How does the Kurgan's sword work?












40















In the first Highlander movie, we see the Kurgan in a hotel room assembling his sword. It was a bunch of segments that fit neatly together like something you would buy at an IKEA for weapons (IKILLYA?). Even the blade came in multiple segments.



From what I understand, a blade needs to have a certain amount of give. Like a highway, it needs to be able to deal with a certain level of fluctuation and bending, otherwise it would just break when meeting substantial resistance. Now the reason why highways are not made of interlocking segments is because the bending and fluctuation would not all happen in the same direction and the segments would push against each other resulting in warping and deformation. We can expect the same problem from a sword that has a segmented blade.



I am aware of other segmented blades in fiction (Ivy's sword in SoulCalibur and Renji's Zanpakutto in Bleach), but those are less swords and more bladed whips. The Kurgan's sword operates purely as a standard bastard sword, so how does his blade not break on impact?










share|improve this question




















  • 18





    This is a textbook example of Rule of Cool (warning: TVTropes link). There is no reason for it to work, but it makes for a cool scene; so for purposes of the film, it works. (Also, just because something was in SoulCalibur doesn't make it realistic...)

    – Royal Canadian Bandit
    Jul 20 '17 at 12:46






  • 6





    Most things in SoulCalibur are unrealistic. It's spelling is very unrealistic.

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 12:48






  • 7





    On behalf of Paul D.Waite, "Very well, Thank you"

    – Aegon
    Jul 20 '17 at 12:50






  • 12





    +1 for IKillYa!

    – RichS
    Jul 20 '17 at 18:16






  • 1





    MAGNETISM! Or he hadn't discovered the flesh sheath the immortals used in the TV series :)

    – Jason K
    Jul 20 '17 at 21:17
















40















In the first Highlander movie, we see the Kurgan in a hotel room assembling his sword. It was a bunch of segments that fit neatly together like something you would buy at an IKEA for weapons (IKILLYA?). Even the blade came in multiple segments.



From what I understand, a blade needs to have a certain amount of give. Like a highway, it needs to be able to deal with a certain level of fluctuation and bending, otherwise it would just break when meeting substantial resistance. Now the reason why highways are not made of interlocking segments is because the bending and fluctuation would not all happen in the same direction and the segments would push against each other resulting in warping and deformation. We can expect the same problem from a sword that has a segmented blade.



I am aware of other segmented blades in fiction (Ivy's sword in SoulCalibur and Renji's Zanpakutto in Bleach), but those are less swords and more bladed whips. The Kurgan's sword operates purely as a standard bastard sword, so how does his blade not break on impact?










share|improve this question




















  • 18





    This is a textbook example of Rule of Cool (warning: TVTropes link). There is no reason for it to work, but it makes for a cool scene; so for purposes of the film, it works. (Also, just because something was in SoulCalibur doesn't make it realistic...)

    – Royal Canadian Bandit
    Jul 20 '17 at 12:46






  • 6





    Most things in SoulCalibur are unrealistic. It's spelling is very unrealistic.

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 12:48






  • 7





    On behalf of Paul D.Waite, "Very well, Thank you"

    – Aegon
    Jul 20 '17 at 12:50






  • 12





    +1 for IKillYa!

    – RichS
    Jul 20 '17 at 18:16






  • 1





    MAGNETISM! Or he hadn't discovered the flesh sheath the immortals used in the TV series :)

    – Jason K
    Jul 20 '17 at 21:17














40












40








40


1






In the first Highlander movie, we see the Kurgan in a hotel room assembling his sword. It was a bunch of segments that fit neatly together like something you would buy at an IKEA for weapons (IKILLYA?). Even the blade came in multiple segments.



From what I understand, a blade needs to have a certain amount of give. Like a highway, it needs to be able to deal with a certain level of fluctuation and bending, otherwise it would just break when meeting substantial resistance. Now the reason why highways are not made of interlocking segments is because the bending and fluctuation would not all happen in the same direction and the segments would push against each other resulting in warping and deformation. We can expect the same problem from a sword that has a segmented blade.



I am aware of other segmented blades in fiction (Ivy's sword in SoulCalibur and Renji's Zanpakutto in Bleach), but those are less swords and more bladed whips. The Kurgan's sword operates purely as a standard bastard sword, so how does his blade not break on impact?










share|improve this question
















In the first Highlander movie, we see the Kurgan in a hotel room assembling his sword. It was a bunch of segments that fit neatly together like something you would buy at an IKEA for weapons (IKILLYA?). Even the blade came in multiple segments.



From what I understand, a blade needs to have a certain amount of give. Like a highway, it needs to be able to deal with a certain level of fluctuation and bending, otherwise it would just break when meeting substantial resistance. Now the reason why highways are not made of interlocking segments is because the bending and fluctuation would not all happen in the same direction and the segments would push against each other resulting in warping and deformation. We can expect the same problem from a sword that has a segmented blade.



I am aware of other segmented blades in fiction (Ivy's sword in SoulCalibur and Renji's Zanpakutto in Bleach), but those are less swords and more bladed whips. The Kurgan's sword operates purely as a standard bastard sword, so how does his blade not break on impact?







highlander highlander-franchise






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 16 hours ago









Jenayah

17.8k492127




17.8k492127










asked Jul 20 '17 at 12:38









Magikarp MasterMagikarp Master

3,84252049




3,84252049








  • 18





    This is a textbook example of Rule of Cool (warning: TVTropes link). There is no reason for it to work, but it makes for a cool scene; so for purposes of the film, it works. (Also, just because something was in SoulCalibur doesn't make it realistic...)

    – Royal Canadian Bandit
    Jul 20 '17 at 12:46






  • 6





    Most things in SoulCalibur are unrealistic. It's spelling is very unrealistic.

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 12:48






  • 7





    On behalf of Paul D.Waite, "Very well, Thank you"

    – Aegon
    Jul 20 '17 at 12:50






  • 12





    +1 for IKillYa!

    – RichS
    Jul 20 '17 at 18:16






  • 1





    MAGNETISM! Or he hadn't discovered the flesh sheath the immortals used in the TV series :)

    – Jason K
    Jul 20 '17 at 21:17














  • 18





    This is a textbook example of Rule of Cool (warning: TVTropes link). There is no reason for it to work, but it makes for a cool scene; so for purposes of the film, it works. (Also, just because something was in SoulCalibur doesn't make it realistic...)

    – Royal Canadian Bandit
    Jul 20 '17 at 12:46






  • 6





    Most things in SoulCalibur are unrealistic. It's spelling is very unrealistic.

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 12:48






  • 7





    On behalf of Paul D.Waite, "Very well, Thank you"

    – Aegon
    Jul 20 '17 at 12:50






  • 12





    +1 for IKillYa!

    – RichS
    Jul 20 '17 at 18:16






  • 1





    MAGNETISM! Or he hadn't discovered the flesh sheath the immortals used in the TV series :)

    – Jason K
    Jul 20 '17 at 21:17








18




18





This is a textbook example of Rule of Cool (warning: TVTropes link). There is no reason for it to work, but it makes for a cool scene; so for purposes of the film, it works. (Also, just because something was in SoulCalibur doesn't make it realistic...)

– Royal Canadian Bandit
Jul 20 '17 at 12:46





This is a textbook example of Rule of Cool (warning: TVTropes link). There is no reason for it to work, but it makes for a cool scene; so for purposes of the film, it works. (Also, just because something was in SoulCalibur doesn't make it realistic...)

– Royal Canadian Bandit
Jul 20 '17 at 12:46




6




6





Most things in SoulCalibur are unrealistic. It's spelling is very unrealistic.

– Magikarp Master
Jul 20 '17 at 12:48





Most things in SoulCalibur are unrealistic. It's spelling is very unrealistic.

– Magikarp Master
Jul 20 '17 at 12:48




7




7





On behalf of Paul D.Waite, "Very well, Thank you"

– Aegon
Jul 20 '17 at 12:50





On behalf of Paul D.Waite, "Very well, Thank you"

– Aegon
Jul 20 '17 at 12:50




12




12





+1 for IKillYa!

– RichS
Jul 20 '17 at 18:16





+1 for IKillYa!

– RichS
Jul 20 '17 at 18:16




1




1





MAGNETISM! Or he hadn't discovered the flesh sheath the immortals used in the TV series :)

– Jason K
Jul 20 '17 at 21:17





MAGNETISM! Or he hadn't discovered the flesh sheath the immortals used in the TV series :)

– Jason K
Jul 20 '17 at 21:17










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes


















36














It would likely work badly. Skallagrim goes into it in more detail here:








The quillons are too thick, the blade is too heavy, the pop-out bits would likely break under anything heavier than a rapier, and indeed, the bits that snap together would likely fall apart with any real pressure.



That said, the Highlander wiki has an (unsourced as best I can tell) explanation, that the blade we see being assembled is a "practice blade":




The Kurgan fought with an emphasis on strength and brute striking-power, usually attempting to end the fight before it began with a single surprise attack. He would stalk his opponents methodically until he was ready. Then, he would attack without even so much as a challenge. He used a special two-handed broadsword, which he eventually supplemented with a detailed replica that could be disassembled and packed away as needed for practice in situations where the original could not be smuggled in and had to remain hidden, usually in his vehicle.



That the two blades are not seen together does not undermine the logic and resourcefulness of having a practice blade, that while not strong enough to last very long in combat, would give The Kurgan time to get to the original. It also recognizes the cunning and survival instincts of The Kurgan, adapting to the need for discretion in modern times while keeping his skills at their peak.







share|improve this answer





















  • 17





    There's zero indication in the script or the film that the sword is anything other than the Kurgan's primary weapon

    – Valorum
    Jul 20 '17 at 16:55






  • 3





    In any case, I've found my new favourite youtube channel. Thanks Fuzzy

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 17:28






  • 1





    @MagikarpMaster If you liked Skallagrim, you will like scholagladiatoria and Lindybeige even better.

    – Darth Hunterix
    Jul 21 '17 at 7:49






  • 3





    Nice try, that wiki explanation, but “The Kurgan, adapting to the need for discretion…”—they must have seen a different movie. Also the description of the fighting style might resemble his last fight of the movie, but not the other two.

    – Holger
    Jul 21 '17 at 9:41






  • 1





    @Valorum I like the Highlander wiki explanation - it makes sense. By sheer willpower, can't we make this explanation canon? Everyone has to agree. There can be no holdout naysayers like Valorum or the magic won't work. :-)

    – RobertF
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:14





















25














One of the key conceits in Highlander (ignoring wackiness we see in the sequel) is that the immortals have access to weapons technology that simply defies modern understanding of metallurgy; swords that are near-infinitely sharp, unbelievably durable and inconceivably resilient. Connor, for example has been using Ramirez' samurai sword to duel with for nearly 500 years (and he for 1500 years before that) yet it remains in defiantly mint condition when it should have been sharpened down to a nub.




JUAN RAMIREZ

climbing the trail to the forge. Olive skin, hawk nose, twinkling
eyes, flashing teeth. Flintlock pistol in his belt, crossbow across
his back.



Strapped to his side, a Samurai sword, carved hand-guard,
razor-sharp, feather-light.



Highlander: Final Draft Script




and




MACLEOD: This was forged in 593 B.C. Metal folded over 200 times.



He enjoys her amazement.



MACLEOD: (continuing gently) Like finding a 747 a thousand years before the Wright Brothers flew. Right?



Highlander: Final Draft Script




The Kurgan's sword is likely a product of the aforementioned weapons wizardry. It doesn't break simply because it's made of durable metals.






share|improve this answer





















  • 1





    Your answer is indeed excellent, but how would you account for Connor's blade shattering in the third movie (technically the second movie since "the quickening" was just a collective fever dream)?

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 20:50






  • 3





    @MagikarpMaster - Dunno. Possibly worthy of its own question.

    – Valorum
    Jul 20 '17 at 21:31






  • 1





    @charlie_pl - It only needs to be heavy if it's not sharp.

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 8:55






  • 2





    @Magikarp - it was a gift from him. I don't believe he actually made it himself

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 10:19






  • 2





    @Beofett - Keep telling yourself that

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:07



















1














It's established that the immortals of Highlander have the ability to send their consciousness into the mind of an animal. It's not much of a stretch to believe that they put some of their life force into their swords, especially during a duel. That also explains the showers of sparks that often appear when their swords cross (although they needed cables and car batteries in the movies).



In a sense, then, the swords are alive, even magical, when wielded by an immortal. They carry a portion of the Prize. They heal their wounds. They cut through anything. They kill beings who cannot die.






share|improve this answer



















  • 1





    If what you say is true, then why did Connor not die when his sword shattered in the third movie?

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 20:48



















1














I have always thought that Kurgans blade would have some sort of hollow locking mechanism that would extend a barbed rod from the hilt, further up the blade, and then lock into place pulling the 2 blade sections tightly together. It's the only way I could get my head around the thought that the little stub depicted would cause the top half of the sword spinning off to impale an innocent bystander 20 meters away the first time he crossed swords with anyone.



Even my purely imaginary mechanism still wouldn't hold up to actual combat. the weight and leverage on the joint make it impossible.



That just leaves The Rule of Cool or unsubstantiated theories. Maybe Candy was an Elvish sorceress in a mini skirt who repaired the broken blade in Kurgan's hotel room. It's as valid as any other theory.






share|improve this answer
























  • Can you provide sources for your answer?

    – Edlothiad
    Jul 21 '17 at 14:44






  • 1





    @Edlothiad hmm, sources....see "purely imaginary", rule of cool, or unsubstantiated theories. this is just imagination at work. As far as the physics involved: Try chopping firewood with a splitting maul that has a 4 pound head and a cracked handle. That will demonstrate the physics involved with swinging a long, straight object of similar weight with a weak point along the shaft. Source: the damage caused to my fence in my back yard. luckily, no one was hurt. yeah, I know a splitting maul is not a sword, but I'm not a massive iron age swordsman. I simply assume the forces are similar

    – Paul TIKI
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:19











  • And there are some mild parallels with how we use pins to set bones and when fixing shafts.

    – FuzzyBoots
    Jul 21 '17 at 18:23











  • @FuzzyBoots true. Although when using pins to set bones it's generally there to hold the bones in place until the body can fuse them back together with calcium. Sometimes they are left to add strength, because the fused seam may or may not be as strong as the original smooth bone. Point being, the seam is filled in with the original material. There could be a parallel with the sword, but you would have to weld the ends of the sword. kind of impractical in a flop house like the Kurgan was staying in

    – Paul TIKI
    Jul 21 '17 at 20:35











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4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes








4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes









active

oldest

votes






active

oldest

votes









36














It would likely work badly. Skallagrim goes into it in more detail here:








The quillons are too thick, the blade is too heavy, the pop-out bits would likely break under anything heavier than a rapier, and indeed, the bits that snap together would likely fall apart with any real pressure.



That said, the Highlander wiki has an (unsourced as best I can tell) explanation, that the blade we see being assembled is a "practice blade":




The Kurgan fought with an emphasis on strength and brute striking-power, usually attempting to end the fight before it began with a single surprise attack. He would stalk his opponents methodically until he was ready. Then, he would attack without even so much as a challenge. He used a special two-handed broadsword, which he eventually supplemented with a detailed replica that could be disassembled and packed away as needed for practice in situations where the original could not be smuggled in and had to remain hidden, usually in his vehicle.



That the two blades are not seen together does not undermine the logic and resourcefulness of having a practice blade, that while not strong enough to last very long in combat, would give The Kurgan time to get to the original. It also recognizes the cunning and survival instincts of The Kurgan, adapting to the need for discretion in modern times while keeping his skills at their peak.







share|improve this answer





















  • 17





    There's zero indication in the script or the film that the sword is anything other than the Kurgan's primary weapon

    – Valorum
    Jul 20 '17 at 16:55






  • 3





    In any case, I've found my new favourite youtube channel. Thanks Fuzzy

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 17:28






  • 1





    @MagikarpMaster If you liked Skallagrim, you will like scholagladiatoria and Lindybeige even better.

    – Darth Hunterix
    Jul 21 '17 at 7:49






  • 3





    Nice try, that wiki explanation, but “The Kurgan, adapting to the need for discretion…”—they must have seen a different movie. Also the description of the fighting style might resemble his last fight of the movie, but not the other two.

    – Holger
    Jul 21 '17 at 9:41






  • 1





    @Valorum I like the Highlander wiki explanation - it makes sense. By sheer willpower, can't we make this explanation canon? Everyone has to agree. There can be no holdout naysayers like Valorum or the magic won't work. :-)

    – RobertF
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:14


















36














It would likely work badly. Skallagrim goes into it in more detail here:








The quillons are too thick, the blade is too heavy, the pop-out bits would likely break under anything heavier than a rapier, and indeed, the bits that snap together would likely fall apart with any real pressure.



That said, the Highlander wiki has an (unsourced as best I can tell) explanation, that the blade we see being assembled is a "practice blade":




The Kurgan fought with an emphasis on strength and brute striking-power, usually attempting to end the fight before it began with a single surprise attack. He would stalk his opponents methodically until he was ready. Then, he would attack without even so much as a challenge. He used a special two-handed broadsword, which he eventually supplemented with a detailed replica that could be disassembled and packed away as needed for practice in situations where the original could not be smuggled in and had to remain hidden, usually in his vehicle.



That the two blades are not seen together does not undermine the logic and resourcefulness of having a practice blade, that while not strong enough to last very long in combat, would give The Kurgan time to get to the original. It also recognizes the cunning and survival instincts of The Kurgan, adapting to the need for discretion in modern times while keeping his skills at their peak.







share|improve this answer





















  • 17





    There's zero indication in the script or the film that the sword is anything other than the Kurgan's primary weapon

    – Valorum
    Jul 20 '17 at 16:55






  • 3





    In any case, I've found my new favourite youtube channel. Thanks Fuzzy

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 17:28






  • 1





    @MagikarpMaster If you liked Skallagrim, you will like scholagladiatoria and Lindybeige even better.

    – Darth Hunterix
    Jul 21 '17 at 7:49






  • 3





    Nice try, that wiki explanation, but “The Kurgan, adapting to the need for discretion…”—they must have seen a different movie. Also the description of the fighting style might resemble his last fight of the movie, but not the other two.

    – Holger
    Jul 21 '17 at 9:41






  • 1





    @Valorum I like the Highlander wiki explanation - it makes sense. By sheer willpower, can't we make this explanation canon? Everyone has to agree. There can be no holdout naysayers like Valorum or the magic won't work. :-)

    – RobertF
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:14
















36












36








36







It would likely work badly. Skallagrim goes into it in more detail here:








The quillons are too thick, the blade is too heavy, the pop-out bits would likely break under anything heavier than a rapier, and indeed, the bits that snap together would likely fall apart with any real pressure.



That said, the Highlander wiki has an (unsourced as best I can tell) explanation, that the blade we see being assembled is a "practice blade":




The Kurgan fought with an emphasis on strength and brute striking-power, usually attempting to end the fight before it began with a single surprise attack. He would stalk his opponents methodically until he was ready. Then, he would attack without even so much as a challenge. He used a special two-handed broadsword, which he eventually supplemented with a detailed replica that could be disassembled and packed away as needed for practice in situations where the original could not be smuggled in and had to remain hidden, usually in his vehicle.



That the two blades are not seen together does not undermine the logic and resourcefulness of having a practice blade, that while not strong enough to last very long in combat, would give The Kurgan time to get to the original. It also recognizes the cunning and survival instincts of The Kurgan, adapting to the need for discretion in modern times while keeping his skills at their peak.







share|improve this answer















It would likely work badly. Skallagrim goes into it in more detail here:








The quillons are too thick, the blade is too heavy, the pop-out bits would likely break under anything heavier than a rapier, and indeed, the bits that snap together would likely fall apart with any real pressure.



That said, the Highlander wiki has an (unsourced as best I can tell) explanation, that the blade we see being assembled is a "practice blade":




The Kurgan fought with an emphasis on strength and brute striking-power, usually attempting to end the fight before it began with a single surprise attack. He would stalk his opponents methodically until he was ready. Then, he would attack without even so much as a challenge. He used a special two-handed broadsword, which he eventually supplemented with a detailed replica that could be disassembled and packed away as needed for practice in situations where the original could not be smuggled in and had to remain hidden, usually in his vehicle.



That the two blades are not seen together does not undermine the logic and resourcefulness of having a practice blade, that while not strong enough to last very long in combat, would give The Kurgan time to get to the original. It also recognizes the cunning and survival instincts of The Kurgan, adapting to the need for discretion in modern times while keeping his skills at their peak.
















share|improve this answer














share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited 16 hours ago









Jenayah

17.8k492127




17.8k492127










answered Jul 20 '17 at 14:23









FuzzyBootsFuzzyBoots

91.5k12282436




91.5k12282436








  • 17





    There's zero indication in the script or the film that the sword is anything other than the Kurgan's primary weapon

    – Valorum
    Jul 20 '17 at 16:55






  • 3





    In any case, I've found my new favourite youtube channel. Thanks Fuzzy

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 17:28






  • 1





    @MagikarpMaster If you liked Skallagrim, you will like scholagladiatoria and Lindybeige even better.

    – Darth Hunterix
    Jul 21 '17 at 7:49






  • 3





    Nice try, that wiki explanation, but “The Kurgan, adapting to the need for discretion…”—they must have seen a different movie. Also the description of the fighting style might resemble his last fight of the movie, but not the other two.

    – Holger
    Jul 21 '17 at 9:41






  • 1





    @Valorum I like the Highlander wiki explanation - it makes sense. By sheer willpower, can't we make this explanation canon? Everyone has to agree. There can be no holdout naysayers like Valorum or the magic won't work. :-)

    – RobertF
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:14
















  • 17





    There's zero indication in the script or the film that the sword is anything other than the Kurgan's primary weapon

    – Valorum
    Jul 20 '17 at 16:55






  • 3





    In any case, I've found my new favourite youtube channel. Thanks Fuzzy

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 17:28






  • 1





    @MagikarpMaster If you liked Skallagrim, you will like scholagladiatoria and Lindybeige even better.

    – Darth Hunterix
    Jul 21 '17 at 7:49






  • 3





    Nice try, that wiki explanation, but “The Kurgan, adapting to the need for discretion…”—they must have seen a different movie. Also the description of the fighting style might resemble his last fight of the movie, but not the other two.

    – Holger
    Jul 21 '17 at 9:41






  • 1





    @Valorum I like the Highlander wiki explanation - it makes sense. By sheer willpower, can't we make this explanation canon? Everyone has to agree. There can be no holdout naysayers like Valorum or the magic won't work. :-)

    – RobertF
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:14










17




17





There's zero indication in the script or the film that the sword is anything other than the Kurgan's primary weapon

– Valorum
Jul 20 '17 at 16:55





There's zero indication in the script or the film that the sword is anything other than the Kurgan's primary weapon

– Valorum
Jul 20 '17 at 16:55




3




3





In any case, I've found my new favourite youtube channel. Thanks Fuzzy

– Magikarp Master
Jul 20 '17 at 17:28





In any case, I've found my new favourite youtube channel. Thanks Fuzzy

– Magikarp Master
Jul 20 '17 at 17:28




1




1





@MagikarpMaster If you liked Skallagrim, you will like scholagladiatoria and Lindybeige even better.

– Darth Hunterix
Jul 21 '17 at 7:49





@MagikarpMaster If you liked Skallagrim, you will like scholagladiatoria and Lindybeige even better.

– Darth Hunterix
Jul 21 '17 at 7:49




3




3





Nice try, that wiki explanation, but “The Kurgan, adapting to the need for discretion…”—they must have seen a different movie. Also the description of the fighting style might resemble his last fight of the movie, but not the other two.

– Holger
Jul 21 '17 at 9:41





Nice try, that wiki explanation, but “The Kurgan, adapting to the need for discretion…”—they must have seen a different movie. Also the description of the fighting style might resemble his last fight of the movie, but not the other two.

– Holger
Jul 21 '17 at 9:41




1




1





@Valorum I like the Highlander wiki explanation - it makes sense. By sheer willpower, can't we make this explanation canon? Everyone has to agree. There can be no holdout naysayers like Valorum or the magic won't work. :-)

– RobertF
Jul 21 '17 at 17:14







@Valorum I like the Highlander wiki explanation - it makes sense. By sheer willpower, can't we make this explanation canon? Everyone has to agree. There can be no holdout naysayers like Valorum or the magic won't work. :-)

– RobertF
Jul 21 '17 at 17:14















25














One of the key conceits in Highlander (ignoring wackiness we see in the sequel) is that the immortals have access to weapons technology that simply defies modern understanding of metallurgy; swords that are near-infinitely sharp, unbelievably durable and inconceivably resilient. Connor, for example has been using Ramirez' samurai sword to duel with for nearly 500 years (and he for 1500 years before that) yet it remains in defiantly mint condition when it should have been sharpened down to a nub.




JUAN RAMIREZ

climbing the trail to the forge. Olive skin, hawk nose, twinkling
eyes, flashing teeth. Flintlock pistol in his belt, crossbow across
his back.



Strapped to his side, a Samurai sword, carved hand-guard,
razor-sharp, feather-light.



Highlander: Final Draft Script




and




MACLEOD: This was forged in 593 B.C. Metal folded over 200 times.



He enjoys her amazement.



MACLEOD: (continuing gently) Like finding a 747 a thousand years before the Wright Brothers flew. Right?



Highlander: Final Draft Script




The Kurgan's sword is likely a product of the aforementioned weapons wizardry. It doesn't break simply because it's made of durable metals.






share|improve this answer





















  • 1





    Your answer is indeed excellent, but how would you account for Connor's blade shattering in the third movie (technically the second movie since "the quickening" was just a collective fever dream)?

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 20:50






  • 3





    @MagikarpMaster - Dunno. Possibly worthy of its own question.

    – Valorum
    Jul 20 '17 at 21:31






  • 1





    @charlie_pl - It only needs to be heavy if it's not sharp.

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 8:55






  • 2





    @Magikarp - it was a gift from him. I don't believe he actually made it himself

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 10:19






  • 2





    @Beofett - Keep telling yourself that

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:07
















25














One of the key conceits in Highlander (ignoring wackiness we see in the sequel) is that the immortals have access to weapons technology that simply defies modern understanding of metallurgy; swords that are near-infinitely sharp, unbelievably durable and inconceivably resilient. Connor, for example has been using Ramirez' samurai sword to duel with for nearly 500 years (and he for 1500 years before that) yet it remains in defiantly mint condition when it should have been sharpened down to a nub.




JUAN RAMIREZ

climbing the trail to the forge. Olive skin, hawk nose, twinkling
eyes, flashing teeth. Flintlock pistol in his belt, crossbow across
his back.



Strapped to his side, a Samurai sword, carved hand-guard,
razor-sharp, feather-light.



Highlander: Final Draft Script




and




MACLEOD: This was forged in 593 B.C. Metal folded over 200 times.



He enjoys her amazement.



MACLEOD: (continuing gently) Like finding a 747 a thousand years before the Wright Brothers flew. Right?



Highlander: Final Draft Script




The Kurgan's sword is likely a product of the aforementioned weapons wizardry. It doesn't break simply because it's made of durable metals.






share|improve this answer





















  • 1





    Your answer is indeed excellent, but how would you account for Connor's blade shattering in the third movie (technically the second movie since "the quickening" was just a collective fever dream)?

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 20:50






  • 3





    @MagikarpMaster - Dunno. Possibly worthy of its own question.

    – Valorum
    Jul 20 '17 at 21:31






  • 1





    @charlie_pl - It only needs to be heavy if it's not sharp.

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 8:55






  • 2





    @Magikarp - it was a gift from him. I don't believe he actually made it himself

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 10:19






  • 2





    @Beofett - Keep telling yourself that

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:07














25












25








25







One of the key conceits in Highlander (ignoring wackiness we see in the sequel) is that the immortals have access to weapons technology that simply defies modern understanding of metallurgy; swords that are near-infinitely sharp, unbelievably durable and inconceivably resilient. Connor, for example has been using Ramirez' samurai sword to duel with for nearly 500 years (and he for 1500 years before that) yet it remains in defiantly mint condition when it should have been sharpened down to a nub.




JUAN RAMIREZ

climbing the trail to the forge. Olive skin, hawk nose, twinkling
eyes, flashing teeth. Flintlock pistol in his belt, crossbow across
his back.



Strapped to his side, a Samurai sword, carved hand-guard,
razor-sharp, feather-light.



Highlander: Final Draft Script




and




MACLEOD: This was forged in 593 B.C. Metal folded over 200 times.



He enjoys her amazement.



MACLEOD: (continuing gently) Like finding a 747 a thousand years before the Wright Brothers flew. Right?



Highlander: Final Draft Script




The Kurgan's sword is likely a product of the aforementioned weapons wizardry. It doesn't break simply because it's made of durable metals.






share|improve this answer















One of the key conceits in Highlander (ignoring wackiness we see in the sequel) is that the immortals have access to weapons technology that simply defies modern understanding of metallurgy; swords that are near-infinitely sharp, unbelievably durable and inconceivably resilient. Connor, for example has been using Ramirez' samurai sword to duel with for nearly 500 years (and he for 1500 years before that) yet it remains in defiantly mint condition when it should have been sharpened down to a nub.




JUAN RAMIREZ

climbing the trail to the forge. Olive skin, hawk nose, twinkling
eyes, flashing teeth. Flintlock pistol in his belt, crossbow across
his back.



Strapped to his side, a Samurai sword, carved hand-guard,
razor-sharp, feather-light.



Highlander: Final Draft Script




and




MACLEOD: This was forged in 593 B.C. Metal folded over 200 times.



He enjoys her amazement.



MACLEOD: (continuing gently) Like finding a 747 a thousand years before the Wright Brothers flew. Right?



Highlander: Final Draft Script




The Kurgan's sword is likely a product of the aforementioned weapons wizardry. It doesn't break simply because it's made of durable metals.







share|improve this answer














share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited 16 hours ago









Jenayah

17.8k492127




17.8k492127










answered Jul 20 '17 at 18:06









ValorumValorum

403k10629353159




403k10629353159








  • 1





    Your answer is indeed excellent, but how would you account for Connor's blade shattering in the third movie (technically the second movie since "the quickening" was just a collective fever dream)?

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 20:50






  • 3





    @MagikarpMaster - Dunno. Possibly worthy of its own question.

    – Valorum
    Jul 20 '17 at 21:31






  • 1





    @charlie_pl - It only needs to be heavy if it's not sharp.

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 8:55






  • 2





    @Magikarp - it was a gift from him. I don't believe he actually made it himself

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 10:19






  • 2





    @Beofett - Keep telling yourself that

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:07














  • 1





    Your answer is indeed excellent, but how would you account for Connor's blade shattering in the third movie (technically the second movie since "the quickening" was just a collective fever dream)?

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 20:50






  • 3





    @MagikarpMaster - Dunno. Possibly worthy of its own question.

    – Valorum
    Jul 20 '17 at 21:31






  • 1





    @charlie_pl - It only needs to be heavy if it's not sharp.

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 8:55






  • 2





    @Magikarp - it was a gift from him. I don't believe he actually made it himself

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 10:19






  • 2





    @Beofett - Keep telling yourself that

    – Valorum
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:07








1




1





Your answer is indeed excellent, but how would you account for Connor's blade shattering in the third movie (technically the second movie since "the quickening" was just a collective fever dream)?

– Magikarp Master
Jul 20 '17 at 20:50





Your answer is indeed excellent, but how would you account for Connor's blade shattering in the third movie (technically the second movie since "the quickening" was just a collective fever dream)?

– Magikarp Master
Jul 20 '17 at 20:50




3




3





@MagikarpMaster - Dunno. Possibly worthy of its own question.

– Valorum
Jul 20 '17 at 21:31





@MagikarpMaster - Dunno. Possibly worthy of its own question.

– Valorum
Jul 20 '17 at 21:31




1




1





@charlie_pl - It only needs to be heavy if it's not sharp.

– Valorum
Jul 21 '17 at 8:55





@charlie_pl - It only needs to be heavy if it's not sharp.

– Valorum
Jul 21 '17 at 8:55




2




2





@Magikarp - it was a gift from him. I don't believe he actually made it himself

– Valorum
Jul 21 '17 at 10:19





@Magikarp - it was a gift from him. I don't believe he actually made it himself

– Valorum
Jul 21 '17 at 10:19




2




2





@Beofett - Keep telling yourself that

– Valorum
Jul 21 '17 at 17:07





@Beofett - Keep telling yourself that

– Valorum
Jul 21 '17 at 17:07











1














It's established that the immortals of Highlander have the ability to send their consciousness into the mind of an animal. It's not much of a stretch to believe that they put some of their life force into their swords, especially during a duel. That also explains the showers of sparks that often appear when their swords cross (although they needed cables and car batteries in the movies).



In a sense, then, the swords are alive, even magical, when wielded by an immortal. They carry a portion of the Prize. They heal their wounds. They cut through anything. They kill beings who cannot die.






share|improve this answer



















  • 1





    If what you say is true, then why did Connor not die when his sword shattered in the third movie?

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 20:48
















1














It's established that the immortals of Highlander have the ability to send their consciousness into the mind of an animal. It's not much of a stretch to believe that they put some of their life force into their swords, especially during a duel. That also explains the showers of sparks that often appear when their swords cross (although they needed cables and car batteries in the movies).



In a sense, then, the swords are alive, even magical, when wielded by an immortal. They carry a portion of the Prize. They heal their wounds. They cut through anything. They kill beings who cannot die.






share|improve this answer



















  • 1





    If what you say is true, then why did Connor not die when his sword shattered in the third movie?

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 20:48














1












1








1







It's established that the immortals of Highlander have the ability to send their consciousness into the mind of an animal. It's not much of a stretch to believe that they put some of their life force into their swords, especially during a duel. That also explains the showers of sparks that often appear when their swords cross (although they needed cables and car batteries in the movies).



In a sense, then, the swords are alive, even magical, when wielded by an immortal. They carry a portion of the Prize. They heal their wounds. They cut through anything. They kill beings who cannot die.






share|improve this answer













It's established that the immortals of Highlander have the ability to send their consciousness into the mind of an animal. It's not much of a stretch to believe that they put some of their life force into their swords, especially during a duel. That also explains the showers of sparks that often appear when their swords cross (although they needed cables and car batteries in the movies).



In a sense, then, the swords are alive, even magical, when wielded by an immortal. They carry a portion of the Prize. They heal their wounds. They cut through anything. They kill beings who cannot die.







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered Jul 20 '17 at 19:33









Ralph CrownRalph Crown

43613




43613








  • 1





    If what you say is true, then why did Connor not die when his sword shattered in the third movie?

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 20:48














  • 1





    If what you say is true, then why did Connor not die when his sword shattered in the third movie?

    – Magikarp Master
    Jul 20 '17 at 20:48








1




1





If what you say is true, then why did Connor not die when his sword shattered in the third movie?

– Magikarp Master
Jul 20 '17 at 20:48





If what you say is true, then why did Connor not die when his sword shattered in the third movie?

– Magikarp Master
Jul 20 '17 at 20:48











1














I have always thought that Kurgans blade would have some sort of hollow locking mechanism that would extend a barbed rod from the hilt, further up the blade, and then lock into place pulling the 2 blade sections tightly together. It's the only way I could get my head around the thought that the little stub depicted would cause the top half of the sword spinning off to impale an innocent bystander 20 meters away the first time he crossed swords with anyone.



Even my purely imaginary mechanism still wouldn't hold up to actual combat. the weight and leverage on the joint make it impossible.



That just leaves The Rule of Cool or unsubstantiated theories. Maybe Candy was an Elvish sorceress in a mini skirt who repaired the broken blade in Kurgan's hotel room. It's as valid as any other theory.






share|improve this answer
























  • Can you provide sources for your answer?

    – Edlothiad
    Jul 21 '17 at 14:44






  • 1





    @Edlothiad hmm, sources....see "purely imaginary", rule of cool, or unsubstantiated theories. this is just imagination at work. As far as the physics involved: Try chopping firewood with a splitting maul that has a 4 pound head and a cracked handle. That will demonstrate the physics involved with swinging a long, straight object of similar weight with a weak point along the shaft. Source: the damage caused to my fence in my back yard. luckily, no one was hurt. yeah, I know a splitting maul is not a sword, but I'm not a massive iron age swordsman. I simply assume the forces are similar

    – Paul TIKI
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:19











  • And there are some mild parallels with how we use pins to set bones and when fixing shafts.

    – FuzzyBoots
    Jul 21 '17 at 18:23











  • @FuzzyBoots true. Although when using pins to set bones it's generally there to hold the bones in place until the body can fuse them back together with calcium. Sometimes they are left to add strength, because the fused seam may or may not be as strong as the original smooth bone. Point being, the seam is filled in with the original material. There could be a parallel with the sword, but you would have to weld the ends of the sword. kind of impractical in a flop house like the Kurgan was staying in

    – Paul TIKI
    Jul 21 '17 at 20:35
















1














I have always thought that Kurgans blade would have some sort of hollow locking mechanism that would extend a barbed rod from the hilt, further up the blade, and then lock into place pulling the 2 blade sections tightly together. It's the only way I could get my head around the thought that the little stub depicted would cause the top half of the sword spinning off to impale an innocent bystander 20 meters away the first time he crossed swords with anyone.



Even my purely imaginary mechanism still wouldn't hold up to actual combat. the weight and leverage on the joint make it impossible.



That just leaves The Rule of Cool or unsubstantiated theories. Maybe Candy was an Elvish sorceress in a mini skirt who repaired the broken blade in Kurgan's hotel room. It's as valid as any other theory.






share|improve this answer
























  • Can you provide sources for your answer?

    – Edlothiad
    Jul 21 '17 at 14:44






  • 1





    @Edlothiad hmm, sources....see "purely imaginary", rule of cool, or unsubstantiated theories. this is just imagination at work. As far as the physics involved: Try chopping firewood with a splitting maul that has a 4 pound head and a cracked handle. That will demonstrate the physics involved with swinging a long, straight object of similar weight with a weak point along the shaft. Source: the damage caused to my fence in my back yard. luckily, no one was hurt. yeah, I know a splitting maul is not a sword, but I'm not a massive iron age swordsman. I simply assume the forces are similar

    – Paul TIKI
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:19











  • And there are some mild parallels with how we use pins to set bones and when fixing shafts.

    – FuzzyBoots
    Jul 21 '17 at 18:23











  • @FuzzyBoots true. Although when using pins to set bones it's generally there to hold the bones in place until the body can fuse them back together with calcium. Sometimes they are left to add strength, because the fused seam may or may not be as strong as the original smooth bone. Point being, the seam is filled in with the original material. There could be a parallel with the sword, but you would have to weld the ends of the sword. kind of impractical in a flop house like the Kurgan was staying in

    – Paul TIKI
    Jul 21 '17 at 20:35














1












1








1







I have always thought that Kurgans blade would have some sort of hollow locking mechanism that would extend a barbed rod from the hilt, further up the blade, and then lock into place pulling the 2 blade sections tightly together. It's the only way I could get my head around the thought that the little stub depicted would cause the top half of the sword spinning off to impale an innocent bystander 20 meters away the first time he crossed swords with anyone.



Even my purely imaginary mechanism still wouldn't hold up to actual combat. the weight and leverage on the joint make it impossible.



That just leaves The Rule of Cool or unsubstantiated theories. Maybe Candy was an Elvish sorceress in a mini skirt who repaired the broken blade in Kurgan's hotel room. It's as valid as any other theory.






share|improve this answer













I have always thought that Kurgans blade would have some sort of hollow locking mechanism that would extend a barbed rod from the hilt, further up the blade, and then lock into place pulling the 2 blade sections tightly together. It's the only way I could get my head around the thought that the little stub depicted would cause the top half of the sword spinning off to impale an innocent bystander 20 meters away the first time he crossed swords with anyone.



Even my purely imaginary mechanism still wouldn't hold up to actual combat. the weight and leverage on the joint make it impossible.



That just leaves The Rule of Cool or unsubstantiated theories. Maybe Candy was an Elvish sorceress in a mini skirt who repaired the broken blade in Kurgan's hotel room. It's as valid as any other theory.







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered Jul 21 '17 at 14:31









Paul TIKIPaul TIKI

500210




500210













  • Can you provide sources for your answer?

    – Edlothiad
    Jul 21 '17 at 14:44






  • 1





    @Edlothiad hmm, sources....see "purely imaginary", rule of cool, or unsubstantiated theories. this is just imagination at work. As far as the physics involved: Try chopping firewood with a splitting maul that has a 4 pound head and a cracked handle. That will demonstrate the physics involved with swinging a long, straight object of similar weight with a weak point along the shaft. Source: the damage caused to my fence in my back yard. luckily, no one was hurt. yeah, I know a splitting maul is not a sword, but I'm not a massive iron age swordsman. I simply assume the forces are similar

    – Paul TIKI
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:19











  • And there are some mild parallels with how we use pins to set bones and when fixing shafts.

    – FuzzyBoots
    Jul 21 '17 at 18:23











  • @FuzzyBoots true. Although when using pins to set bones it's generally there to hold the bones in place until the body can fuse them back together with calcium. Sometimes they are left to add strength, because the fused seam may or may not be as strong as the original smooth bone. Point being, the seam is filled in with the original material. There could be a parallel with the sword, but you would have to weld the ends of the sword. kind of impractical in a flop house like the Kurgan was staying in

    – Paul TIKI
    Jul 21 '17 at 20:35



















  • Can you provide sources for your answer?

    – Edlothiad
    Jul 21 '17 at 14:44






  • 1





    @Edlothiad hmm, sources....see "purely imaginary", rule of cool, or unsubstantiated theories. this is just imagination at work. As far as the physics involved: Try chopping firewood with a splitting maul that has a 4 pound head and a cracked handle. That will demonstrate the physics involved with swinging a long, straight object of similar weight with a weak point along the shaft. Source: the damage caused to my fence in my back yard. luckily, no one was hurt. yeah, I know a splitting maul is not a sword, but I'm not a massive iron age swordsman. I simply assume the forces are similar

    – Paul TIKI
    Jul 21 '17 at 17:19











  • And there are some mild parallels with how we use pins to set bones and when fixing shafts.

    – FuzzyBoots
    Jul 21 '17 at 18:23











  • @FuzzyBoots true. Although when using pins to set bones it's generally there to hold the bones in place until the body can fuse them back together with calcium. Sometimes they are left to add strength, because the fused seam may or may not be as strong as the original smooth bone. Point being, the seam is filled in with the original material. There could be a parallel with the sword, but you would have to weld the ends of the sword. kind of impractical in a flop house like the Kurgan was staying in

    – Paul TIKI
    Jul 21 '17 at 20:35

















Can you provide sources for your answer?

– Edlothiad
Jul 21 '17 at 14:44





Can you provide sources for your answer?

– Edlothiad
Jul 21 '17 at 14:44




1




1





@Edlothiad hmm, sources....see "purely imaginary", rule of cool, or unsubstantiated theories. this is just imagination at work. As far as the physics involved: Try chopping firewood with a splitting maul that has a 4 pound head and a cracked handle. That will demonstrate the physics involved with swinging a long, straight object of similar weight with a weak point along the shaft. Source: the damage caused to my fence in my back yard. luckily, no one was hurt. yeah, I know a splitting maul is not a sword, but I'm not a massive iron age swordsman. I simply assume the forces are similar

– Paul TIKI
Jul 21 '17 at 17:19





@Edlothiad hmm, sources....see "purely imaginary", rule of cool, or unsubstantiated theories. this is just imagination at work. As far as the physics involved: Try chopping firewood with a splitting maul that has a 4 pound head and a cracked handle. That will demonstrate the physics involved with swinging a long, straight object of similar weight with a weak point along the shaft. Source: the damage caused to my fence in my back yard. luckily, no one was hurt. yeah, I know a splitting maul is not a sword, but I'm not a massive iron age swordsman. I simply assume the forces are similar

– Paul TIKI
Jul 21 '17 at 17:19













And there are some mild parallels with how we use pins to set bones and when fixing shafts.

– FuzzyBoots
Jul 21 '17 at 18:23





And there are some mild parallels with how we use pins to set bones and when fixing shafts.

– FuzzyBoots
Jul 21 '17 at 18:23













@FuzzyBoots true. Although when using pins to set bones it's generally there to hold the bones in place until the body can fuse them back together with calcium. Sometimes they are left to add strength, because the fused seam may or may not be as strong as the original smooth bone. Point being, the seam is filled in with the original material. There could be a parallel with the sword, but you would have to weld the ends of the sword. kind of impractical in a flop house like the Kurgan was staying in

– Paul TIKI
Jul 21 '17 at 20:35





@FuzzyBoots true. Although when using pins to set bones it's generally there to hold the bones in place until the body can fuse them back together with calcium. Sometimes they are left to add strength, because the fused seam may or may not be as strong as the original smooth bone. Point being, the seam is filled in with the original material. There could be a parallel with the sword, but you would have to weld the ends of the sword. kind of impractical in a flop house like the Kurgan was staying in

– Paul TIKI
Jul 21 '17 at 20:35


















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