Lance
A lance is a type of spear designed for charging cavalry. It may be used in battle or in a martial sport called jousting. It is considered a knight's weapon.[1][2]
A soldier who wields a lance in battle is called a lancer.[3]
Contents
Types
War lance
The war lance is eight feet long, made of banded ash ending in an iron or steel point. It is designed to pierce plate armor and kill the wielder's opponent.[4]
Tourney lance
The tourney lance is twelve feet long, made of tapered wood made to break upon impact, ending in rounded iron.[4] It is lighter than a war lance and designed to knock the wielder's opponent off their horse rather than deal a fatal blow,[5] though sometimes splinters from the broken lance may wound or kill.[6]
In Heraldry
House Gaunt
House Wydman
The coat of arms of House Gaunt displays three black lances.[7] The coat of arms of House Wydman displays five splintered lances.[8]
Heraldic banners are often attached to lances.[9][10][11][12][13]
History
Lord Leo Tyrell was called "Longthorn" for his prowess with a lance. He is considered by many to be the finest jouster in history.[14]
At the trial of seven of Ser Duncan the Tall, Duncan's team used tourney lances to counter the war lances used by Prince Aerion's team, as tourney lances are longer.[4]
Recent Events
A Game of Thrones
At the Hand's tourney, Jaime Lannister uses a lance fashioned from goldenheart.[15]
Tyrion Lannister offers to supply the Vale mountain clans with lances, among other weapons.[16]
A Clash of Kings
Instead of banners, the Wild Hares attach rabbit skins to their lances.[17]
A Storm of Swords
Oznak zo Pahl uses a fourteen foot long lance, swirled in pink and white.[18]
At the battle beneath the Wall, the wildlings use fire-hardened lances.[19]
References
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 2, Sansa I.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 32, Cersei VII.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 53, Bran VI.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 The Hedge Knight.
- ↑ The Mystery Knight.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 29, Sansa II.
- ↑ The Citadel. Heraldry: Houses in the area of King's Landing
- ↑ The Citadel. Heraldry: Houses in the Vale
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 14, Arya IV.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 31, Catelyn III.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 61, Tyrion XIV.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 63, Daenerys V.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 49, Catelyn VI.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: House Tyrell.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 25, Eddard V.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 42, Tyrion VI.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 37, Theon III.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 57, Daenerys V.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 64, Jon VIII.