Did you guys know swords weren't actually used much in medieval Europe?

[Amplifier]

BG3 got me interested in the medieval era so I did some digging up. Contrary to what medieval fantasy games like BG3, Witcher, Skyrim etc. likes to portray, swords were actually the rarity not the norm. They were mainly only wielded by knights not your typical infantry foot soldier. Most infantry only used spears for battle.

It's pretty funny considering when you think of this kinda setting, the instant thing that comes to your mind is a sword when it's not. Swords were also impractical against spears, since spears could cover more distance without putting you in harm's way.

Also funny how even games that claim to be historically accurate like Kingdom Come Deliverance commit wrongly this same misrepresentation of swords..

[1337_h4x0r_xXx_deathlord666_xXx]

And contrary to popular belief there were neither Dragons, nor Sorcerers or wizards throwing fireballs...:P

[Maraxus]

What about maces and other blunt weapons? I feel those would be easier and cheaper to build and repair and could do more damage against armored opponents. Though I can see how swords were more status symbols and why they are more popular today(they are just cooler).

[Amplifier]

Originally posted by 1337_h4x0r_xXx_deathlord666_xXx:

And contrary to popular belief there were neither Dragons, nor Sorcerers or wizards throwing fireballs...:P

This is stupid. I'm talking a real MASSIVE misconception that like 99.99% of people dont even know about, even some historians. Go tell anyone dragons didnt exist in medieval era, obviously they'll just stare blankly at you. Go tell anyone swords weren't used in medieval wars. They'll go apes*** in denial.

[Amplifier]

Originally posted by Maraxus:

What about maces and other blunt weapons? I feel those would be easier and cheaper to build and repair and could do more damage against armored opponents.

Also rare. But yes they're cheaper so prob more common. Swords were damn expensive to make (at least in early middle ages) so only reserved for knights and nobility. And you know these upperclass men dont do the actual fighting anyway. Sword fights would mainly be for entertainment duels, like pistols were in the wild west.

But besides that, spears still remained the most overwhelmingly common type of weapon used in all wars. Yes, even the Japanese samurai used spears, not katanas (HUGE misconception, now your immersion in Ghost of Tsushima is shattered). Ninjas also dont dress in black running around in shadows...

Spears were cheap, easy to use and learn for anyone, extremely practical in letting you keep out of harm's way, and also easier to use with shields.

The whole idea of a full plated medieval soldier wielding a shield and sword is rubbish.

[Starwight/ttv]

None of this is factually true. Do some more research my guy.

[Maraxus]

Hmm yes even though maces use more material, the craftmanship and time required to make a functional blade seems to be much higher. Also yeah spears, keep your enemy at bay and also good vs cavalry. Axes and daggers probably were more practical to make and use than swords as well.

But I guess that's why swords are popular in fantasy, they are just more romantic and cool to wield and use!

[1337_h4x0r_xXx_deathlord666_xXx]

Originally posted by OK:

Originally posted by 1337_h4x0r_xXx_deathlord666_xXx:

And contrary to popular belief there were neither Dragons, nor Sorcerers or wizards throwing fireballs...:P

This is stupid. I'm talking a real MASSIVE misconception that like 99.99% of people dont even know about, even some historians. Go tell anyone dragons didnt exist in medieval era, obviously they'll just stare blankly at you. Go tell anyone swords weren't used in medieval wars. They'll go apes*** in denial.

Loosen up, it was a stupid joke.
And as someone who watches Skallagrim and Shadiversity from time to time, I indeed was one of the 0.01% who was aware...:P

[larhtas]

Originally posted by 1337_h4x0r_xXx_deathlord666_xXx:

And contrary to popular belief there were neither Dragons, nor Sorcerers or wizards throwing fireballs...:P

WHAAAT?! THEY LIED TO ME!!

[Dis Lexic]

Swords are sidearms, not primaray weapons, and sharp weapons are pretty much worthless against armoured opponents, so most people in battle would use either polearms or maces. That being said, it does make sense that swords would be a preferred weapon of adventurers. They are a lot easier to carry than massive polearms and can do a LOT of damage against unarmoured opponents.

[Hermóðr]

Originally posted by OK:

Originally posted by Maraxus:

What about maces and other blunt weapons? I feel those would be easier and cheaper to build and repair and could do more damage against armored opponents.

Also rare. But yes they're cheaper so prob more common. Swords were damn expensive to make (at least in early middle ages) so only reserved for knights and nobility. And you know these upperclass men dont do the actual fighting anyway. Sword fights would mainly be for entertainment duels, like pistols were in the wild west.

But besides that, spears still remained the most overwhelmingly common type of weapon used in all wars. Yes, even the Japanese samurai used spears, not katanas (HUGE misconception, now your immersion in Ghost of Tsushima is shattered). Ninjas also dont dress in black running around in shadows...

Spears were cheap, easy to use and learn for anyone, extremely practical in letting you keep out of harm's way, and also easier to use with shields.

The whole idea of a full plated medieval soldier wielding a shield and sword is rubbish.

Upperclass men definitely did fighting, that's why they were upperclass. Nobility were usually trained since young lads in the art of war.

[Chadwick Strongpants]

Originally posted by Hermóðr:

Originally posted by OK:

Also rare. But yes they're cheaper so prob more common. Swords were damn expensive to make (at least in early middle ages) so only reserved for knights and nobility. And you know these upperclass men dont do the actual fighting anyway. Sword fights would mainly be for entertainment duels, like pistols were in the wild west.

But besides that, spears still remained the most overwhelmingly common type of weapon used in all wars. Yes, even the Japanese samurai used spears, not katanas (HUGE misconception, now your immersion in Ghost of Tsushima is shattered). Ninjas also dont dress in black running around in shadows...

Spears were cheap, easy to use and learn for anyone, extremely practical in letting you keep out of harm's way, and also easier to use with shields.

The whole idea of a full plated medieval soldier wielding a shield and sword is rubbish.

Upperclass men definitely did fighting, that's why they were upperclass. Nobility were usually trained since young lads in the art of war.

Even if that was the case, a lot of that training was probably more for show and swordplay. An actual knight or even militiaman who had actually experienced battle would likely have mopped the floor with them.

[Dis Lexic]

Originally posted by Chadwick Strongpants:

Originally posted by Hermóðr:

Upperclass men definitely did fighting, that's why they were upperclass. Nobility were usually trained since young lads in the art of war.

Even if that was the case, a lot of that training was probably more for show and swordplay. An actual knight or even militiaman who had actually experienced battle would likely have mopped the floor with them.

Errr...those upperclass men WERE the Knights. Thats what nobility WAS! Their job was to be the heavy cavalry and actually functional military force, while the peasent levies were the meat shields. How do you think that the Knights managed to get all that expensive, fitted metal armour and fancy weapons?

[Chadwick Strongpants]

Originally posted by Dis Lexic:

Originally posted by Chadwick Strongpants:

Even if that was the case, a lot of that training was probably more for show and swordplay. An actual knight or even militiaman who had actually experienced battle would likely have mopped the floor with them.

Errr...those upperclass men WERE the Knights. Thats what nobility WAS! Their job was to be the heavy cavalry and actually functional military force, while the peasent levies were the meat shields. How do you think that the Knights managed to get all that expensive, fitted metal armour and fancy weapons?

Well, I stand corrected. :)

[Renlish]

*internal screaming in historian*

[Thomas - Sohn von Hubert]

Originally posted by 1337_h4x0r_xXx_deathlord666_xXx:

And contrary to popular belief there were neither Dragons, nor Sorcerers or wizards throwing fireballs...:P

Right, and next you are going to tell me there were no fish people, either?