Exploring history with sword drawings & clipart
Learning about swords — whether using drawings and clipart for crafts, watching videos or reading stories — offers a window into a world of chivalry, adventure and history.
Try using the images on this page to engage kids in centuries of stories and legends, and see how they can be a catalyst for learning and imagination — connecting us to the past and sparking curiosity about different cultures and eras.
A brief guide to swords for kids
Swords are more than just weapons from olden times. They carry stories of knights, samurai, and warriors from various cultures.
The weapon’s evolution
Swords have evolved over thousands of years. Originally, they were made of bronze, but swords became stronger and sharper as blacksmiths discovered better materials like iron and steel.
Types of swords
There are many types of swords. For instance, a katana is a long, curved sword from Japan, while a rapier is a thin, sharp sword popular in Europe. Each type of sword has a unique shape and is used for different purposes.
In culture and myth
While swords have been essential tools for battle, they’re also steeped in mythology and culture. Think of Excalibur from Arthurian legend or the samurai swords that were considered symbols of honor in Japan.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Sebastian Cabot, Karl Swenson, Rickie Sorensen (Actors)
- Wolfgang Reitherman (Director) - Bill Peet (Writer) - Walt Disney (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
10 fun facts about swords
- The word “sword” comes from the Old English word “sweord.”
- The longest sword ever used in battle was over seven feet long.
- Samurai swords were often named and treated with great respect.
- In medieval Europe, swordsmiths were highly regarded and often kept their forging techniques secret.
- Swords can be straight or curved, and each shape has a specific combat purpose.
- The art of fencing began as sword training for duels and battles.
- Viking swords were often buried with their owners.
- The famous Damascus steel was known for its strength and unique patterns.
- In many cultures, swords were symbols of power and were often used in ceremonies.
- The study of swords and their history is known as swordsmanship.
- Goto, Scott (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 48 Pages - 02/01/2010 (Publication Date) - Charlesbridge (Publisher)
Craft ideas for enthusiasts
Creating sword-themed crafts can be a wonderful way to engage with this exciting topic.
- Cardboard swords: Make cardboard swords together. Cut out sword shapes from thick cardboard and let your kids decorate them with markers, paint, and foil for the blade.
- Sword bookmarks: Make sword bookmarks using craft sticks. Paint them silver or gold, add a jewel on the handle, and use them to mark pages in your favorite stories.
- Shield and sword set: Pair a cardboard sword with a homemade shield. Cut a shield shape from cardboard, and let your kids decorate it with their own coat of arms.
- Paper sword origami: Teach your children how to fold paper swords using origami techniques. This can be a fun and challenging activity for older kids.
- Sword handle cup: Decorate a cup or a handle to look like the hilt of a sword. Kids can use this for their pencils or small toys, adding a touch of knightly decor to their room.
VIDEO: “How to Draw a Sword with a Ruler” (for young artists)
Learning activities with a sword theme
Engage your child’s curiosity and learning with sword-themed educational activities.
- History of swords: Research the history of swords together. You can look up different types of swords from various cultures and discuss their uses and significance.
- Mythology and storytelling: Explore myths and legends involving swords, like King Arthur or the Japanese samurai tales. Discuss what these stories tell us about the cultures they come from.
- Sword science: Investigate the science behind making a sword. You can explore topics like metallurgy, forging, and why certain metals were chosen.
- Art and design: Draw different types of swords together. This activity helps with understanding the diversity in sword design across cultures and eras.
- Creative writing: Encourage your child to write a short story involving a sword. This can be a great way to spark creativity and develop writing skills.
VIDEO: “How do blacksmiths make swords?”
Sword drawings and coloring pages
Color in the swords — just like from the Three Musketeers, the Knights of the Round Table, or Princess Bride.
Old-fashioned gamer fantasy sword clipart
Book corner: Medieval & fantasy weapons in literature
The world of literature is filled with fascinating stories about swords. From historical tales to fantasy adventures, there’s no shortage of reading material to enhance your child’s understanding and enjoyment of this topic.
- Hale, Brandon (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 55 Pages - 03/16/2018 (Publication Date) - Band of Brothers Books (Publisher)
- Docherty, Helen (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages - 09/17/2021 (Publication Date) - Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (Publisher)
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- Hardcover Book
- Yutzy, Crystal (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 20 Pages - 03/21/2021 (Publication Date) - Crystal Yutzy (Publisher)
- Hardcover Book
- Jewell, Tiffany (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 128 Pages - 10/04/2022 (Publication Date) - Versify (Publisher)
