What is the name for fighting with a sword in each hand?

Question

I need information (& a name would help) about fighting with a sword in each hand (sort of like Legolas in the lord of the rings). I know there are a lot of Asian kung fu styles of double sword fighting (information on them helps to) but I am mainly looking for any western European styles if possible. Two swords on one person was not common in early medieval history but there were similar things going on in late renaissance. All information helps, so do links and PDF’s. Thanks.

Answer 1

Wielding two weapons at once is called dual-wielding.

But that is a general name. There are many specific styles that have special names: net & trident, cloak & dagger, rapier & main gauche, phalanx/hoplites (hoplite shield and spear).

There are also some instances of two weapons AND a shield, such as the Scottish shield & dirk in the left hand + broadsword int he right hand.

The closer you look, the more slang and specific names you can turn out.

Answer 2

To answer your question, wielding two weapons is generally called dual-wielding.  However, certain specific styles of fighting use two weapons, although they generally do not use two weapons of the same length.

In fencing (non-modern fencing, anyway), some fencers would wield a smaller sidearm called a "main gauche."  The use of a secondary weapon didn't have any special name though.  They mostly just used it to aid in parrying.  Legolulz's fighting style was nothing like fencing though.

Answer 3

its called insanity. It doesnt work. Having two heavy weapons - one in each hand - slows you down too much. Dual-wielding a sword and a small knife for thrusting in close is the way to go. Two swords was never practised in formal western combat. it looks good and will get you killed quick smart. sword and shield - OK. Sword and dagger - OK. Single sword held in front a la fencing - OK. Frontal attack with two swords - insanity.

Answer 4

I believe you are looking for the term Florentine. Here is a link to a Wiki for someone talking about fighting with two swords:

http://www.geddon.org/index.php/Florenti...

Answer 5

There were European swordsmen who fought duels with a rapier in one hand and a parrying dagger in the other. The great Miyamoto Musashi was known for using both a katana and a wakizashi at once, but only if multiple assailants ganged-up on him and never when fighting against a single samurai. Using two swords at once might be a technique that makes sense if you're surrounded by multiple opponents, but would just slow you down and leave you vulnerable if you're focusing on a single target in front of you. Better to use one sword and either dodge/parry, or carry a shield in the other hand and block your opponent's strikes.