When most people imagine a greatsword, they picture an enormous, slow, clunky weapon being dragged across the battlefield by armored knights. This image, often reinforced by movies and fantasy games, makes the greatsword seem more like a burden than a tool of war. But this is a myth. In reality, the greatsword was not only lighter than many people assume but also surprisingly fast, well-balanced, and versatile in the hands of a trained warrior. Far from being a clumsy hunk of steel, it was a carefully designed weapon of both power and precision. Let’s break down the truth about this iconic medieval blade and uncover just how effective it really was in combat.
🏋️♂️ The Weight of a Greatsword
Contrary to Hollywood portrayals, greatswords were not 30–50 pounds of iron. Most surviving examples weigh between 5–8 pounds (2–4 kg). That’s about the weight of a modern laptop bag or a small housecat.
Did You Know?
📜 A two-handed greatsword often weighed less than a knight’s full suit of plate armor, which typically came in at around 45–60 pounds.
Because they were designed for combat, greatswords were carefully balanced — meaning knights could swing them with more control and less fatigue than the myths suggest.
⏱️ Speed and Swing Dynamics
The speed of a greatsword wasn’t just about weight. Its length (up to 6 feet / 1.8 m) gave it excellent leverage. While shorter swords relied on quick wrist movements, the greatsword used the entire body, generating momentum through hips and shoulders.
This made strikes fluid and powerful, rather than sluggish. A knight could deliver a sweeping cut and return to guard position quickly enough to defend themselves.
Comparison of Speed:
- ⚔️ Arming Sword (one-handed): Very fast in close quarters.
- ⚔️ Longsword (hand-and-a-half): Balanced speed and power.
- ⚔️ Greatsword (two-handed): Slightly slower but with greater reach and cutting power.
🏰 Battlefield Role
Greatswords weren’t designed for fencing duels or rapid-fire thrusts. Instead, they excelled at:
- Cutting down pikes and polearms.
- Breaking enemy lines with broad sweeping strikes.
- Controlling space by keeping opponents at a distance.
Did You Know?
📜 In the 16th century, German zweihänder (massive greatswords) were used by elite soldiers called Doppelsöldner, who were paid double for the dangerous task of disrupting pike formations.
So while a greatsword wasn’t as quick as a dagger or arming sword, its speed was perfect for its intended role — heavy, decisive swings in open combat.
🧠 Training and Technique
A greatsword’s effectiveness depended heavily on the skill of its wielder. Knights and soldiers who trained with them learned techniques such as:
- Half-swording – gripping the blade with one hand for precision thrusts.
- Mordhau – using the hilt like a hammer against armored foes.
- Wide sweeping cuts to control multiple enemies.
Because of this training, a knight could make the weapon seem surprisingly fast and agile despite its size.
💡 Myths vs. Reality
❌ Myth: Greatswords were too heavy to lift.
✅ Reality: Most were lighter than a modern fire axe.
❌ Myth: They were slow and unwieldy.
✅ Reality: With leverage and technique, they were efficient and effective.
❌ Myth: Only the strongest knights could use them.
✅ Reality: Training, not brute strength, made a greatsword deadly.
🐎 Greatswords in Context
It’s important to remember that greatswords weren’t used everywhere or by everyone. They were battlefield weapons, most effective in open spaces and against grouped enemies. In close quarters like castles or streets, knights often switched to smaller, faster weapons.
Did You Know?
📜 Greatswords were sometimes carried over the shoulder like a spear until the moment of battle, emphasizing their role as special-purpose weapons rather than everyday sidearms.
🏆 Final Thoughts: Faster Than You Think
The greatsword was not the lumbering slab of steel often shown in fantasy films. Instead, it was a fast, well-balanced, and highly specialized weapon, optimized for reach, power, and battlefield control. In the hands of a trained warrior, it was more than capable of quick, decisive strikes that could change the course of combat.
So next time you picture a knight dragging a massive blade into battle, remember this: the greatsword wasn’t just big — it was brilliantly designed for speed and efficiency. ⚔️
📜 Frequently Asked Questions: Greatsword Speed & Use
Were greatswords as heavy as people think?
No, most greatswords weighed only 5–8 pounds, much lighter than the myths suggest.
How fast could knights swing a greatsword?
A trained knight could swing a greatsword surprisingly quickly, often matching the speed of smaller swords due to leverage and technique.
What gave knights leverage with greatswords?
The long hilt and two-handed grip allowed knights to control the weapon with precision and power.
Could greatswords be used defensively?
Yes, knights used them to parry blows, block strikes, and even control the battlefield with wide sweeps.
Were greatswords common in every battle?
No, they were more specialized weapons, often used by elite fighters or in specific combat situations.
Did greatswords require special training?
Yes, knights trained extensively to master balance, timing, and control with such large weapons.
What myth is most common about greatswords?
The most common myth is that they were impossibly heavy and slow, when in fact they were balanced and versatile weapons.
