What is it with the ever-so-important sword? Nearly every
hero or heroine this side of dragons and wizards owns one (and there’s usually
a prophecy or magical spell involved). Let’s face it: the sword has been there
and done that. Everyone loves a cool sword… but it’s time we expanded our
horizons.
Here are ten, alternative, medieval weapons that your next
protagonist can take on their epic journey.
Bolas
Composed of three weighted balls strung from interconnected
chords, the bolas is a Spanish tool used to ensnare fleeing animals. When
twirled above the head and thrown, the bolas collides with the animal’s legs,
binding and capturing them. However, the bolas also doubles as a weapon, one
that if thrown with enough force can break bone and even kill.
While not nearly as mainstream as the sword, the bolas has
been featured in several popular franchises. In Mattemeo (part of the Redwall
series), the villain, Slagar the Cruel, uses the bolas.
Pernach
Deriving its name from the Slavic word for “feather” because
of its resemblance to a feathered arrow, the Pernach is a Ukrainian weapon that
became the dominant mace of its time. Incredibly strong and resilient, the Pernach
was able to crush both plate armor and mail, making it a hand-weapon to be
feared.
Sword Breaker
While it’s unknown whether a Sword-Breaker could, in fact,
snap a sword in two, this type of parrying dagger was none-the-less a unique
and ingenious weapon. Small notches, cut into the sides of the blade, allowed
for an opponent’s sword to become trapped against the sword-breaker, therefore
allowing for a finishing blow or other strike.
Trident Dagger
Also a member of the parrying dagger family, the Trident Dagger
utilized mechanical, as well as technical, prowess. Called the “Triple Dagger”
for a reason, this weapon contained two spring-loaded blades which, upon
release, stuck out in a “V” shape. This technique was most commonly used during
fencing duels, when the trident dagger could easily parry and “capture” an
opponent’s rapier between its blades.
Chakram
Created in India, the chakram is a circular throwing weapon
with a sharpened outer edge. With proper training, chakram users are capable of
hurling this weapon up to 100 meters or more. In addition to being a throwing
weapon, chakrams can also be worn on the arms or around the neck and be used to
cut or maim an opponent at close, hand-to-hand combat range.
Fan-favorite character, Axel, from the Kingdom Hearts series, using flame-infused chakrams as his weapon
of choice.
Lantern Shield
In its most basic form, the lantern shield was essentially
lantern + buckler. The lamps hung from the buckler by a hook and was used to
simultaneously defend against, and bright-light blind, opponents. However, at
its most complex, Lantern Shields often included infused gauntlets and
protruding blades, doubling them at both offensive and defensive weapons. While
its practicality in battle is questionable, the lantern shield undoubtedly made
for a fearsome weapon, psychologically intimidating opponents.
Military Fork
Much like its cousin, the trident, the Military Fork began
as an agricultural tool before evolving into a weapon. Essentially two, sharp
prongs on a long pole, the Military Fork was easier to master than the sword,
making it ideal for the lesser skilled in combat. While spears were preferred,
Military Forks could be used in place of them.
Vougle
A type of polearm developed by the French, the Vougle was a
fearsome weapon comprised of points for stabbing, hooks for snagging, and
sharpened edges for cleaving; in fact, it bears a strong likeness to a meat
cleaver. Vougles were most commonly used for “hacking” as opposed to cutting,
and its design is believed to have inspired the Bayonet in the 19th
century.
Morning Star
The morning star has gained renown over the years via
several fictional characters, such as the Witch King in The Return of the King. While the most common portrayals of the morning
star feature it as a spiked ball chained to a pole, however, many versions of
the morning star simply attached the head to the pole itself. In combat, the morning
star was capable of severe damage, as both blunt force trauma and puncturing
spikes played a part in bringing down a foe.
Bagh Naka
Made famous by Wolverine, the Bagh Naka (or “tiger’s claw”)
is brass-knuckle-like weapon that fit over the fingers and can be concealed
against the palm, much like the claws of a cat. In hand-to-hand combat, the
Bagh Naka was capable of severing both flesh and muscle—a messy weapon, no
doubt, but one that was incredibly effective. Some versions of the claws
included a top-spike, used for stabbing from the side.
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