Greatswords: Meaning, History & Iconic Battle Usage

A greatsword is a large, two-handed European war blade known for its immense reach, sweeping power, and iconic presence in medieval warfare. These greatswords, often called great swords or giant swords, played a defining role in battlefield tactics, guard duty, and anti-cavalry combat.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what defines a greatsword, how medieval warriors used them, the different types of historical greatswords, their key anatomy features, and what sets them apart from longswords, bastard swords, and other two-handed swords.

We’ll also explore their cultural legacy, from European battlefields to modern fantasy (including how 'greatsword' appears in gaming systems like D&D), along with a look at FWOSI’s historically inspired handcrafted swords.

What Is a Greatsword? 

A greatsword, also called a great sword or big sword, is a large, two-handed European battlefield weapon designed for maximum reach and powerful sweeping strikes. Most greatswords measure 45–55 inches in total length, with long grips built for two-handed leverage and broad blades meant for strong cutting and wide defensive arcs.

While greatsword is sometimes used loosely in modern fantasy and gaming (like greatsword 5e), the historical meaning is specific: a true two-handed sword larger than a longsword and more powerful than a bastard sword.

How It Differs From Similar Swords?

• Longsword: Two-handed, but lighter and more maneuverable; shorter blade.
• Bastard Sword (Hand-and-a-Half): Can be used one-handed or two-handed; mid-sized.
• Shortsword: Compact, meant for close quarters; not a battlefield reach weapon.
• Greatsword: The largest of the group, purely two-handed, heavy, and built for battlefield dominance.
  

Origins & Evolution of the Greatsword

The greatsword has its earliest roots in early medieval Europe, evolving as armored warfare changed and knights needed longer blades for reach and leverage. By the 14th–16th centuries, greatswords reached their peak popularity, becoming iconic weapons on European battlefields, especially in German, Swiss, and Italian martial traditions.

As armor improved, warriors required heavier, longer blades capable of delivering powerful cuts and wide defensive sweeps. This drove the evolution from earlier arming swords into the medieval greatsword, a category within the broader family of historical two-handed swords.

Outside Europe, similar large two-handed blades existed (e.g., Japanese ōdachi, Chinese zhanmadao), though they developed independently and had different sword names, styles, and battlefield contexts.

By the late Renaissance, the greatsword gradually transitioned from an active battlefield weapon to a ceremonial sword used by elite guards, city watch units, and royal escorts, symbolizing authority, discipline, and martial prestige.

See also: Different Parts of a Sword

Anatomy of a Greatsword 

A greatsword’s structure is designed for power, leverage, and control. Its parts are similar to other European swords but scaled for two-handed use:

• Blade: A long, broad, straight blade designed for powerful cuts and long-reach thrusts.
• Ricasso: An unsharpened section near the base of the blade for improved grip and half-swording techniques.
• Long Grip: Extended handle that allows true two-handed leverage, essential for controlling a large sword.
• Crossguard: Wide guard that protects the hands and helps manage opposing blades.
• Pommel: Weighted end cap that balances the long blade and provides extra control.
  

More on: Types of Broadswords

5 Best Types of Greatswords 

Greatswords were not a single uniform weapon; different regions developed their own two-handed sword styles based on combat needs, culture, and battlefield conditions. Here are the most influential types:

1. The Zweihänder (Elite Guard Weapon With Massive Reach)

A German two-handed sword used by Landsknecht Doppelsöldner. Huge blade length, large ricasso, and parrying 'lugs.' Designed for breaking pike formations and controlling battlefield space.

2. The Claymore (Scottish Two-Handed Sword)

A long, broad-bladed Highland sword with forward-sloped quillons. Known for sweeping cuts, clan warfare use, and strong battlefield presence. Common comparison point in 'claymore vs greatsword' debates.

3. The Montante / Spadone (Iberian Control Weapon)

Used in Spain and Portugal for crowd control, corridor defense, and guarding VIPs. Its long blade and large guard made it effective for defensive 'patterns' and sweeping arcs.

4. The Backsword / Basket-Hilt (Close Variant)

Though slightly smaller than classic greatswords, it represents a transitional style. Single-edged blade with a protective basket hilt. Favored for its maneuverability, hand protection, and dueling effectiveness.

5. The Fantasy Greatsword (Modern & Pop Culture)

Oversized 'giant swords' seen in anime, games, and movies. Not historically practical, but inspired by real two-handed European swords. Useful to contrast realism vs fiction and highlight authentic medieval designs.

Also read: Shortswords vs Longswords

FWOSI-Inspired Greatsword Replicas

While original medieval greatswords are museum pieces, modern collectors look for historically accurate, hand-forged replicas crafted with durable high-carbon steel. FWOSI produces several blades inspired by European greatsword traditions, built with traditional forging methods.

1. The Ring Guard Backsword

A single-edged backsword featuring a protective ring guard inspired by late-medieval and early-renaissance sword designs. Ideal for collectors who admire transitional two-hand and hand-and-a-half blades.

2. The Sentinel Longsword

A refined, historically grounded longsword with extended reach, tapered blade, and traditional pommel. A suitable representation of medieval European two-handed fighting swords.

3. Super Aesthetic Engraved Medieval Sword 

An engraved, art-forward blade drawing inspiration from ceremonial greatswords. Fits well in collections focused on craftsmanship and display-grade medieval weapons.

Greatsword vs Other Famous Swords

Greatswords in Modern Culture & Fantasy

Greatswords remain iconic far beyond medieval history, evolving into symbols of power, heroism, and oversized fantasy combat. Their presence in modern entertainment keeps the giant two-handed sword alive in pop culture.

1. Greatsword 5e (Dungeons & Dragons)

In D&D 5e, the greatsword is one of the strongest martial melee weapons, known for its 2d6 damage, reliability, and raw power. It represents the fantasy version of massive two-handed blades, influencing how new audiences imagine 'big swords' in role-playing worlds.

2. Anime, Games & the Rise of the 'Giant Sword'

Modern fantasy often exaggerates historical greatswords into dramatic giant swords (e.g., Cloud’s Buster Sword, Berserk’s Dragonslayer). These portrayals emphasize strength, heroics, and cinematic combat, far larger than any real medieval weapon.

3. Replica Collectors & Enthusiasts

Collectors worldwide seek greatsword replicas for display, historical reenactment, martial arts, and fantasy-themed décor. This includes both:

• Historically accurate European greatswords
• Fantasy-inspired oversized designs
  

Shop Authentic Hand-Forged Swords

Conclusion

Greatswords stand as some of history’s most influential two-handed weapons, shaping medieval warfare, elite guard combat, and even the cultural imagination of modern fantasy. Their long reach, powerful cutting force, and iconic silhouettes made them symbols of strength and discipline across Europe.

Today, greatswords continue to inspire collectors, martial artists, reenactors, and fantasy fans. Their legacy lives on in handcrafted replicas, gaming worlds, and historical preservation.

Other Related Blogs You May Missed

10 Best Swords for Self-Defense

Is 1060 High Carbon Steel Good for Swords?

What Is a Khopesh Sword?

Broadsword vs. Longsword 

FAQs on Greatswords

What is the best greatsword in history?

The Zweihänder is often considered the best historical greatsword due to its reach, cutting power, and role among elite German guard units.

Is it a claymore or a greatsword?

A claymore is a type of greatsword, specifically the Scottish two-handed variant. All claymores are greatswords, but not all greatswords are claymores.

What was Lucifer’s sword called?

In mythology and pop culture, Lucifer’s sword is often called the Flaming Sword, though the name varies by tradition and media.

What is the deadliest sword ever made?

The katana, Zweihänder, and gladius are often considered among the deadliest due to battlefield effectiveness and historical documentation.

What is the king of all weapons?

Historically, many cultures referred to the spear or polearm as the 'king of weapons' because of its reach and battlefield dominance.

What is a Japanese sword called?

A traditional Japanese sword is called a katana, known for its curved blade and exceptional cutting mechanics.

Is a greatsword practical for self-defense?

Not realistically. Greatswords are powerful but large; they are impractical indoors and difficult to maneuver in modern self-defense scenarios.