Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In fictional media crossbows are often portrayed as immensively powerful one-shot wonders that punch straight through plate armor with ease. Reality isn't quite that epic.
Compared to the threat of longbow archers, crossbowmen may seem a little underwhelming on the battlefield in a number of ways. They do however have a few significant advantages that make it worthwhile after all. So let's have a chat about what the pros and cons are.
*** Sources / credits ***
Tod of Tods Stuff shoots a Roman Arcuballista
youtube.com/watch?v=0RIPKMZbDZU
Dash Rendar draws a 155 lb longbow
youtube.com/shorts/1X8WxFbKOJI
Medieval Chinese Cavalry Crossbow by Historical Archery
youtube.com/watch?v=EqXTSTToiYM
https://wallacelive.wallacecollection.org:443/eMP/eMuseumPlus?service=ExternalInterface&module=collection&objectId=61548&viewType=detailView
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/23336
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Balestriere1.jpg
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/27251
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/23333
atarn.org/chinese/rept_xbow.htm
*** Merch ***
bonfire.com/store/skallswag
If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804
*** Support the channel ***
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
Books about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend:
US - amazon.com/shop/skallagrimnilsson
Canada - amzn.to/2HeOCMA
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
#skallagrim #history #crossbows #longbow #archery #medieval
In fictional media crossbows are often portrayed as immensively powerful one-shot wonders that punch straight through plate armor with ease. Reality isn't quite that epic.
Compared to the threat of longbow archers, crossbowmen may seem a little underwhelming on the battlefield in a number of ways. They do however have a few significant advantages that make it worthwhile after all. So let's have a chat about what the pros and cons are.
*** Sources / credits ***
Tod of Tods Stuff shoots a Roman Arcuballista
youtube.com/watch?v=0RIPKMZbDZU
Dash Rendar draws a 155 lb longbow
youtube.com/shorts/1X8WxFbKOJI
Medieval Chinese Cavalry Crossbow by Historical Archery
youtube.com/watch?v=EqXTSTToiYM
https://wallacelive.wallacecollection.org:443/eMP/eMuseumPlus?service=ExternalInterface&module=collection&objectId=61548&viewType=detailView
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/23336
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Balestriere1.jpg
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/27251
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/23333
atarn.org/chinese/rept_xbow.htm
*** Merch ***
bonfire.com/store/skallswag
If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804
*** Support the channel ***
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
Books about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend:
US - amazon.com/shop/skallagrimnilsson
Canada - amzn.to/2HeOCMA
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
#skallagrim #history #crossbows #longbow #archery #medieval
