Archive for the 'Medieval' Category
When most people think of the Renaissance, they contemplate the reemergence of the arts, literature and intellectual pursuits. And while these elements were certainly at the core of the Renaissance, war was still commonplace. To that end, a variety of armor and weaponry emerged during this era.
Although all of these innovations are now antiquated, they still can serve as unique décor items. A helmet or suit of armor is the perfect accent piece for a den or home library. Simple pieces, such as a Renaissance dagger our doublet, can be placed upon a mantle or as an accent piece on a coffee table.
Was Robin Hood simply a legend that was imagined and inspired by a class who was so suppressed in the Medieval times that they brought to life a “Santa Claus” to give them a small ray of hope or was there such a person who stole from the rich to give to the poor? History gives very little solid information to support the notion that Robin Hood really lived. However, in the literature of this age, there is much written about this inspiring figure. One of the first references was from a religious allegory, written by William Langdon. Here is the reference:
“Quoting the character, Sloth: “I kan noght parfitly my Paternoster as the preest it syngeth, But I kan rymes of Robyn hood and Randolf Erl of Chestre.” which J. C. Holt, in his 1989 revision of Robin Hood, translates as, “I do not know my paternoster perfectly as the priest sings it, But I know rhymes of Robin Hood and Randolph, earl of Chester.” As can be readily determined “Sloth” is one of the deadly sins. This was his confession to the priest and obviously knowing the rhymes of Robin Hood was considered a “slothful” use of time.
Another relevant reference to the name, “Robin Hood”, is from court records and reads as follows:
“The earliest contender is one Robert Hod, described as a fugitive, who is mentioned in the York assizes record of 1226: his goods were being confiscated because he owed money to St. Peter’s of York (Owen, 1936). The debt is not unlike that of Sir Richard in the Gest and certainly consistent with the fierce hostility toward abbeys and rich churchmen through the whole myth. A slightly later reference speaks of William Le Fevre, son of a smith, who was indicted at Reading for larceny in 1261 (Crook, 1984). Nothing very surprising about that, except that in the following year there is another reference to him, and now he is called William Robehod, as if that surname has become appropriate to his condition as a fugitive from justice. ”
If you are interested in pursuing the literary references for Robin Hood. The following is an excellent resource:
http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/rh/rhhome.htm
Whether Robin Hood truly existed is not relevant, because the legend was a significant symbol in Medieval Europe, and still applies in our modern day. It is a story of a struggle between ordinary men against powerful and often evil forces in society. It also relates a story of a band of common men who attempted to assist the unfortunate around them. These circumstances still apply today.
If Robin Hood was a real character, there are several facts that can be determined about him. He lived in Medieval times when the Pope encouraged all men to accept the Crusader cross and travel to the Middle East to free the Holy Land from its Moslem captors. The myth of Robin Hood is tied to the reign of Richard I who was called “the Lionheart.” Richard did in fact accept the cross and transported a large force to recapture Jerusalem. Legend relates that Robin attempted to save the absent crusading king’s crown from his ruthless brother, John Lackland. History does support the information that John was not a very efficient ruler or neither was he adept at war as was his older brother, Richard. John’s Mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, did not intially think very much of her youngest son. She left him in the hands of his father, Henry II and spent most of her time in Aquitaine with her favorite son, Richard.
Robin Hood was known as an expert with the Long Bow. Lore suggests that he could send an arrow a mile with his Long Bow This popular Medieval weapon was constructed from the ewe tree. If he carried a battle sword, it was likely what is now called a Crusader sword. He probably did carry a dagger, because this weapon was small and more readily available to his class. He probably wore a jerkin (shirt) either of leather or rough cotton. Also, an axe was in his arsenal of weapons, because the tool could also be used to clear land as well as being employed for protection. If he needed protection from the sword of an enemy he carried a buckler (a small round shield). For head protection he wore a battle helmet that was flat on top and covered his face.
In fact, it is also historical fact that King Richard on his return from the Holy Land did visit Sherwood Forest where Robin and his merry men were said to reside. It is not known that he visited the forest to find Robin Hood and thank him for his efforts on his behalf. This is only reported in legend. But the story is told in poetry or a song from a traveling minstrel:
” King Richard hearing of the pranks
Of Robin and his men,
He much admir’d and more desir’d
To see him and them.
Then with a dozen of his lords,
To Nottingham he rode:
When he came there, he made good cheer
And took up his abode.”
I for one am a believer in the existence of Robin Hood. It is a great story and who doesn’t love a good story?
Also referred to as a parrying dagger, main gauche swords were used in juxtaposition with traditional rapiers during the late Middle Ages. The main gauche, which is French for left hand, was used to deflect incoming attacks while the rapier was utilized for offense. If the opportunity presented itself, the main gauche could also be used for offense, of course.
This combination of weaponry was particularly popular with the Schools of Fence in Renaissance Europe. As the sport of fencing evolved, the use of the offhand weapon fell out of style. Although the main gauche isn’t used in contemporary fencing, it still is a prized item for historical collectors.
From the 5th to the 15th century is Europe, there was a decided departure from the trend of education and development. This era has earned several monikers, including the Middle Ages, Medieval and, due to the decline of education, innovation and the arts, the Dark Ages. During this period, there was an emphasis on brutality and medieval helmets and armor were common attire.
For a time, there was the legitimate concern that reading and writing would become antiquated practices as their importance in popular culture waned. Fortunately, several monks worked to preserve these essential practices and kept them alive during these dark times. Luckily, the Middle Ages were followed by the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment, which imbued society with a new appreciation for intellectual pursuits.
Following is an article by Barbara Walton who owns a bed and breakfast in the Limousin region of France. Medieval enthusiasts will fully appreciate the beautiful landscape as well as the historical castles and landmarks that are prevalent in this region. In addition to viewing the scenery, Barbara offers painting courses conducted in the midst of this magnificent scenery.
“Mysterious Limousin, land of lakes and legends, wild and free. This region is known as ‘Hidden France’ because, though beautiful and steeped in history, it is still relatively undiscovered. Step back in time to enjoy all the ambiance of France, the wine, the food and sunshine, quiet country roads bordered with cowslips and the early purple orchids. You drive along these pretty routes when you follow the Route of Richard the Lionheart linking thirteen castles and five other major historical sites.
- Excellent botanical garden behind Limoges Cathedral
- Museum of Métiers also near the cathedral. A fascinating museum devoted to the crafts.
- Visit the Porcelain Museum at Limoges
- Cassinomagus is an important Gallo – Roman site at Chassenon, ten minutes from Videix. They organise fantastic days when people dress up as ancient Gauls or Romans and show crafts, costumes, housing, warefare etc. Not well publicised but not to be missed!
- The town of Pierre-Buffier is about 1 hour away from Les Trois Chenes and has (or had) monestary of 11th century and has 11th century church – Sainte-Croix. It is well worth a visit
- The town of La Rochefoucauld is only thirty minutes away. It is dominated by a Fairytale Castle complete with moat. Here you can dress up in Medieval costume and parade around the Chateau. The kids love this – but so do the adults.
Take a bit of time to see the very many other wonderful places to see and things to do. After seven years I’m still discovering Limousin!
When I first heard the term “doublet,” it was used in conjunction with Middle Age-era clothing and weaponry. Judging by its name, I assumed that with was some sort of double-edged sword or dagger, which is hardly the case. A doublet is actually a type tight jacket popular in Europe during the mid-17th century.
Originally, the jacket was used as an undergarment to prevent chafing and bruising. As the doublet garnered popularity, the designs became more elaborate until it became common for the doublet to be donned as an outer garment. Although the doublet has long gone out of style, there is a similar jacket, known as a sherwani, that it worn in present day India.
During college, I lived a bit of a double life. There was the side that everyone saw – the friend who went out to bars on weekends and played pick-up games of basketball a few times a week. But then there was the gaming side. I would spend hours at a time playing videogames. You could name any role-playing game from the last five years on any platform, and I’ve probably played it and beat it.
Recently I’ve decided not to hide my passion for fantasy games any longer and frequented sword and armor sale events online and in person. I outfitted my apartment with tons of fantasy paraphernalia, including posters, figurines, and replica swords. My friends sometimes jokingly refer to me as the Dungeonmaster, but I couldn’t be more proud of the way the decorations turned out. Most guys my age lack any semblance of design sense, so who are they to judge?
An early Crusader who had just arrived in the Holy Land viewed a band of Saracens from a distance. He was so impressed with the curved sword that they wielded that he attempted to locate his own. Naturally the Saracens were not anxious to trade with the enemy, so he was forced to use his own straight blade crusader sword. The image that the Crusader saw is the picture that the western world still holds of the Islamic warrior—a turbaned soldier with a curved blade sword.
However straight bladed swords were also used by Islam during the Crusades. The stereo-type exists, because the Prophet Mohammed likely carried a curved weapon. There are relics which are preserved in the armory of the Sultans in the Topkai Palace in Istanbul that substantiate that he possessed a Scimitar. There are two swords that are associated with Mohammed at the armory. One of the swords is a narrow blade and is slightly curved. The hilt and scabbard of the weapon are embellished with precious stones and gold. The period that he utilized the blade would have been 560-632.
We have written about western swords with names in this blog. Islamic warrior’s swords also had names. The famous sword mentioned above was ‘Dhu’l Faqar’. Mohammed wielded this weapon at the battle of Badr in 624. Legend recounts that the sword was cloven in two near its point, and this is how it has been depicted ever since. It was bequeated to Ali, son-in-law to Mohammed. He served as Caliph from 656 to 661.
The Scimitar as well as being a beautifully formed sword, it also is very balanced and easy to handle. Collectors and reenactors appreciate the sword. Also it is so easy to wield that it is also used today in exotic belly-dancing.
Swords, with their long sharp blades and sturdy handles unfailingly bring to mind swash-buckling, dragon-slaying knights either in flouncy costumes or in shiny armor. More often than not, these men are princes or noblemen out to save their kingdom or rescue some damsel in distress. Swords also remind us of medieval times with their action-packed, crisscrossing swordfights, of flying, all-in-black ninjas, and of fencing fights. Unquestionably, these well-built weapons are impressive and remarkable that is why a number of people revel in collecting them.
Sword buffs will be ecstatic over the rich selection of swords in online stores. There are scores of handsome swords for the taking, which they can purchase and add to their precious sword displays. Browsing and selecting are bound to be hassle-free and satisfying because the items are sorted accordingly. A few of those categories are Samurai and Katana Swords, Sword Sets, Fantasy Swords, the Side Sword, Sword Canes, and Movie Swords.
Every year I am left at a loss as to what to be for Halloween; if you go with a stereotypical costume you simply blend into the crowd, and if you getup is too far-out, you may ostracize yourself. One of the happy middle grounds is to take a run-of-the-mill costume to the next level, which is exactly what I decided to do last year.
I have a certain affinity for the medieval period—The Sword in the Stone is one of my favorite films—so I decided to go as a knight. Naturally I pulled out all of the stops—from a heavy sword and shield to wearable armor. The costume had just the effect I was looking for; it garnered compliments without being too extravagant.