From Celtic Britain to the golden age of Hollywood, the sword has been a symbol of power, justice and the battle against evil for thousands of years.
In S4C's action-packed history series, Y Cleddyf gyda John Ogwen, the actor John Ogwen follows the story of this magical, deadly weapon which has often turned history into one great heroic adventure.
In the series, John Ogwen leads us on a journey which begins in the Stone Age when men sharpened pieces of flint for hunting. John explains how the sword developed as a weapon of war over centuries, before becoming more of a symbol of power in the modern age.
Producer Mary Simmonds says, "The series explains why the sword has remained a symbol and weapon of great power for thousands of years. As well as tracing the role of the sword in world history, it shows how the sword is central to our identity as Welsh people.
"The roots of the Arthurian legends and the famous sword Excalibur lie in the history of our early ancestors and the sword continues to be at the centre of the National Eisteddfod ceremonies every year."
John Ogwen's journey begins beneath the Great Orme in Llandudno, the location of ancient copper works where the metal was mined for making helmets, shields and swords.
The programme shows how the sword developed as a vital weapon for the Roman Empire and subsequently for the Britons, the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons as they fought for control of British territory.
Two of Hollywood's Welsh stars, Ioan Gruffudd and Matthew Rhys are among those contributing to the series, which recreates battles and legends connected to the sword.
John also has the chance to fight in the style of a Roman Gladiator, while his fellow actors Matthew Rhys and Ioan Gruffudd talk about their love for the weapon.
Mary Simmonds says, "Both Matthew and Ioan had the opportunity to use the sword as part of their tuition as actors in RADA.
"In the programme, Matthew reveals his pride in the connection between the Celts and the sword, while Ioan talks about his role as Lancelot, one of the knights of the Round Table, in the film King Arthur."
© 2010 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales