Whip and gross are two synonyms of the word, “flail.” The word is most likely Old English that originated before the 12th century. Then in the 15th century the word gained a more active meaning–to strike with as if wielding a flail. An old legend that has been passed down through the years tells of the discovery of this versatile tool and weapon.
One of our earliest ancestors by the name of Aunine, a boy, not yet grown was sent on a errand by his widowed Mother to find food for his family. He had two sisters and a younger sickly brother. His father was killed in an accident involving his tribe’s attempt to kill a large moose for food.
Aunine’s father, Ashwon, was stationed at the front of the hunting party and was to attempt to strike the large animal with a spear in order to cripple it and make it easier for the others to kill. Ashwon flailed the spear at the charging bull, but the mighty animal just kept charging; the poor man fell and was trampled to death. The next hunter in line for the kill was Pauha, the tribal chief’s son. The angry moose killed him and the other hunters ran for their lives.
Shonse, the clan chieftain, blamed Ashwon for the death of his son. He had no other sons, and was aged and very resentful of his fate. In a fit of anger he banned Ahwon’s family from the tribe. Aunine, his mother, two sisters and his brother who could barely walk were forced to leave the village and find a cave away from the safety of the tribe.
For months they struggled to survive; Aunine was capable of killing smaller animals for food, but he had not yet reached the age to have been on a large animal hunt with the other men of the tribe. Winter was coming on and they needed provisions for the long cold that would soon ensue.
While hunting, Aunine heard a fearful growl behind him. He quickly sought the nearest tree in order to determine the danger that was near. He saw a large bear running toward him. He realized that the tree would offer no safety, so he was able to jump from the tree to a large boulder. But the bear kept coming at a pace that Aunine could not believe possible for such a large creature. When the bear reached the crevice of the rock, Aunine knew that he must do something. With trembling hands he located a stone that had sharp points on its surface; he tied the stone to his wood hunting knife with leather from his foot coverings. Then the bear was on him; he felt its claws in his stomach; its fowl breath was in his face. He knew it was over for him just as it had been for his father. He took his one chance and brought the crudely made weapon to the bear’s head. The bear screamed and blood covered Aunine’s whole body, but the animal had stopped its attack. Aunine suddenly realized that he was safe. He had won; the bear was dead. The banished family had also won; they had more than enough food and clothing for the winter. Aunine had discovered an implement that would serve him in battle, hunting, fishing and threshing. The flail was born.