I'm sort of prepared for this. I signed up late. (Was transferring computers into a more conducive writing area...) And I sort of have a theme.
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| Medieval Armet |
So for today, we have 'A'.
Armet ~ This is a type of helmet developed in the 15th century. It encompasses the entire head, but has hinges near the cheeks to expose the face. Later variations of this had a visor. This type of helmet was typically used in Italy, France, Spain, England, and the low countries. (Found on Wikipedia)
Aventail ~ Detachable mail usually hung from a helmet to cover the neck and shoulders. This used to be riveted right to the helmet, but later on became detachable. These often served as replacements for a full coif. The earlier versions of aventails were around the 1300’s, in Western Europe. By the 15th century, they replaced the coifs completely.
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| Medieval Aventail |
So you might be asking yourself, why this theme? Well, honestly, I'm a fantasy writer. And if you have ever read fantasy, I mean Sword and Sorcery fantasy, sometimes they throw in all sorts of armor and weapon descriptions that leave you going, "Huh???".
So hopefully, this will shed some light on some of those things. Plus, I am the Queen of Useless Trivia, so I thought I'd share. Happy blogging!!
I'd think fighting in an Armet would be difficult because you'd have such a limited vision.
ReplyDeleteI can handle useless trivia, so bring it on. I find weaponry and armaments interesting. I get a lot of my ART theme details from Wikipedia as well.
ReplyDeletei love useless trivia. Might a PIRATE of medieval times where such garb?
ReplyDeleteFun theme!
ReplyDeleteWorks for me. I used to be obsessed with medieval torture devices. Don't know why. I guess because they were creative? I'm all for some trivial facts. Never know when they'll be needed. =)
ReplyDeletehttp://crystalcollier.blogspot.com/
I believe Alex is right: such limited vision would be a hindrance in combat -- and hot!!
ReplyDeleteAventail! so that's what those things are called. This is a very useful A to Z theme, I always kind of blip over the names of this stuff in high fantasy b/c I never really know what it is. (Like I skim all the halyards and riggings and sails and such in historical naval adventure stories ;-p)
ReplyDeleteVictoria Hodge
http://victoriahodge.wordpress.com/
Interesting! Would never have wanted to wear it!
ReplyDeleteHappy A-Z April!
Love the trivial knowledge bits. Good luck with A to Z.
ReplyDeleteI learned something new! Thanks. I agree an Armet would be difficult - but for the time very needed.
ReplyDeleteHave to save your A to Z post - very interesting. I use Myths & Magic: The Complete Fantasy Reference for my armour bits BUT having yours as well will be good... better field of vision ;-)
ReplyDelete@ Alex ~ Yes, vision was VERY limited.
ReplyDelete@ Pam ~ Nope, Pirates didn't wear heavy armor. Which is what this is considered. I'll get into pirate stuff later. ;)
@ Crystal ~ Hmm...torture devices...
Thanks for dropping by, everyone!
I *love* swords & sorcery fiction, so it's great to find armour descriptions with visual representations, as opposed to having to make up images in my minds eye to fill the gaps the writers leave.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through the AtoZ challenge btw, and will endeavour to follow your posts throughout the month :)
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