1200s
Eneit (Eneasroman)
Manuscript Miniatures: SBB MS. Germ. 2º282 Eneit (Eneasroman)
Two images show two-handed sword use with what is likely supposed to be single-handed swords (despite the depiction of very long handles). La Biblia Porta, c. 1225 – 1250, folii 99r, 12v, 102v, 91v, U 964, Bibliothèque cantonale et universitaire de Lausanne
Having brought down a giant by cutting his lower legs, a knight slays him with a two-handed sword blow. Marginal illustration from Add MS 24686, 17r, dated 1284 – 1316. The fully mail-clad knight wears a gilt great helm and has his shield slung on his side, suspended from a guige strap. Thus he can strike the death blow with two hands which is shown frequently in single combat of the period.
Miniature from Jungfrauenspiegel (Virgin's Mirror) of about 1140 (illustration c 1200), Germany, shows two-handed sword use and grappling, shields on the back. It is an allegory, so we have to be cautious regarding the reality of combat. Particularly the caved in helmets have been subject to debate. Early and high medieval helmets and mail are made from iron, not steel. They were softer than in the late Middle Ages. It might not have been impossible to penetrate high medieval armour.
Some more examples of two handed sword use. Berlin, MS. Germ. 2°282, Eneit by Heinrich von Veldeke, fol. 53r (Thuringia, 1210-1220 ) Heidelberg, Cod. Pal. germ. 848 Große Heidelberger Liederhandschrift aka Codex Manesse, fol. 321v (Zürich, 1300 – 1340) St. Gallen, Kantonsbibliothek, World Chronicle of Rudolf von Ems, VadSlg Ms. 302, fol. 109r (Upper Rhine area, 1310) Swiss manuscript from about 1340
Using a onehanded sword with two hands
Using a onehanded sword with two hands -- myArmoury.com
Using a onehanded sword with two hands
Using a onehanded sword with two hands -- myArmoury.com
Eneit (Eneasroman)
A remarkable miniature dating from the first half of the 13th century, showing an armoured horseman with his shield slung on his back, wielding his sword with both hands. This is the earliest representation of two-handed sword use that I am aware of, that is not merely a death-blow but an actual fighting technique. (Gottfried von Straßburg’s ”Tristan & Isolde“, BSB Cgm 51, f. 86v)
1300s
Sword Names
Weltchronik & Marienleben
WLB HB XIII 6 Weltchronik & Marienleben, Folio 149v, 1300-1350. From Lower, Austria. Holding Institution Württembergische Landesbibliothek.
Weltchronik & Marienleben
WLB HB XIII 6 Weltchronik & Marienleben, Folio 149v, 1300-1350. From Lower, Austria. Holding Institution Württembergische Landesbibliothek.
Willehalm-Kodex
Manuscript UBK 2° Ms. poet. et roman. 1 Willehalm-Kodex Folio 011r Dating 1334 From Frankfurt, Germany Holding Institution Universität Kassel
Willehalm-Kodex
Manuscript UBK 2° Ms. poet. et roman. 1 Willehalm-Kodex Folio 012r-1 Dating 1334 From Frankfurt, Germany Holding Institution Universität Kassel
700s
Boulogne-sur-Mer BM MS.20, 700-799, France.
900s
Mitä miekka voi kertoa käyttötavastaan?
Kuinka paljon miekan käyttötavasta voi kertoa pelkän ulkoasun ja käyttäytymisen perusteella? Tämä oli yksi kysymyksistä, jotka alunperin innostivat minua tutkimaan asetaitoja, joiden käytöstä ei ol…
Other Pins
Eneit (Eneasroman)
Manuscript Miniatures: SBB MS. Germ. 2º282 Eneit (Eneasroman)
Two images show two-handed sword use with what is likely supposed to be single-handed swords (despite the depiction of very long handles). La Biblia Porta, c. 1225 – 1250, folii 99r, 12v, 102v, 91v, U 964, Bibliothèque cantonale et universitaire de Lausanne
Boulogne-sur-Mer BM MS.20, 700-799, France.
Mitä miekka voi kertoa käyttötavastaan?
Kuinka paljon miekan käyttötavasta voi kertoa pelkän ulkoasun ja käyttäytymisen perusteella? Tämä oli yksi kysymyksistä, jotka alunperin innostivat minua tutkimaan asetaitoja, joiden käytöstä ei ol…
Sword Names
Having brought down a giant by cutting his lower legs, a knight slays him with a two-handed sword blow. Marginal illustration from Add MS 24686, 17r, dated 1284 – 1316. The fully mail-clad knight wears a gilt great helm and has his shield slung on his side, suspended from a guige strap. Thus he can strike the death blow with two hands which is shown frequently in single combat of the period.
Miniature from Jungfrauenspiegel (Virgin's Mirror) of about 1140 (illustration c 1200), Germany, shows two-handed sword use and grappling, shields on the back. It is an allegory, so we have to be cautious regarding the reality of combat. Particularly the caved in helmets have been subject to debate. Early and high medieval helmets and mail are made from iron, not steel. They were softer than in the late Middle Ages. It might not have been impossible to penetrate high medieval armour.
Some more examples of two handed sword use. Berlin, MS. Germ. 2°282, Eneit by Heinrich von Veldeke, fol. 53r (Thuringia, 1210-1220 ) Heidelberg, Cod. Pal. germ. 848 Große Heidelberger Liederhandschrift aka Codex Manesse, fol. 321v (Zürich, 1300 – 1340) St. Gallen, Kantonsbibliothek, World Chronicle of Rudolf von Ems, VadSlg Ms. 302, fol. 109r (Upper Rhine area, 1310) Swiss manuscript from about 1340
Weltchronik & Marienleben
WLB HB XIII 6 Weltchronik & Marienleben, Folio 149v, 1300-1350. From Lower, Austria. Holding Institution Württembergische Landesbibliothek.
Weltchronik & Marienleben
WLB HB XIII 6 Weltchronik & Marienleben, Folio 149v, 1300-1350. From Lower, Austria. Holding Institution Württembergische Landesbibliothek.
Willehalm-Kodex
Manuscript UBK 2° Ms. poet. et roman. 1 Willehalm-Kodex Folio 011r Dating 1334 From Frankfurt, Germany Holding Institution Universität Kassel
Willehalm-Kodex
Manuscript UBK 2° Ms. poet. et roman. 1 Willehalm-Kodex Folio 012r-1 Dating 1334 From Frankfurt, Germany Holding Institution Universität Kassel