Mystic Sword Excalibur
Lady of the Lake and the Arthurian Legends
Viviane – who was known as the Lady of the Lake in Arthurian Legends was the one who produced the mystic sword Excalibur to Arthur the boy who was to be King. Having a mystic sword gives you an added advantage against your enemies.
Viviane lived near the Castle Camelot under a waterfall cascade and the lake hid the isle of Avalon. There are many stories how the mystic sword Excalibur was made. Possibly that Merlin had detailed instructions and was possibly forged by Elves/Faeries or Goblins which would give the sword Excalibur its mystic powers. Viviane had access to the Faerie realm and could move between the worlds.
The sword Excalibur has been depicted in stories and movies and has its own interpretation of the famed mystic sword.
Excalibur would have been considered a medieval sword. The medieval sword has certain components and parts that were needed to be successful in combat or in dueling.
Then a warrior such as King Arthur needed to know the rules of engagement of dueling and understand combat. King Arthur would have to understand how his sword worked for it to be effective. It would be poetry in motion and the person wielding the sword both had to become one with it and fluid including the movement of your feet. You have to execute awareness and be intuitive and anticipate the moves of the person or demon that you are fighting. You had to learn to read the person/demon you were battling in combat. As there were many demons in Arthurian Legends.
King Arthur would have to have been very grounded, been able to read energy and read people and demons. And he would have need to listen to his intuition but from the tales he let others rule him that were in his inner circle. To the outside King Arthur was able to rule together with other leaders and with the sword Excalibur both ruled together in combat and dueling. This was a lesson he needed to learn.
So, in some points King Arthur’s intuition wasn’t strong but in other instance it was. To me King Arthur then would have been and earth sign, water and air element would not be his strong suite. But he was an effective leader, loyalty matter and he set the rules of engagement.
With the mystic sword Excalibur, it would have been a Rune Blade. A rune blade was adorned with mystical symbols that were believed to enhance its power and effectiveness. These blades were often used by knights and warriors who believed in the power of magic.
The pommel and the crossguard would have been imbedded with gemstones that would have represented the four elements. The sword would have off set King Arthur’s energy imbalance and would bring it back in balance,
when King Arthur would pick up Excalibur.
Now that we know a bit about the man behind the mystic sword Excalibur. Let’s take a look at the anatomy of a medieval sword of which Excalibur would have been.
A sword has many component and parts and the user of the sword in this case would have been King Arthur. Would have need to know and understand the anatomy of his sword to wield and use it properly in combat and dueling. The parts and components basics are:
1. The Hilt: Grip and Control The hilt serves as the grip and control mechanism for the sword, allowing the wielder to handle it effectively in battle. At the top of the hilt sits the pommel, a counterweight that helps to balance the sword. This is connected to the grip, which is typically made of wood, leather, or bone, and provides a secure hold for the wielder’s hand. Most medieval sword hilts also feature a crossguard, also known as the quillon, which protects the wielder’s hand from an opponent’s blade during combat. The crossguard can vary in size and shape, with some swords featuring elaborate and ornate designs.
the hilt of a medieval sword is essential to its function in combat. A well-designed hilt provides the wielder with the necessary grip and control to effectively use the sword in battle, while also protecting their hand from injury.
2. The Hilt: Grip and Control in Action
The hilt of a medieval sword is just as important as the blade when it comes to combat effectiveness. A well-designed hilt can make all the difference in a battle, providing the wielder with the necessary grip and control to emerge victorious.
3. The Pommel: Balance and Stability
The pommel is located at the end of the sword’s hilt, opposite the blade, and acts as a counterweight, ensuring balance and stability during combat. Generally, larger and heavier pommels were used on swords designed for thrusting, while lighter pommels were used on swords designed for slashing. The pommel should be securely attached to the sword’s tang.
Medieval swordsmiths often decorated pommels with intricate designs, using precious metals and gemstones to create elaborate works of art. These decorative elements not only enhanced the sword’s aesthetic appeal but also served as a status symbol for the sword’s owner. The pommel should also be made of a strong and durable material, such as steel or bronze, to withstand the rigors of combat. The pommel played a crucial role in combat and was often the difference between victory and defeat.
4. The Crossguard: Protection and Defense
The crossguard, also known as the quillon, is a vital component of a medieval sword. It is the horizontal bar that sits perpendicular to the blade, protecting the hand during combat.
Straight Crossguard its simple, straight design is effective at blocking incoming strikes.
Curved Crossguard is an elaborate shape allows for greater maneuverability and parrying.
Long Crossguard greater length provides greater stability and control during thrusting and parrying.
5. Blade Types: Varying Shapes and Functions Straight Blade A simple, straight-edged blade that was easy to manufacture and effective in combat. These blades were often used for thrusting attacks and could penetrate heavy armor.
Curved Blade A curved blade was designed for slashing attacks and was especially effective against unarmored opponents. The curve of the blade allowed for a greater cutting surface area, making it easier to inflict damage.
Tapered Blade A tapered blade was wider near the hilt and became gradually narrower toward the tip. This design allowed for greater balance and maneuverability in combat.
Pointed Blade A pointed blade was designed for thrusting attacks and was often used for precision strikes. These blades were especially effective against heavily-armored opponents.
Flamberge Blade A flamberge blade had a distinctive wavy pattern along its edges, which made it difficult for an opponent to block or parry. These blades were designed to create confusion and uncertainty in combat.
Rune Blade A rune blade was adorned with mystical symbols that were believed to enhance its power and effectiveness. These blades were often used by knights and warriors who believed in the power of magic.
6. The Tang: Strength and Durability
The tang is a crucial part of a medieval sword, extending from the blade into the hilt. It provides the sword with strength and durability, allowing it to withstand the rigors of combat.
The tang can be either full or partial, with a full tang extending the length of the hilt and a partial tang being shorter. A full tang offers greater strength and stability, making it the preferred option for many swordmakers.
7. Tang Design
The design of the tang can also vary, with different shapes and styles serving different purposes. Some tangs are straight and simple, while others are curved or tapered to provide a better grip. The tang may also be decorated with engravings or other embellishments to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the sword.
The shape and size of the tang can impact the overall weight and balance of the sword. A heavier tang can provide better balance and stability, while a lighter tang can make the sword easier to maneuver.
The Importance of a Strong Tang.
A strong and well-made tang is essential for ensuring that a medieval sword can withstand the forces of battle. A weak or poorly-made tang can cause the blade to break or become detached from the hilt, rendering the sword useless in combat.
8. The Fuller: Structural Integrity and Weight Reduction
One of the most fascinating aspects of medieval swords is the use of a fuller, a groove or channel that runs down the length of some blades. The fuller serves two important purposes: improving structural integrity and reducing weight.
Single Fuller A single groove or channel that runs down the center of the blade.
Double Fuller Two grooves that run parallel to each other down the center of the blade.
Diamond Fuller A diamond-shaped groove that tapers off at both ends of the blade.
Hexagonal Fuller A six-sided groove that runs down the center of the blade.
9. The Edge: Cutting Power and Sharpness
The edge of a medieval sword is arguably its most crucial part. It determines the sword’s cutting power and sharpness, making it a formidable weapon in combat. The edge is the sharpened portion of the blade that comes into contact with the target, whether it’s an enemy or an object.
Medieval sword edges were typically made of high-carbon steel, which provided the necessary hardness and durability needed for battle. Blades were often sharpened to varying degrees, from a simple beveled edge to a more complex double-edged design.
10. The Point: Thrusting and Precision
The point of a medieval sword is an essential component for thrusting and precise strikes. This part of the sword is responsible for penetrating armor or delivering accurate thrusts to vulnerable areas.
Needle Point Penetrating Armor
Diamond-Shaped Point Delivering powerful thrusts to unarmored targets
Rounded Tip Reducing the risk of injury to opponents in training or sparring
11. Decorative Elements: Beauty and Symbolism Medieval swords were not just weapons of war, but also objects of great beauty and symbolism. From the intricate engravings to the precious gemstones that adorned them, decorative elements played a significant role in the design of these swords.
Example Sword A
Engraved with scenes from the legend of King Arthur
Set with emeralds and rubies in the hilt
Crossguard designed to resemble a dragon
Example Sword B
Engraved with intricate floral designs
Adorned with a single large diamond in the pommel
Crossguard designed to resemble a fleur-de-lis…
In conclusion the Mystic Sword Excalibur was exquisite, solidly made and with its added magickal correspondences it gave King Arthur the protection, power and advantage to overcome his enemies, and be victorious in his quests and the legend continues to live on ….
