Flame-bladed sword
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A flame-bladed sword or wave-bladed sword has a characteristicly undulating style of blade. The wave in the blade is often considered to contribute a flame-like quality to the appearance of a sword. While largely decorative, some attributes of the waved blade were useful in combat.
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[edit] Flambard, flammard, and Flammenschwert
The terms flambard and flammard both mean "flame blade" and reference a normal cutting blade that had been forged with undulating or wave-shaped edges. The German word Flammenschwert translates to "flaming sword". This term encompasses the complete sword, not only the blade, as do flambard and flammard. These flame-bladed weapons most commonly took the form of the true two-handed sword or Bihänder. These weapons featured an exceptionally long grip and blade, as well as a long ricasso protected by a set of "parrierhaken" or parrying hooks also known as flukes. This upper guard protected the wielder's hand when gripping the ricasso. Used during the 16th century by the Landsknechts, the Bihänder found its place most commonly among pike squares. Here, the Bihänder was used in defense of important leaders by well-trained and experienced swordsmen, called Doppelsöldner (double mercenary) because they got double pay. Contrary to popular belief, the undulating blades on these weapons do not impart a significantly greater or lesser ability to cut, slice, or thrust. Similarly, it does not especially weaken or strengthen the weapon. Its fashionable and eye-catching appearance, however, did lead to its use on larger, heavier ceremonial Paradeschwerter, or "parade swords".
[edit] Flamberge
The term flamberge, meaning "flame blade", is an undulating blade found on rapiers. When parrying with such a rapier, unpleasant vibrations may be transmitted into the attacker's blade. These vibrations caused the blades to slow contact with each other, as additional friction was encountered with each wave.
The term flamberge was misapplied by collectors and museums to blades that are historically named flambards and flammards. This misuse continues despite recognition of the error.
[edit] In literature
Flamberge was also the name of a sword borne by the fictional character Renaud de Montauban. It was forged by the smith Galas, and was one of nine blades shattered by Olivier's sword, Hauteclere.In the book Eragon, by Christopher Paolini, the term Flamberge was used, saying it was faster than a broadsword but stronger than a rapier.
[edit] In popular culture
Flame-bladed swords are found in a wide variety of video games, though historical accuracy differs. In Tales of Symphonia, for example, one of the main characters has a sword of flame aptly named Flamberge. In a more accurate use, however, Medieval II: Total War features a foot soldier unit that use flammard or flambard two-handed swords in battle, available to the Holy Roman Empire and named Zwei-handers and Forlorn Hope Both units use straight-edged blades until their weapons are upgraded at a swordsmiths guild, after which they visibly become Flambards. These men and weapons are available later in the game, reflecting their historical prevalence during the Italian Wars. Also, in Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Ashnard, the king of Daein and main antagonist of the game, wields a sword that bears a striking resemblance to a flame-bladed sword. In the Soul Calibur fighting game series, Siegfried Schtauffen has a flamberge as one of his weapons. Kain, from the video game series Legacy of Kain, weilded the 'Soul Reaver', a weapon inspired by the flame-bladed sword. The MMORPG Helbreath has a commonly used sword by the name of Flameberge.
