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- Title
'THE HORRID EDGE': LANDSKNECHT TACTICS AND THE TWO-HANDED SWORD IN MILTON'S WAR IN HEAVEN.
- Authors
Harbinson, M J.
- Abstract
The article presents information on the two-handed sword which has been referred to in John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost." The two-handed sword was clearly a specialist weapon, its use requiring great expertise. It was favoured by the Swiss, but more especially by the Landsknechts, who delegated its handling to trained groups of men. The weapon was also favoured by the captains and picked men of the forlorn hope, whose task was to advance in front of the ranks and attempt to beat down the pike shafts of the opposing phalanx.
- Subjects
SWORDS in mythology; MILTON, John, 1608-1674; PARADISE Lost (Poem : Milton); SWORDPLAY; GERMAN mercenaries; POETRY (Literary form)
- Publication
Notes & Queries, 1987, Vol ns-34, Issue 3, p325
- ISSN
0029-3970
- Publication type
Article