Top 10 Famous Swords from History and Mythology (That Every Collector Should Know)
Famous Swords from History and Mythology have always been more than just weapons—they carry the weight of responsibilities, promises, and stories carved in their steel. From the kingdoms of Europe to the shores of Japan, the stories woven around great blades give life to centuries of kings, heroes, and proud warriors. For collectors, each sword they touch is a gateway to another era.
This guide walks you through the Top 10 Legendary Swords from History and Myth that every aficionado dreams of having in their collection, whether their heart beats for the clang of a medieval joust, the strict code of a samurai, or the gleaming spark of a legendary epic.
1. Excalibur – The Sword of King Arthur
No legendary sword lineup is complete without Excalibur. According to Arthurian lore, the Lady of the Lake entrusted the weapon to King Arthur to prove that he was the genuine sovereign of Britain. The blade glows with the essence of honor and justice. From T.H. White novels to Hollywood blockbusters, Excalibur has leaped from ipod speakers to collectors’ hands, inspiring limited-edition replicas that gleam like the original forest lies.
Collector’s Tip: A polished, full-size Excalibur replica is a flawless centerpiece. Swing it, and you just might feel the mist of Avalon.
2. Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi – The Japanese Grass-Cutting Sword
“Grass Cutter” is a gentle translation for Kusanagi, and the blade’s legend is anything but. According to Japanese myths, a warrior uncovered it from the splits of a serpent’s tail feathery like cherry blossoms. Alongside the jewel and mirror, Kusanagi completes the Imperial regalia—a symbol of pure, unstoppable courage. The sword is more than metal; visited, it’s prayer, respect, and the layered, living culture of Japan.
Collector’s Tip: A kimono-style stand displaying a replica Kusanagi instantly transforms a display room into a tranquil shrine.
3. Zulfiqar – The Sword of Ali
In Islamic history, Zulfiqar is the famous sword of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin of Prophet Muhammad. The sword is known for its forked blade, giving it a distinctive shape. To many, it is more than a weapon; it stands for unwavering justice and mighty strength. Collectors value meticulous replicas for the design and the deep spiritual meaning carried in every stroke.
4. Gram – The Sword of Sigurd
In the sagas of Norse mythology, Sigurd’s blade Gram is the weapon that kills the dragon Fafnir. People often put it side by side with Excalibur as a sword bound both by bravery and by fate. To those drawn to Viking stories, Gram sparkles as a centerpiece of epic adventure.
5. Durandal – The Unbreakable Sword of Roland
From medieval France, the sword Durandal belongs to Roland, a paladin of Charlemagne. Legends say that within its hilt rest fragments of the True Cross, making the sword thought to be unbreakable. More than just a blade, it has become a mighty symbol of chivalry and unshakeable faith.
6. Joyeuse – The Sword of Charlemagne
Housed in the Louvre Museum, Joyeuse is the sword handed down to Charlemagne, the legendary king of the Franks. According to tales, its blade shimmers in a flurry of colors as dawn breaks. Historically, the sword has graced the coronation of French kings for generations, so its significance runs deep in the heart of French history.
7. Shamshir-e-Zomorrodnegar – The Persian Emerald Sword
Said to sparkle with countless emeralds, this legendary Persian saber once flashed in the hands of celestial beings to vanquish demons of the shadow world. In Persian tales, Shamshir-e-Zomorrodnegar embodies all that is holy, guiding brave hearts and warding off evil with every hiss of its masterful arc.
8. Tizona – The Sword of El Cid
Crafted for the legendary knight El Cid, Tizona is the gleaming pride of Spain that now rests calm in the Museo de Burgos. Its blade once the thunder of Castilian battles, the sword still whispers of courage and honor to anyone who surveys its tempered edge. For fans of Spanish chivalry, owning Tizona in spirit is owning the very legend of the Reconquista.
9. Harpe – The Blade of Perseus
Curved like the crescent moon, Harpe is the weapon that beheaded Medusa and freed the frozen woods of antiquity. Its razor, forever glowing in the imagination of Greek artists and poets, enchants any collector intrigued by the mysteries of Olympus. To hold or to imagine this blade is to brush against the very myths that built the Mediterranean night.
10. Sword of Goujian – The Immortal Chinese Sword
Encased in a 1,200-year-old pit of clay and time, the Sword of Goujian emerged in 1965 as a miracle of mettle, its blade gleaming as if sunrise kissed it yesterday. Archaeologists stood speechless at its edge that cut through dust, yet never rust. For enthusiasts of ancient weaponry, owning a replica or likeness of Goujian is to cradle a fragment of ancient divinity, undimmed by the march of eras.
Conclusion
From Excalibur to the Sword of Goujian, these legendary blades—whether real or imagined—still light the imagination of collectors and fans around the world. Each sword carries its own tale of bravery, cultural spirit, and enduring myth, drawing us into worlds of heroism.
For collectors and aficionados alike, tracking down replicas of these famous swords can add a sprinkle of history and fantasy to your everyday surroundings.
