List of historical swords


This is a list of notable individual swords, known either from historical record or from surviving artifacts.

Legendary swords

These swords do not survive as artifacts or are not and have not been available for public inspection, and their description may be of doubtful historicity.

Asian

  • Kusanagi-no-tsurugi, one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan. Allegedly kept at Atsuta Shrine but is not available for public display. Its existence and origins remain doubtful.
  • Thuận Thiên, the sword of the Lê Lợi, Emperor of Đại Việt from 1428 to 1433.
  • Sirohi sword is a traditional Indian blade known for its curved design, sharp edge, and craftsmanship originating from Sirohi, Rajasthan. Historically revered by Rajput warriors, it symbolizes valor, heritage, and martial skill.
  • Zulfiqar, Contrary to popular belief, this sword does not have a scissor-like tip, but a sword that has a backbone behind its blade belonging to Ali, the first Imam from 632 to 661. The sword's location is unknown, but Twelver Muslims regard it as a hereditary cynosure along with other messianic artifacts, including the staff of Moses, the ring of Suleiman, etc., that will identify the twelfth Imam. The prefix "zul" is a possessive pronoun and "fiqar" means spinal cord.

    European

  • Sword of Attila or the Sword of Mars, the sword of Attila the Hun, ruler of the Huns from 434 to 453.
  • Colada, one of two swords owned by El Cid, the other being Tizona, which is preserved.
  • Durandal, purported to be the sword of French military leader Roland. An alleged fragment of Durendal was located in Rocamadour.

    Norse

  • , the sword of Egill Skallagrímsson.
  • Grásiða, sword in Gísla saga Sursonnar
  • Kvernbítr, sword of Haakon I of Norway and his follower, Thoralf Skolinson the Strong, said to be sharp enough to cut through quernstones.
  • Leggbítr or Leggbít, a gaddhjalt sword of the Magnus Barefoot, viking and King of Norway from 1093 to 1103.
  • Mæringr - sword of Björn in ''Bjarnar saga Hítdœlakappa''

    Slavic

  • Żuraw or Grus, the sword of Boleslaus III, Duke of Poland from 1107 to 1138. Possibly the same sword as Szczerbiec, which is preserved.

    Artifacts

These swords are preserved artifacts, or were previously preserved artifacts that are now lost. Their attribution to historical characters may be doubtful.

Asian

;Chinese
;Japanese
  • The "National Treasures" of Japan includes a list of swords of "especially high historical or artistic value".
  • The Important Cultural Property of Japan, established in 1950, also includes items, including swords, "judged to be of particular importance to the Japanese people".
  • * The Important Works of Fine Arts of Japan, established in 1933, include arts and crafts of significant historical or artistic value, and thus include a great number of swords. The list was abolished in 1950 for the new legislation of Important Cultural Property.
  • Shichishitō, which Wa received from Baekje. Kept at the Isonokami Shrine.
  • Kogarasu Maru, a unique Japanese tachi sword believed to have been created by legendary Japanese smith Amakuni. In private collection of the Imperial House of Japan.
  • Hotarumaru, a "national treasure" of Japan, was an ōdachi kept at the Aso Shrine. Lost after World War II.
  • Honjo Masamune, a "national treasure" of Japan, was crafted by legendary sword-maker Masamune and eventually passed down the Tokugawa shogunate. Lost after World War II.
  • Myōhō Muramasa, supposedly crafted by Muramasa and passed down the Nabeshima clan. In private collection.
  • Kotetsu, the personal sword of Shinsengumi leader Kondō Isami, supposedly crafted by Nagasone Kotetsu. However, the sword was thought to be a fake crafted by. Kotetsu can also refer to several different swords crafted by Nagasone Kotetsu.
  • Sugari no Ontachi, sacred treasure of the Ise Grand Shrine. According to tradition, treasures of the Shrine, along with the Shrine itself, is rebuilt every 20 years. Old copies of the sword were originally buried or burnt, but in modern times they are preserved.
  • The Tenka-Goken, a group of five famous Japanese swords:
  • * Dōjigiri, a "national treasure" of Japan, displayed at the Tokyo National Museum.
  • * ', a "national treasure" of Japan, displayed at the Tokyo National Museum.
  • * Ōtenta, a "national treasure" of Japan, in private collection of the Maeda Ikutokukai.
  • * ', an Important Cultural Property of Japan, owned by, Amagasaki.
  • * , in private collection of the Imperial House of Japan.
;Southeastern Asia
;Near Eastern
;Britain and Ireland
;Western Europe
;Iberia
;Northern Europe
;Central Europe
;Southern Europe
  • The Sword of Saint Galgano, a medieval sword said to be of San Galgano embedded in a stone, located at the near the Abbey of San Galgano in Siena, Italy.
  • The Sword of Islam, a ceremonial melee weapon given in 1937 to Benito Mussolini, who was pronounced as the Protector of Islam. Lost in 1943.
;Russia