The Crown Jewels additionally function medieval weapons of conflict, particularly swords. “Crown, Orb, and Sceptre” tells us that there are 5 swords among the many Crown Jewels: the Sword of State, Curtana, the Jeweled State Sword, the Sword Religious, and the Sword Temporal.

The swords are all used in the course of the coronation ceremony. The Swords Religious and Temporal characterize non secular and worldly justice. Curtana, is a sword that’s purposefully damaged on the finish, as a result of it represents mercy. The title comes from a legend a few Danish warrior who was about to kill the son of Charlemagne however on the final second heard a voice from heaven for him to cease. The warrior’s sword was named Courtain, which means “quick sword.”

By far the flashiest of the swords is the Jeweled State Sword. This blade was made for George IV’s 1821 coronation. The World Historical past Encyclopedia notes that it is usually known as the Jeweled Sword of Providing and has jewels embedded within the scabbard formed into the symbols of Eire, England, and Scotland. Maybe much less fancy however extra formidable is the Sword of State which is dated to 1678. This can be a two-handed, 32-inch lengthy affair. It’s so massive it’s carried level up when in procession and is swapped out for the lighter Jeweled Sword throughout service.