Legendary Real Swords: Blades That Shaped History and Myth

Swords have captivated humanity for centuries, embodying power, honor, and legend. While many mythical swords exist solely in folklore like King Arthur’s Excalibur, some legendary blades have a basis in history. These real-world weapons, often steeped in mystery, played crucial roles in warfare, politics, and cultural identity. Let’s explore some of the most famous real-life legendary swords, where they can be found today, and their appearances in movies, TV shows, and plays.

Excalibur: The Sword of Kings

Few swords in legend are as famous as Excalibur, the mythical weapon of King Arthur. According to legend, Arthur received Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake, a mystical figure who deemed him worthy of wielding such power. Some versions of the story conflate Excalibur with the Sword in the Stone, which Arthur pulled free to prove his right to rule.

Magical Properties: Excalibur is often described as unbreakable, capable of cutting through anything, and even imbued with healing abilities. It symbolized Arthur’s divine right to rule and was said to shine with blinding light when drawn.

Historical Inspirations: While there is no definitive evidence of Arthur’s existence, the legend of Excalibur may have been inspired by ancient Celtic and Roman swords, including the ceremonial weapons wielded by high-ranking leaders. Some historians suggest Excalibur’s origins could be linked to Caledfwlch, a sword from Welsh mythology.

In LARP: Excalibur is a popular inspiration for LARP campaigns and fantasy-based role-playing games. Many LARP groups craft their own versions of Excalibur using high-quality foam or latex replicas for dramatic quests and kingdom battles. Some LARP events even feature tournaments where players must prove themselves worthy of wielding an Excalibur-like weapon.

Appearances in Media: Excalibur has appeared in countless adaptations, including:

Excalibur (1981) – A visually striking film adaptation of Arthurian legend.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) – A comedic take on the Excalibur myth.
Merlin (1998 TV series) – A dramatized fantasy retelling.

Where to See It Today: While no real Excalibur exists, some museums display medieval swords that might have inspired the legend, such as the British Museum’s collection of medieval weaponry.

How Galahad drew out the sword from the floating stone at Camelot.” From *The Romance of King Arthur* (1917). Abridged from Malory’s *Morte d’Arthur* by Alfred W. Pollard. Illustrated by Arthur Rackham. This edition was published in 1920 by Macmillan in New York.

Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi: The Grass-Cutting Sword

A revered blade in Japanese mythology, Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (“Grass-Cutting Sword”) is one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan. According to legend, the sword was discovered inside the tail of the Yamata no Orochi, an eight-headed serpent, after the storm god Susanoo slew the beast.

Magical Properties: Kusanagi was believed to control the wind and grant victory to its wielder. In one story, the hero Yamato Takeru used it to slash through grass and escape a fire set by his enemies, earning the sword its famous moniker.

Historical Basis: Some scholars theorize Kusanagi refers to a real sword, possibly a tsurugi (early straight-bladed Japanese sword), housed at Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya. However, the blade has not been seen publicly for centuries.

In LARP: Some fantasy and samurai-themed LARP groups incorporate Kusanagi-like weapons into their lore, often as a powerful artifact that grants wind-based abilities or divine favor.

Appearances in Media:

Fate/Stay Night (anime) – Features references to Kusanagi.
Okami (video game) – The legendary sword appears as a divine weapon.

Where to See It Today: The actual Kusanagi is said to be kept at Atsuta Shrine in Japan, though it remains hidden from public view.

Prince Yamato Takeru and his sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi. Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper.

Joyeuse: The Sword of Charlemagne

The coronation sword of French kings, Joyeuse was reportedly wielded by Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor. The sword is currently on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris and remains one of the most well-documented legendary swords.

Magical Properties: Joyeuse was said to change colors 30 times a day and be so dazzling that it blinded enemies. Some legends claim it contained a relic of Saint Peter’s Lance within its hilt.

Historical Basis: The real Joyeuse, a beautifully ornate sword, likely dates back to the 10th or 11th century, though parts of it may be older. It was used in the coronation of French monarchs for centuries.

In LARP: Joyeuse is often used as a symbolic relic in medieval-themed LARP campaigns, frequently as a prize in tournaments or a legendary artifact sought in quests.

Appearances in Media:

Knightfall (TV series) – Features Charlemagne’s sword in a dramatic medieval setting.

Where to See It Today: The real Joyeuse can be viewed at the LouvreMuseum in Paris.

Tizona and Colada: The Swords of El Cid

The Spanish knight Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid, wielded two legendary swords: Tizona and Colada. These weapons were said to strike fear into enemies and demonstrate the military prowess of El Cid.

Magical Properties: Some tales suggest that Tizona could judge the worthiness of its wielder, glowing with supernatural energy in the hands of a true warrior.

Historical Basis: A sword claimed to be Tizona is housed at the Burgos Museum in Spain, authenticated as a sword from the 11th century, though its exact connection to El Cid remains uncertain.

In LARP: Tizona and Colada are often featured in Spanish and medieval LARP events, sometimes as quest objectives or powerful artifacts for warrior characters.

Appearances in Media:

El Cid (1961 film) – A classic film about the legendary warrior.
El Cid (2020 TV series) – A modern dramatization of El Cid’s life.

Where to See It Today: The supposed Tizona is displayed at the Museum of Burgos in Spain.

The *Tizona* sword while on exhibit in the Museo del Ejército (Salón de Reinos) in Madrid

Honjo Masamune: Japan’s Lost Masterpiece

One of the most famous real-world swords is Honjo Masamune, a katana crafted by the legendary Japanese swordsmith Gorō Nyūdō Masamune (c. 1264–1343). This blade symbolized the Tokugawa Shogunate’s authority for centuries.

Magical Properties: Masamune’s blades were said to be perfectly balanced, capable of cutting through anything while remaining impossibly sharp.

Historical Basis: Honjo Masamune was last seen in 1945, when it was surrendered to U.S. occupation forces in Japan. It has since disappeared, making it one of history’s greatest lost treasures.

In LARP: Honjo Masamune is sometimes depicted in samurai and historical LARP campaigns, where characters may seek to recover the legendary lost blade.

Appearances in Media:

Rurouni Kenshin (anime) – Features a Masamune-inspired katana.
Ghost of Tsushima (video game) – Inspired by real samurai swords, including Masamune’s work.

Where to See It Today: The Honjo Masamune is lost, but other Masamune blades are preserved in museums such as the Japanese Sword Museum in Tokyo.

These legendary swords, whether steeped in mythology or grounded in history, represent the power and prestige of their wielders. While some are preserved in museums, others remain lost to time, leaving behind only tantalizing legends. Whether fact or fiction, these blades continue to inspire warriors, writers, and dreamers alike.