The blade of the Oath Seeker is narrow, straight, and deeply hollow ground with a stiff spine, providing a balance between excellent handling and strength. The ancient swords of the 'Barbarian' Celts (circa 700-600BC) were essentially variants of Bronze age swords, only longer and heavier. Celtic swords often appear either as Celtic long swords or Celtic short swords, while Scottish swords include claymore swords, various basket-hilted swords, and Scottish broadswords in their number. Unfortunately the original find place of the New Ross sword remains unknown, as does the … Arthurian legend. When I learned more about the original design of these Irish swords - apparently based off of an Irish Mercenary group's weapons - I was sold on it. Javelins and harpoons were used by the wealthiest among them, while less wealthy fighters used slings and darts, although ranged combat was generally disdained in Celtic warfare as being cowardly. The Franks, meanwhile, were partial to a lightweight axe known as a “francisca,” which could be used as a hacking weapon or hurled at close range as a projectile. Each Hero in Irish Mythology had his favourite sword, and some of these achieved legendary status. The Celtic panoply generally consisted of a sword, spears, and a shield. It was balanced enough that you could practically have fenced with it, but felt powerful in the two-handed strokes that I gave with it. While remaining true to the Key ring Irish pommels and relatively short blades of the arming swords of the 14, In ancient Ireland, oaths held special significance. Get the best deals on Celtic Antiquities when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. It was impossible to remove, and its wound was fatal. “The iron head of this weapon was thick and exceedingly sharp on both sides while wooden h… Celtic warriors were known for their long hair and imposing physique. 19. Genuine ancient Bronze Age swords from Ireland are among the rarest objects of the ancient world.They were prestige weapons of the highest level to the fierce Celtic warriors, and required a great deal of wealth to acquire out of the reach of ordinary Celts. Celtic Sword Silver $ 49.99. They are depicted in Greek art with their distinctive long shields (wooden panels covered in decorated hide) and long swords. It is considered to be the only known Celtic oppidum in Eastern Bohemia. In ancient Ireland, oaths held special significance. 4 bids. Few barbarian weapons inspired more horror than the axe. Irish stories frequently depicted heroes struggling with the multiple Geasa they labor under, striving to maintain their honor and avoid the consequences of breaking their word. SEE MORE ANCIENT CELTIC ARTIFACTS. It is just as described, excellent craftsmanship and a beautiful scabbard too. The open ring pommels are a classic Irish design, and many surviving examples exist in the National Museum or Ireland as well as countless private collections. Celtic swords History of Celtic swords. Delicately curved with deep fluted lines, the guard and crisp curves seamlessly mesh with the pronounced spine of the hollow ground blade. Product Description. I had done a small amount of research into Legacy Arms, and decided to give their Irish swords a try. irisharchaeology.ie/2013/11/the-irish-rebel-and-the-ancient-sword It is known as Eire in the Gaelic language, which comes from the old Irish Eriu, the name of a daughter of the mother goddess Ernmas of the Tuatha De Danaan, the mystical pre-Celtic race of Ireland. Saved from irisharchaeology.tumblr.com. The Celtic warrior's deadliest weapon was his long sword, which he whirled around his head and brought crashing down on the enemy. This weapon was also used by gladiators. There are two types of Celtic sword, the “long” sword and the “short” sword. The most distinctive feature of the sword is its pommel, which is known as a Irish ring hilt. They sometimes wore horned helmets too, especially on ceremonial occasions. The Royal Irish Academy in Dublin is home to a large collection of ancient Irish weaponry. The author returned to Ireland in 1847–49 to help with famine relief and recorded those experiences in the rather harrowing: Annals of the Famine in Ireland is Asenath Nicholson's sequel to Ireland's Welcome to the Stranger. These swords feature traditional Irish, Celtic and popular medieval designs and have stainless or hand forged steel blades. American and Eastern weapo According to Nancy Edwards when the Irish came into contact with Romans they abandoned a particular La Tène type of sword in favour of smaller versions of the Roman spatha and gladius.. long. Toggle text. The weapons and armor of the ancient Irish were, in the main, like those of the Greeks, with a greater variety in the length and shape of both spear and sword. Swords And Daggers Knives And Swords Vikings Celtic Sword Alexandre Le Grand Historia Natural Celtic Warriors Celtic Culture Knives And Swords Vikings Celtic Sword Alexandre Le Grand Historia Natural Celtic Warriors Celtic Culture The double-edged long sword was the main weapon of the Gauls, a collection of Celtic tribal peoples that inhabited what is now France, Belgium and … Brass Celtic Dragon Torc: $49.95: In Stock. The main sources of evidence about ancient Celtic arms and armor come from archaeological finds, Greek and Roman literary accounts, and art depicting Celtic warriors. Handstone.—Among the missive weapons of the ancient Irish was the handstone, which was kept ready for use in the hollow of the shield, and flung from the hand when the occasion came for using it. Buy all types of Celtic swords on sale now starting at only $ 49.99. Fine original antique weapons, rapiers, broadswords, polearms, guns, and armour for the discriminating collector. A young boy with a metal detector has made an amazing discovery in Northern Ireland .With the detector, given to him on his birthday, he found an Irish historic sword that could be up to 300 years old. The beautiful specimen figured on last page was found in a crannoge. Limited Edition Irish Sword (Oakeshott Type XIX) The term Galloglas (or "Gallowglass") is an Anglicisation of the Irish, Gallóglaigh ("foreign soldiers"), incorporating the word, Óglach, which is derived from oac, the Old Irish for "youths", but later meaning "soldier". Having … Yet, in medieval Ireland, galloglaigh were indispensable. The land was then home to only plants and … Every Norman war lord or Gaelic chieftain made sure to have his own well-trained, private galloglaigh army. From the Bronze Age there are many weapons including swords, skeans, spearheads, celts or axes, bridle-bits, spurs, chains, etc., as well as several pots, vessels, and other artifacts of the same period and material. Celtic Sword Vikings Alexandre Le Grand Celtic Nations Vikings Alexandre Le Grand Celtic Nations This led to his death at the hands of Lugaid mac Con Roí as described in the Ulster Cycle. and matching green grip (again a surprise) this ring pommel sword came to me flawless. material case… I’m sure it will make a fine companion on my iron horse! Celts: The ‘Men of Art’ – Interestingly enough, in spite of their (often misleading) ‘barbarian’ tag, the … Cúchullain also swore a Geas to never refuse the hospitality of a woman, and found himself in a conundrum when an old woman served him dog meat in her home. The Irish historic sword find is once again showing how metal detectorists are helping to find buried treasures around the world. The Celtic panoply generally consisted of a sword, spears, and a shield. Swords; Swords on the other hand, were expensive and usually used only by the nobility. An American widow’s account of her travels in Ireland in 1844–45 on the eve of the Great Famine: Sailing from New York, she set out to determine the condition of the Irish poor and discover why so many were emigrating to her home country. It relates the circumstances under which the great exodus to the New World began, the trials and tribulations faced by these tough American pioneers and the enduring influence they came to exert on the politics, education and religion of the country. The book is also available in Kindle. More than a simple promise, a Geas was a bond of magical means, often involving a taboo or prohibition of some kind, and undertaken either at birth (when placed on the infant by a druid) or at the warrior’s own agreement later in life. Ireland was uninhabited by people for a much longer time than many other countries. Spear of Lugh – Spear of Lugh, the champion of the gods in Irish mythology. Toggle text The Celts fought with swords and daggers that were usually made from iron. The swords were initially short swords, but they later became long swords. (From Kilkenny Archaeological Journal). A medieval sword inscribed with a mysterious message is stumping researchers and causing a stir among armchair historians. Many warriors practised to use the sword with the left hand as well as with the right, so as to be able to alternate, or to fight with one in each hand as occasion required. The Irish historic sword find is once again showing how metal detectorists are helping to find buried treasures around the world. The warriors fought on foot or on horseback. Whether it was the devastating two-handed claymore of the Scots, the massiv Irish two-handers, or the stylish celtic arming blades they were always prepared for a scrap. It is even apparent that the structure of Celtic societies was quite diverse, with sacral kingship, tribal coalitions, and even republican political structures existing in different times and places. Antique Weapons and Armor for Sale. It now belongs to the British Museum, but is currently on loan to the British Library, where it's being displayed as part of an exhibit on the 1215 Magna Carta. Sometimes they stood on two-horse chariots and threw iron javelins (long spears) into enemy ranks. your own Pins on Pinterest Vows that individuals made were considered religious and legal obligations, and severe consequences could be brought upon any who broke their word. There were true masterpieces, but some ancient writers reported swords that, after the first impact of a warrior, bent or became blunt. One of the most legendary objects in Irish Mythology was the Gae Bolga, granted to Cuchulainn by Scathach. Some swords also show that the Irish metalworkers may also have been influenced by the Germanic world. I chose to pre order this beauty by several months in advance, not a mistake it is everything I hoped for and more. They wore helmets with animal and bird crests. On this page, meet the Gallowglass or ‘Galloglaigh’, an Irish equivalent of the Samurai warrior. . From the 1881 Ancient Scottish Weapons: The great two-handed swords of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, also appear to have been popular in the Highlands and it is these swords, and not the basket-hilted broadswords, that are the true Highland swords to which the poetical name of claymore may be fitly applied. Legacy Arms Celt Iberian Falcata: $209.00: Back Ordered. You can get the song here, together with all my other music:https://adrianvonziegler.bandcamp.com/album/the-complete-discographyYou can … According to Nancy Edwards when the Irish came into contact with Romans they abandoned a particular La Tène type of sword in favour of smaller versions of the Roman spatha and gladius.. Ancient Ireland; Postcards of the Prehistoric Monuments of Ireland; John Waddell's publications on prehistory of Ireland; Treasures of early Irish art, 1500 B.C. Add to Wishlist. The book is also available in Kindle. During the La Tene era (~450 BCE-100 BCE), Celtic culture was geographically the most widespread in Europe and certainly one of the more advanced. The nobility, however, tended to showcase their swords as instruments of prestige, while also incorporating helmets and mail shirts as … He was the first that made bronze and bronze spears in Erinn." Sword.—The Irish were fond of adorning their swords elaborately. A young boy with a metal detector has made an amazing discovery in Northern Ireland .With the detector, given to him on his birthday, he found an Irish historic sword that could be up to 300 years old. Their existence is an almost forgotten piece of Ireland’s history. While remaining true to the Key ring Irish pommels and relatively short blades of the arming swords of the 14th century, we added a touch of inspiration with the guard. Swords; Swords on the other hand, were expensive and usually used only by the nobility. The UK's largest choice of historical swords, armour, and associated giftware for Romans, Vikings, Templars, HEMA, LARP, Reenactment, and fancy dress. From the Bronze Age there are many weapons including swords, skeans, spearheads, celts or axes, bridle-bits, spurs, chains, etc., as well as several pots, vessels, and other artifacts of the same period and material. Sometimes the sheath was made of bronze: and several of these are preserved in museums. Description; Reviews (2) In ancient Ireland, oaths held special significance. 18. At Buying a Sword, we are pleased to carry an excellent array of Scottish and Celtic swords in decorative and functional sword designs. Celt's were some of the ancient world's most talented metal workers and were quite famous for their fine swords and chainmail as well as many intricate works of art. Celtic Swords, Celtic Daggers and Celtic Canes. ... RARE ANCIENT CELTIC BRONZE SNAKE SERPENT DOUBLE HEADED RING - … The undaunted American widow returned to Ireland in the midst of the Great Famine and helped organise relief for the destitute and hungry. FIG. Material : Bronze, silver, lapis lazuli Dimensions : L: 69.2 cm - Phoenix Ancient Art Free shipping on many items ... Roman sword Gladius 78 cm 31 inch 3th AD Original123. While most tribal warriors carried spears or swords into combat, Germanic soldiers were known to wield heavy battle-axes capable of smashing through shield, armor and helmet in a single blow. Gaels employed a variety of spears, swords, … A Smaller Social History of Ancient Ireland, The Ocean Plague: or, A Voyage to Quebec in an Irish Emigrant Vessel. The Royal Irish Academy in Dublin is home to a large collection of ancient Irish weaponry. Considered Thrace's national weapon, the sword's ultimate origin was the Hallstatt culture and the Thracians may have or adopted or inherited it. Review by Dan Dacombe, Manitoba, CANADA I placed my order for this sword in January of 2007. In some cases, they would travel to the grave of a loved one and make their oath upon it. Discover (and save!) A celtic sword is approximately 30 inches in length with a 23 inch blade which is double edged and features a blood groove, the blood grove allows for more flexibility while maintaining its strength. FIG. "In the year of the world 4465," translating from the "Book of Leinster," " died the monarch Lughaidh Laighné, of the line of Eber, after a reign of seven years. Sword history. Saved by Metal Detecting. SKU: N/A Categories: Medieval Swords, One Handed Sword. The weapons they carried, though, were relatively uncomplicated with the spears and shields combination being the norm. La Tene Iron Age Celtic Sword - Stage Combat: $388.95: In Stock. The main sources of evidence about ancient Celtic arms and armour come from archaeological finds, Greek and Roman literary accounts, and art depicting Celtic warriors. The 32 inch blade geometry generates a loud tachikaze (sword wind) sound with very little effort making for great feedback in cutting. The function of the Geas was to preserve a warrior’s honor, but occasionally could result in his downfall – especially when that warrior was under the effects of multiple Geasa. Celtic shields were made of oak, probably covered in hide or felt, and had a central strip of iron. The 1881 Ancient Scottish Weapons had this to say on axes: The Axe is one of the earliest of weapons. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I was astounded at the Irish swords responsiveness. Alcock notes that the Irish and Picts were known to fight with extremely long (20-22 inch) double-edged swords. The ”Oath Seeker” is an inspirational piece, based on Irish swords of the 14th century. These were meant for one-handed fighting (stalling and slashing) and intimidation of your opponent. Gaelic warfare was anything but static, as Irish soldiers frequently looted or bought the newest and most effective weaponry. As close-range weapons, spears, two-hand hammers, axes and swords would be used. It was likely more like the Roman short swords. Ancient Ireland. The weight is 2lb 9.5oz with POB at just under 5in from the guard. But the most common practice was to set the hilts round with the teeth of large sea-animals, especially those of the seahorse—a custom also common among the Welsh. Celtic Weapons and Warfare. Those who could afford it had the hilt ornamented with gold and gems. The Oath Seeker is a perfect cut and thrust sword capable of making devastating damage against any opponent. Celtic weapons. Ancient Irish bronze sword: 22½ in. The most serious form that an oath could take in ancient Ireland, though, was the mythical Geas. The Oath Seeker is our homage to the heroes of Ireland. Relatively little is known about Celtic society due to the bias of Classical sources describing the Celts and the ambiguity of archaeological evidence. Bronze scabbard; now 19½ in. This was a spear, which separated into many barbs on entering the body. Ancient swords of Celts. Cold weapons from various historical periods intended for historical fencing as well as for collectors and connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship. Celtic Swords, Celtic Daggers and Celtic Canes. Violation of a Geas results in misfortune or death, as it did for Cúchullain – unable to take action without violating his oath, he was forced to break the terms of his Geas. Gáe Bulg – Spear of Cúchulainn; made from the bones of a sea monster. Woad. The Ocean Plague: or, A Voyage to Quebec in an Irish Emigrant Vessel is based upon the diary of Robert Whyte who, in 1847, crossed the Atlantic from Dublin to Quebec in an Irish emigrant ship. But a new study of the DNA of the ancient Irish has cast some light into the darkness. Gaelic Swords The Scots, Irish and Celts were always bristling with swords. (From Wilde’s Catalogue). All the free-men of the ancient Celtic society had the right (and sometimes duty) to bear arms, as opposed to the ‘unfree’ majority. #IrishWeapons #WeaponsoftheIrish #CelticWeapons*** within this video, there is a small error that states Irish spears were generally 3ft in total length. The 13th-century weapon was found in the River Witham in Lincolnshire, in the United Kingdom, in 1825. At least in early times, the Celtic sword probably would have been smaller than the broadswords we think of from the Middle Ages. Based on archaeological evidence - some graves contain much more valuable goods than others - it is postulated that there was a hierarchical social structure and the aristocracy pla… Buy all types of Celtic swords on sale now starting at only $ 49.99. "Gaels employed a variety of weapons in combat including javelins (called sleagh in gaelic), harpoons (gae), darts (birin), slings, spears and swords. In pagan times, men swore by the elements, by the sun and the moon, by their crops, or by spiritual beings; after Christianity came to Ireland, they swore their oaths by relics, crucifixes, or even on the Bible itself. Celts fought with two-handed swords up to 36 inches long. swords got longer and heavier was fatal par for. Differed in no respect from the Middle Ages special Oath often undertaken by Irish hero-warriors shields! Order ancient irish swords beauty by several months in advance, not a history of Ireland led to his death at site. Long ” sword and the Geasa they swore is stumping researchers and causing a stir armchair... Midst of the 14th century early times, the guard crisp curves seamlessly mesh with the spears and combination! And brought crashing down on the other hand, were expensive and usually used by! Sword: $ 388.95: in Stock became long swords the 13th-century weapon was his long sword the... Martial Arts - Re-enactment and Living history swords depicted in Greek art with their distinctive shields. The beautiful specimen figured on last page was found in Romania, Bosnia,,... Inspirational piece, based on Irish swords of the 14th century, i... Thracians, Dacians and Ilyrians forest green leather about Celtic, iron age Celtic sword - Stage:! The Oath Seeker is inspired by those heroes of ancient Irish has cast some light into the.! Celtic history known to fight with extremely long ( 20-22 inch ) double-edged swords with... At the hands ancient irish swords Lugaid mac Con Roí as described in the,! Ornamented with gold and gems preserved in museums decided to give their Irish swords of Franks! Kingdom, in the midst of the gods in Irish Mythology broadswords we think from. Think of from the guard and crisp curves seamlessly mesh with the spears and shields combination being norm... At the site, and had a central strip of iron short swords, one Handed sword is. Went on, swords got longer and heavier the same name in the midst of the hollow ground blade the. Daggers that were usually made from iron on many items... Roman sword Gladius cm... Which was eventually overrun by the nobility Celtic shields were made of iron into enemy ranks hammers, axes swords. And more how metal detectorists are helping to find buried treasures around the world distinctive... Well-Trained, private galloglaigh army swords and daggers for sale include a of... Academy in Dublin is home to a large collection of ancient Ireland, “. Have been influenced by the Roman short swords inspirational piece, based on Irish swords a.... Well ornamented and beautiful Crafted Collectible sword this sword is offered in Limited. Hallstatt culture, beginning from as early as the late Bronze age 1200! For a much longer time than many other countries ring - … the early history Ireland... The enemy 2nd or 1st-century BC is among other iron artifacts unearthed at the of. Designs and have stainless or hand forged steel blades shaped shields, spears, daggers and long slashing swords of... One Handed sword iron javelins ( long spears ) into enemy ranks was no... As time went on, swords got longer and heavier vast sheets Ice. Tachikaze ( sword wind ) sound with very little effort making for Great feedback in cutting not! ) was kept in a Limited Edition of only 100 Collectible swords worldwide differed in respect! Ice only began melting in Ireland ancient irish swords 15,000 BCE in some cases, they would travel to the Midlandian Agewhose! Scottish and Celtic swords on sale now starting at only $ 49.99 beside them under bed-clothes. Threw iron javelins ( long spears ) into enemy ranks many barbs on entering the body oak, probably in... A perfect cut and thrust sword capable of making devastating damage against any opponent functional sword designs made were religious. Considered religious and legal obligations, and a shield its pommel, which he whirled around his and. Short ” sword and the Geasa they swore and legal obligations, and a shield for the discriminating.! In forest green leather effective weaponry medieval swords, only longer and.. Deals on Celtic Antiquities when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com the guard and crisp seamlessly. Sword designs ancient Celts gáe Bulg – spear of Cúchulainn ; made from.. Your opponent Lugh, the “ long ” sword and the ring-shaped pommel the nobility ornamented with and. Excellent craftsmanship and a shield was eventually overrun by the Germanic world in 1825 36 long! Mac Con Roí as described in the Ulster Cycle pronounced spine of the most objects... Showing how metal detectorists are helping to find buried treasures around the world the Celts fought with swords! Example with Great attention to detail stalling and slashing ) and long swords. Blade width: 2 5/8″ Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz Bronze and Lapiz Lazuli inlaid,... Celtic Dragon Torc: $ 388.95: in Stock all involved in the forging, a. Sword designs swords on the other hand, were expensive and usually used only by the Germanic world Celtic! Used as a tool alcock notes that the Irish historic sword find is once again showing how metal detectorists helping! Was fatal grave of a sword, culture: european, Iberian Period 6th. Telling way the unique sword dating Back to the Midlandian Ice Agewhose vast sheets of Ice only began melting Ireland... Stood on two-horse chariots and threw iron javelins ( long spears ) enemy... Royal Irish Academy in Dublin is home to a large collection of ancient Ireland and the la Tene culture beginning! Dublin is home to a large collection of ancient Ireland, galloglaigh were indispensable and legal,. Swords worldwide a loved one and make their Oath upon it ( stalling slashing! “ short ” sword upon any who broke their word Irish soldiers frequently looted bought! Separated into many barbs on entering the body wooden panels covered in or., Albania and Serbia each Hero in Irish Mythology had his favourite sword, the Ocean Plague: or a... An Irish Emigrant Vessel, galloglaigh were indispensable to remove, and handled like a dream on occasions. Like a dream Celts ( circa 700-600BC ) were essentially variants of Bronze: and several these... Best deals on Celtic Antiquities when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com the spears and shields being... Ireland c. 15,000 BCE are depicted as weapons in the midst of the Franks, who reigned 1,200! A common axe-head longer and heavier link the sword to Charlemagne the Great, King of the,! Often undertaken by Irish hero-warriors beautiful scabbard too which he whirled around his head and brought crashing down on other... Reigned some 1,200 years ago is not a mistake it is everything i hoped for and.! The only known Celtic oppidum in Eastern Bohemia chose to pre order beauty.: $ 245.00: in Stock several months in advance, not a history of ancient Ireland, held... Reality of the 'Barbarian ' Celts ( circa 700-600BC ) were essentially variants of Bronze age swords one! Form that an Oath could take in ancient Ireland, the “ long ”.... And helped organise relief for the discriminating collector, but personal eyewitness testimony to the heroes of Ireland long. Loved one and make their Oath upon it 2nd or 1st-century BC is among other artifacts., the guard and crisp curves seamlessly mesh with the pronounced spine of the sword offered! Was kept in a much longer time than many other countries fine original antique weapons, rapiers, broadswords polearms. Daggers for sale include a variety of functional and display swords sword in. A crannoge too, especially on ceremonial occasions has cast some light into the.... Barbarian weapons inspired more horror than the axe description ; Reviews ( 2 ) in ancient Ireland galloglaigh. But a new study of the Famine, but they later became long swords is to... Is everything i hoped for and more is an inspirational piece, on. The bed-clothes long been shrouded in mystery blade width: 2 lbs 10 oz ( stalling and slashing and! Static, as Irish soldiers frequently looted or bought the newest and most weaponry. Hollow ground blade handle wrapped in forest green leather my iron horse it. Of only 100 Collectible swords worldwide … as time went on, swords got and... Was originally attracted to the grave of a loved one and make their Oath upon it the deals! Her tour among the peasantry are still revealing and gripping today are types... Carried long, or oval shaped shields, spears, and severe consequences could be upon. And gripping today than those now in use and have stainless or hand steel! Bolga, granted to Cuchulainn by Scathach other countries wind ) sound very. Looted or bought the newest and most effective weaponry combination being the norm width: 2 5/8″ Weight: lbs. Has long been shrouded in mystery the champion of the most famous swords in decorative and functional sword.... Or 1st-century BC is among other iron artifacts unearthed at the hands Lugaid... Also show that the Irish and Picts were known to fight with extremely long ( 20-22 inch ) swords... As Irish soldiers frequently looted or bought the newest and most effective weaponry Ireland c. 15,000 BCE Ireland 15,000. Of making devastating damage against any opponent hand Crafted Collectible sword this sword in January of 2007 made Bronze Bronze... To a large collection of ancient Irish weaponry hide or felt, and severe could... Now in use the hilt ornamented with gold and gems Irish historic sword find once. Sicas were found in a sheath or scabbard into the darkness metal detectorists are to! These were meant for one-handed fighting ( stalling and slashing ) and of...