The Claymore Sword: Legendary Weapon of the Scottish Highlands

The claymore sword holds a powerful place in both historical warfare and popular imagination. Known for its imposing size, distinctive design, and deep ties to Scottish heritage, the claymore has long been seen as a symbol of strength, freedom, and cultural pride. Over the centuries, this mighty sword has evolved from a battlefield weapon to a cinematic and video game icon, making it one of the most recognizable swords in the world today. In this article, we’ll explore the full history of the claymore sword, including its origins, evolution, and design. We’ll also examine how the claymore is represented in today’s films, anime, and video games, and why it continues to captivate modern audiences.

The term claymore comes from the Scottish Gaelic phrase claidheamh mòr, meaning “great sword.” Today, it generally refers to two types of swords from Scottish history:

1. The two-handed Highland claymore, a massive sword with a long, double-edged blade and distinctive forward-sloping crossguards ending in clover-like designs.


2. The basket-hilted broadsword, often also called a claymore, which emerged later and featured a single-handed grip with a protective iron basket guard.

The story of the claymore begins in the medieval period, when Scottish warriors adapted European longsword designs to suit the rugged terrain and brutal close-combat style of Highland warfare. Early versions appeared as early as the 13th century, evolving over time into increasingly longer and more powerful weapons.

By the 15th and 16th centuries, the two-handed claymore reached its most iconic form. These swords were used by Highland clansmen in inter-clan battles and border skirmishes. Designed for reach and power, the Highland claymore was ideal for wide, sweeping strikes that could break through enemy lines and spear formations. The long ricasso (the unsharpened section of the blade near the hilt) allowed warriors to “half-sword” during combat, gripping the blade closer to the center for more control in close quarters. The forward-sloping quillons and quatrefoil pommel caps added both a distinctive look and functionality, offering protection and balance during battle.

As warfare changed with the rise of firearms in the 16th and 17th centuries, so too did sword design. The basket-hilted claymore emerged as a more compact and practical sword, offering enhanced hand protection and making it suitable for single-handed use with a shield or pistol in the other hand. This version became a standard weapon among Highland soldiers and was used well into the 18th century. The basket-hilted claymore is still worn ceremonially today by certain Scottish regiments, a testament to its lasting legacy.

Following the Jacobite uprisings and the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the British Crown banned the wearing of Highland arms, including the claymore. Ironically, this repression led to the claymore’s transformation from a tool of war into a romanticized national symbol. Writers like Sir Walter Scott and artists of the 19th century elevated the claymore to legendary status, depicting it in epic tales of noble warriors, loyalty, and freedom. The sword became emblematic of Scottish identity during the Victorian era and remains an enduring symbol of clan heritage.

Despite its dramatic appearance, the historical claymore is often misunderstood. One common myth is that it was extremely heavy—almost impossible to wield without immense strength. In truth, original claymores typically weighed between 4.5 to 6 pounds, similar to other European greatswords of the time. They were well-balanced for two-handed use and designed for agility and power, not brute force. The Highland claymore featured a long, double-edged blade measuring approximately 40–50 inches. The hilt often included a leather-wrapped grip, a distinctive pommel, and long quillons that sloped forward and ended in lobed designs. The later basket-hilted claymores had shorter blades and one-handed grips. Their key feature was the iron basket guard, which offered protection during duels and skirmishes. These swords were used not only in combat but also for ceremonial purposes and regimental dress. Today, many skilled swordsmiths and historical martial artists work to revive the true craftsmanship and usage techniques of these weapons. Reproductions are made to authentic specifications, and schools of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) teach claymore techniques based on historical manuals and battlefield logic.

The image of the claymore has transcended history, becoming a staple in popular culture across genres. Whether in film, anime, or video games, the sword is frequently portrayed as a mighty, awe-inspiring weapon wielded by powerful heroes or tragic champions.

One of the most famous portrayals of the claymore comes from Braveheart (1995), where Mel Gibson’s William Wallace swings an enormous two-handed sword in almost every scene. Although the movie’s prop is historically inaccurate in both size and period design, it effectively cemented the claymore in pop culture as the weapon of Scottish rebellion and freedom. More recent portrayals, like in Outlaw King (2018), take a more historically accurate approach, showing the claymore with appropriate proportions and battlefield context.

In the dark fantasy anime CLAYMORE, the sword becomes a literal namesake and symbol of identity. The story centers on female warriors who wield oversized claymore swords to fight monsters, blending medieval aesthetics with supernatural elements. Here, the claymore becomes a metaphor for strength, sacrifice, and duality.

In the world of video games, claymores are often featured as the “heavy weapon” class—large, slow, and powerful swords used for devastating strikes. In Dark Souls, for example, the claymore is a fan-favorite weapon known for its balance between power and flexibility. It’s versatile enough to be used in a variety of playstyles and represents one of the most iconic weapons in the game. Games like Genshin Impact use the term “claymore” to classify a broad category of two-handed weapons, even though their design diverges significantly from the historical version. In For Honor, a Highlander hero fights with a massive claymore, emphasizing powerful sweeps and brutal strength. In each case, the claymore serves as a shorthand for a heroic or powerful character archetype—one who is deliberate, commanding, and capable of overwhelming force.

The enduring fascination with the claymore sword can be traced to a few core qualities:

• Visual Impact: The sheer size and dramatic silhouette of the claymore make it instantly recognizable and symbolically potent.


• Cultural Identity: The claymore is more than just a sword—it’s a piece of Scottish history and pride, often associated with freedom fighters and clansmen.


• Symbolism: In fiction, the claymore often stands for courage, sacrifice, and independence. It evokes ancient honor codes, tribal loyalty, and a connection to one’s homeland.


• Tactical Design: Historically, the claymore was not just for show. Its long reach, balanced design, and cutting power made it a serious weapon on the battlefield—and a fascinating subject for martial arts revival today.

The claymore sword is one of the most iconic weapons ever forged. From the misty moors of the Scottish Highlands to the glowing screens of modern entertainment, this historical sword carved out a place in history and imagination alike. Whether revered as a national symbol or admired as a fantasy weapon, the claymore continues to inspire warriors, storytellers, and sword enthusiasts around the world. With its deep roots in history and lasting appeal in modern media, the claymore remains a timeless emblem of strength, defiance, and cultural legacy. For anyone interested in collecting their own claymore swords, we have a selection of them right here at True Swords (along with a great selection of other historical blades!)