Throughout history, swords have symbolised power, artistry, and cultural identity. While most were designed for combat, some colossal blades transcended practicality, serving as ceremonial marvels. Here, we delve into two extraordinary examples: the Bihandal and the Zweihänder.
The Bihandal: A Ceremonial Colossus
Dimensions:
- Length: 18 feet (5.5 metres)
- Weight: Estimated hundreds of kilograms (impractical for combat).
Historical Context:
Often dubbed the “Great Sword of Saladin”, this gargantuan blade was forged in the late 19th century, likely as a tribute to the famed 12th-century Ayyubid Sultan, Saladin. Its creation reflects Ottoman-era reverence for historical heroes rather than battlefield utility.
Purpose & Legacy:
- Ceremonial Use: Displayed during religious processions or as a symbol of authority.
- Cultural Significance: Represents the fusion of Islamic heritage and Ottoman craftsmanship.
- Current Location: Though its exact whereabouts are debated, similar ceremonial swords are housed in Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, showcasing Ottoman opulence.
The Zweihänder: The Battlefield Behemoth
Dimensions:
- Length: 5–7 feet (1.5–2.1 metres)
- Weight: 2–3.2 kg (despite size, wieldable by trained warriors).
Historical Context:
Emerging in 16th-century Europe, the Zweihänder (German for “two-hander”) was wielded by elite mercenaries, the Landsknechts. These swordsmen, or Doppelsöldners, earned double pay for breaking enemy pike formations.
Combat Use:
- Design: Flamberge (wavy blade) variants intimidated foes and reduced blade friction.
- Technique: Required mastery of sweeping cuts and “half-swording” (gripping the blade for precision).
Surviving Examples:
- Notable Pieces: The “Goliath Zweihänder” (6.6 feet) in Dresden Armoury, Germany.
- Museum Displays: Royal Armouries, Leeds (UK) and Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.
Why Size Mattered
- Ceremonial Blades: Like the Bihandal, oversized swords emphasised divine favour or political power.
- Battlefield Giants: The Zweihänder’s reach and force countered Renaissance infantry tactics.
Modern Fascination
Today, these swords captivate historians and enthusiasts alike. Reproductions feature in festivals (e.g., Germany’s Landshut Wedding), while museums preserve originals as testaments to human ingenuity.
Did You Know? Japan’s Ōdachi (over 3.5 metres) rivals the Bihandal in ceremonial grandeur, yet remains a feat of samurai metallurgy.
Image credit: https://longsword-longleg.de/schwert1
