A flamberge (from the German Flammenschwert) is a type of sword blade, as is the colichemarde. Undulating in shape (“undulating like flame”) along the entire length, it is mainly found in three edged weapons:
* the greatsword, the favorite weapon of the lansquenets, unit created on the model of Swiss mercenaries, operating between the 15th century and the 17th century. It did no more damage than a classic swordfish, but its wavy shape had a certain psychological impact, slowed down the slide of the opponent's sword during a parry and, according to some, caused specific and disturbing vibrations in the sword's weapon. the opponent.
* the kriss, an oriental dagger whose blade is always wavy
* the rapier, around 1600. Here, the goal is not so much to scare as to impress those around you by leaving a memorable memory.
It is also the name of Renaud de Montauban's sword. Flamberge:from Norse Flæma:"hunting" and Berg:"rock", lit. "chasse roc" (which is also the Norse name of Durandal, Roland's sword), is Renaud's magic sword, which he received from his cousin Maugis.
See also the expression (put) flamberge in the wind, which means “to attack without thinking”.