Iconic Characters that Wield Polearms

In the world of entertainment, we are often drawn to characters who embody strength, agility, and skill in combat. While swords and bows have their place, there’s something undeniably captivating about characters who wield polearms. 

These versatile weapons, with their extended reach and deadly precision, have graced our screens, leaving lasting impressions. Whether it’s on the battlefield, in ancient realms, or in futuristic worlds, iconic characters have made polearms an integral part of their identity.

Characters from TV that Wield Polearms

Grey Worm – Game of Thrones

Grey Worm is a skilled Unsullied warrior from “Game of Thrones,” known for his loyalty to Daenerys Targaryen and exceptional combat skills. His character evolves throughout the series, and he forms a close bond with Missandei.

Oberyn Martell – Game of Thrones

Oberyn Martell, known as the “Red Viper,” is a prominent character in “Game of Thrones.” Hailing from Dorne, he’s a skilled spearfighter known for his agility and precision in combat. His passionate and vengeful nature is fueled by the desire to avenge his family, particularly his sister Elia Martell’s murder.

Nasir – Spartacus

Nasir was introduced in the series as a slave who later becomes a gladiator in the ludus of Batiatus. Nasir is notable for his loyalty, bravery, and unwavering support for the rebel cause led by Spartacus. Over the course of the series, he forms a close and romantic relationship with another gladiator, Agron.

Characters from Movies that Wield Polearms

Okoye – Black Panther

Okoye is a fierce and loyal character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Black Panther.” As the head of the Dora Milaje, Wakanda’s elite all-female royal guard, she is an exceptional warrior, skilled in combat and diplomacy. Okoye is known for her unwavering dedication to her country and her strong sense of honor.

Gil-galad – Lord of the Rings

Gil-galad is a significant character in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium. He’s remembered as one of the last High Kings of the Noldor, a wise and noble race of Elves. Gil-galad is especially renowned for leading the Elves in their struggle against the dark lord Sauron during the Second Age.

Arthur Curry – Aquaman

As the rightful heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, Arthur possesses superhuman strength, the ability to communicate with sea creatures, and the power to manipulate water. His iconic trident and distinctive orange and green costume are hallmarks of his character.

Leonidas – 300

Leonidas, the King of Sparta, leads a small but fiercely dedicated group of Spartan warriors against the massive Persian army led by Xerxes. Leonidas is renowned for his unwavering courage, exceptional combat skills, and indomitable spirit.

Javelin – Suicide Squad

Javelin, a character from the “Suicide Squad” movie, is known for his unique weapon, the javelin, which he wields with deadly accuracy. Though he doesn’t have any superhuman abilities, his javelin-throwing skills are unparalleled. With a quirky and eccentric personality, Javelin adds a touch of humor to the team of antiheroes known as the Suicide Squad.

Characters from Video Games that Wield Polearms

Aloy – Horizon Zero Dawn

Aloy is the fearless and resourceful protagonist of “Horizon Zero Dawn.” She’s a young and agile hunter in a post-apocalyptic world where robotic creatures roam. Raised as an outcast, Aloy is known for her determination and curiosity as she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her world’s mysterious past. Armed with a bow and spear, she’s a skilled archer and cunning strategist, making her a formidable character.

Guan Yu – Dynasty Warriors

Guan Yu, a central figure in the “Dynasty Warriors” video game series, is a legendary warrior known for his unwavering loyalty, impressive martial skills, and iconic green dragon crescent blade. As a general serving the warlord Liu Bei, Guan Yu is celebrated for his honor and valor on the battlefield. His imposing presence and remarkable combat abilities have made him a fan-favorite character.

Nidalee – League of Legends

Nidalee is a versatile and agile character who possesses the unique ability to switch between a ranged and a melee form, making her a formidable presence on the battlefield. In her ranged form, she excels at poking and harassing enemies from a distance with her javelin throws. When switching to her melee form, she becomes a fierce and agile hunter, using her claws to shred through opponents up close.

Kain Highwind – Final Fantasy

Kain Highwind is a skilled Dragoon, known for his distinctive blue armor and iconic lance weapon. Kain is often portrayed as a complex and conflicted character, torn between loyalty to his friends and his own inner struggles.

Different Types of Polearms

Polearms come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific combat scenarios. From the mighty halberd with its axe-like blade to the graceful elegance of the naginata, polearms have evolved over centuries to serve a multitude of purposes.

• Falx: The falx is an ancient polearm known for its distinctive curved, sickle-like blade. Originating from Dacian and Thracian cultures, it was a formidable weapon in historical conflicts, particularly effective against Roman adversaries due to its unique design.
• Sarissa: The sarissa was a formidable polearm used by the ancient Macedonian phalanx. It was known for its exceptional length, often exceeding 13 feet (4 meters), making it one of the longest spears in history.
• Spear: The spear is one of the most iconic and ancient polearms in history. It consists of a long shaft with a pointed head, designed for thrusting and throwing.
• Fauchard: The fauchard is a polearm characterized by its curved blade with a hook on the back. Originally a farming tool, it evolved into a weapon during medieval times.
• Guisarme: The guisarme is a versatile polearm characterized by its sweeping, curved blade affixed to a long shaft. Originally designed for cutting and dismounting mounted opponents in medieval Europe, it evolved into various forms over time.
• Glaive: The glaive is a versatile polearm characterized by a single-edged, curved blade affixed to a long shaft. It combines the reach of a staff with the cutting power of a sword, making it a formidable weapon in both melee and ranged combat.
• Voulge: The voulge is a medieval polearm characterized by its long wooden shaft topped with a large, hooked blade and was widely used in Europe during the Middle Ages.
• Svärdstav: The Svärdstav is a Scandinavian polearm characterized by its extended reach and versatile design.
• Naginata: The naginata is a Japanese polearm characterized by its long, curved blade attached to a wooden shaft. It has a rich history in Japan, originally designed for samurai warriors and later used by female warriors for self-defense.
• Yari: The Yari is a Japanese polearm with a rich history dating back to feudal Japan. It typically features a straight, double-edged blade attached to a long shaft.
• Guandao: The guandao is a traditional Chinese polearm with a long wooden shaft and a large, curved blade at its end.
• Podao: The podao is a traditional Chinese polearm characterized by its cleaver-like blade mounted on a wooden shaft. It was a versatile weapon, used both in combat and as a tool in daily life.
• Bardiche: The bardiche is a fearsome polearm characterized by its long shaft and a large, axe-like blade attached at a right angle. Originating in medieval Europe, it served various purposes on the battlefield, including hacking through armor and infantry formations.
• Pike: The pike is a long-reaching polearm recognized for its exceptional length, often exceeding 15 feet. This weapon’s design was ideal for infantry formations during medieval warfare, providing an extended reach to fend off cavalry charges and enemy foot soldiers.
• War scythe: The war scythe, derived from the agricultural tool, features a long wooden shaft with a curved blade attached to it. Originally designed for farming, it was adapted for combat during various historical periods.
• Halberd: The halberd is a versatile polearm that evolved during the late medieval period. It features a combination of a spear, an axe blade, and a hook or spike on the opposite side.
• Poleaxe: The poleaxe, a versatile and deadly polearm, has a long shaft topped with a combination of an axe blade, a hammer, and a spike.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of iconic characters that wield polearms, we can’t help but admire the diversity and creativity that storytellers bring to these characters. From the noble knights of medieval tales to the futuristic warriors of video games and the fierce defenders of ancient civilizations in film and TV, polearms have remained a symbol of strength, valor, and unwavering resolve.