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The billhook, often referred to simply as a "bill," is a traditional weapon that originated in medieval Europe, primarily used by infantry soldiers. It evolved from an agricultural tool used for pruning and cutting branches. Here's an overview of its use in warfare:Design and FeaturesBlade Shape: The billhook has a distinctive curved blade with a hook at the end. This design allowed it to be effective in both slashing and hooking motions.Pole: It was mounted on a long wooden pole, typically 5 to 8 feet in length, giving it the reach needed for battlefield combat.Additional Features: Some bills included extra spikes or cutting edges, enhancing their versatility in combat.Historical ContextOrigins: The billhook's use in agriculture dates back to antiquity, but its adaptation as a weapon occurred in medieval Europe, especially in England.Infantry Weapon: It was primarily used by foot soldiers, known as billmen in England. These soldiers were often part of the militia or levies, rather than professional soldiers.Tactical UseVersatility: The billhook was effective against both infantry and cavalry. Its design allowed soldiers to pull riders off horses, cut through armor, and engage in close combat.Formation Fighting: Billmen often fought in tight formations, using the long reach of their weapons to create a defensive line that was difficult for cavalry to penetrate.Anti-Armour Capability: The curved blade and hook could penetrate or bypass armour, making it useful against heavily armoured opponents.Famous EngagementsWars of the Roses: The billhook was notably used during the Wars of the Roses in England (1455-1487), where it proved effective in the brutal hand-to-hand combat that characterised many battles of the period.Battle of Flodden: In 1513, during the Battle of Flodden, English billmen played a significant role in defeating the Scottish forces.
DeclineAdvancements in Firearms: With the advent of gunpowder weapons and changes in military tactics, the billhook gradually became obsolete as a frontline weapon.
Continued Use in Agriculture: Despite its decline in warfare, the billhook continued to be used as an agricultural tool, which is a testament to its practical design and utility.
In summary, the billhook was a versatile and effective weapon for medieval infantry, adapted from a common agricultural tool. Its design made it suitable for various combat scenarios, contributing to its widespread use in European warfare before the rise of firearms.
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The "Broken Back Seax" is a type of knife or dagger that was characteristic of the Anglo-Saxons, the Germanic inhabitants of England from the 5th century AD until the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name "seax" itself refers to a type of single-edged knife that was commonly used among the Germanic peoples during this time period.
The term "broken back" refers to the shape of the blade. A Broken Back Seax typically has a straight cutting edge for the majority of the blade's length, but towards the tip, the spine of the blade abruptly angles downward, creating a distinctive break in the profile of the blade. This design feature is thought to have provided additional strength to the tip of the blade, making it more effective for thrusting and stabbing motions.
Broken Back Seaxes were versatile tools and weapons, used for various tasks including cutting, slicing, and stabbing. They were often carried by Anglo-Saxon warriors as a sidearm in addition to their primary weapons such as swords or spears. These knives were also frequently used for everyday tasks such as hunting, woodworking, and food preparation.
The Broken Back Seax is an iconic symbol of the Anglo-Saxon period and has been found in archaeological excavations throughout England and other parts of Europe where the Anglo-Saxons had influence.
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In Anglo-Saxon England, hide tanning was a significant craft. Hides were processed to create leather, which served various purposes, including clothing, footwear, armor, and household items. Here are some true facts about hide tanning in Anglo-Saxon England:
Importance of Leather: Leather was a crucial material in Anglo-Saxon society, used for a wide range of products due to its durability and versatility. It played a vital role in daily life, from clothing to tools to housing.
Tanning Methods: Anglo-Saxons used several methods to tan hides, including vegetable tanning and brain tanning. Vegetable tanning involved the use of tannins from plant sources such as oak bark, while brain tanning utilised animal brains to soften and preserve the hides.
Craftsmanship: Hide tanning was a skilled craft, often performed by specialised craftsmen known as tanners or leatherworkers. These artisans had extensive knowledge of the tanning process and techniques for achieving different qualities of leather.
Tanning Locations: Tanning was typically carried out in specialised workshops or areas within Anglo-Saxon settlements. These locations were equipped with tools and facilities necessary for the tanning process, such as vats for soaking hides and stretching frames for drying.
Economic Significance: Leather working was an economically significant trade in Anglo-Saxon England. Tanners produced leather goods not only for local consumption but also for trade with neighbouring communities and beyond, contributing to the region's economy.
Social Status: Leather working was a respected craft, tanners were not typically among the highest social classes in Anglo-Saxon society. However, skilled artisans could still achieve a level of prosperity and respect within their communities.
Archaeological Evidence: Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of hide tanning in Anglo-Saxon settlements, including tanning pits, tools, and residues associated with the tanning process. These findings provide insights into the techniques and practices employed by Anglo-Saxon leatherworkers.
Overall, hide tanning was a vital craft in Anglo-Saxon England, supporting various aspects of daily life and contributing to the region's economy and material culture.
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Anglo-Saxon folklore is rich with tales of supernatural beings and shape-shifting entities, though werewolves specifically were not as prominent as in other European cultures.
Instead, there was a focus on various mythical creatures, spirits, and magical beings. The Anglo-Saxons believed in shape-shifters and creatures capable of transforming into animals or other forms.
Witches and sorcerers were said to possess the ability to change shape, reflecting a belief in the supernatural and the mysterious forces of the world.
While werewolf legends may not feature prominently in Anglo-Saxon folklore, the broader themes of transformation and the existence of monstrous beings are present in their stories and beliefs.
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The Anglo-Saxon spear was a crucial weapon in the arsenal of the Anglo-Saxon warriors during the early medieval period, particularly in England from the 5th to the 11th centuries. It was one of the primary weapons used by infantry soldiers, alongside swords, axes, and shields.
Key features of the Anglo-Saxon spear included:
Design: The spear typically consisted of a wooden shaft, often around 6 to 9 feet in length, with a spearhead attached at one end. The spearhead could be made of iron or steel and was usually around 8 to 12 inches long. It could have a variety of shapes, including leaf-shaped, diamond-shaped, or socketed.
Versatility: The spear was a versatile weapon, effective both in thrusting and throwing. In close combat, warriors would use the spear to thrust at opponents, aiming to penetrate armor or injure vital organs. At longer ranges, they could throw the spear at their enemies, either to disrupt enemy formations or to kill or injure opponents.
Tactics: Anglo-Saxon warfare often involved shield walls, where soldiers would stand shoulder to shoulder with their shields raised, creating a defensive barrier. Spears were ideal weapons for use behind these shield walls, allowing warriors to thrust over or through the shields to attack enemy soldiers.
Symbolism: Spears held significant cultural and symbolic importance in Anglo-Saxon society. They were often adorned with intricate designs or symbols, and their ownership and use could convey social status and prowess in battle.
Evolution: Over time, the design and use of the spear evolved alongside changes in warfare and technology. As armor improved, spearheads became more specialized to penetrate armor, and shafts might have been reinforced for greater durability. Additionally, the introduction of cavalry and changes in battlefield tactics influenced how spears were used in combat.
Overall, the Anglo-Saxon spear played a crucial role in early medieval warfare, serving as a versatile and effective weapon for infantry soldiers in England and beyond.
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England was one of the wealthiest kingdoms in Europe. This was due to successful farming and trade in the towns and villages. The king, his earls and Heathenry all profited from this through taxes.
The Anglo-Saxon community in England was basically a rural one. Most people depended on the land for survival. At the top of the social system was the royal house. This consisted of the king and aethelings who claimed a common ancestry with the king.
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The werewolf is a creature of folklore and legend commonly referred to as a ‘man-wolf’ or ‘wolf-man’. Medieval superstition describes them as individuals transformed, or who can transform at will, into a wolf. In France the creature is called a loup-garou.
In Anglo Saxon Folklore Werewolves were either protectors or villians, but this story breaches the gap between Humans and the Werewolf.
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This episode is about Anglo Saxon Martial Arts.
The Shield Wall: A Formation of Resilience
The shield wall strategy stood as an emblem of Anglo-Saxon martial prowess. Warriors, united in purpose and armed with shields, formed an unyielding barrier against enemy assaults. The cohesion, discipline, and unbreakable spirit exhibited in the shield wall not only thwarted adversaries but also showcased the strength of their societal bonds.
B. Naval Warfare: Navigating the Waters of Battle
Anglo-Saxon martial arts extended beyond the shores to the realm of naval warfare. The technique of battle-boarding, involving the use of hooks to immobilize enemy vessels, underscored their resourcefulness and adaptability in confronting diverse challenges.
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2 Beowulf, ll. (739-45)
The text reads:
“Nor did the creature keep him waiting / but strucked suddenly and started in; / he grabbed and mauled a man on his bench, / bit into his bone-lappings, bolted down his blood / and gorged on him in lumps, leaving the body / utterly lifeless, eaten up / hand and foot.”
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The history of witchcraft is complex, and often raises more questions than it answers. Where did witches come from? And did they always arrive on broomsticks?
Among the most common uses for magic was for healing. Lacking any kind of organized medical care system, they pieced together charms and poultices to take care of the common health problems. But they also used charms to protect, both themselves and their belongings. Chief amongst their property was cattle. The Anglo-Saxon word for "cattle" (feoh) is the same as the word for "wealth" which shows how important cattle were. Charms also came in handy to enhance good luck and increase one's bounty.
By far, the largest group of charms are those which deal with healing. There were several steps involved in conjuring a successful charm. First it was necessary to figure out who the culprit was behind the illness or injury. One of the best ways to determine the creature causing the harm was to catalogue the symptoms that the patient suffered. Once the cause was identified, one would have to go out and gather the necessary materials, which could take anywhere from hours to days (and even months!). Once everything was prepared, the conjuror had to carefully recite the charm—pronunciation counts.
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Archaeological sites such as Sutton Hoo have given us an insight to the historical information of the Anglo-Saxon period. Sutton Hoo is the site of two 6th and 7th century cemeteries near Woodbridge, Suffolk. It first began to be excavated in 1939, and was found to contain many Anglo-Saxon wonders, including an undisturbed ship burial. This site, among others, has given us an interesting insight into the life of Anglo-Saxon people, their customs, and of course their jewellery.
Anglo Saxon jewellery had motifs and themes so strong and unique that jewellery is still crafted in the same styles today. As we already know, the custom of wearing jewellery originates far back in history. The ancient Egyptians and Romans, both adorned themselves in rich bejewelled ornamentation, and the Anglo Saxons were no different. Comprising of many Germanic tribes, the Anglo Saxons inhabited Britain from the 5th century. Their customs, designs, and jewellery took inspiration both from their Roman predecessors and from Germanic art.
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Monsters abound in Anglo-Saxon literature. One type of monster that shows up again and again is the cannibal. Heroes such as Beowulf and Andreas face humanoid monsters that threaten to literally consume their victims. This Monster is based on Grendel.
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English in the Byzantine Armed Forces: The Varangian Guard and Anglo-Saxon Ethnic Consciousness
One of the most interesting episodes in Byzantine military history and in medieval English history is the Anglo-Saxon participation and service in the Varangian Guards regiment from the late 11th to the early 13th century. Byzantine army became increasingly dependent upon mercenary forces.
into service of the Byzantine Emperor were Anglo-Saxons, who eventually made up the main component of the traditional foreign mercenary force that guarded the person of the Emperor.
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In the days of King Alfred the Great, when the moon was full and its pale light bathed the land in an eerie glow, a terror stalked the kingdom of Wessex. The people whispered tales of bloodthirsty creatures, half-human and half-beast, that roamed the countryside under the curse of the werewolf. As the legend grew, fear gripped the hearts of villagers, and they dreaded the coming of the full moon.
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n the annals of history, the swords of the Anglo-Saxons stand as both artifacts of exquisite craftsmanship and vessels of profound symbolism. These blades, hailing from a time when metallurgy was an art form and weaponry held cultural significance, offer a gateway into the values, warfare techniques, and societal norms of the early Germanic tribes that inhabited England from the 5th to the 11th century. This exploration delves deep into the world of Anglo-Saxon swords, unearthing their typologies, construction techniques, and the roles they played in shaping the destiny of a people.
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Medieval Mallorca1346Jaume Ferrer, Mallorcan navigator set sail on 10th August to sail along the coast of Africa to Senegal and, perhaps, even to Niger. His journey is depicted in the Catalan Atlas.
1348 Palma was devastated by one of the most virulent of all strains of the Black Death that erupted during the Middle Ages and there were more than 5,000 deaths in the town.1375The Catalan Atlas, one of the masterpieces of the Mallorcan School of Cartography1391The widening gap between the rich and the poor and the introduction of higher taxes brought dissatisfaction and the Jews who controlled a large share of the financial dealings in the town were blamed. On 2nd August, the Call - a road between Santa Eulària, the Temple and the Santa Clara Convent was attacked and set on fire. More than 300 Jews died.1403The Riera, the torrent that ran through the centre of Palma, along the site of the present day La Rambla and the Born was a constant threat to the city and periodic floods caused serious damage. In this, the worst flood on record, more than 5,000 people died and 1500 houses were destroyed after two days of torrential rain.1429 Clement VIII the last antipope, appointed Bishop of Mallorca. Persecution of the Jews.1450A revolt spread throughout the Island, the poor beyond the city blaming the rich townsfolk for their woes. There was an armed revolt and the city was surrounded; food and water supplies were cut. It was on the point of surrendering when Alfons V of Aragon despatched troops to deal with the rebellion. Reprisals were harsh and reverberated throughout the Island.1493There was a further outbreak of plague, which was known as Borg's plague or Pesta d'en Boga, as it was attributed to a sailor named Boga. -
The Anglo-Saxons believed in supernatural creatures such as Elves and Dwarves and giants ("Etins") who often brought harm to men. It is likely that they believed in Wyrd (German "werden"), usually translated as "fate," although the modern term fate does little justice to the true meaning of Wyrd.
Being a Germanic people, the Anglo-Saxons worshiped the same gods as the Norse and other Germanic peoples. The names are slightly different due to the differences in language among the Germanic peoples. For example, Thunor of the Anglo-Saxons was the same god as Thor of the Norse and Donar of the Germans. Likewise,Woden of the Anglo-Saxons is the same as Odin among the Norse and Wotan of the Germans.
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Eadric Streona, (“The Acquisitor”) Eadric also spelled Edric, (died 1017), ealdorman of the Mercians, who, though a man of ignoble birth, was advanced to the revived office of ealdorman by the English king Ethelred II whose daughter Eadgyth Eadric married.
Little is known of Eadric’s origins. His appointment to the office of ealdorman in 1007 was probably an attempt by Ethelred to unite south-central England under one command. He is generally considered an arch traitor in the struggle between the English and the Danes for Soverignty over England. Although there are several records of his minor betrayals and instances of bad Counsel, Eadric committed his most Conspicuous act of treachery in 1015, when he sided with Canute against Edmund Ironside as Ethelred, Edmund’s father, lay dying. When at length peace was made, Canute restored to Eadric the earldom of Mercia; but at Christmas 1017, fearing further treachery, Canute had him slain.
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Hel and her kingdom
In Germanic mythology, Hel is a figure associated with the realm of the dead, also known as Helheim. Hel is the daughter of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboda. She is described as having a half-living, half-dead appearance, with one side of her body appearing normal and the other side being decaying or skeletal.
Helheim, or "Hel's realm," is one of the nine realms in Germanic mythology and is often depicted as an underworld or afterlife realm. It is a cold and desolate place where those who die of old age or illness are said to go. It is ruled over by Hel, who governs the realm and determines the fate of the deceased.
According to Germanic mythology, those who died honorably in battle were taken to Valhalla, a majestic hall in Asgard ruled by Woden. Meanwhile, those who died dishonorably or in a less glorious manner were sent to Helheim. It is important to note that Helheim is distinct from the Christian concept of Hell, as it is not a place of punishment for sinners but rather a neutral realm for the deceased.
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I realise tat Loki isnt part of the Anglo Saxon Pantheon, but I felt is is only right to remember him when we can. The Fenris wolf is also a good subject to talk about, as ihe is one of the most destructive beings in the cosmos, and can bring about chaos.
The world tree, Yggdrasil is also an important part of Germanic mythology and goes through more than just Germanic Myths, It has also been compared to the the apple tree in the garden of Eden.
I hope you enjoy this episode.
- Vis mere
