It is known that swords from various alloys were used in military campaigns, as well as special historical missions.
The possession of edged weapons of various shapes, sizes and degrees of severity was taught to future heroes from a young age. The best sword masters became legendary warriors, the epics of which are still being studied on a school bench.
Some of the famous swords were lost or destroyed, while others have survived to this day in museums or private collections.
Let's look at 10 legendary swords, whose loud stories still cause awe and respect.
10. The seven-pronged sword of the queen-shaman Jingu
Our review opens with a national treasure of Japan - a sword called Nanatsusaya-notati (seven-pronged sword). The product has its unique specificity - the presence of 6 branches, as well as the tip itself.
The blade was supposedly made in the 4th century AD in the territory where Korea is now located. He was brought to Japan from China as a gift.
The legendary weapon, according to the local epic, belonged to the mythological empress-shaman Dzing, who lived in Japan in 201-269.
9. Zulfikar - the sword of the prophet Muhammad
The famous Muslim prophet Muhammad did not part with his beloved blade Zulfikar. The latter is a unique scimitar with a curved blade.
There are two assumptions of how exactly the blade looked. Someone claims that he had a traditional form, and someone ascribes to him two parallel blades, which gives even greater danger and mythicality.
Historical sources say that the sword still exists and is in the collection of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi, which he inherited from his predecessor. According to a historical memo, the prophet Muhammad nevertheless gave his beloved sword to the Muslim leader Ali, who showed courage and valor in the battle of Uhud.
8. Sword of St. Peter
Did you know that the apostle and follower of Jesus, St. Peter, had his own blade with which he did not part? It was to them that Peter cut off the ear of a slave in the famous Gethsemane, when Christ was taken into custody.
The artifact has survived to this day - it is known that at the end of the 10th century, Pope John XIII brought it as a gift to the Polish Bishop of Jordan.
Many are skeptical of the sword, calling it just a quality copy. Other historians attribute the relics to a new origin, they say, was produced in the region of the Roman Empire in the first century AD. In any case, the product is stored in Poland and is considered a cultural asset.
7. Nagling - Beowulf's sword
The folkloric hero and legendary warrior Beowulf owned two invincible blades, which he armed for the battle with the famous fire-breathing snake.
The first sword of the hero Hrunting failed its owner and broke. The same fate befell the second blade with the poetic name Negling - it broke in half, leaving the brave young man completely unarmed.
But, as we recall, Bebowulf was not at a loss and gave cuffs to the dragon. Both died in a bloodthirsty battle, and it remains for us to study the image of the most ancient blades thanks to the illustrated epics and scrolls.
6. The sword of William Wallace
The famous Scottish knight lived during the 13-14th century and became famous for his active resistance to Britain during a series of wars of independence.
The main weapon of the uprisings since then was swords, so everyone from childhood mastered the basics of fencing. The famous sword of the Scottish leader is still kept in the National Monument. The length of the gun is the average height of a person - 168 cm, while it is considered quite light - only 2.7 kg.
The head of the blade is made in the form of a bulb made of iron with gilding, and the luxurious handle is upholstered in leather. True, they say that the sword has already been restored several times, since the original hilt, belt and scabbard were made of the skin of the enemy - the commander of the English army.
5. Kusanagi no tsurugi - the sword of the Japanese emperors
The legendary Japanese katana belonged to the warrior Jimmu, who became the first emperor of the country. It is believed that the weapon was originally owned by the wind god Susanno after he found it in the body of a slain dragon.
For many years, the sword was considered the most important relic of the Isonokami-jingu temple, but then mysteriously disappeared. Archaeologists discovered the alleged katana only in 1878. The length of the "divine" sword is more than 1.2 m.
4. Zhuoyez - the sword of Charlemagne
What king are you if you don’t have a personal invincible blade? Charles the Great cheated, and chose the “best” sword from two forged from one alloy of steel.
The famous Durandal went to Roland, and Karl got Zhuoyez, which can be translated as "merry fellow". Like, chopping and dissecting enemies is necessary with a humorous approach. Oh, these royal oddities!
3. Tyson - the sword of Sid Campeador
The legendary El Cid Campeador owned two blades, which he then gave as a dowry for his heirs to the Infants.
Unsuccessful grooms beat their daughters and left them in the forest, for which an angry father sued the swords back and already presented them to a comrade, part-time nephew.
One of the swords called Tyson is still preserved in Madrid, where it is shown to tourists at the local military museum.
2. Durandal - Roland's sword
The sword received by Roland from the king was extremely durable and brought a lot of trouble to his master. Roland, not wanting to give the blade to the damned Moors, tried to get rid of it in a variety of ways and even smashed against the rock, but in vain.
So the hero of "Song of Roland" died with a slightly cracked sword in his hands. According to the information, five new heroes of the knights could not pull Durendal from the dead hold of their hands until King Karl prayed.
1. Excalibur - King Arthur's Sword
The review concludes with one of the most famous for adults and small, the blade Excalibur. The legendary weapon had as many as 4 names, as well as at least 2 owners.
Initially, it belonged to an Irish hero who could cut hills with a blade. Then Excalibur migrated to King Arthur, helping him cut steel “like wood” and inflict wounds that could not be healed.
Together with the legendary king, the sword received 2 names, and after his death was thrown into the magical lake by the butler.
These unique “toys” were once used by the famous heroes of epics and legends. It is a pity, of course, that some relics were lost. It seems to the younger boys it would be interesting to admire the luxuriously executed blades.