The Most Famous Swordsman, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the swordsman you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 24, 2024 08:29

In the world of fencing and swordsmanship, knowing who stands at the top can be both an inspiration and a benchmark for aspiring swordsmen. By ranking the most notable swordsmen, enthusiasts and students of the art can gauge the skills, techniques, and historical significance of these figures. This comparison not only celebrates their achievements but also deepens an understanding of the different styles and schools within swordplay. This dynamic listing invites each visitor to cast votes for who they believe deserves recognition for their mastery of the blade. Your participation helps ensure that the rankings reflect the current opinions and respect within the swordsman community. Whether you are a seasoned expert or a curious newcomer, your input is valuable in shaping this homage to the greats of swordsmanship.

Who Is the Most Famous Swordsman?

1

72
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Miyamoto Musashi

Miyamoto Musashi

Considered the greatest swordsman in Japanese history, Musashi was a legendary warrior who authored "The Book of Five Rings," a manual on strategy and martial arts.
Miyamoto Musashi is a legendary samurai warrior and one of the most famous swordsmen in Japanese history. He is often referred to as Japan's greatest swordsman and has become a symbol of the samurai culture. Musashi is renowned for his exceptional skill in swordsmanship and his unorthodox fighting style.

Birthdate: 1584

Deathdate: 1645

Famous Battles: Battle of Sekigahara, Battle of Osaka

Fighting Style: Niten Ichi-ryū (Two-Sword Style)

Written Works: The Book of Five Rings
Miyamoto Musashi in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Samurai
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous duelist
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Ronin
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular Warrior
2

49
votes

Zatoichi

This fictional blind swordsman is the protagonist of a long-running series of Japanese films and television shows. He is known for his incredible skill with a sword despite his blindness.
3

19
votes
William Wallace

Horrible Histories

The Scottish hero and leader of the rebellion against English rule, Wallace was known for his skill with a broadsword. His exploits were immortalized in the film "Braveheart."
William Wallace is a song inspired by the Scottish warrior and national hero, William Wallace. It tells the story of his struggle against English oppression during the Scottish Wars of Independence.

Genre: Comedy song

Release Date: 2009

Album: Horrible Histories: The Complete Collection

Duration: 2 minutes, 47 seconds

Lyrics: Terry Deary, Dave Cohen, and Dominic Brigstocke
William Wallace in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Warrior
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous William
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Barbarian
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Paladin
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous freedom fighter
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular song from Horrible Histories
4

18
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Julius Caesar

William Shakespeare

The Roman general and statesman was also a skilled swordsman, known for his daring and bravery in battle.
Julius Caesar is a tragedy play written by William Shakespeare. It portrays the conspiracy against and assassination of Roman dictator Julius Caesar, as well as its aftermath. The play explores themes of power, loyalty, friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of political ambition.

Genre: Tragedy

Date of Composition: 1599-1600

Setting: Ancient Rome

Number of Acts: 5

Protagonist: Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Caesar
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous conqueror
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous historical person
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous ambidextrous person
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous deceased person
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Italian person
5

20
votes

Miyamoto Yishin

The founder of the Japanese martial art of kendo, Yishin was a master swordsman who lived in the late 16th century.
6

9
votes

Jean-Louis Michel

This French fencing master was known for his skill with the foil, and he trained many of the greatest fencers of the 19th century.
7

9
votes
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1797–1861) · Public domain

Sasaki Kojiro

A legendary swordsman who lived in the early 17th century, Sasaki was known for his unique fighting style and his rivalry with Miyamoto Musashi.
Sasaki Kojiro in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Ronin
8

7
votes

Miyamoto Usagi

This fictional character is a rabbit samurai who stars in a comic book series created by Stan Sakai. Despite his diminutive size, Usagi is a skilled swordsman who has many adventures in feudal Japan.
9

6
votes
Unknown · Public domain

Hattori Hanzo

This legendary ninja is said to have been a master swordsman who served as the bodyguard of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of Japan.
Hattori Hanzo in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous ninja
10

13
votes

Roland Tanglao from Vancouver, Canada · CC BY 2.0

Inigo Montoya

This fictional character from "The Princess Bride" is a skilled swordsman who seeks revenge against the man who killed his father. He is known for his iconic line, "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

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Ranking factors for famous swordsman

Skill and expertise

The swordsman's technical proficiency, mastery of various sword-fighting techniques, and their ability to win battles or duels. 2. Historical significance: The impact and influence the swordsman had on their time period or era, such as their involvement in notable conflicts or their role in shaping sword-fighting styles and traditions. 3. Popularity and recognition: The swordsman's fame and reputation among both contemporaries and later generations, as reflected in historical records, literature, folklore, and popular culture. 4. Accomplishments and victories: Notable victories or achievements in battles, duels, or tournaments, which can contribute to their fame and status as a swordsman. 5. Legacy and cultural impact: The swordsman's lasting impact on sword-fighting techniques, schools, or traditions, as well as their portrayal in literature, art, film, and other forms of media.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous swordsman. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Swordsman is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1861 views
220 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Swordsman once every 24 hours. The rank of each Swordsman is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous swordsman

Swordsmanship has been an art form and a form of combat for centuries. From ancient times to modern day, there have been many famous swordsmen who have made their mark in history. The most famous swordsman is a topic of debate among enthusiasts of the sport and those who study the art. Some of the most notable names in history include Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary samurai who is said to have never lost a duel, and the fictional character of Zorro, known for his swashbuckling style and masked heroism. Other notable swordsmen include legendary figures like King Arthur and his knights of the round table, as well as skilled swordsmen like William Wallace and the Three Musketeers. With so many iconic figures to choose from, the debate over who is the most famous swordsman is sure to continue for many years to come.