Early Medieval Foot Combat

[Erpingham]

In a couple of threads there have begun to be discussions about the combat techniques of the Vikings and other Early Medieval types.  Given there is some interest in this, it might be as well to have a thread devoted to this area.  To start us off, here are some thoughts on foot combat from the 13th century Norwegian manual for aspiring Royal household members, the King's Mirror.  This is describing a still live foot combat tradition having its roots with the Vikings (the manual also contains sections on mounted combat and ship board fighting)

go to your chambers and put on heavy armor; next look up some fellow henchmen (he may be a native or an alien) who likes to drill with you and whom you know to be well trained to fight behind a shield or a buckler.  Always bring heavy armor to this exercise, either chain-mail or a thick gambison(1) and carry a heavy sword and a weighty shield or buckler in your hand.  In this game you should strive to learn suitable thrusts and counterstrokes as are good, necessary, and convenient.  Learn precisely how to cover yourself with the shield, so that you may be able to guard well when you have to deal with a foeman.  If you feel that it is important to be well trained in these activities, go through the exercise twice a day, if it is convenient; but let no day pass, except holidays, without practicing this drill at least once; for it is counted proper for all kingsmen to master this art and, moreover, it must be mastered if it is to be of service.  If the drill tires you and makes you thirsty, drink a little now and then, enough to quench your thirst; but while the game is on, be careful not to drink till you are drunk or even merry.

            If you should like to try a variety of drills and pastimes, there are certain sports that one can take up out of doors, if that is thought to be more diverting.  For one thing, you may have a pole prepared, somewhat heavier than a spear shaft, and put up a mark some distance away for a target; with these you can determine how far and how accurately you can throw a spear and do it effectively.  It is also counted rare sport and pastime to take one's bow and go with other men and practice archery.  Another pleasant and useful diversion is to practice throwing with a sling both for distance and for accuracy, and with a staff sling as well as with a hand sling, and to practice throwing stone missiles.  Formerly the custom was for all who wished to become an expert in such arts and thoroughly proficient in war and chivalry to train both hands alike to the use of weapons.  Strive after the same skill, if you find yourself gifted for it, inasmuch as those who are trained in that way are the most perfect in these activities and the most dangerous to their enemies.

            You should abhor and avoid manslaying in every form except as a lawful punishment or in common warfare.  But in ordinary warfare on the lawful command of your chief, you need to shun manslaying no more than any other deed which you know to be right and good.  Show courage and bravery in battle; fight with proper and effective blows, such as you have already learned, as if in the best of humor, though filled with noble wrath.  Never fight with feigned strokes, needless thrusts, or uncertain shots like a frightened man.  Heed these things well that you may be able to match your opponent's skill in fighting.   Be resolute in combat but not hot-headed and least of all boastful.  Always remember that there may be those who can give good testimony in your behalf; but never praise your own deeds, lest after a time it should come to pass that you are pursued for the slaughter of men whose death is rated a great loss and the revenge is directed toward you by your own words.

            If you are fighting on foot in a land battle and are placed at the point of wedge-shaped column, it is very important to watch the closed shield line in the first onset, lest it become disarranged or broken.  Take heed never to bind the front of your shield under that of another.  You must also be specially careful, when in the battle line, never to throw your spear, unless you have two, for in battle array on land one spear is more effective than two swords.

Some interesting points here about practice, the use of the shield, controlled use of strength and weapons.

[Patrick Waterson]

Especially noteworthy is the judgement that "in battle array on land one spear is more effective than two swords".