The summary of ‘LONGSWORD VS GREATSWORD: What is the DIFFERENCE?’

00:00:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker begins by humorously addressing the difference between a longsword and a greatsword, acknowledging common perceptions and indicating that the topic is more complex than it might seem. Definitions are not universally agreed upon, and terms like spadone or zweihander add to the complexity. The video is sponsored by Raid Shadow Legends, and the speaker highlights key features of the game, such as its factions and characters, specifically focusing on the high elves and their notable champions, Yannick and Lysandra. The speaker also shares their personal enjoyment of training champions in the sparring pit and engaging in battles in the arena.

00:03:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the latest major update in Raid Shadow Legends, which introduces the Doom Tower. The Doom Tower features 120 floors, secret challenge rooms, and 12 formidable bosses. Additionally, new players are being offered various in-game rewards, including a special champion named Bulwark, 50 gems, an XP booster, energy refills, and an ancient shard. The speaker also mentions their in-game name and the opportunity to join their clan. The video then shifts focus to comparing the greatsword, specifically the svehanda/montante/spadone, with the longsword. The discussion begins with the importance of terminology, noting its subjective and time/place-specific nature. Examples of different sword designs are shown, highlighting the variations in size and terminology usage in historical contexts.

00:06:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses how historical texts often described swords in broad terms, with some exceptions like Joseph Swetnam from the mid-17th century, who categorized swords more specifically. Swetnam defined a “short sword” as a basket-hilted broadsword, a “long sword” as a type of rapier or side sword, and a “rapier” as a more thrust-centric, narrower sword. These definitions were quite specific, whereas an Italian source from the same period might call all these types simply “spada.”

The speaker then talks about the historical context of longswords, noting that they appeared around the 1100s and became common in the 14th century, with most instructional sources from the 15th and 16th centuries. These sources are in various languages and dialects, like French, Italian, and German. For example, Fiore dei Liberi, who is broadly described as Italian, was actually from Friuli and his terminology differed slightly from modern Italian.

The speaker contrasts different historical longswords, noting differences in blade forms, lengths, and hilt sizes, which affect how the swords were used. One example has a much longer hilt and blade, showing the diversity in what could be considered a “longsword.”

00:09:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the different types of swords and their uses. They explain that while both shorter swords (often referred to as bastard swords) and longer longswords can be used with various historical martial arts systems, there are notable differences in their handling. The shorter, hand-and-a-half sword is more wieldable in one hand, making it useful on horseback or with a shield, even though it is not as efficient as a true one-handed sword. In contrast, the longer longsword is less maneuverable with one hand, especially on foot, but more effective when used with two hands.

The speaker also touches on terminology, explaining that modern people often group these weapons under the term longsword because they are not overly massive and can be worn at the side as sidearms. When discussing the largest swords, the speaker introduces terms like “great sword” and mentions the different names used in various cultures, such as “spadone” in Italy and “montante” in the Iberian Peninsula. They emphasize that these larger swords are quite distinct from the typical longsword in terms of size and use.

00:12:00

In this part of the video, the presenter compares different types of swords, specifically focusing on a “bastard sword” and a larger, great sword. He notes that these swords vary significantly in size and usage, emphasizing that there is a gradient and spectrum rather than a clear-cut division between longswords and two-handed great swords. He demonstrates this by comparing an Albion Mercenary longsword and a larger sword from Dark Sword Armory, highlighting differences in blade length, proportions, and mass. The presenter explains that due to these differences, the swords must be used and carried differently; the larger sword, for example, cannot be worn on the body but must be carried in hand or on the shoulder. Additionally, he points out that historical illustrations show these large swords being carried similarly to pole weapons. He concludes by presenting a medium-sized two-handed sword that falls between the longsword and great sword, noting the significant differences in hilt length.

00:15:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the characteristics and use of long sword-length blades with very long hilts, often found in 16th-century England and Scandinavia (particularly Sweden and Denmark). These swords present challenges for carrying and using due to their size and design, blurring the lines between long swords and great swords. The speaker references a specific example, the Deltin sword, noting its resemblance to a type 18c long sword but emphasizing its larger size, increased weight, and extended reach due to a longer blade and hilt. This design offers greater leverage and velocity but necessitates different handling techniques, which the speaker plans to demonstrate further.

00:18:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the versatility and characteristics of longswords, highlighting that they can be effectively used with one or two hands, often preferring a two-handed grip for better stability, power, and speed. The speaker mentions that long swords are accessible for beginners in historical fencing and HEMA because they are easier to handle due to the two-handed grip. The usage of longswords shares similarities with one-handed swords, involving defensive motions, cutting, and thrusting techniques. Different historical systems, like Fiore’s and German systems, have variations in their techniques, though the differences are mostly in the details. The speaker also compares the longsword to the Japanese katana, noting fundamental similarities in their cut-and-thrust capabilities and two-handed grip. The discussion then touches upon the usage of larger two-handed swords, which require some different handling techniques, but these differences exist on a gradient rather than as stark contrasts.

00:21:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the use of different types of swords and their techniques. They explain that while there are different lengths of swords, the techniques can sometimes overlap. The speaker references German sources from the 16th century and the work of Morozzo, noting similarities with the longsword system. They differentiate between the techniques used for longswords and larger two-handed swords like the spadone or montante, which may involve movements meant for multiple opponents. The context of use is emphasized—longswords are typically portrayed in treatises as personal weapons for duels, while large two-handed swords often include scenarios with multiple opponents.

00:24:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the different contexts and uses of various two-handed swords, emphasizing the physical and functional distinctions between large two-handed swords and longswords. Unlike longswords, which are carried at the side and used as typical sidearms, large two-handed swords are heavier, resemble pole arms in biomechanics, and cannot be worn. These larger swords were often used by guards to defend strategic positions or units and were sometimes used to cut through pikes or attack pike formations. While longswords served more as versatile weapons for individual combat or as backup weapons, the larger two-handed swords were specialized for battlefield roles. The speaker also notes a historical crossover where larger longswords were used to counter rapier advantages in duels due to their reach. Additionally, the speaker points out that there is a middle ground of two-handed swords that history and HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) often neglect, which includes lighter, more nimble versions that played significant roles in their time.

00:27:00

In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the historical use and classification of large two-handed swords from the mid-15th century, emphasizing their unique role on the battlefield. These swords, which couldn’t be easily worn, were likely used in place of pole axes or spears. The presenter notes the continuum of sword sizes and styles, from small long swords to massive great swords, highlighting that they are related weapons. The systems and contexts in which these swords were used varied widely, including battlefield engagements, personal defense, and dueling. The takeaway is the importance of understanding the versatility and overlapping usage of these weapons in historical studies. The video concludes with an invitation for feedback and a promotion for additional content on Patreon.