LARP Sword of Richard Lionheart

Description of the Product

Live-action role-playing (LARPing) is a type of role-playing game in which participants immerse themselves in the story by dressing up as their chosen character. The two main requirements for LARP gear are realism and safety; for proper immersion weapons and other items have to be as authentic looking as possible, but many LARP-activities can be quite high energy, so the equipment also needs to be safe for all involved. As a result ever more realistic and safer LARP weapons have been developed as the hobby has grown in popularity.

Richard the Lionheart was the second Plantagenet king of England, 1189-1199, and a glorious crusader and knightly hero in his own time, even though he was undoubtedly also a violent and cruel king. Like most Plantagenets, Richard was in constant warfare not only with his enemies but also with his relatives. He received the crown of England after internal struggles within the family. He and his brothers had risen against their father, King Henry II, at the behest of their mother, Eleanor of Aquitane, who was then taken prisoner by her husband to keep their sons in check. After years of building a reputation as a capable military leader, as well as a reputation for cruelty when suppressing revolts, he eventually turned to the French king Philip II for help to defeat his father and brothers.

He waged many wars and conquered new territories under the flag of England. The most famous of his war campaigns is the Third Crusade to Jerusalem, where he commanded European armed forces against Saladin and Muslim forces. A rash and temperamental leader, he eventually fell out with the other leaders and was left without allies. Richard got his epitaph Lionheart, due to his brave and fierce leadership in battle. When returning from Jerusalem disguised as a knight Templar, he was captured in Austria by his former ally from the crusade, whom he had scorned, and he was kept prisoner for a couple of years. His brother John had offered a counter-ransom if they would keep him captive a while longer, but his mother Eleanor raised the kingly ransom. Richard was able to return to England only a moment before a coup where his brother John, in true Plantagenet style, would have taken the crown to himself, yet again with the help of the French king Philip II.

His own personal ability was a source of inspiration for his men in battle, and his motto, Dieu et mon Droit, “God and my right”, is still the motto of the British monarchy today, and his heraldic design, the three lions, a part of the royal coat of arms.

Our tribute to Richard Lionheart features lions and dragons galore. It is the perfect sword for the perfect medieval hero who by no means was a saint but a warrior.

Made from durable yet flexible polyurethane foam, this sword combines a royal aesthetic with the safety of modern LARP weapons. This sword is completely safe, whether handled by a child or an adult. The importance of role-play for a child’s development is immeasurable, as it fosters creativity and social skills while keeping it fun. You can confidently take it along to markets, fairs and other places where there are people around, whether it’s for role-playing, a bachelor party, or a children’s birthday party. 

The sword has an overall length of approximately 105 cm. Despite its sturdy appearance, it weighs only around 450 g. It is the ideal choice for LARP-combat, being light enough for quick movements. It blends seamlessly into a wide range of roles and costumes, making it an excellent prop for theatre, cosplay or reenactment.

To ensure your sword remains in top-notch condition, be sure to treat it with silicone spray, protect it from prolonged exposure to the sun, and remove dirt promptly with a damp cloth. This way, the protective coating stays intact.

• Material: polyurethane foam, fibreglass core
• Overall length: approx. 105 cm
• Blade length: approx. 86 cm
• Handle length: approx. 20 cm (grip approx. 12 cm)
• Weight: approx. 450 g
• Excellent for LARP, theatre, or as a kids' toy
• Manufacturer: Battlemerchant