![A knight’s weapon of first choice was always his sword. Image from the world chronicle of Rudolf von Ems, around 1300.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/titelbild-schwert-300x225.jpg)
In the name of the Lord…
What do the symbols and inscriptions on medieval swords mean? An exercise in decipherment.
![The Durendal sword in Rocamadour.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/durendal-300x197.jpg)
![In the name of the Lord: Hans von Hallwyl goes into battle.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/ritter-240x300.jpg)
A brief introduction
![One-handed sword, made in Germany between 1150 and 1250.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/schwert-1-300x84.jpg)
In the name of the Lord
![Design of sword inscription](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/lm-16347_v2-300x145.jpg)
![Sword with inscription, made in Germany, 1300-1350.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/schwert-2-300x106.jpg)
In the name of the Saviour?
![Design of sword inscription](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/schwert-skizze-e1612432473353-300x135.jpg)
![Sword from the 12th century.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/schwert-3-300x115.jpg)
By God’s grace
![Design of sword inscription](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/in-6991_v2-300x163.jpg)
What do the symbols and inscriptions on medieval swords mean? An exercise in decipherment.