Guan Tao is an ancient Chinese edged weapon. Translated, the name means "sword of Guan, " the famous commander of the 3rd century AD. According to the chronicles, it appeared in this century, but most scientists are inclined to believe that it was invented later.
Tradition
The guan dao weapon, whose history is semi-legendary, is mentioned in Chinese military art chronicles of the 9-18th centuries. According to ancient legends, this was the sword of the famous commander of the Three Kingdoms Guan-Yu, which is extremely popular in China. It is known that he personally took part in many battles and, thanks to his dexterity, skill, courage, invariably won victories. It is believed that in the battles he used his famous polearm, which was later named after him.
Other versions
The story of guan tao, the sword of Guan, despite its semi-legendary character, perhaps reflects the truth. However, the first detailed description of weapons dates back to the 11th century. In one of the Chinese encyclopedias dated this century, there is a characteristic of the sword. Historical science also does not currently have archaeological data on the existence of the sword in the 3rd century, although this can only mean that in that distant era, the Tao was not widespread in the country. Therefore, most scientists are inclined to attribute the appearance of the legendary sword to the middle of the first millennium AD.
Description
Guan Dao is a wide curved blade, mounted on a long shaft. In length, it can reach 2 meters, its weight ranges from 4 to 8 kilograms. The appearance of the upper part of the weapon resembles a crescent moon, so at first it was called "the sword of the green dragon, covering the moon." In fact, the clutch is made in the form of a dragon's head, which, as it were, swallows it. According to another version, the name comes from the fact that initially it was engraved with a drawing of a dragon, which had a symbolic meaning. Guan Tao consists of a wide curved blade, which has a sharpening and a ledge on the butt. Its width can reach sixteen centimeters. The slopes of the blade are straight with sharp sharpening, and the edges have a wavy shape. The blade is mounted on the shaft using a shank, the length of which is one third of its length. In addition, a special metal coupling is attached to the edge, which performs several functions: it makes the connection more durable, contributes to an even distribution of loads, and also serves as a rivet washer.
Features
Guan Tao differs from other pole arms in that it has a guard in the shape of a circle or polyhedron. Another characteristic feature is the tip on the pole, which is used as a military weapon. The sword had an original internal design. So, the blade consisted of three layers: the first of them was cast from solid metal, which formed the main blade and the edge. Along the edges, the blade consisted of a softer metal, which was easily amenable to forging and alteration to cleanse foreign impurities and evenly distribute carbon. The Chinese masters at the first stage of work first hardened the main blade, and then released the side sections, which made the weapon more durable and stable than with ordinary hardening.
Application
The history of guan tao dates back several centuries. This weapon was very powerful and effective in battle, and the ability to wield it was a real art. The fact is that it weighed quite a lot, and in order to learn how to manage it, it took a lot of training. The main method of its use in battle is the application of heavy piercing and chopping strikes vertically. The horizontal striking technique appeared only at the end of the 18th century, when weapons were used individually. It was also used by infantry to break the spearmen system. In this regard, the Chinese warriors armed with the sword resembled European Landsknechts. Garda allowed the use of a sword as a chopping and piercing weapon.
The properties
Guan Tao Chinese edged weapons combined the functions of a sword, spear, pole and hook, which made the warrior using it almost invulnerable. It is known that even the Chinese masters themselves could not invent armor that would protect against his terrible blows. With a sword, warriors struck at the wrists, face, neck, knees, as well as joints. The cutting edge of the butt made the weapon particularly dangerous, in addition, we must not forget that even the shaft was used for battle, as it was equipped with a sharp tip. The rider with his help could simultaneously hit several opponents at once directly on the gallop.
Training and distribution
The 18th-century illustrated encyclopedia describes how a warrior candidate should demonstrate his ability to wield a sword and martial arts. The exam included a series of exercises with Tao, bow and kettlebell. In this case, the sword was weighted up to 40 kilograms. Currently, this weapon is used in the Wushu technique. Its appearance has undergone some changes: a brush or a bunch of red ribbons is often attached under the blade, often there are rings under the blade. Nowadays, weapons are used in Chinese martial arts and wrestling.
Interesting Facts
These include, for example, the fact that the Guan Dao was known not only in his homeland, but also in other countries. So, it was used in Korea, Vietnam and even distant Japan. Some experts suggest that the design of the sword formed the basis of naginata and bisento. And in fact, the last type of weapon also has a shaft, on which a curved blade with a long blade is mounted.
In addition, guan tao was used until the 20th century, which can be seen from photographs, while in European countries halberds and glaives ceased to exist in the 17th century.
