Bastard sword

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A bastard sword is the name given to swords that fall between the longsword and the greatsword in size. A bastard sword is sometimes referred to as "hand-and-a-half sword".

Size relative to other Swords

Bastard sword.png

The bastard sword is mostly distinguished from a longsword because it has a grip long enough to allow two-handed use. Bastard swords have slightly longer blades as well, but they remain light enough to be wielded one-handed should the need arise, unlike the greatsword that requires two hands.

Appearances in the Novels and Size Speculation

The most famous bastard sword seen in the novels is the Valyrian Longclaw, wielded by Jon Snow. Jon describes it as a good half foot longer than the longswords he was used to[1]. Duck also wields a bastard sword at least on one occasion[2].

Bastard swords likely vary broadly in terms of size and length, with some being designed for primarily one-handed use and others to be wielded with both hands. The length of the sword also depends on the size of the person wielding it. That said, an estimated length for a typical bastard sword would be 1.25 meters (or 4 feet and 2 inches).

References and Notes