Swords and magic have been consistent companions since blades were first born of fire from raw chunks of rock. Even today, the ‘magical sword’ – be it blessed or cursed – is a mainstay in modern day fiction writing - and no little featuring in computer games!.
Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise!
SCHWÄBISCHE ZEITUNG (Leutkirch, Germany) 20 August 12 Die silberne Schwertscheide von Gutenstein liegt im Puschkin-Museum
A 7th Century silver-decorated scabbard is on display for the first time in a long time in a modest museum in Gutenstein.
From time to time, We forget that the scabbard for a good sword was not only functional but also could be an ornate, decorative support to its contents… and a fashion statement in its own right. We all recognise the name ‘Excalibur’, but how many of us – before looking it up – remember the martial attributes of the scabbard that carried that renowned blade’?
The Medieval Predator Drone?
BOSTON STANDARD (UK) 14 August 12 ‘Magical’ swords on display
Tired of getting your ‘culet’ handed to you during bouts, drills or sparring by those more studied; younger; faster; or capable of a lunge that covers w-a-y too much distance in too short a time? Do what We do … cheat like heck with the very best of proscribed weaponry!
Two inscribed 13th and 14th century swords recovered from a river bed are back on display in a local museum. Local experts guess that these medieval swords were etched to give them ‘magical properties’ – such as the powers to beat a foe and endow the sword with the life force of their opponents.
And your WMA/HEMA technical, research term of the week: ‘bamboozled’.
Swordplay at its most basic.
REUTLINGER GENERAL-ANZEIGER (Germany) 18 August 12 Die Fehdeschrift ist verfasst
John Rotter is apparently having a rough go of it; trying to balance his studies of WMA, participate in tournaments and carry on some sort of legal fight over ‘regalia’ with local officials.
A hum-drum sort of article from a WMA concern; it does however, have the best QOTW: “Whomever takes a sword in his hand must reckon with the fact that they’re going to get smacked around a bit.”
Security Soapbox Stuff … now with Canadian Content!
GUELPH MERCURY (Ontario) 21 August 12 Sword missing from Scottish festival
A decorative, Scottish ceremonial sword was stolen from a vehicle during the recent Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
Right, nuff said.
Snippets:
PERTH NOW (Australia) 28 August 12 Fine art takes the sword to wine lovers
Socially useful sword play.
And to (some of) my Blue-and Red Cord peers back in Academie Duello; when challenged, please dress appropriately!
EVENING NEWS (Norwich, UK) 22 August 12 Sword donated to King’s Lynn charity shop will be destroyed.
Just two things:
1. Know your local laws - and act accordingly; and
2. Don’t expect local authorities to know anything about your art or your kit (please match quote following with photograph in link). Give them every reason to see that you’re part of a recognised sport and that you’re a responsible and law-abiding individual.
“A spokesman said it did not appear to be a Samurai sword …”