SoA Forums

History => Ancient and Medieval History => Weapons and Tactics => Topic started by: Erpingham on April 12, 2024, 04:05:46 PM

Title: Fantastic Flails and Where to Find Them
Post by: Erpingham on April 12, 2024, 04:05:46 PM
An interesting (if you are into arms and armour) article (https://www.mdpi.com/2409-9252/4/1/9) on the medieval flail. 

It is sometimes suggested that the classic single handed "ball and chain" flail is an invention of Victorian medievalism and didn't really exist.  This is a fairly comprehensive demonstration of the error of that.  Possibly could have done with a bit more focus on symbolism and reality, especially in connection with divine punishment (a lot of these flails are in the hands of demons and pagans) but probably the fullest assembly of evidence I've come across.
Title: Re: Fantastic Flails and Where to Find Them
Post by: Keraunos on April 14, 2024, 08:31:48 PM
Thank you.  A very interesting presentation of evidence.
Title: Re: Fantastic Flails and Where to Find Them
Post by: Ian61 on April 15, 2024, 08:07:09 AM
That's a lot of fails. An impressive but if work there.