Line #59 Main/KnightlySwordAndShield


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4	[[quoteright:320:[[WesternAnimation/MickeyMouse https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mickey_knight_5.png]]]]
5
6	A weapons trope. As WeaponBasedCharacterization explains, a person's choice of weapon can say a lot about them, and using a sword and shield together frequently says "KnightInShiningArmor". It includes all the heroic meaning that HeroesPreferSwords carries, plus the connotations of being a defender that go along with LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe. Sword and Shield users might liberally make use of ShieldBash in a fight and depending on the type of shield might engage in ThrowingYourShieldAlwaysWorks.
7
8	Then again, not everyone with this combination is necessarily good; it could just as easily be used in the hands of a BlackKnight instead. Either way, people using swords and shields are usually "knightly" in some form or another.
9
10	As noted frequently below, many of the shields of these combinations also serve as [[MundaneUtility the scabbards/sheaths]] [[SwissArmyWeapon for the swords]]. This is usually done either because it's [[RuleOfCool cool]] or rarely, the shield being the sheath allows for a BifurcatedWeapon[=/=]MixAndMatchWeapon combination. Either way, it's a very practical DualWielding combination.
11
12	Often called "Sword and Board" by tabletop game groups. Compare this trope with SwordShieldContrast, which discusses the competing connotations of the two items. Also see ChoiceOfTwoWeapons, which covers other dual-equipment setups. Compare also HammerOfTheHoly, for the other weapon set commonly employed by ThePaladin.
13
14	For contrasting tropes, see PrimitiveClubs and SavageSpikedWeapons.
15	----
16	!!Examples:
17	[[foldercontrol]]
18
19	[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
20	* The Skull Knight from ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'' carries an [[CoolSword an awesome Apostle-killing sword]] with a guard shaped like thorn branches and a [[SerratedBladeOfPain serrated blade]], alongside [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe a shield]] bearing an emblem of a rose surrounded by thorny brambles.
21	* [=ShineGreymon=] Burst Mode from ''Anime/DigimonDataSquad''. Also supporting character Knightmon in ''Anime/DigimonFusion'', who contributes his shield alongside Shoutmon X4's sword when they FusionDance into Shoutmon [=X4K=].
22	* ''Anime/DoraemonNobitaAndTheKnightsOnDinosaurs'': Banhou, the titular knight, and his fellow raptor-men warriors all use lance and shields as their default equipment, with an action scene being Banhou and another raptor knight sparring each other.
23	* Inverted in ''Manga/RurouniKenshin'' with Uonuma Usui, who is trained in the Ryukyu royal martial art of tinbe and rochin (shield and stabbing blade), but is a rough, brutish criminal.
24	* In ''Anime/SDGundamForce'', Zero is the epitome of the KnightInShiningArmor hailing from Lacroa, a magical society dependent on knights and magic to defend the royal family. Naturally, his weapon of choice is a shield and a CoolSword. The shield also acts as the sheath. [[spoiler:He ditches this while merged with the Feather Dragon for the Twin Buster Sword, a {{BFS}} BifucuratedWeapon, to reflect his transformation into Zero Custom.]]
25	** In the ''[[Franchise/GundamExpandedUniverse SD Gundam]]'' franchise, the Knight Gundam, whom Zero is partly based off of, also wields a sword and shield.
26	* Ever the CombatPragmatist, the sword and shield is the preferred weapon style of the titular ''Literature/GoblinSlayer''.
27	* Ash's Galarian Farfetch'd in ''Anime/PokemonJourneysTheSeries'' gets its leek broken in two pieces that he continues to use as sword and shield at Ash's suggestion. It then evolves into Sirfetch'd, turning the pieces into an ''actual'' sword and shield set.
28	* ''Manga/DeliciousInDungeon'': Laios, styled after a generic European knight, ''started out'' with a sword and shield (and was the only member of his party with such a loadout), but lost the shield in a mishap at the beginning of the series. After he loses the sword, too, he picks up a new one scavenged from an AnimatedArmor, but he never does get a new shield.
29	* In ''Manga/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast2005'', Link is a noble and selfless aspiring hero, but is actually a downplayed example. While he does carry his uncle's sword and shield, he relies on the former for combat and the shield disappears in some panels. The Master Sword essentially makes the shield redundant.
30	[[/folder]]
31
32	[[folder:Comic Books]]
33	* ''Creator/MarvelComics's ''The Union'' has Britannia. She fights with a sword and a shield with a lion symbol on it.
34	* Franchise/WonderWoman uses a sword and shield. She is also one of DC's most well-known paragons of justice.
35	[[/folder]]
36
37	[[folder:Fan Works]]
38	* Monica from the ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'' fanfic ''Fanfic/TheGhostOfOchs'' favors using a sword and shield in battle, doing so mostly out of a desire to protect herself and others from harm, and also to differentiate herself from Byleth and Petra, who don't use shields to go with their swords.
39	* ''[[Fanfic/StarWarsVsWarhammer40K Star Wars vs Warhammer 40K]]'': Orion Phatris is the Chapter Master of the Skywatch, a homebrew Space Marine Chapter which evokes the image of KnightsInShiningArmor with their helmets even resembling those worn by archetypical medieval knights during the Middle Ages. Orion himself wields a Power Sword and a master-crafted Storm Shield [[AllThereInTheManual according to his character profile]].
40	[[/folder]]
41
42	[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
43	* Disney's ''WesternAnimation/SleepingBeauty''. When the noble Prince Philip goes up against Maleficent he wields the magical Sword of Truth and the Shield of Virtue given to him by the fairies.
44	[[/folder]]
45
46	[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
47	* Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse: Creator/GalGadot's Diana of Themyscira/Wonder Woman wields a sword and a shield in her appearances in ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'', ''Film/{{Wonder Woman\|2017}}'' and ''[[Film/ZackSnydersJusticeLeague Justice League]]'', and she's very much a gender-flipped KnightInShiningArmor. The sword and shield were ditched for ''Film/WonderWoman1984'' to be closer to the "bracers and lasso fighter" versions of Wonder Woman however, per the director's taste.
48	* Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse:
49	** In the ''Film/{{Thor}}'' movies, Lady Sif uses a sword and shield, and she's usually portrayed as the most dutiful of her friends (compared to boisterous Thor and Volstagg, dashing Fandral, and stoic Hogun).
50	** In ''Film/{{Black Panther\|2018}}'', T'Challa is a wise young king who wields a shield and iklwa (short spear) in duels. The AxCrazy BigBad Erik Killmonger, by contrast, dual wields a sword and a sawn-off spear.
51	* ''[[Film/TransformersFilmSeries Transformers]]'' [[Film/TransformersFilmSeries Film Series]]: Optimus Prime, valiant leader of the Autobots who fights for the freedom of all sentient beings, is redesigned in ''Film/TransformersAgeOfExtinction'' to resemble a medieval knight, and acquires a new sword and shield during the movie's climax. The shield even has a [[SwordAndGun cannon]] built in, to boot!
52	[[/folder]]
53
54	[[folder:Literature]]
55	* Boromir from ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' is a courageous and honorable nobleman from Gondor who fights with sword and shield. Although he's never referred to as a knight, he certainly invokes this trope.
56	* Sword and shield is the default combo for Church Knights in ''Literature/TheElenium'', to the point that Eddings specifically points out the exceptions (Ulath and Berit's axes, Bevier's lochaber).
57	* This is the default style of knights in ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'', to the point where deviating from it for the course of a duel, (as both Bronn and Oberyn Martell did in order to employ HitAndRunTactics) is considered unusual and noteworthy.
58	* In ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfNarnia: Literature/TheLionTheWitchAndTheWardrobe'', Peter Pevensie receives a sword and shield from Father Christmas. He puts them to use in the climactic battle.
59	[[/folder]]
60
61	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
62	* ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' and ''Franchise/PowerRangers'' occasionally have BlackKnight antagonists with this weapon set, including (but not limited to) Geildon from ''Series/BakuryuuSentaiAbaranger''/Zeltrax from ''Series/PowerRangersDinoThunder'', Wolzard from ''Series/MahouSentaiMagiranger''/Koragg from ''Series/PowerRangersMysticForce'', and Gaisoulg from ''Series/KishiryuSentaiRyusoulger''. Wolzard's shield serves as his sword's sheath.
63	** A heroic example is the Houou Blade and Houou Shield, the weapon of choice and TransformationTrinket of Houou Soldier, one of the {{Sixth Ranger}}s of ''Series/UchuSentaiKyuranger''. As the two are a pair, naturally the sword is sheathed in the shield. In fact, unsheathing the sword triggers the TransformationSequence. Not quite a knight, but he is the {{Precursor Hero\|es}} in the story, so he somewhat counts.
64	** ''Series/MahouSentaiMagiranger'' carries the other heroic example, also a red-themed warrior: [[spoiler: The above mentioned Wolzard/Koragg, freed from his BrainwashedAndCrazy state, [[HeelFaceTurn rejoins his family]] and gains the power to transform into [[GoodCostumeSwitch a red version of Wolzard]], keeping the sword and shield.]] Applies as well to ''Series/PowerRangersMysticForce''.
65	** ''Series/KishiryuSentaiRyusoulger'', also mentioned above, is themed around knights, and therefore features this trope rather prominently, especially with (most of) the [=RyuSouls=].
66	** Aside from the characters, several mecha from across the franchise also wield this combo. Of note is [=GaoKnight=] from ''Series/HyakujuuSentaiGaoranger'', which is literally called a knight and has the Elephant Sword and Shield, normally an [[MechaExpansionPack auxiliary component]], equipped by default.
67	* Thanks to the modern era of ''Franchise/KamenRider'' having a lot of weapons and interesting themes for each entry, a few of the knight-themed riders (or even {{Super Mode}}s for certain Riders) usually have this as either their main weapon or a part of their arsenal.
68	** The first of these was Ren Akiyama, a Kamen Rider actually ''named'' [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Kamen Rider Knight]] from ''Series/KamenRiderRyuki'', whose SuperMode upgrades his Darkvisor with [[https://kamenrider.fandom.com/wiki/Darkvisor#Darkvisorzwei Darkvisorzwei]], an arm-mounted scabbard/shield. It's also a MixAndMatchWeapon as it can convert into a crossbow while the sword is still sheathed. His PaletteSwap from the NonSerialMovie, Kamen Rider Femme, is also armed with a rapier and can [[https://kamenrider.fandom.com/wiki/Blancwing_(Ryuki)#Armaments summon a shield]] to go with it. Also applies to their ''Series/KamenRiderDragonKnight'' counterparts, Wing Knight and Siren, respectively.
69	** [=CycloneJokerXtreme=], the SuperMode of the main protagonists from ''Series/KamenRiderDouble'', is armed with the [[https://kamenrider.fandom.com/wiki/Prismbicker Prismbicker]] with, as usual, the shield serving as the sword's scabbard.
70	** In ''Series/KamenRiderGaim''[='s=] summer movie, the knight-themed Kamen Rider Mars uses this weapon set. Mars' equipment then gets [[PaletteSwap repainted]] and [[PropRecycling brought back]] in the first ''Gaim Gaiden'' spinoff DVD, used by Kamen Rider Idunn in the first half before being passed to the show's main knight Rider, Kamen Rider Baron, in the second. Gaining Ringo Arms, Sword Bringer & Apple Reflector. Once again, the shield doubles as the sword's sheath.
71	** Downplayed with Kamen Rider Brave of ''Series/KamenRiderExAid'', who is themed after knights typical of EasternRPG video games. He does have both a sword and a shield, but the arm-mounted shield is buckler-sized and doesn't really get a lot of use as a defensive measure, with Brave generally preferring full offense with his CoolSword.
72	[[/folder]]
73
74	[[folder:Religion]]
75	* Near the end of the Literature/BookOfEphesians, the apostle Paul makes a metaphor that describes virtues as armor protecting believers from spiritual attack. (He would have been referring to the equipment of Roman soldiers instead of knights, as knights came hundreds of years later, but the imagery of a righteous warrior is unchanged.) In addition to actual pieces of armor,[[note]]the "belt of truth", "breastplate of righteousness", "boots of peace", and "helmet of salvation"[[/note]] the gear includes the "shield of faith" and "sword of scripture".
76	* When [[Myth/ClassicalMythology Perseus]] went on a quest to kill Medusa in order to save his mother from [[AndNowYouMustMarryMe being forced to marry a slimy king]], he was gifted a razor-sharp sword and a polished shield that was reflective enough to allow the hero to behead Medusa without directly looking at her, avoiding her DeadlyGaze.
77	[[/folder]]
78
79	[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
80	* ''TabletopGame/{{Champions}}'' supplement ''Enemies III''. The supervillain known as The Green Knight is a headless suit of armor controlled by the consciousness of John Nottingham. The Knight carries a shield he received as payment for a job and wields a weapon created by his armor that can take the form of a sword.
81	* In ''TabletopGame/DescentJourneysInTheDark'', heroes of the Knight [[CharacterClassSystem class]] start off with a sword and a shield. The base game's iconic knight, Syndrael, is a LadyOfWar characterized by her UndyingLoyalty to her liege and wields a sword and a shield by default.
82	* ''TabletopGame/{{Ironclaw}}'': The "Knight's Trappings" gift includes a metal shield and an expensive melee weapon, such as most swords. Also plate armor and a lance.
83	* ''TabletopGame/WarhammerFantasy'':
84	** Popular with the Warriors of Chaos: Archaeon the Everchosen, a BlackKnight and top dog of the Warriors of Chaos, uses a sword and shield from horseback. The Chaos Lords Sigvald the Magnificent and Count Mordrek the Damned (both knights) also fight with sword and shield, as does Wulfrik the Wanderer (strictly speaking not a knight). The Chaos lord Vardek Crom can switch between a sword-and-shield stance and one where he Dual Wields a sword and axe. Chaos Knights are also the only heavy cavalry in the game not to come with the KnightlyLance as standard, instead fighting with magic swords and shields by default.
85	** King Louen Leoncour of Bretonnia fights with a sword and shield, in contrast to most of his knights who favour the KnightlyLance.
86	** EvilOverlord Malekith of the Dark Elves, a MagicKnight, also uses a sword and shield (alongside his magic and being a DragonRider).
87	* The Space Marines from ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'' have the Knightly Company Champions whom are often carry a power sword and a combat shield to accompany their blade. Sometimes they also carry a bolt pistol with their shield hand so they aren't completely locked into melee combat.
88	[[/folder]]
89
90	[[folder:Toys]]
91	* Kopaka from ''Toys/{{Bionicle}}'' is equipped with a shield and sword. His Toa Nuva form gives him a double-bladed sword and a larger shield.
92	[[/folder]]
93
94	[[folder:Video Games]]
95	* The Longsword-and-Shield hero class in ''VideoGames/ConquerorsBlade'' was designed to fit this trope—it's a two-edged arming sword with a heater shield, just like a European medieval knight would have used.
96	** In fact, the unique epic armor set for Longsword is the Imperial Knight set.
97	** And that's not to mention the class' various knightly special moves: Knightly Vows, Mercy of Heaven, With Valor, Sally Forth, Martial Prowess...
98	** In addition, several knight-themed units are armed with swords and shields, including Men-at-Arms, Queen's Knights, Symmachean Paladins, and the Teutonic Kriegsbruders.
99	* ''VideoGame/EXTRAPOWERStarResistance'': Walhalla fights with a sword and shield, reflecting her status as a warrior of the heavens. The shield even gives her the unique ability among player characters to completely negate damage for a time, which is useful as a melee combatant in a ShootEmUp.
100	* In ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'', Link who is TheHero and often TheChampion of [[LadyAndKnight Princess Zelda]] wields a sword and shield together with the most famous being the Master Sword and Hylian Shield.
101	** Darknuts are the elite knights of Ganon's demon army. While the lower-ranked ones only have a {{BFS}}, at mid-tier they gain shields, and the most powerful ones have shields and capes just for intimidation.
102	** In ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOracleGames Oracle Of Ages]]'', the fourth miniboss is a giant knight who boasts of his invincible sword and shield at the beginning of the battle. He then throws his sword at you, and it turns out his shield is less durable than his sword. After both weapons are broken, he becomes vulnerable to your own weapons.
103	* In the ''VideoGame/SoulSeries'', members of the Alexandra family (Sophitia, Cassandra, Patrokolos, and Pyrrha) all fight with swords and shields.
104	* ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'':
105	** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI'': The Warrior class and its upgrade, the Knight, are the class with access to all of the game's swords and shields, including the iconic {{Excalibur}}.
106	** Tidus from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'' is a variant who uses a {{BFS}} (that he wields [[OneHandedZweihander one-handed]]) and a buckler, and at first doesn't fit the associated personality type, though he is one of Yuna's guardians. However, over the course of the story, he grows into a selfless hero.
107	** The Gladiators and Paladins of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' use Swords and shields. The latter having roots in a group of knights sworn to defend the sultana of Ul'dah.
108	** ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy'': The Warrior of Light, a knight-classic favor, carries a shield and sword into battle. He's notably the only sword-focused character in the game to use a shield. ''[[VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy2015 Dissidia NT]]'' also added Kam'lanaut, a villainous Archduke from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXI'', his use of a shield alongside his sword feeding into his noble image.
109	* In ''VideoGame/{{Skylanders}}'', knights Chop Chop and Chill both have swords and shields.
110	* "Weapon and Shield" is one of the skill categories for the warrior class in the ''Franchise/DragonAge'' series, and a sword and shield build is intended as the StoneWall of a party. In addition to defensive bonuses, the tree also features multiple varieties of [[ShieldBash just beating enemies to death with the shield itself]]. In addition to potentially the player character, several companions and [=NPCs=] are trained in it:
111	** Alistair, of ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'', begins with Weapon and Shield talents. He is one of the more traditionally good party members and is a new recruit of the fabled Grey Wardens -- an organization dedicated to fighting [[OurOrcsAreDifferent the monsters known as darkspawn]].
112	*** Loghain Mac Tir is similarly trained in these talents, [[spoiler:and ultimately serves as a replacement for Alistair in the party if you should choose to spare his life]]. He is one of Ferelden's [[TheStrategist most skilled generals]], and appointed as one of Ferelden's only two teyrns, making him a commoner raised to nobility. Far less heroic than Alistair, [[spoiler:he makes numerous morally questionable choices, sells elves into slavery in order to evacuate them and fund the army, and ultimately hunts down the Grey Wardens in an effort to blame his retreat at Ostagar on them]]. Nevertheless, he is a man of honour, and willing to sacrifice his life for his duty at the end of the game if spared.
113	** Aveline Vallen was InUniverse named after Ser Aveline, a legendary figure and the first female member of the Chevaliers, an Orlesian knightly order. She becomes a [[CityGuards guardsman]], becomes [[spoiler:guard-captain]] by mid-way through the first Act or before the second one (depending on whether her Act 1 sidequest is done), and is as such focused on law and order. She is also a {{Workaholic}} and MarriedToTheJob. The only sword-and-shield party member in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', she has a personal tree that can be leveled, raising her tanking abilities and turning her from "guardsman" to "indestructible moving wall".
114	--->"Face me! I stand for all of us!"
115	** Blackwall in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'' is a Champion specialization and also fights with sword and shield as well. He's also someone who has dedicated his life to helping others and protecting the weak [[spoiler:because he's not the real Blackwall. He's someone whose life was saved by the real Blackwall and is trying to [[TheAtoner make up for his past crimes]].]]
116	*** Cassandra also fights with sword and shield (or shield and other one-handed weapon) and uses the Templar specialization. As a Seeker of Truth, part of her job is to oversee the military branch of the Chantry (the primary in-game religion) and protect the innocent from harm. She takes her duties very seriously.
117	*** Cullen usually functions as an advisor during ''Inquisition''. However, there are a few times during the game when he takes an active role in the fighting, and whenever he does, he uses a sword and shield. The Iron Bull may comment, in dialogue with the Herald, that he could identify Cullen as a former Templar because of the specific way he holds his shield. Similarly to [[spoiler:Blackwall]], he is working to atone for prior misdeeds from his Templar days and considers protecting those weaker than himself and guiding those of lower rank to be an intrinsic part of this.
118	* For a Warrior or Paladin [[StoneWall Tank]] in ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'', the sword and shield is the way to go. Note that the weapon need not be a sword, it can be any 1-handed melee weapon.
119	** Deathknights don't use shields, so they have special abilities to reduce the damage they take to compensate.
120	** Like Deathknights, Druids don't use shields either. They transform into a [[BearsAreBadNews bear]] instead.
121	* In ''Franchise/FireEmblem'', the units most likely to have a shield in addition to their main weapon are the horse and armor knights and the "hero" class. Additionally, in the original continuity, the Fire Emblem itself is a magical shield that the main character uses in accord with his legendary sword. Marth, and his descendants [[VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening Chrom and Lucina]], all have shields in their most powerful forms.
122	* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'':
123	** Aegislash is a sword-and-shield Pokémon and can switch whether its offensive sword or defensive shield half is more prominent. Its Pokédex entry characterizes the species as loyal servants of kings.
124	** ''VideoGame/PokemonSwordAndShield'' is set in the Poke-equivalent of England, which has a history of knights and heraldry. The featured OlympusMons are the sword-wielding wolf Zacian and the shield-maned wolf Zamazenta.
125	** Also in ''Sword and Shield'' is Sirfetch'd, a regional evolution of Farfetch'd whose oversized leek had broken into 2 parts, of which the sharpened stalk is used as a sword and the hardened leaves are made into a shield.
126	* In ''VideoGame/DiabloII'', the Paladin (a classical religious warrior clad in full armour) is a defensive fighter with several useful skills requiring both a one-handed weapon and a shield. Though the example is a bit downplayed in the game: although the character can wield swords, his optimal weapon of choice is actually a scepter (a series of mace-class weapons that grants special bonus to Paladin's wielder).
127	* In ''Videogame/PhantasyCalradia'', the starting gear of a Paladin player character is a bastard sword and a shield, but nothing prevents to eventually build a two-handed weapon/polearm-based Paladin.
128	* In every game of the ''VideoGame/MonsterHunter'' series, the player can choose a combination of a short sword (compared to the usual BFS) and a shield. While less defensively capable than the Lance and Gunlance, it can still block some attacks, and is the only weapon that can use items while drawn; coupled with Wide-Range, they serve the same 'paladin' role as an actual RPG. The fourth generation added the Charge Blade, a larger version of it that stores energy with its sword strikes, which can then be either transferred to the shield for added defense, or both can be combined into a [[{{BFS}} massive]] axe and the energy used for [[ChargedAttack powerful attacks]].
129	* ''VideoGame/BlazBlue'': Tsubaki Yayoi puts her own spin on the theme, with her special weapon set called Izayoi in form of a SpellBook used as a buckler and a short sword shaped like a quill. She also works in the NOL's special "Wings of Justice" unit, and she herself has an idealized view of justice and heroes thereof.
130	* ''VideoGame/TheHauntedRuins'': The [[DemBones Skeletons]] in the fourth section, and the Ghost Knights in the sixth, are shown fighting with swords and shields.
131	* ''VideoGame/AVeryLongRopeToTheTopOfTheSky'': Ivy can equip swords and shields, or go with a two-handed sword.
132	* ''Franchise/TheElderScrolls'' allows you to equip characters with sword and shields in combination.
133	* In ''VideoGame/GuildWars2'', Logan Thackary wields a sword and shield. Logan is the top warrior in Kryta, a Medieval European FantasyCounterPartCulture, and is the bodyguard to the Queen, who he harbors a BodyguardCrush for. He's also a Guardian, the closest thing [=GW2=] has to a Paladin, a MagicKnight class themed around defense, similar to medieval ideas of knights. Overall, his character has a very strong knightly theme.
134	* In ''Find Mii'' from ''VideoGame/StreetPassMiiPlaza'', all UsefulNotes/{{Mii}}s come equipped with a sword and shield.
135	* In ''VideoGame/{{Warframe}}'', Swords and Shields are one type of melee weapon and are most closely associated with [[ThePaladin Oberon]]. Silva & Aegis Prime even feature angelic motifs to match. Subverted with [[MadScientist Tyl Regor]], who has his own custom-made sword and shield, Ack & Brunt.
136	* In ''VideoGame/TalesOfVesperia'' the sub-weapon system has two characters who have shields alongside a sword; [[PrincessClassic Estelle]] and [[TheAce Flynn]]. Flynn fits this the most, being an actual knight and certainly fitting the ideal of a KnightInShiningArmor. Estelle can also use rods, as the resident WhiteMage, but she's a virtuous young lady who will leap to rescue anyone in need of aid.
137	* Duke Andre from ''VideoGame/DualBlades'' and its sequel ''Slashers: The Power Battle'' uses both a sword and shield and also [[ItMakesSenseInContext throws roses]] as projectiles, in battle. He is also notably the only character on the rosters of the games to have a shield.
138	* In ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsJudgment'', the elite knights of the Fury all pilot the Raftclans, a mecha equipped with a shield and sword that [[MixAndMatchWeapon double as a claw and a gun respectively.]]
139	* In ''VideoGame/Warhammer40000InquisitorMartyr'', the Assault Crusader can equip a [[ChainsawGood chainsword]] and a Suppression Shield. He also has a JetPack to get him stuck in faster. Of course, said shield pairs equally well with a pistol...
140	* In ''VideoGame/DragonProject'', the Light [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe Burst Sword and Shield]] Behemoth, [[LightEmUp Light]] [[KnightInShiningArmor Airgetlam]] and his set invokes this trope's imagery, along with being [[MightyGlacier slow yet tough and deadly]]. This is contrasted by his dark counterpart [[spoiler: or rather his dark side]], [[CastingAShadow Dark]] [[BlackKnight Gauvain]], the Dark [[{{BFG}} Burst]] [[{{BFS}} Great Sword]] Behemoth, who [[DualWielding dual wields]] a pair of [[KatanasAreJustBetter katanas]], along with being [[GlassCannon deadly and agile yet fragile.]]
141	** The Earth Heat Sword and Shield Behemoth, Wretched Azdaja, has an armor set that makes your character look like a hybrid of ThePaladin and a DragonKnight, complete with [[LittleBitBeastly dragon horns, wings, and a tail]].
142	* Paladins from ''VideoGame/FantasyLife'' have swords and shield as their main weapon, and most Paladin [=NPCs=] are employed as castle guards.
143	* A common build in all three ''VideoGame/DarkSouls''-games, both among players and {{NPC}}s. A notable example is Artorias of the Abyss in his prime, although he gave up his shield to protect the young wolf Sif after his arm broke and he couldn't bear the burden. In ''III'', Crestfallen Hawkwood uses this weapon type, though, ironically, it caused him to be kicked out of the Abyss Watchers, who style themselves after Artorias since they saw it as cowardly.
144	* ''VideoGame/BarbarianTitus'': Keela, a princess from a barbarian tribal kingdom, is notable as having this particular set of weapons and more specifically to use a shield in addition with a weapon.
145	* ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes'' allows [[TheBrute Brutes]], [[StoneWall Tankers]] and [[LightningBruiser Scrappers]] to do this by taking the Broad Sword and Shield Defense power sets.
146	* In ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles3'', the Guardian Commander class (acquired from [[TheComicallySerious Zeon]]) is a Defender role that equips the party member with a sword and shield, and focuses on blocking incoming damage.
147	[[/folder]]
148
149	[[folder:Web Animation]]
150	* Seems to be WebAnimation/JoCat's weapon across any game:
151	** In ''A Crap Guide to Monster Hunter'', the Sword and Shield is the last weapon he covers and it is the one weapon where he drops the CausticCritic act and heaps unconditional praise on. In fact, he insults ''you'' the viewer for ''not'' using it.
152	** In ''A Crap Guide to Dungeons & Dragons'', he insists that Paladins who don't use swords and shields are [[BigStupidDoodooHead "big smelly doodoo-heads"]].
153	** In ''A Crap Guide to Final Fantasy XIV'', he says that the reason Paladin is the best Tank class in the game is because it specializes in using swords and shields.
154	* ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'':
155	** Jaune Arc makes use of a simple arming sword and collapsible heater shield which is a [[BoringButPractical stark contrast]] to the other characters' {{Impossibly Cool\|Weapon}} {{Mix and Match Weapon}}s. It puts a twist on the shield-as-sheath gimmick as the shield's collapsed form makes it into a scabbard. This is also weaponized into a BifurcatedWeapon in later volumes, as a means to give the sword [[{{BFS}} a larger and heftier blade]]. The sword itself is named "Crocea Mors"[[note]]Which is Latin for "Yellow Death"[[/note]] and is said to have come from one of his ancestors. Jaune originally wanted to be a KnightInShiningArmor to the people of Remnant, and while undeniably a [[NiceGuy selfless and noble young man]], [[BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor he soon learns that heroism isn't all its cracked up to be]].
156	** TheAce and Jaune's teammate/love interest, Pyrrha Nikos, is armed with Miló and Akoúo̱. Miló is capable of transitioning between three forms: a javelin, a Xiphos[[note]]An ancient Greek straight shortsword[[/note]], and a rifle; Akoúo̱ is a round shield. [[spoiler:After Miló is destroyed during Pyrrha's death at Cinder's hands, Jaune uses the remaining parts of her weapons and armor to upgrade his own]].
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158
159	[[folder:Western Animation]]
160	* ''WesternAnimation/Castlevania2017'': When Alucard decides to get off his drunken ass and starts fighting again in season 4, he carries his shield from ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaSymphonyOfTheNight'' alongside his sword. This increases his effectiveness in combat by giving him two weapons for defense and [[ShieldBash offense]]. Especially when he uses his MindOverMatter powers to turn his sword into a FlyingWeapon.
161	* In ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'', Rose Quartz could summon a shield from her gem, and she wielded a sword, marking her as the heroic, noble leader of a rebellion. However, it was the polearm and dual saber-wielding Pearl who compared herself to a knight, with Rose Quartz as her liege. Oddly, Rose's son Steven only uses the shield, and ended up giving the sword to his friend Connie--but when they [[FusionDance fused]] to form Stevonnie, the weapons are paired together again.
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163
164	[[folder:Real Life]]
165	* The armored knights of Medieval Europe are the TropeMaker, though the pairing of sword and shield by professional warriors dates back much further. Depending on the time period it may also be subverted: At the very end of the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance the evolution of armor led to different weapons and tactics becoming more effective.\
166	While there may have been more spears on the battlefield prior to the Battle of Nancy in the late 1400s, the spear was more successful as a static defense, with the sword being the primary weapon for those worth more training. Afterwards, along with the Swiss introduction of the pike square, the axe, mace, and hammer were more effective against the armor of that time, while swords were largely relegated to being sidearms. Additionally, by the time the full plate armor most people associate with the image of knighthood came about, the shield was largely abandoned except by specialist troops since knights were already so well-protected by the armor [[ShieldsAreUseless that it usually wasn't worth the extra weight]]. This instead allowed the knight to use larger two-handed weapons such as the longsword or poleaxe, which were much more useful for contending with another fully-armored knight.\
167	The longsword developed alongside these improvements in armor, but even then it usually remained a backup weapon or sidearm, with knights typically beginning the engagement either with the lance when on horseback, or with the poleaxe or polehammer when on foot.
168	* While knights did not exist prior to Medieval Europe, the sword and shield pairing has been a pretty popular combination even back during the Classical Era to varying degrees. Usually however, the spear was the first weapon used, ''before'' getting to the sword and shield; however, the sword and shield pairing was used as a main weapon by the Roman Legions, usually after throwing their pilum to render the enemies' shields useless (by staying stuck in them) before closing in.
169	[[/folder]]

Context Main / KnightlySwordAndShield