Let’s continue our look at the “stuff” that’s used in the British Coronations—properly called “Regalia”—via the Churchman Cigarette Company’s 1935 Silver Jubilee card series. This one, the thirty-third, shows two of the swords which are kept in the Jewel House at the Tower of London and which are used in the coronation ceremony. These are the Sword of State and the Sword of Mercy.
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Sword of
State |
There are, actually, five swords now kept in the Tower. The largest of these is the Sword of State, This large ceremonial weapon has a blade of about thirty-two inches long. The grip and the pommel are fashioned of gilt metal. The grip bears designs of the portcullis, fleur-de-lis, and harp. The pommel is adorned with the thistle, orb, and other Monarch-like emblems. The sword’s scabbard itself is lined with crimson velvet and decorated with gilt metal plates bearing designs of a similar nature to the swords itself, in high relief.
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| Sword of Mercy |
The next sword is the strangest of the lot. It is known as the "Curtana," or the "Sword of Mercy,” and is thought to be the sword of Edward the Confessor. What’s curious about it is its blunted point which is meant to represent the quality of mercy of the sovereign. According to the mythological history of the weapon, the point of the sword was broken off by an angel to prevent a wrongful killing. I don’t know about all that, but, the symbolism does make sense.
1 comment:
"Three swords are borne before the Sovereign at a coronation. They are the Sword of Spiritual Justice, the Sword of Temporal Justice, and Curtana, the Sword of Mercy. This last sword had its blade broken about 15 cm from the point. The name Curtana is derived from the name of the sword of Ogier the Dane, who attempted to kill the son of Charlemagne in revenge for the loss of his son. When he struck the youth the point of his sword is said to have been broken by heaven's command to show mercy."
From http://www.royalexhibitions.com/The%20British%20Crown%20Jewels.htm
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