How Big was Excalibur Sword?
The legendary sword Excalibur, wielded by King Arthur, has been a subject of fascination and curiosity for centuries. While its legend has been passed down through generations, the size of this mythical sword remains a topic of debate. In this article, we will delve into the various accounts of Excalibur’s size and explore the possible answers to this question.
Overall Length
According to legend, Excalibur was a longsword, with an overall length of around 120 cm (47 inches). This measurement is based on the earliest written accounts of the sword, including Sir Thomas Malory’s "Le Morte d’Arthur" (1485). In this text, Excalibur is described as a sword with a "blade of the length of a man’s arm, and a hilt as long as his hand."
Blade Length
The blade length of Excalibur is often estimated to be around 94 cm (37 inches). This measurement is based on illustrations and descriptions of the sword in various medieval manuscripts and artwork. For example, a 15th-century manuscript known as the "Lancelot-Grail Cycle" depicts Excalibur as a sword with a blade of approximately 37 inches in length.
Weight
Excalibur is also known for its weight, which is said to be around 4 lbs (1.8 kg). This weight is likely due to the sword’s size and the material used to construct it. In the legend, Excalibur is often described as a heavy sword, making it a formidable weapon in battle.
Comparison to Other Swords
To put Excalibur’s size into perspective, it’s worth comparing it to other famous swords from history and literature. For example, the sword of the legendary hero, Beowulf, is described as a 3-foot-long (90 cm) sword, while the sword of the Knights Templar, the Falcata, is said to be around 2 feet long (60 cm). In contrast, Excalibur’s size is significantly larger than these other famous swords.
The Quest for Truth
While these measurements provide a general idea of Excalibur’s size, it’s worth noting that the legend of Excalibur is shrouded in mystery and has been passed down through oral tradition. Therefore, it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the sword’s size.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Excalibur’s size is a topic of ongoing debate among historians and scholars. While the legend describes the sword as a longsword with an overall length of around 120 cm and a blade length of approximately 94 cm, these measurements are not universally accepted. Regardless of its exact size, Excalibur remains an iconic symbol of King Arthur’s legend and continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world.
Table: Measurements of Excalibur
| Measurement | Length/Weight |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 120 cm (47 inches) |
| Blade Length | 94 cm (37 inches) |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
Additional Facts
- Excalibur is often depicted as a curved sword, with a rounded tip and a long, narrow blade.
- The sword is said to have been given to King Arthur by the Lady of the Lake, a mystical figure in Arthurian legend.
- Excalibur is often associated with the themes of power, honor, and chivalry in Arthurian legend.