Sword facts for kids
A sword is a special hand-held weapon. It is usually made from metal. A sword has a long, sharp part called a blade. It also has a handle, which is known as a hilt. Often, there is a guard to protect the user's hand. This could be a cross-guard or a basket-shaped guard. Swords can be used for cutting, slashing, or stabbing. The way a sword is used depends on its design.
Swords were first made from bronze by skilled blacksmiths. This happened in Ancient Egypt around 1150 BCE. Soon, other cultures started using them too. Swords quickly became popular all over the world. Before guns were invented, swords were very common weapons. They were used a lot in battles.
After guns became common, swords were still used as sidearms. This means they were secondary weapons. Soldiers would use them in close-up fights once battle lines met. After the American Civil War, armies stopped using swords as much. Now, swords are mostly a ceremonial part of uniforms. Some guns, however, have bayonets. These are knife-like attachments that work like a short sword.
Today, swords are used in sports. Fencing is an Olympic sport that uses very light swords. It has a strict scoring system. Western Martial Arts use swords that are more like old blades. These include longswords, rapiers, and sabres. The blades are blunt for safety. But they are much heavier than fencing swords. This means fencers need more protective armor. In Japan, the sport of kendo uses two-handed bamboo swords called shinai. People wear armor for kendo too.
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Types of Swords
There are many different kinds of swords. Each type has its own special features.
Sabre
A sabre (or saber) is a curved, light sword. It is sharp on one side and at the tip. Sabres were often used by people riding horses.
Broadsword
A broadsword is a straight sword. It is sharp on both sides and at the tip.
Rapier
A rapier is a long and thin sword. It has a basket-like guard to protect the hand.
Foil
A foil is a type of sword used in sport fencing. It is long and thin. It has a button at the tip to keep fencers safe from injury.
Larger Swords
Larger swords need two hands to use. Examples include longswords or claymores.
Katana
In Eastern martial arts, swords like the Katana are used. A Katana has one sharp edge. It also has a small guard near the handle. Some Katanas are used with one hand. Larger versions need two hands.
Famous Swords
Some swords are famous from stories or history.
Excalibur
The sword of King Arthur, called Excalibur, is one of the most famous swords. Many people believe it is a legend and never truly existed.
Giant Swords
The Frisian freedom fighters Pier Gerlofs Donia and Wijerd Jelckama were known for their huge swords. Donia's sword was about 210 centimeters (seven feet) long. It weighed 7 kilograms (15 pounds)! These amazing swords are kept in the Frisian Museum in Leeuwarden.
Images for kids
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Swiss longsword, from the 15th or 16th century.
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Hallstatt swords.
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Darius I of Persia holding an acinaces sword.
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A battle scene from the Morgan Bible of Louis IX. It shows swords from the 13th century.
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A Chinese dao sword and its scabbard from the 17th–18th century.
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A Kampilan sword from the Philippines. Its hilt has designs from Philippine mythology.
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A Khanda sword from India.
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A rapier sword.
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British Major Jack Churchill (far right) leading Commandos with his sword during a training exercise in World War II.
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The hilt (handle) of a rapier sword.
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Apa-type swords from the 17th century BC.
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A 1548 painting showing a Zweihänder sword used against pikes in the Battle of Kappel.
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A Kilij sword.
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A 20th-century akrafena sword.
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A Talwar sword.
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A Pata sword.
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A Firangi sword.
See also
In Spanish: Espada para niños
