This essay looks at the connection between the design and techniques of longswords. The longsword is perhaps the most iconic weapon of the late medieval and early modern period. However, there are few academic studies on how longswords were used. As well as the use of longswords in general the essay seeks to understand how certain characteristics like blade design or decor can offer clues to how specific swords may have been used. To find out how this kind of weapon was used 10 longswords from northern and central Europe was analysed in terms of design. As well as the longswords four historical fencing manuals from the holy roman empire were studied. The source material was chosen to reflect my own experience whit Germanic medieval/renaissance fencing. Combining study of artifacts and written sources gives this essay the opportunity to explore the several attributes pertaining to the use longswords. As well as examining the books and swords several of the techniques in the manuals have been tested by me and Fencers of Wisby historiska fäktskola.  The study of the source material as well as the tests of the techniques reveal the construction of a sword had an impact on how it can be used. Certain design like the shape of the blade, crossguard and pommel change what techniques are more effective with a particular type of longsword. The early longwords for example seem to have had an emphasis on cutting whilst the later swords became more adapted for thrusting to combat armour. Some of the examined longswords appear to be ornamental and not intended for combat. The more ornamental longswords could however possibly have functioned as a weapon and a symbol at the same time. Sometimes the symbolism is emphasised but even in those cases the swords could often have been used as a weapon if desired or needed.

L'histoire vivante est une manière de présenter le passé, qui peut se décliner en fonction d'époques variées ; celle qui est prise en compte dans cette recherche concerne la période médiévale. La pratique s'expose à travers deux activités distinctes mais complémentaires : la reconstitution historique et les Arts martiaux historiques européens, couramment nommés AMHE. L'étude menée répond à un travail de terrain interdisciplinaire, mêlant des approches ethnologiques et sociologiques. Les données recueillies proviennent d'observations participantes, mises en place lors de différents événements, d'entretiens (semi-directifs ou directifs) auprès de divers informateurs et, enfin, de deux séries de questionnaires. C'est une méthodologie aussi bien qualitative que quantitative qui a été utilisée, afin de permettre une compréhension globale de l'objet d'étude.La problématique retenue, en fonction d'une dialectique constante entre le terrain et la théorie, questionne les modalités d'expressions d'une pratique culturelle génératrice d'identités. Plusieurs axes ont ainsi pu être dégagés. C'est d'abord sous l'angle de la diffusion des connaissances (actions culturelles, rapport au patrimoine, liens entretenus avec la mémoire et principe de transmission) que l'histoire vivante est abordée. Ensuite, la recherche porte sur les éléments de définition associés à la démarche, entre activité de loisir et professionnalisation. Les thématiques présentées renvoient autant au fait associatif qu'au développement technique, en passant par les enjeux touristiques et les ambivalences relatives au concept de fête. Enfin, le dernier point évoque la pratique sociale, créatrice de liens entre les participants. Du profil sociologique des enquêtés au principe de communauté, les investigations réalisées invitent à appréhender les normes et valeurs spécifiques à ce type d'activités. L'un des principaux enjeux consiste à afficher les mécanismes relatifs à la délimitation identitaire d'un groupe particulier : c'est en fonction du rapport à l'altérité et des normes véhiculées par un ensemble précis que le lien social se maintient ou se délie. La faible reconnaissance dont dispose l'histoire vivante favorise ainsi une approche en termes de jeu identitaire, fécond pour l'analyse globale d'une démarche contemporaine en expansion. / Living history is a way to investigate the past which differs according to the time period under consideration. The one which is considered in this work is the Middle-Ages. Two distinct but complementary activities are introduced : historical reenactment and HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). The study uses a cross-disciplinary method, with ethnological and sociological elements. The fieldwork presents participant observation, interviews and questionnaires in a qualitative and quantitative approach.My working hypothesis consists in questioning cultural activity as a means to build up identity. Three points can be developed : the first one displays dissemination of knowledges (cultural modalities, heritage, memory and transmission) related to living history. Then, the research focuses on the link between spare time and occupation. Life organization, expansion of professionalism, tourism and the concept of fair are investigated. The last point refers to the social dimension that creates links among participants. This way, the work presents the sociological profile of the actors, the notion of community, that of the representation of activities which leads to specifics norms and rules. The goal is to understand identity demarcations of a particular group. The connection between alterity, norms and rules allows or releases the social link. The limited recognition of living history conduces to approaches concerning games of identity, fruitful for the analysis of a contemporary practice, which is actually growing in France.