Outlaw King (2018) offers a gritty portrayal of Robert the Bruce’s rebellion against English rule in the early 14th century. While praised for its improved historical accuracy compared to Braveheart (1995), the film takes creative liberties with its depiction of weapons and combat. Below, we dissect the swords and warfare tactics shown in the film against historical records.
Swords in Outlaw King: Fact vs. Fiction
1. The Claymore: A Misplaced Icon
- Film Depiction: Robert the Bruce (Chris Pine) wields a large two-handed sword resembling a 16th-century Claymore, complete with forward-angled quillons (crossguard arms).
- Historical Reality:
- The term “claymore” (claidheamh mòr) did refer to “great swords” in medieval Scotland, but the iconic two-handed Claymore with lobed quillons emerged in the 15th–16th centuries, not during Bruce’s lifetime (1274–1329).
- In the early 14th century, Scottish warriors would have used longswords (one- or two-handed) or arming swords (single-handed). These blades typically had straight crossguards, not the decorative quillons seen in the film.
- Example: The “Wallace Sword” (c. 1500) in Stirling is a post-Bruce-era weapon, yet its design is closer to what Outlaw King mistakenly attributes to Bruce.
2. Longswords: Mostly Accurate, but Simplified
- Film Depiction: Both Scottish and English knights use longswords for slashing and thrusting.
- Historical Reality:
- Longswords (hand-and-a-half swords) were common in the 14th century. Scottish nobles like Bruce would have owned high-quality blades, often imported from Germany or Italy.
- Hilt Design: Film swords have simple crossguards, which align with period-accuracy. However, some English knights’ swords lack the wheel-shaped pommels typical of the era.
- Combat Style: The film’s emphasis on hacking and chopping mirrors historical accounts of medieval swordplay, though thrusts to gaps in armour (a key tactic) are underplayed.
3. Dirks: Misnamed but Functional
- Film Depiction: Scottish warriors use dirks (daggers) for close combat.
- Historical Reality:
- The term “dirk” became common in the 17th century. In Bruce’s time, such daggers were called “baselards” or “sgians”.
- Design-wise, the film’s dirks resemble later Highland daggers. True 14th-century Scottish daggers had simpler, narrower blades.
4. War Axes: Brutal but Overplayed
- Film Depiction: James Douglas (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) uses a massive war axe to devastating effect.
- Historical Reality:
- Axes were common in medieval warfare, but Douglas’s axe is exaggerated in size. Historical Scottish axes (tuagh) were smaller, designed for speed and precision.
- Historical Parallel: The Lochaber axe, a polearm with a hooked blade, emerged later (15th century) but is closer to Scottish infantry weapons than the film’s fantasy-style axe.
5. Spears & Pikes: The Unsung Heroes
- Film Depiction: At the Battle of Loudoun Hill (1307), Scots use spears and pikes to counter English cavalry.
- Historical Reality:
- Accurate: Bruce’s use of schiltron formations (tight spear circles) is well-documented. This tactic neutralized England’s cavalry advantage at Bannockburn (1314).
- Inaccuracy: The film’s pikes are too short. Historical schiltrons used 12–18ft spears, not the 6–8ft poles shown.
Combat Tactics: Where the Film Shines (and Stumbles)
- Guerrilla Warfare: The film accurately portrays Bruce’s hit-and-run tactics, such as ambushing English patrols and burning castles.
- Battle of Loudoun Hill:
- Terrain Use: Bruce did exploit marshland and narrow terrain to funnel English troops, a tactic shown in the film.
- Armor Inconsistencies: English knights wear full plate armour, which did not exist until the late 14th century. In 1307, they would have worn chainmail with coat-of-plates.
- Archery Oversight: The English longbow, a dominant weapon at the time, is underused in the film.
Weapons and Props: Behind the Scenes
- Consultants: The film worked with historian Diana Gabaldon (author of Outlander) to improve accuracy, but weaponry was prioritized for visual impact over strict fidelity.
- Sword Training: Chris Pine trained in HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) to mimic period techniques, though choreography favored dramatic, wide swings over precise thrusts.
Watch Outlaw King trailer:
Historical Figures vs. Film Portrayals
- Robert the Bruce: Pine’s Bruce lacks the leprosy scars described in chronicles, but his leadership style aligns with accounts of his charisma and tactical genius.
- James Douglas: Nicknamed “The Black Douglas,” the real Douglas was known for guerrilla raids, though his axe-centric brutality is Hollywood embellishment.
- Edward II: Billy Howle’s portrayal as a volatile prince is accurate, but his presence at Loudoun Hill is fictional, Edward II was not in Scotland during that battle.
Conclusion: A Step Forward, But Not Flawless
Outlaw King succeeds in portraying the brutality and political complexity of Scotland’s fight for independence, with swords and combat that are 80% accurate by medieval standards. While the Claymore anachronism grates, the emphasis on schiltrons and terrain tactics redeems its battle scenes. For a Hollywood film, it strikes a rare balance between entertainment and history, though purists should keep a dirk handy to pick nits.
For Further Reading:
- The Knight and the Blast Furnace (Alan Williams) – On medieval sword metallurgy.
- Scottish Arms and Armour (David Caldwell) – Details Bruce-era weaponry.
- Visit Stirling Castle or Bannockburn Heritage Centre to see replicas of period-accurate Scottish swords.
