We're going early medieval…

… again! This time it will be a British author and some Danish friends of mine to take you back to the ages of pattern-welded swords and Viking fortresses. I hope you will enjoy it.

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New Book: The Perfect Sword

I first heard about English writer Edoardo Albert when, a year ago, I listened to episode 81 of the Sword Guy Podcast hosted by my friend and fellow swordsman Guy Windsor. At the time, Edoardo was in the process of writing a book about a remarkable seventh century Anglo-Saxon sword, telling the adventurous tale of its discovery, and exploring its history. Edorado and his co-author archaeologist Paul Gething wanted to cover many aspects including how the sword might have been used in combat, and so Alberto got in touch with Guy to learn more about historical sword-fighting on the one hand, and the modern community of historical sword fighters on the other. Guy willingly shared his knowledge, and decided to invite Edoardo as a guest on the show.

I got in touch with Edoardo to share my insights with him too (here is one of the videos I pointed out to him). He was delighted and grateful, and now that I hold the book in my hands, I can see that he made good use of my material. Edoardo has a great skill to write about complex issues in an easy-to-follow way, and I will sure nick some of his phrasings next time I have to explain subtleties of sword-fighting.

This book stands out for its unique way of imparting knowledge about the history, technology, archaeology and study of the sword and its use, and the people involved in it. The authors also credit the work of re-enactors and HEMA researchers/practitioners which I particularly appreciate. The book is packed with latest research results and amazing and educating stories of remarkable people, ranging from the pagan king Penda to Ewart Oakeshott, from modern-day swordsmith Owen Bush to archaeologist Sue Brunning.

Why exactly a book on a corroded piece of metal from a discarded suitcase in a leaking garage is entitled ‘The Perfect Sword’ is for you to find out. This is a must-read for every sword fan, archaeologist and history enthusiast.

Get the book

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Trelleborg Bouts: The Longest Duel

I have known Christoffer Cold-Ravnkilde ever since his first re-enactment experience at a private farm near Rinkenæs in Denmark almost thirty years ago. Today he plays a leading role in the Danish Viking re-enactment scene, and is one of its most celebrated fighters.

Chris invited me to join a training event at Trelleborg Viking Fortress in October this year. He had modelled the event on the Hedeby Bouts which combine a living history experience with the practice of martial arts. Of course I went, and I had a fantastic time living and celebrating in the Viking houses, doing cutting practice, combat demos, and train in delightful company.

I provide a 15 minute video for you which also contains what I consider an epic fight between Chris (blue tunic) and my friend and fellow instructor Mikkel Mønsted (yellow tunic). It is indeed the longest duel I have ever witnessed.

Now, we do not know how quickly a historical sword fight ended. The techniques described in the historical combat treatises suggest that it could be over in but a few seconds. On the other hand, there is a counter to every technique. So at least in theory, a fight could go on for as long as none of the combatants commits a mistake. According to the 13th century Saxon Mirror, trial by combat was allowed to last until sunset. Modern-day sports matches can be drawn out, depending on rule sets. However, in my experience, most training fights hardly last any longer than 10 seconds. This one is more than a minute. It starts at 4.43 in the video – enjoy!

Watch the video

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A Reconstructed Viking Sword

At the Trelleborg Bouts, Chris and Mikkel wielded training swords that are fitted with exact reconstructions of hilt pieces found in Anglia, northern Germany. I examined and documented the original finds at the Archäologisches Landesmuseum Schloss Gottorf in Schleswig. When my fellow swordsman and patron Alexander Martzok was on the lookout for an appropriate reconstruction, I got in touch with my friend Alban Depper of Northan Viking Silver, one of the companies that supplied jewellery for the movie ‘The Northman’ (read my film review here). Alban painstakingly recreated this elegant Petersen type O hilt furniture, and made it available via the Northan web shop.

This kind of collaboration is my greatest reward: my research being turned into real objects, bringing back historical beauty into our world, enabling fighters to feel an authentically designed sword hilt in their hand.

Watch Chris unboxing his sword (blade and assembly by Atelier Thibaud). Mikkel and Per present theirs here.

I provide a free documentation of the sword hilt from Anglia with many photos and sketches, and an explanation of how the original sword was customised for a left-handed warrior. The PDF is attached to this post:

Get the paper

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Sword & Buckler Online Course

Cornelius Berthold and myself are still busy compiling and editing material for the I.33 video class. However, next week we will take a break, and drive to Berlin for the up-coming Berlin Buckler Bouts. We also have an appointment to examine and document a couple of exciting medieval swords, which we are very much looking forward to.

Nevertheless, the next newsletter will be sent out in a week’s time, when I will share with you some new insights gained in fencing with sharp swords.

If you have enjoyed this newsletter, please tell your friends. Here they can read previous posts, as well as sign up. There is nothing like word-of-mouth recommendation, it really helps, so thank you.

All the best, and keep your blade well honed!

Roland

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