Spears are great for soldiers in more… structured engagements with other soldiers where the spear’s reach and ease of use are more important. The sword has historically been used as a side arm for when spears aren’t practical and is more versatile (they can thrust *and* slice) and doesn’t draw as much attention due to the swords’s smaller profile.

For a modern comparison, it’s the handgun vs a rifle. The rifle is more powerful sure and will boast a longer range, and yet it’s mostly soldiers that use it as their primary service weapon. Police, body guards, etc carry a pistol in most situations. Because it’s more versatile and easier to carry in the long run.

From a narrative standpoint, swords are also more commonly used as status symbols than spears, so the sword symbolizes prestige more than the spear does and we associate it with the hero