The Zweihänder stands out as a formidable weapon from 16th century Europe. This massive two-handed sword became famous as the signature armament of German Landsknecht mercenaries. With its long blade and unique parrying hooks, the Zweihänder was designed for maximum impact on the battlefield.
Though large and heavy, the Zweihänder proved to be a versatile tool of war. Soldiers used it as a breaching weapon to break through enemy lines. The sword’s impressive size and power have made it an iconic part of medieval warfare history. Its legacy lives on in popular culture, inspiring weapons in games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring.
What Makes a Zweihänder
The zweihänder stands out as a massive two-handed sword from the Renaissance era. This impressive weapon spans about 4 feet 7 inches in length and weighs around 4.4 pounds. Its size demands use with both hands, featuring a long hilt of at least 9.8 inches to allow for a firm grip.
Known by various names across Europe, the zweihänder goes by:
- Greatsword (English)
- Claymore (Scottish)
- Montante (Spanish and Portuguese)
- Spada a due mani (Italian)
The sword’s design includes:
- A long, double-edged blade
- A large crossguard
- Parrying hooks (parierhaken) near the base of the blade
- A sturdy pommel for balance
Zweihänders were made from high-quality steel, giving them strength and durability. Some had wavy “flammard” blades for a striking look. While most were used in battle, larger 8.8-pound versions served ceremonial purposes.
These swords evolved from earlier longswords, growing in size to become formidable weapons on the battlefield. Their reach and power made them useful for breaking through enemy lines.
Origin and Development
The Zweihänder, a massive two-handed sword, emerged during a period of significant change in European warfare. Its roots can be traced back to the late 13th century, with its development continuing through the Renaissance.
Who Made the Zweihänder?
German craftsmen are thought to be the creators of the Zweihänder. While some have suggested Swiss origins, evidence points to German swordsmiths as the true innovators. Cities like Passau, Solingen, and Munich were home to skilled metalworkers capable of forging these long, heavy blades.
Several factors support this German origin:
- Switzerland lacked a strong iron industry in the early Middle Ages
- Swiss armies often imported their weapons and armor
- Most early Zweihänder swords found in Swiss museums are of German make
- A blade from the late 13th century in Vienna bears the “wolf mark” of Passau
The Zweihänder evolved from earlier long swords used in the Late Middle Ages. By the early 16th century, an intermediate form between the long sword and the full Zweihänder appeared in German fencing manuals.
Key features of the Zweihänder include:
- Extreme length and weight
- Carried over the shoulder like a halberd
- Later versions had parrying hooks above the crossguard
These massive swords were the pinnacle of a trend toward larger blades that began in the 14th century. They played a significant role in Renaissance-era warfare, becoming a symbol of elite warriors across Europe.
Uses and Roles of the German Two-Handed Sword
The German two-handed sword played a key part in 15th and 16th century combat. Its main job was to break through tight groups of soldiers with long spears. This big sword was more than just a cutting tool. Fighters used every part of it in battle.
The blade could slash and stab enemies. The hilt worked like a hammer to smash foes. Sword experts even used the crossguard to hook and trap other weapons. In a pinch, this versatile blade could chop the shafts of enemy spears.
Some think the German two-handed sword was too big for real fights. But skilled warriors made it dance. They handled it almost like a spear, using quick moves to strike from far away. This unique weapon changed how armies fought in its time.
The Rise and Fall of the Mighty Two-Handed Sword
Pier Gerlofs Donia, known as Big Pier, was a Frisian farmer turned freedom fighter in the early 16th century. After his village was destroyed and his wife killed by German mercenaries, he started a guerrilla war campaign. Big Pier became famous for his skill with the two-handed sword, reportedly able to behead multiple enemies in a single swing.
The Emperor’s New Army
In the late 15th century, Emperor Maximilian I of Germany faced a military challenge from Swiss infantry forces. These Swiss troops used long pikes in tight formations to great effect. To counter this threat, Maximilian hired German mercenaries called Landsknechts in 1486. These soldiers would become known for their use of various weapons, including the massive two-handed sword.
Elite Swordsmen of the Mercenary Bands
While most Landsknechts used pikes, an elite group called the Doppelsöldners specialized in wielding two-handed swords. These expert swordsmen earned double pay for their dangerous role of breaking enemy pike formations. Their skill was proven in battles like La Bicocca in 1552, where German mercenaries defeated the previously dominant Swiss pikemen.
| Landsknecht Roles | Weapon | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Soldier | Pike | Normal |
| Doppelsöldner | Two-handed Sword | Double |
The End of an Era
As the 16th century came to a close, the reign of the two-handed sword on European battlefields began to wane. The rise of gunpowder weapons made pike formations less effective, reducing the need for soldiers skilled in breaking such lines. While no longer practical for combat, these massive swords continued to see use in ceremonies and parades into the 17th century.
The Art of the Long Sword
Many fencing masters taught the use of the two-handed sword. Some notable instructors include:
- Francesco di Sandro Altoni
- Carlo Giuseppe di Grassi
- Achille Marozzo
- Joachim Meÿer
Two important manuscripts on the subject are “Las reglas del montante” and “Sobre el arte de la esgrima.” These texts, along with the teachings of the fencing masters, helped preserve the techniques of this impressive weapon even as its battlefield use declined.
