Halberd
- Other Names: godendag; halbard;
halbert; scorpion
- In Redwall: Occasionally, hares have
been known to use halberds.
- Time Period: 13th century onward
- Origin: Germany; Switzerland
- Description: The halberd had a broad,
short axe blade on a 5 - 6’ long haft, with a spear point at the top, often a
back-spike and occasionally a butt-spike.
- Use: Used to combat heavier armor.
Usually used for cutting and stabbing. It's the most versatile polearm
in the middle ages. The axe was used in general melee. The top
pike could be used to pierce armor, or was set against a cavalry charge.
The back hook could unseat horses, trip opponents, parry a blow, or be a
general piercing weapon. However, a halberder was vulnerable after using
both arms to in a full swing- as the halberd was often used. A halberder
fighting against more than one opponent was almost sure to lose, so the
wielder was dependent on his comrades for survival.
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