Discover the most famous legendary swords in world history

What is the most beautiful sword in the world? This article will summarize for you the most beautiful swords in the world from the past to the present.

A legendary sword is a mythical or historically significant weapon, often imbued with magical qualities, renowned for its extraordinary craftsmanship, or associated with heroic deeds. Examples include Excalibur from Arthurian legend, Gram from Norse mythology, and the iconic Katana from Japanese folklore. Zulfiqar, the sword of Ali ibn Abi Talib in Islamic tradition, symbolizes courage.

These swords are more than mere tools, symbolizing power, honor, and destiny. Legends, epics, and cultural stories around the world celebrate these iconic swords, shaping the collective imagination and underscoring the enduring cultural impact of legendary swords throughout history.

This article will summarize for you the most famous legendary swords of all time.

1. The Sword in the Stone

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A 12th-century sword stuck in a rock in a chapel on Mount Montesiepi in Tuscany, Italy, is on display. Legend has it that the sword belonged to San Galgamo, a wealthy knight and nobleman who converted to Christianity after seeing the Archangel Michael.

The story goes that while walking on Montesiepi Hill, San Galgano heard a voice asking him to give up all worldly desires. San Galgano replied that it was as difficult as striking a stone with a sword, then he drew his sword and stabbed a rock. Miraculously, the sword passed through the rock as easily as a hot knife through butter and has been stuck there ever since.

2. The Kusanagi Sword - one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan

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According to Japanese legend, the Kusanagi sword was found in the body of an eight-headed snake killed by the god of storms and seas. Kusanagi is considered a symbol of the sacred power of the Japanese Imperial Regalia.

Currently, the location of this sword is still a mystery, there are rumors that it is "residing" in the Atsuta temple in Nagano province.

3. The Mysterious Sword Durandal

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This mystical sword Durandal has been embedded in the cliff above the Notre Dame chapel in Rocamadour, France for hundreds of years.

The monks at the church said that this sword was the treasured sword of the knight Roland, a famous figure in medieval Europe. According to legend, Roland wanted to destroy the sword Durandal so that it would not fall into the hands of his enemies, but he could not. He threw it into the sky and the sword stuck in a cliff.

Authorities removed the sword from the cliff, preserved it and put it on display at the Cluny Museum in Paris since 2011.

4. Cursed Sword Muramasas

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Muramasas is an ancient Japanese sword and has a terrible destructive power that anyone would want to own.

The Muramasa sword is 70.9 cm long, 2.4 cm wide, has a rather short hilt (14.5 cm) and is currently kept at the National Museum in Tokyo. After nearly 7 centuries, the sword is still intact and is one of the most beautiful and sharp swords in Japan.

It is believed that if anyone uses the sword, they must let it 'drink' human blood or else the owner will go mad or be killed. Therefore, they believe that the Muramasas sword is a cursed weapon.

5. Honjo Masamune Sword

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The Honjo Masamune sword was designated a national treasure of Japan in 1939.

According to Japanese legend, two swords Muramasa and Masamune had a duel. While Muramasa was 'bloodthirsty' and could cut down everything it touched, Masamune was 'merciful' and would not kill unless it was necessary.

Today, the remains of Honjo Masamune remain a mystery, no one has ever found or seen it 'in the flesh'.

6. Joyeuse Sword

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Joyeuse is one of the legendary swords, famous in history belonging to the Roman emperor Charlemagne.

The sword Joyeuse was said to be as bright as the sun and to have the ability to change color 30 times a day. Emperor Charlemagne used Joyeuse to behead Corsuble, a brilliant Saracen commander. The sword even gave its name to a town.

After the death of Emperor Charlemagne, the legendary sword Joyeuse was often used in the coronation of French kings.

7. Wallace's Sword

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This sword is 168cm long, weighs 2.7kg, has a 132cm blade and is currently on display at the National Wallace Monument. The sword belonged to William Wallace, a knight and national hero of Scotland. It accompanied him through many battles.

Legend has it that William Wallace used human skin to make the scabbard, hilt, and strap used to carry his sword.

8. Zulfiqar Sword

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Zulfiqar is the sword of the Muslim leader Hazrat Ali - cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. It is also one of the most famous swords, respected and admired by everyone in the Muslim world. In some ancient documents, the Prophet Muhammad, out of admiration for Ali's power and strength on the battlefield, gave the sword Zulfiqar to Ali during the Battle of Uhud.

9. Napoleon Bonaparte Sword

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This is the sword that the legendary general Napoleon Bonaparte often carried in battle. He gave it to his brother as a wedding gift in the early 1800s. The sword later became a treasure passed down from generation to generation in the Bonaparte family. In 1978, the French government recognized the sword as a national treasure.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 15 January 2025