The sword has always been a personal weapon, effective only in hand-to-hand combat; as such, it was associated with individual distinction. Thus, swords of political and military leaders, nobles, and exceptional warriors frequently were ornamented, with hilts elegantly decorated (and sometimes bejeweled) and bladesinlaid with gold and silver or forged so as to produce a watered effect after the damascene fashion. Symbolic importance also was often attached to the sword. In mythology and literature swords possessing supernatural qualities abound. These belonged to or were acquired by heroes and superior warriors. Oaths of honor or fealty
commonly were taken on the sword, and sovereigns still confer knighthood by tapping the shoulder with a sword. To surrender one's sword has always been a token of defeat or submission, and the breaking of it a ceremony of degradation.
Many of today's science fiction and fantasy writers place much enthusiasm in the art of the sword. Many of the novels go into great detail of the swords enchantment, powers and might. The way they were forged, their history, their age and many more untold stories still in the writing of the most creative minds around. But the sword is not alone. The hero or heroine
who brandish this particular mystical sword is swept into a world of evil and greed. The usual plot for them is to forge onward into the truth of the story and learn about the history of the sword or why the sword found them. It always makes for great reading and will continue as long as the inventive minds of the writers do not suffer from a drought of imagination.
Some of the most famous people of the past, whether they be fictitious or true, have always been characterized by their specific sword. Arthurian legend tells of an imperial sword possessing mysterious power and beauty. A weapon of such strength and vitality that it made its holder invincible. Arthur, with his sword Excalibur, commanded the Knights of the Round Table and reigned over Camelot. Using its strength he overcame all enemies and set out in search for the Holy Grail.
The bandit of Sherwood Forest, Robin of Locksley, is fabled to have stolen from the rich to help the poor. The legendary outlaw and his band of followers engaged in countless mischievous adventures that frustrated the evil Sheriff of Notingham.
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inlaid with gold and silver or forged so as to produce a watered effect after the damascene fashion. Symbolic importance also was often attached to the sword. In mythology and literature swords possessing supernatural qualities abound. These belonged to or were acquired by heroes and superior warriors. Oaths of honor or fealty
commonly were taken on the sword, and sovereigns still confer knighthood by tapping the shoulder with a sword. To surrender one's sword has always been a token of defeat or submission, and the breaking of it a ceremony of degradation.
Many of today's science fiction and fantasy writers place much enthusiasm in the art of the sword. Many of the novels go into great detail of the swords enchantment, powers and might. The way they were forged, their history, their age and many more untold stories still in the writing of the most creative minds around. But the sword is not alone. The hero or heroine
who brandish this particular mystical sword is swept into a world of evil and greed. The usual plot for them is to forge onward into the truth of the story and learn about the history of the sword or why the sword found them. It always makes for great reading and will continue as long as the inventive minds of the writers do not suffer from a drought of imagination.
Some of the most famous people of the past, whether they be fictitious or true, have always been characterized by their specific sword. Arthurian legend tells of an imperial sword possessing mysterious power and beauty. A weapon of such strength and vitality that it made its holder invincible. Arthur, with his sword Excalibur, commanded the Knights of the Round Table and reigned over Camelot. Using its strength he overcame all enemies and set out in search for the Holy Grail.
The bandit of Sherwood Forest, Robin of Locksley, is fabled to have stolen from the rich to help the poor. The legendary outlaw and his band of followers engaged in countless mischievous adventures that frustrated the evil Sheriff of Notingham.