Guandao

Three Ming era guandaos

The guandao is a Chinese pole weapon akin to that of a glaive or halberd that consists of a heavy, curved blade attached to the top of a staff. The heaviest versions of this weapon demand considerable strength from its wielder to utilize effectively.

History

During the Ming dynasty, certain soldiers of the imperial Chinese military were trained in the art of the guandao. The sheer weight of the glaive did not hinder the combat capabilities of these poleaxe guards, who were adept at launching swift strikes with the heavy weapon.

In the early 18th century, the Chinese Assassin Liu Qing wielded a guandao as his signature weapon. The guandao complemented Liu Qing's imposing size and strength, allowing him to easily shatter most enemies' defenses, as seen when he broke Shimazu Saito's naginata in half. By spinning his guandao rapidly, the Assassin could even deflect bullets.

Trivia

• In Chinese, the Guandao is properly called the yǎnyuèdāo (偃月刀, lit. "reclining moon blade") or crescent blade. Its popular name of guāndāo (關刀, lit. "Guān-blade") is derived from the name of the legendary Shǔ​ general of the Three Kingdoms period Guān​ Yǔ, whose iconic weapon was a yǎnyuèdāo named Green Dragon Crescent Blade (青龍偃月刀, Qīnglóng yǎnyuèdāo).

Gallery

• 
  A Ming dynasty Poleaxe Guard armed with a guandao
• 
  Liu Qing with his guandao

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China (first appearance)
• Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple