[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Welcome to the Downs, Chathol-linn!<P>Thank you, Joy. I did a little research, so it's nice to get credit. I've seen you around, though I think we don't often post in the same topics.<P>Chathol-linn, I think Legolas would generally have used a lighter, quicker weapon than a broadsword (a long rapier?), to take advantage of his agility. And probably a long knife in the other hand rather than a shield. A lot of 16th century fighters spurned the shield as useless deadweight, as it could only be used to defend. A knife could be used to defend, and then - flip! - turn defence into attack. Though no doubt as a king's son would have been trained in all of these weapons. <P>My source at this point is a 19th century text on 16th century broadsword technique. I'll dig up the author's name. <BR> <BR>Cimm, okay, okay, Conan, by Crom I get it. Have fun. <P>But seriously, I'm glad you brought this up. Gives me a chance to talk about this a little more.<P>Just like it's unwise to handle a gun with one hand (watch a soldier, they never do) let alone those stupid grips gang-bangers come up with, a proper grip on the sword is critical. Actually, more important than your grip on a gun - it's crucial. <P>The reason: it's the angle that matters, and it's tricky to hold an exact angle with only one tippy hand. It's not really about strength.<P>But it makes sense that one would practice to be able to. In a pinch, with blood pouring down your arm, making the quillion slippery and sticky at once, the other arm disabled... learning a one-handed grip could probably save your neck. <P>But you lose both precision and strength by using just one hand. Of which the most important is precision, really. <P>The only reason to fight one-handed is if you have to, or to show off. <P>It calls to mind a story idea of cocky young soldier demonstrating "one-handed" technique, then being bested by an old pro, who is able to, by striking at that farthest off-balance end, get easily inside his guard. <P>I think what started the 'one-handed' trend was the fact writers in the 30s based their swashbuckling adventure stories on fencing. But fighting with a dainty little foil and that crowbar of a broadsword is quite different, requiring a different technique. <P>Watch Boromir and Aragorn. While they let go at various times to switch grips, they always return to a two-handed hold. <P>Cimm brings up an idea for your Legolas story, Chathol-linn: training with one hand bound and an oiled sword. But to make it realistic he has to drop it. Over and over again. You'll have to think of ways Legolas could strengthen both his arm and his grip to be able to do this and still put up a proper defence. Pulling an oar would do it. Climbing, of course, esp if he climbs something slick.<p>[ May 18, 2002: Message edited by: Marileangorifurnimaluim ]