Medieval Weapons

The Excalibur sword is a cornerstone of Middle Age lore, but few people know the true story behind the blade. Sure, we’ve seen “Wart” pull the sword from the stone in the classic Disney cartoon, but what’s the real legend behind the quasi-mythical blade? In fact, some people debate if the Sword in the Stone and Excalibur are even the same weapon.

According to legend, Excalibur is the blade that King Arthur used in battle. And in some legends, the sword wields magical powers. There are dozens of versions and variations of the tale; you are basically left to your own devices to cater the story in whatever way you please. Personally, I prefer the grandiose version, where Arthur pulls mighty Excalibur from the stone, leading to his staunch defense against the Saxon forces.

When many of us think of Roman gladiators, we immediately revert to the glorified role these figures play in Hollywood movies. The truth of the matter, however, is that the life of a gladiator was not as glamorous as the films depict, and most of the warriors met an early death. In a recent NPR podcast there was a story highlighting a new archeological discovery: a massive burial site for Roman gladiators in Northern England. (Gladiators used to go on tour).

Although they can’t be certain the burial site was exclusively for Rancient roman swordsoman gladiators, several signs seem point to that conclusion. One arm on each of the skeletons had much more muscle than the other, which is probably due to the constant swinging and training with ancient Roman swords. There is evidence of a lion or tiger bite on one of the soldiers, both of which are foreign to the area and were used in gladiator battles. Finally, a hammer had damaged many of the skulls, a tactic used to disorient the gladiators.

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.

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.

One of the most storied and legendary civilizations in recorded history is that of ancient Rome. Although it was started as a monarchy, the political structure shifted to an oligarchic republic during its span. During a time when empires rarely lasted for than a few generations, the Roman Empire thrived for over a thousand years in various incarnations.

Although there are a myriad of facets that make up the complexion of the society, the military is one of the most important. While Ancient Roman swords and armor would obviously be rudimentary by today’s standards, they were inline with their contemporaries. Along with Ancient Greece—who had a considerable influence on Rome—the two makeup what is now referred to as the “classical period.”

Imaginations have been stimulated for years by the Arthurian legend—a young boy who removed a beautiful sword from a stone and became a magical king.  Numerous novels and poetry have been penned about this exciting story.  Some of the most well know writings are LeMorte de Arthur, The Once and Future King, and The Idyls of the King.

In the present day many movies have been presented about the legend.  Some of the most recent are First Knight, The Mists of Avalon and perhaps the most well known movie of all, Camelot.  There are many more movies based on this legend spanning back many years.

What is so inspirational about this early myth?  Is it perhaps the belief that there is something bigger and better than our present situation?  Or does the myth continue to inspire because the story is magical for everyone?  The history includes an honorable leader, a beautiful queen, a magical right hand man and a cabinet of fearless knights.

Merlin, Arthur’s advisor, mentor and Vice President coached him so well that he was so advanced that he could pull a magical sword from a heavy stone.  Merlin naturally became King Arthur’s major advisor because the magician made Arthur the King.  As his closest advisor, Merlin was capable of turning anyone who disagreed with his King into a frog or even worse–a slimy snake.  With Excalibur, Merlin and his band of mighty knights or generals, Arthur could defeat any enemy.

Eventually all good things come to an end.  Camelot fell due to corruption from within.  Arthur was defeated and the kingdom disintegrated.  Although Arthur died and the perfect nation was no more,  lore instills the hope that Arthur will someday return. 

I certainly would like to live under Arthur’s leadership.  If I hear of an individual that pulls a sword from a stone,  it would get my attention. I do not think that will ever happen, but if I became aware of any leader who put his nation’s interest above his own political ambitions that act alone will be about as close to Arhur’s leadership as we will ever get.

Like most kids from Generation Y, my conception of medieval and fantasy themes is derived from my video gaming experiences. Growing up there were two distinct sects when it came to the realm of video games; Nintendo kids and Playstation kids. Depending on which side of the divide you fell on, you were probably either a fan of the Zelda series or the Final Fantasy series.

My loyalties were always with Nintendo, and as such I was a devout Zelda fan. I can vividly recall playing the Ocarina of Time video game for the first time and earning the first of the medieval fantasy swords in the game, the Kokiri Sword. While these reminiscences may seem trivial to many, video games are a fond memory for most of Generation Y.

Does your child hate history and think that its study is a waste of time?  Most young children cannot understand the reasoning behind studying something that occurred many years ago.

All children seem to love a particular movie or game that has a historical significance, such as The Lord of the Rings, Excalibur, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, or whatever holds your child’s attention.  My first venture into attempting to teach my child the value of history was the story of King Arthur and his great sword, Excalibur.

Although this is an allegory and a legend that owes its birth to a poet who wrote the story for Eleanor of Aquitaine, an early Queen of England, it certainly has relevance in this day and time.  The magic of an ordinary young boy, Arthur, possessing the power to pull a beautiful jeweled sword from a stone, and in doing so, becoming the King of his country will hold a young child’s attention.

To make the story more entertaining, I bought a replica Excalibur sword.  It was made of a material that was safe for a child.  The name of the maker of this sword type of sword is Denix.  Now latex swords, shields and even helmets are available for purchase.

There are many lessons that a child can take from the story of Camelot.  However, there are some lessons that are too mature for a youngster.  I read to my son selected stories from Sir Thomas Malory’s edition of Le Morte D’Arthur.  There are now many volumes that are directed toward a child.