Gorean Weapons - Swords

This is my narrative and relevant references from the Books about Swords.
It is not meant to be anything other than the facts of the matter. Arrive at your own conclusions.

I wish you well,
Fogaban

Short Sword

To The Index

The purpose of the sword is not to fence, not to match blades, and not to exhibit skill, nor is its purpose to reach the enemy, nor even to cut him. Its purpose is to kill him. [b1]

As the shield is the basic defensive armament, the short stabbing sword is the basic offensive weapon most commonly used. It is double edged and approximately 18 to 22 inches in length. [b2] The steel is wine-tempered [b3] and honed so sharp that it will cut a piece of silk dropped upon it. [b4] The blades, being of steel, are kept oiled to prevent rust. [b5] Gorean men usually sharpen their own swords, trusting the edge to no one but themselves. [b6]

Some swords have richly jeweled hilts and engraved blades while others are plain and unfigured. [b7] The hilts of at least some swords are wrapped with leather bindings. [b8] The swords of tarnsmen have wrist straps attached to prevent loss in flight. [b9] It might also be noted that some hilts conceal hidden compartments. [b10]

Swords too, weigh heavily in ceremony. A warrior's sword is pledged to his city. [b10] There is also such a thing as sword loyalty which is a bond sworn to a leader. [b11] Swords are used in a Warrior's salute. [b12] Swords have been used in connection with oaths. [b13] And, in ritual disgrace, one's sword is broken. [b14]

Swords are carried in leather [b15] scabbards attached to belts. Most of these scabbards are not moisture proof, as this would entail either too close a fit for the blade or an impeding flap. However, some of the Assassins use a lined scabbard thus allowing a silent draw of the blade. [b16]

In usual fashion it is simply slung over the left shoulder. In combat the scabbard can be quickly discarded so that it is neither in the way or becomes a handle for the enemy. Then too, minimizing slippage, the belt is sometimes worn over the right shoulder and across the body. [b17] Of course these belts can also be buckled around the waist. [b18]

Finally, it should be noted that one seldom sheaths an unclean sword. In the field, leaves, grass or the hair and clothing of the fallen are used. Some carry a soft cloth for just such a purpose. When the blade is clean and dry, it is often given a thin coating of oil, which protects against rust, and perhaps makes it easier to draw from the scabbard once again. [b19]

Long Sword - Saber

To The Index

The saber is almost unknown on Gor. [b20] Among the warriors of Gor generally, it is regarded as being too long and clumsy a weapon for close, sharp combat or effective from the back of a tarn or tharlarion. [b21]

However, these long swords are not completely unknown as those of Torvaldsland prefer a longer sword than those of the south. [b22] Too, there is mentioned the Alar sword, a long, heavy, double-edged weapon, referred to as a spatha among their wagons, [b23] even though they also make use of a short stabbing sword known as the sacramasax. [b24]

Curved Sword - Scimitar

To The Index

The wickedly curved [b25] and razor-sharp [b26] scimitars are known primarily in the Tahari. This blade, as the short sword, is also kept so sharp as to part silk dropped upon it. [b27] One description mentions it as being a great, long, curved sword. [b28] And in another place as being a longer weapon, a two-handed scimitar. The two-handed scimitarus being useful for reaching other riders on tharlarion. [b29]

Curved Sword - Pani

To The Index

There are also the set of two curved swords used by the Pani. [b30] These swords, one short, one long, each have large, slightly curved hilts, wrapped in silk, and curved blades. The long sword has a tasseled hilt. [b31] They are carried in the sash or belt with the blades uppermost. [b32] In houses and barracks, the longer swords are stored in racks but the companion sword is kept at one's side. [b33]