The most common defense tool in use today is the battle shield. It shielded a fighter from the assaults of his adversaries and could be used to deflect spears and other projectiles. Chris Evans used one of the best Captain America shields as the title character in Captain America (1991).

Some well-known series that demonstrate the mastery of swords and shields include Vikings (2013), Black Death (2010), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), King Arthur (2004), Robin Hood (2010), Tristan & Isolde (2006), Braveheart (1995), Richard The Lionheart (2013), Flesh+Blood (1985), and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,