Unraveling the Mystery: Why is it Called a Bastard Sword?
In the rich tapestry of medieval weaponry, the term "bastard sword" stands out with an air of intrigue. As we embark on this exploration, we delve into the historical roots and linguistic evolution that led to the christening of this versatile blade. The Origins of the Term: To understand why this weapon bears the moniker " Bastard sword ," we must journey back to medieval times. The term itself does not denote any illegitimacy or scorn; rather, it reflects the sword's unique position between two distinct categories of medieval weaponry. In the medieval hierarchy of swords, there were two primary classifications: the single-handed arming sword and the two-handed greatsword. The bastard sword, true to its name, found itself somewhere in the middle, blurring the lines between these two established categories. A Sword of Ambiguity: The bastard sword's defining characteristic is its size and versatility. Falling within the length range of 30 to 40 inches, it fe...