Meaning of decoration creatures

AHorsa · 11th December 2014, 11:12 PM

I wonder if anyone knows the meaning of those creatures sometimes appearing on the crossguards of 16th and 17th century swords. Is it dogs, or monsters/seamonsters (as they are often shown with fish scales - see example on the lower left site), dragons...? And what is their mythological and/or metaphorical meaning?
Would be great if anyone could provide some ideas about it.

Cheers
Andreas

AHorsa · 12th December 2014, 12:22 PM

one more

Matchlock · 12th December 2014, 08:43 PM

Hi AHorsa,

This kind of animal shaped decoration has always been characteristic of all items of arts and crafts alike, from the Stone Age that laft us small scuptures of mammoths, the Celtic Era, the Ancient Greek and Romen periods, all along through the Middle Ages and right on to the Modern Age which, seen from the view of art history, started in Europe with the Renaissance period around 1500.
From the earliest beginnings, man has considered zoomorphic decorative elements as magic and a spell on animals, so he believed to be sort of being bound for success when hunting animals.

Apart from hunting, and considering the superstitious beliefs of those periods, zoomorphic ornaments also had a strong apotropaic function and, especially with weapons, was employed to fend off evil of any kind from the bearer.
Just think of the gargoyles on Gothic cathedrals.

For more information and lots of samples on 16th and 17th century weapons, please see my threads:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hic+apotropaic

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hic+apotropaic

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hic+apotropaic

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hic+apotropaic

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7457&highlight=zoomorphic+apotropaic

Enjoy reading.

Best,
Michael

AHorsa · 13th December 2014, 02:39 PM

Hi Michael,

thanks for the detailed answer!

best
Andi

Matchlock · 13th December 2014, 10:03 PM

Hi Andy,

I am both glad and grateful for supporting you, and: Thank you so much for appreceating what I try to achieve.

Best,
Michael

Matchlock · 13th December 2014, 10:04 PM

Hi Andy,

I am both glad and grateful for supporting you, and: Thank you so much for appreciating what I try to achieve.

Best,
Michael

theswordcollector · 13th December 2014, 10:45 PM

Mythological or metaphorical creatures have spiritual and practical meaning thoughout history and are symbols to bring luck, ward off evil , cleansing, protection , provide strength, sucess, stamina, social status etc... these symbols go back as far as the bronze age and earlier.

11th December 2014, 11:12 PM	#1
AHorsa Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Rhineland Posts: 378	Meaning of decoration creatures I wonder if anyone knows the meaning of those creatures sometimes appearing on the crossguards of 16th and 17th century swords. Is it dogs, or monsters/seamonsters (as they are often shown with fish scales - see example on the lower left site), dragons...? And what is their mythological and/or metaphorical meaning? Would be great if anyone could provide some ideas about it. Cheers Andreas Attached Images Last edited by AHorsa; 12th December 2014 at 01:38 PM.

12th December 2014, 12:22 PM	#2
AHorsa Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Rhineland Posts: 378	one more Attached Images Last edited by AHorsa; 12th December 2014 at 12:43 PM.

12th December 2014, 08:43 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi AHorsa, This kind of animal shaped decoration has always been characteristic of all items of arts and crafts alike, from the Stone Age that laft us small scuptures of mammoths, the Celtic Era, the Ancient Greek and Romen periods, all along through the Middle Ages and right on to the Modern Age which, seen from the view of art history, started in Europe with the Renaissance period around 1500. From the earliest beginnings, man has considered zoomorphic decorative elements as magic and a spell on animals, so he believed to be sort of being bound for success when hunting animals. Apart from hunting, and considering the superstitious beliefs of those periods, zoomorphic ornaments also had a strong apotropaic function and, especially with weapons, was employed to fend off evil of any kind from the bearer. Just think of the gargoyles on Gothic cathedrals. For more information and lots of samples on 16th and 17th century weapons, please see my threads: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hic+apotropaic http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hic+apotropaic http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hic+apotropaic http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hic+apotropaic http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7457&highlight=zoomorphic+apotropaic Enjoy reading. Best, Michael Last edited by Matchlock; 12th December 2014 at 09:13 PM.

13th December 2014, 10:45 PM	#7
theswordcollector Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Berlin Posts: 48	Symbolic Mythological or metaphorical creatures Mythological or metaphorical creatures have spiritual and practical meaning thoughout history and are symbols to bring luck, ward off evil , cleansing, protection , provide strength, sucess, stamina, social status etc... these symbols go back as far as the bronze age and earlier.

13th December 2014, 02:39 PM	#4
AHorsa Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Rhineland Posts: 378	Hi Michael, thanks for the detailed answer! best Andi

13th December 2014, 10:03 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Andy, I am both glad and grateful for supporting you, and: Thank you so much for appreceating what I try to achieve. Best, Michael

13th December 2014, 10:04 PM	#6
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Andy, I am both glad and grateful for supporting you, and: Thank you so much for appreciating what I try to achieve. Best, Michael