier self defense weapon compared to an arming sword. Battlefield sidearm (both cavalry and infantry). Long Sword: Designed to be used two handed primarily as a side arm in either in a battlefield or self defense scenario. Also designed to be easy to carry for long periods of time. Best uses: As a heavy self defense weapon. As a heavier Battlefield infantry sidearm compared to a bastard or arming sword. (infantry only). War Sword: Designed to be used two handed only and in war only. Short enough to be carried as a sidearm but long enough to make impractical for peacetime carry or long time carry. Best uses: As a Heavy Battlefield sidearm (infantry only). Great Sword: Designed to be used two handed only and on the battlefield as a primary weapon. Is not designed to be carried for long periods of time for reasons other than transport to and from battlefields. Best uses: As a primary Battlefield infantry sidearm for certain circumstances (against cavalry, pike formations, defending area or bridge against multiple opponents etc...). Anyway these are the definitions I personally use as they apply to most variations of the types of swords, because even if say an arming sword is designed for only half swording or used only for cutting, they still solve a similar problem just in different ways. I try my best to make the definitions all inclusive of their sword type but as you say there is a spectrum and some swords will fall in-between. If you have any comments about my classifications I'd love to hear them! -A long time fan of your channel (P.S. What about dragons?)
I always went with bastard swords being swords that are designed to be wielded with one or two hands and long swords are one handed swords that are longer than an arming sword and usually tapered to be for thrusting... but not a rapier, lol. Shorter than an arming sword but longer than a dagger is a "short sword". Longer than a bastard sword is a bindenhander "two-handed sword". Even longer is a great sword. Dagger > Short Sword > Arming Sword > Long Sword > Bastard Sword > Two-Handed Sword > Great Sword.
I prefer Buster Swords (Thicc Greatswords); To wield one is proof of your strength and to wordlessly say "reconsider not throwing your life away"! They're big & thick enough to be used as a shield when guarding, that is... if you need to, cos' you've already won the battle! Indeed, buster-swords are greatswords for REAL MEN! ...Also, that **CLANG**... music to my ears...
4:21 I have to correct you there. "Langschwert" (Longsword) is a more or less modern name, in the old german fencing sources it is always called "Langes Schwert" (Long Sword). And another free advice from me: The German word "Lang" is pronounced like the English word "lung". Your "Schwert" was fine.
I can't imagin the word bastard being of french origin, its rather german since we also use the word bastard, from the old german word "Bankhart" ="bench hard" which most likely refers to how bastards were made ;)
Hey Shad, I know it's been more than half a year, but I was wondering if you could do a part 2(or in the Imperial City's case part 3) and fix all the fantasy castles(since not a single one can classify as a city). Just a suggestion, great work
Thank you very much. It's 21th centuary and people still has same problem with classification weapons. What is a carbine? AR15, or AKS74U? What's is SMG? AKS74U, G36C or MP5? What's PDW? MP5? UMP45? MP5K? Ugh, why can't there just be good definition, like "the sword with one handed grip and bade length between 80-100 is called X". " the sword with one and a half handed grip and blade length 80-100 cm is called Y". That's so confusing. I need to work with weapon calibers, and when doing researches, people come to me and saying that 7.62 has a good bullet trajectory. What the hell? It's like saying "box with engine and 4 wheels has good driving". Goddamn. 7.62x39? 7.62x17? 7.62x51? x54? These are all ABSOLUTELY different ammo types, while people are calling them all 7.62.
In my understanding, there should be short sword( one handed sword), typical long sword( two handed) and then bastard sword right? But this is before watching the vid though.
Say I'm writing a medieval-esque high fantasy novel, what sort of terminology would be best for both a bit of stylised-authenticity and communicating a clear vision to the reader?
Definitely the standard terminology, unless you made it a feature that swords are called different things between cities and regions that confuse the heck out of a character for comedic effect. "That's it, I'm calling this swords a dinglehopper you the rest of you can go to hell!"
Your swords could just happen to be in a time period were their loose classifications line up with the modern stuff. You could also explain the sword through a non-sword-user's eyes so the qualities of the sword can be explained past the classification, and use one which makes the most sense. Little things can increase authenticity, for example if there is only one type of sword used in some chatacters' eyes, it would probably be called "sword" rather than anything fancy, though different characters calling different weapons swords might get a bit out of control.
I love how I've gained a genuine interest in historical weponary, warfare and defence strategies from just stumbling upon a Skyrim Castle review one day, shad your an absolute hero.
edit: I genuinely can't play a game that includes a castle without an internal vocie tuttng and saying "shad would NOT be happy with this"
It's a true pleasure mate, thank you!
I'm still waiting for an in-game castle that has proper machicolations.
tacoman2.147 Hopefully a game designer is watching Shads videos cause if not I don't think there's any hope for realistic castles
The wait for munt and blades 2 Bannerlord ... best castles I have ever seen in a Game in the sense of actual defense abilitys ... murder holes!!!
Specially if the castle doesn't have MACHICOLATIONS!!!!
I feel sorry for the Bastard sword. So often forgotten from history. Isolated. Standing in when the regular folks can't be risked. Trying to earn a reputation to call their own. All because his parents weren't married.
B1 Laxson Ask any father- a bastard isn't his.
I bought my longsword shirt in black! I love it. I wear it every Thursday at longsword sparring for HEMA!
That's so awesome, thanks man!
Shadiversity Thank you! It's a great shirt! Keep making awesome videos shad! I love your channel :)
Excuse me Shad but its 2017 and we have to call them non-traditional family swords now.
The scabbard I wear does not define what kind of sword I am!!
Only a bastard would use a bastard sword in 2017 terminology.
Do you know why swords have scabbards? Because it's a safe place if you misclassify them.
Sword is a social construct. I identify as a sword-like object and my pronouns are wallhanger and stainless steel replica.
We also shall not discriminate against bronze swords. Steel just came and culturally appropriated sword-hood.
Never have I opened a video faster
Don't forget Warswords lol. Never stop being awesome Shad.
I don't believe it is perspective. It's much more likely that Shad can shrink and grow magically and he uses that ability to make fun at the expense of gullible viewers! Well, some of us aren't fooled so easily, Shad!
I've been discovered!
Shadiversity A Witch! Burn him! Although maybe we should first see if Shad weighs as much as a duck to be fair.
how do you call a male witch anyway?A warlock?
00Trademark00 Witch. It has always been witch. Anyone saying otherwise has too much DND in his system.
@@grayblackhelm6468 Roll for illusion.
In my childhood: "You're either a short sword, or a longsword!"
Now: "Swords are a spectrum!"
Something has changed...
I'm 3 years late but underrated comment
I can’t tell if you’re being transphobic or not…
@@JaxdoesArt I don't care what people do with their own body. I just don't believe in the gender spectrum. You either have XX or XY chromosomes. No amount of surgery can change that.
@@TheMegaOne1000 “tell me you’re transphobic without saying you’re transphobic.”
@@JaxdoesArt Can you elaborate on what you found trqnsphobic in that message?
dear shad, after your videos, I became the most boring and critical person to talk about armor and weapons, you have ruined all my favorite medieval games and movies (also my friendships), thank you.
ps. if you are feeling a little remorse, and want to patch things up, I totally recommend you doing a video about polearms (names, functions and origins), nobody gives attention to these beasts, just because they're not as stylish as swords are.
thnxs man, loving your vids (did you make you chair out of your wall? why is it strangely the same material?)
ha ha, thanks mate, and to answer your question: th-cam.com/video/QDfCFoqUDzs/w-d-xo.html&t
Shadiversity wow man, you actually answered!! you're a chevalier with some true chivalerie (cheval and all)
SuperMegabits Absolutely agree, there should be more about pole arms.
Yeah, I hate how overshadowed polearms are in movies and video games.
Realistically if I _had_ to fight in a medieval battle I'd take any polearm over a sword 90% of the time.
I did not know that about Bastard Swords and was absolutely wondering about it last night. It was like you read my mind from afar. Thanks for clearing some of that up for me.
I know what it is: Longsword is for badasses and Bastard Swords are for assholes!
My cousin is a Bastard and he is one of the nicest people I've ever met
Dragon HearthX *-CONSPIRACY THEORY CONFIRMED NOTHING IS JOHN SNOW-*
Samuel Steed Well I'm gonna admit it: I never read or watched or played or really even touched anything in the Game of Thrones universe... so I wouldn't really know
Dragon HearthX Well I know a slight bit about it because it's impossible to avoid since EVERYBODY except me watched Game of Thrones. But to be honest your second reply I didn't really get...
In Game of Thrones, or at least in the books, arming swords are called longswords, longswords are called bastard swords, and warswords and greatswords are called greatswords. So the terminology is a bit different.
long swords huh?...
BUT WHAT ABOUT DRAGONS!!?
changüichdepollo a I know right, don't forget the dragons
You stole my line before it was even out of my mouth?
Pickpocket skill: 999
pickpocket skill: over 9000
i really hope this becomes a meme
Titan-Volt 101 Hopefully not to the "end them rightly" levels.
My experience and research is the most accurate classification taking in all the various sources is:
Arming Sword/Sword - Conventional knightly sword.
Bastard Sword - Intermediary between arming swords and longswords in length, these were NOT a transitional sword, but instead first appeared in the early Renaissance (c. late-15th, early-16th centuries).
Greatsword/War Sword - Early longswords of the later 12th and early 13th centuries with some later examples from the end of the Middle Ages, IE the Oakeshott Type XX. Evolved in response to improvements in armor protection by growing larger with a handle long enough to accommodate both hands. The blade is heavy, broad, and focused on the cut over the thrust.
Longsword - True longswords first appearied in the 14th century. The blades are better balanced between the cut and thrust. Epitome of this philosophy was the Type XVIIIb with its convex profile, allowing both a broad cutting edge through the center of percussion, yet a very slender, awl-like point. The handles are generally a good deal longer than the earlier Greatsword (again, as typified by the XVIIIb).
Dopplehander/Zweihander - Large two-handed swords as much as six feet in length of the later Middle Ages and early Renaissance, generally wielded half-sword like polearms.
Ambaryerno there must be a better English term for Dopplehanders than dopplehander
As near as I can figure that was the actual period term, (correct spelling: Doppelhänder) with Zweihander being a more modern invention. The German term would be most appropriate since they were primarily used by the Landsknechts in the latter Middle Ages.
Zweihänder has to be modern since it uses the modern zwei. Medieval it would be Zwidhänder or so.(The term Bidenhänder was used too)
Best (Self) Ad ever... Really want to get these shirts, but budget is low.
One day, I too, will take up arms and bear the Legendary Sword of Shad!
Ah, sword ownership.
I've owned a sword for about 16 years, but currently it's stuck somewhere overseas with someone else.
Why? Because I managed to move to the ONE state in Australia that doesn't just say you can't walk around with a thing like that, but that you can't even own one.
And where did I get this sword anyway? A shop in Dubbo where you could just walk in, no questions asked, point at a sword and say 'I'd like that one please'.
So now I'm stuck with still technically owning this thing, but not knowing what to do with it, because I can't bring it to the place I live, which is where I've had that sword most of that time.
I took it on an aircraft in checked luggage at least 3 times, took it through 4 different countries, and had it on my wall in various places in Australia and England...
Even once when some police and earlier some ambulance services needed access to my place due to one of my neighbours.
It was never once a problem, but no, I manage to move to the one place where legally speaking it's harder to own a sword than a gun. Go me.
XD
Your shirt promotions are one of the few I actually watch completely. They're hilarious!
Edit: I just had the most awesome idea. In about a decade or so, when I finally have my blacksmith career up and running, all of the historical youtubers and such should start a gofundme campaign to build.... You guessed it... A castle!! I think that eventually, especially considering the rate some of these youtube channels grow, we could amass that mass amount of money to fund the construction of such a thing.
11 minutes up, and 2 downvotes.... who the hell subscribes to a channel JUST to dislike every single video?
Spambots and clickfarms do it to have some negative votes in their activity.
@@nakedzen But what good does it even do?
So simply put, while classifications we use today are useful and make speaking about swords easier in real life history none of these terms were exactly set in stone, there was no clearly defined lines what made long sword a long sword and not a bastard sword or war sword and so on. Names used could also be very situational. IE what we call war sword today could have been called a great sword back in the day and not be wrong. Especially by a person of small stature a big war sword was truly great in size for him. :)
I'd like to see videos on:
Kaer Trolde from Witcher 3
Markarth from Skyrim
Fort Dawnguard from Skyrim
That'd be noice!
Nicolai +
Crow's Perch from Witcher 3?
MFenix206 yea, why not, nice little fortified island
Lonely Mountain from the Hobbit
Thank you so much Shad! This video was _perfect_ and exactly what I've been looking for all these years. When I was little, I was always so confused over different sources' descriptions of bastard swords, longswords, great swords, and two-handed swords because they seemed to contradict, but these reference books I looked at would never go into detail. They would also give the labels and make them seem indisputable rather than acknowledging the varying interpretations behind them.
*stab*
*stabby stab*
*pum*
*pummel pum*
OW.
*walks up behind you*
*unsheathes rapier*
"Nothing personal kid"
*trows pommel*
HAVE MERCY!
As someone with the username "Longsword" this is giving me an identity crisis! XD
Longsword Badassery isn't a crisis... How is your material and craftsmanship?
man that's such a cool shirt
do video on markarth from Skyrim
kosrules He should make a video on that AND Castle Dawnguard from the Dawnguard DLC!
kosrules yes, also Kaer Trolde from Witcher 3
Holy fuck yes Kaer Trolde
yes fort Dawnguard would make a great candidate for the best castle/fort in Skyrim
Brokenbob13 Saddly it's probably the best in the game. I say saddly cause i already went there to look around to see things I learned from Shads videos and saw a few irritating things. Still want a video though cause I didn't do a very detailed search of the castle.
I loved the video, but... What about Dragons?
And now, with that initial advertisement, my month is complete, I can rest now and hide from summer.
actually given my state's laws, the part about the shirt is wrong. walking around with a sword would be perfectly legal. Assuming you don't do anything illegal with it.
"He walked like a king... And ran like a thief." This just came to my mind when I was watching the intro LOL
Fair point, standardization is a relatively new concept, quick wikipedia search says that we only got the metric and imperial systems in the late 1700s and early 1800s, and those are just standards on measuring things much less describing weaponry.
Informative and well based as always!
But what about dragons?
WE CAN'T FORGET THE DRAGONS!
Dragons have feelings too you know.
Next video, the correct historical definitions of dragons.
Martin Madsen Dragons come in several standard species, of which there are many variations. They break into two tradition families, True Dragons and Dragon-Kin. True Dragons always feature six limbs- four legs and two wings. True Dragons often carry pouches of toxic chemicals that ignite when mixed with oxygen. The chemicals are fed from pouches in the upper jaw, much like venom in a serpent. The Dragons' teeth are as hard as steel, ignition can come from a combination of grinding teeth and forceful exhalation. Many dragons have toxic blood- or "impenetrable" scales, can see best in twilit conditions and pure darkness, can track prey on a month old trail, and can see an average distance of twenty miles in the largest species. True Dragons almost never have a maximum size smaller than the average human home, and have the potential to fly at a year old.
Dragon-Kin come in every other form, Including, but not limited to Wyrms, Lindwyrms, Orobourus, Drake, and Wyvern. Wyvern are smaller than true Dragons, on average about the size of a horse, though at least one example was found to be approximately the size of a head car of a train. They have a single set of legs for walking, and are incredibly awkward while grounded, having to use their wings as a form of movement. They are typically unable to breathe fire or have any individual characteristics, except for the power of their flight and broad range of camouflages. Drake are very similar to Dragons, except they come in the size of a large horse, have four limbs, and noticeably lack wings. Strangely, Drakes may or may not feature fire breath. Why this is unclear, but may stem as a defect from True Dragons simply not growing wings within the eggs after birth. Wyrms and Wyrmkin are very large, carnivorous, Dragons that typically feature no limbs, or a single set of wings. Sometimes, a Wyrm may feature both legs AND wings, and this distinction creates a Lindwyrm. Unable to breath fire, they appear rather non threatening. Except, for the fact that they appear the size of a house, or a small cave, and feature a head strongly resembling that of a true Dragon's, of course. Imagine "Tremors", but bigger, sleeker, and more dragonlike.
Here's hoping it helps~ from a Pagan.
now i can impress the girls wirh this new knowledge...
If you figure out how, let us know.
By finding the right ones
Transgender-Prophet Mohammed
Just don’t bring out your longsword too soon
rub my scabbard first. but be gentle.
I would love to hear your opinion on weapon damage in games and tabletop RPGs. Should it be a constant damage value like in Fire Emblem or variable like in D&D? (Like 2d6 vs a constant 12)
You didn't ask for my opinion, but here it is anyways. Consistent damage is more strategic, but more predictable, whereas variable damage can make things more tense, but often produces results that are underwhelming or anti-climactic.
I actually really like how Pokemon does damage. You take a move's base power, then multiply and divide it by a bunch of factors such as attack, defense, STAB, weakness/resistance, etc. You get a result that will basically "feel" right given the factors at play. It then multiplies that value by a random amount between 75% and 100%. I think this hybrid system is best, which is why I'm doing something similar with my own game. You'll get results that are consistent enough to let players make strategic decisions, while also having that bit of randomness that makes things interesting without feeling arbitrary.
It was a very interesting and informative video Shad, keep up the great work.
*looks at shirt* You're right! What about dragons!?
Comment left before watching. My understanding is that the bastard sword is a subtype of longsword , and is generally smaller because it is made with both one handed and two handed use in mind. A kind of middle ground between longsword and arming sword but still technically a longsword.
You make better advertisments then most of companies.
In the Czech Republic, the sword can be worn of course, it is subject to certain rules... :-) Great video, finally people will understand the terminology (One and half hand sword vs Bastard sword), thanks to you man... My big thanks for this video.
I wonder from where you get the notion that longsword was in period for what we now called rapier and rapier referred to sidesword? George Silver and Joseph Swetnam both wrote "long sword or long rapier", indicating that these are similar swords but doesn't explain the difference. Swetnam also mention the "long sword" being used with a dagger, so it referred to a one-handed sword. Silver also seems to use "long sword" in opposition to the "short sword", the latter which seems to be synonymous with (or the term included) the basket-hilted backsword.
I've seen people suggest that "long sword" in this period could mean longer sword regardless of it being one- or two-handed. I don't know if this is true, but it would fit with Swetnam's statement that:
"The Bastard Sword, the which Sword is some-thing shorter then a long Sword, and yet longer then a Short-sword"
I never really knew about the warsword or arming sword classifications before I started watching you channel, so I would just use one handed sword, bastard sword, longsword, big longsword, greatsword.
I love these info videos. question where do short swords fall are they big daggers or small arming swords?
Roby the MythosMan Let's take a look at function- soldiers of the day wore arming swords as battlefield weapons, and it was illegal for peasantry to own or carry. And yet, people did own them. So- conceivability? Or to sell the idea that this isn't a sword?
Good video, Shad. Thank you for that. But, if I may, could you put your sources of studies in the videos? I am a medieval warfare researcher, and I really approuve your videos, but it would be great if you could link the studies from where you take your knowledge. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, MAN!
Four years later, I believe what really sets the bastard sword apart from longsword is the length of the grip. Most bastard swords, you can fit a finger or two in between your hands when using it two handed. An actual longsword, you can fit four fingers or a bit more in between you're gripping it two handed. Why? I'm guessing it's for those times when you want to use a sword mostly from horseback, but if you had a need for a bit more leverage, you could use two. I've found that even with a 32" blade with a two-handed grip, it's much more awkward to use it one handed than a bastard or arming sword. This for the modern age where we have so many damn styles of sharpened iron bars that we need over twenty different names to keep them clear.
I'd love to see an episode dealing with smashy, crushy things.
Thank you for the aneurysm, Shad.
take a shot every time Shad says "sword"
Hahahahaha! King Neckbeard strolling down the street was a hilarious intro.
... and now I've gone cross-eyed
"lange Schwert" is actually pronounced like this: Lange is pronouced like lung, but with the e at the end is pronounced like the a in land. For the pronounciation of Schwert you can listen to this: de.forvo.com/word/schwert/
Where I live it is legal to open carry any length “knife” as long as it is fully visible
What about the short sword? Isn't it a sword between a dagger and an arming sword?
Hey Shad, can you or someone else here tell me a bit about the reliability of Darksword armory?
I see you have their ranger sword from your intro, and I was thinking of getting it too. However, I've heard that they had many problems in the past with extremely slim tangs that can snap during cutting.
Can you or anyone confirm weather this is still an issue? I'd also like to know what is an acceptable weight for a bastard sword, as the ranger sword from Darksword armory is a hefty 4lbs 11 ounces.
Quick note on (modern) French pronunciation; the _d_ (or _de)_ at the end of a word is usually either softly pronounced or silent, particularly when the word ends in _ard_ (or _arde)._
The "Great swords of war" historically refers to the transitional arming sword-to-longsword Oakeshott types xiia and xiiia, the ones you describe at 05:35
So as a speaker of 5 different European languages, i find it difficult to find a fit for the Two-Hander = Longsword category. You are correct in all the others although its more period related (arming sword might be called a longsword in the early middle ages) English also seems to be the most inconsistent of all the languages, in Italian,Spanish, German and Czech the names and definitions overlap very well.
Could you provide an example of the longsword=gretasword equivalency? thanks!
Regarding the German "Lang Schwert", I think it's interesting to look at the fight-book by Andre Paurñfeyndt in which he writes:
"... the long sword, which is used with both hands, such as the battle sword, riding sword, estoc, and many others".
Note: battle sword (Schlachtschwert) is what is what they called greatswords in German at the time.
So it seems that "Lang Schwert" meant any type of two-handed sword.
Why everybody thinks that longsword refers to the length of blade?
It is as much plausible that name longsword came from the length of hilt. Sword became long, when the hilt has enough space to comfortably accommodate both hands.
I remember searching for what kind of sword Anduril/Narsil (Aragorn's sword) was. There's apparently a quote that says it was a "long sword", so people assume it was supposed to be a longsword. But I'm thinking, based on what Tolkien knew, it was more likely some kind of Viking-esque sword, or more generally an arming sword, just perhaps a longer than average one. It's too bad Tolkien isn't around to answer such questions.
So Shad, where did the use of "Claymore" come into play when referring to Two-Handed Swords and which was the common sword that had this name (Warsword vs Greatsword essentially )
Great definitions. I've come to the conclusion (helped out by one of your previous videos) that the proper name for a given sword is how it is meant to be used. A 51" longsword properly made for me is still a longsword even when a 7' tall or 4'9" tall person is wielding it. A properly made 61" great sword for me is likewise still a great sword no matter who gets a hold of it. (I'm sure with the right combination you could find people who's dimensions could possibly make it so an arming sword made for one person could be used by them as a longsword but I'd think those would be extreme cases.)
(Sorry I just realized that some of you rely on the metric system. Sometimes I hate being an American.)
Excellent video as always!
"Bang for your buck" and consequent laugh made me laugh so hard I coughed and tasted blood. We love Shad.
Its wierd seeing shad in a tshirt and jeans in 2022 after seeing him in his brigandage
Ohhhh I like that shirt.
now buy it
I really want to buy one of those shirts, but I keep putting it off.
I love this guy's energy!
The add in the begining was great
Hey Shad, could you do a video about types of bows?
"Hey, smith! I want a sword!"
"Ok. How about this one?"
"No, that's too short. I want a long sword."
You are very good at making every language sound like perfect English :-D
The problem is that in the medieval times, there wasn’t any industrial standard. Most weapons are custom made for a person or a group of people. An arming sword for a massive Viking can be a long sword for a small Italian. People probably pick up a weapon and fight in the style according to its size in relation to the wielder.
In modern German the term Zweihänder can be used for every sword thatis primarily used two handed. Fortunately terms like Langschwert and Kriegsschwert are becoming more common
HATECELL Kriegsschwert... "Sword of war"? Or "Wars' sword"? Sorry if it's a bother, just wanted some clarification.
I think both sword of war or warsword would be reasonable translations
I was going to make a comment on tabletop roleplay longswords, but it seems 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons has made my particular process much more expedited. The greatsword is listed as a two-handed weapon, where as the longsword is listed as a versatile weapon, meaning it can be wielded with one or two hands. It has me thinking I could include the home-brew rules option of an arming sword as a one-handed martial weapon dealing damage with an eight-sided die, with the longsword maintaining the versatility and damage depicted in the player's handbook. Thoughts from Shad and/or the community?
dreddbolt I would use d&d shortsword as arming sword, only change to slashing (or use both piercing and slashing)
You could also do what you described, and make it finesse. Just like a rapier in d&d 5th, except slashing. The finesse-property would make it different from d&d5th Longsword wielded one handed and a worthwile option to dex based characters.
I remember that 2nd Edition AD&D used bastard swords (2d6) as a "hand and a half" blade which could optionally be wielded with two hands while long swords (1d8) were usually one-handed only. Do they not have bastard swords in 5th edition?
Great video.
BTW I think it'd be interesting if you did a video on the Lonely Mountain city/fortress of the Dwarfs.
Now I understand why the longsword in DS was so short.
+Shadiversity Is there any chance we could see Valdek's Dark Fortress(Lego), Castle of Morcia(Lego), Nanda Parbat(DC comics), Castle Acorn(Sonic the Hedgehog), or the Royal Palace of Eternia(MOTU 200x) for your series on castles? Also could you do a medieval weapons video on Gargoyle, Fauns, Naga/Lamia, and Nymphs/Fairies/Pixies.
I just watched a southpark advert to support your channel, I hope you're happy you made me lose 35% of my brain cells.
Your sacrifice will be remembered for ages to come ^_^
4:15 Oh, does it sound weird when you say "Langschwert".
I lold irl at the shirt commercial.
"Squire! Get me my longsword... No, not that one. That my bastard sword. No, not that one either. That's my long bastard sword..."
Pile of carbon There is really only need for one or two actual swords. The rest are just display.
LOVE this channel; Nice vids Shad, but one question, is a Great Sword and a Claymore the same thing?
Greatsword : Finger
Claymore: Thumb
Shad did you know in Decatur Illinois in the USA swords can be carried as long as you dont conceal them . thay only restrict knife lingth not swords in Decatur Illinois in the USA
but im the only few in Decatur Illinois that even make use of this law because conceal and carry for guns became more popular
Shad looks like a dwarf behind that huge chair. :)
Interesting points! Descriptions of swords can really be a confusing topic especially when talking about European straight double edged cruciform hilt swords. At least how I define the differences is how they are designed to be used/how the handle, the classes being the following:
Arming Sword: Designed to be used one handed primarily either with a shield or as a side arm in either in a battlefield or self defense scenario. Also designed to be easy to carry for long periods of time.
Best uses:
As a light self defense weapon.
Battlefield sidearm (both cavalry and infantry).
Sword and Shield combo.
Hand and a Half/Bastard Sword: Designed to be used effectively both one and two handed either in a battlefield or self defense scenario. Also designed to be easy to carry for long periods of time.
Best uses:
As a heavier self defense weapon compared to an arming sword.
Battlefield sidearm (both cavalry and infantry).
Long Sword: Designed to be used two handed primarily as a side arm in either in a battlefield or self defense scenario. Also designed to be easy to carry for long periods of time.
Best uses:
As a heavy self defense weapon.
As a heavier Battlefield infantry sidearm compared to a bastard or arming sword. (infantry only).
War Sword: Designed to be used two handed only and in war only. Short enough to be carried as a sidearm but long enough to make impractical for peacetime carry or long time carry.
Best uses:
As a Heavy Battlefield sidearm (infantry only).
Great Sword: Designed to be used two handed only and on the battlefield as a primary weapon. Is not designed to be carried for long periods of time for reasons other than transport to and from battlefields.
Best uses:
As a primary Battlefield infantry sidearm for certain circumstances (against cavalry, pike formations, defending area or bridge against multiple opponents etc...).
Anyway these are the definitions I personally use as they apply to most variations of the types of swords, because even if say an arming sword is designed for only half swording or used only for cutting, they still solve a similar problem just in different ways. I try my best to make the definitions all inclusive of their sword type but as you say there is a spectrum and some swords will fall in-between.
If you have any comments about my classifications I'd love to hear them!
-A long time fan of your channel
(P.S. What about dragons?)
Watches opening skit
Grins in Texan because open carrying swords is legal here .
I think we should start using the terms Shad Type I through Shad Type V.
I always went with bastard swords being swords that are designed to be wielded with one or two hands and long swords are one handed swords that are longer than an arming sword and usually tapered to be for thrusting... but not a rapier, lol.
Shorter than an arming sword but longer than a dagger is a "short sword". Longer than a bastard sword is a bindenhander "two-handed sword". Even longer is a great sword.
Dagger > Short Sword > Arming Sword > Long Sword > Bastard Sword > Two-Handed Sword > Great Sword.
I wonder, shouldn't swords classified based on usage instead of size? I mean, based on what techniques can be performed with a certain sword.
algi It used to be based on form- thankfully, our community is moving towards a function naming trend.
Sounds good.
I prefer Buster Swords (Thicc Greatswords); To wield one is proof of your strength and to wordlessly say "reconsider not throwing your life away"! They're big & thick enough to be used as a shield when guarding, that is... if you need to, cos' you've already won the battle! Indeed, buster-swords are greatswords for REAL MEN! ...Also, that **CLANG**... music to my ears...
At least here in Brazil, we can walk around with swords no problem XD
4:21 I have to correct you there. "Langschwert" (Longsword) is a more or less modern name, in the old german fencing sources it is always called "Langes Schwert" (Long Sword).
And another free advice from me: The German word "Lang" is pronounced like the English word "lung". Your "Schwert" was fine.
Weapon classification is fluid and sword identity is a spectrum.
I can't imagin the word bastard being of french origin, its rather german since we also use the word bastard, from the old german word "Bankhart" ="bench hard" which most likely refers to how bastards were made ;)
Hey Shad, I know it's been more than half a year, but I was wondering if you could do a part 2(or in the Imperial City's case part 3) and fix all the fantasy castles(since not a single one can classify as a city). Just a suggestion, great work
Thank you very much. It's 21th centuary and people still has same problem with classification weapons. What is a carbine? AR15, or AKS74U? What's is SMG? AKS74U, G36C or MP5? What's PDW? MP5? UMP45? MP5K? Ugh, why can't there just be good definition, like "the sword with one handed grip and bade length between 80-100 is called X". " the sword with one and a half handed grip and blade length 80-100 cm is called Y". That's so confusing. I need to work with weapon calibers, and when doing researches, people come to me and saying that 7.62 has a good bullet trajectory. What the hell? It's like saying "box with engine and 4 wheels has good driving". Goddamn. 7.62x39? 7.62x17? 7.62x51? x54? These are all ABSOLUTELY different ammo types, while people are calling them all 7.62.
Where would you put claymore? Warsword i guess?
Most of the time unless it's a particularly HUGE claymore.
In my understanding, there should be short sword( one handed sword), typical long sword( two handed) and then bastard sword right? But this is before watching the vid though.
Is it just me, or does this trigger a massive deja vu of sorts? I'm sure I have watched a 'progression of longswords' video in the past right here.
Say I'm writing a medieval-esque high fantasy novel, what sort of terminology would be best for both a bit of stylised-authenticity and communicating a clear vision to the reader?
Definitely the standard terminology, unless you made it a feature that swords are called different things between cities and regions that confuse the heck out of a character for comedic effect. "That's it, I'm calling this swords a dinglehopper you the rest of you can go to hell!"
Your swords could just happen to be in a time period were their loose classifications line up with the modern stuff. You could also explain the sword through a non-sword-user's eyes so the qualities of the sword can be explained past the classification, and use one which makes the most sense. Little things can increase authenticity, for example if there is only one type of sword used in some chatacters' eyes, it would probably be called "sword" rather than anything fancy, though different characters calling different weapons swords might get a bit out of control.
0:21
Fun fact, this is completely legal here in Texas
good video Shad
Is there (generally) any difference between the hilts of a hand and a half and a true two hander?
well,hand and a half sword,there's like,no space between your hands,a "typical longsword" would have atleast a couple inches between the hands.