FReeper Canteen ~ Part VII of The Mongols ~ December 21, 2004

www.coldsiberia.org ^ | December 21, 2004 | LaDivaLoca

[LaDivaLoca]

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Part VII of The Mongols

cont'd Mongolian Bow: The Shooting

The Old Mongols have their own technique for shooting, known as the "Mongolian release." The Mongols, if right-handed, keep their bow in the left hand, pushes it forward as the right arm pulls the string all the way back to behind the ear. The left arm is now fully extended, and the release is near. However, now comes an interesting part. Since this bow has immense power, the Mongols have to use a special technique to hold the string during the drawing of the bow and before the arrow is released. The technique is as follows: The string is held by the thumb, since this is the strongest finger. Still, it is not easy to hold 166 pounds comfortably. Thus, the thumb is supported with the index finger curling around, placed atop the outermost joint, exactly at the base of the nail. The other fingers are also curled, forming a fist. Even so, this is not enough. Hence, the Mongols use a special ring on which the string is hooked before release. This thumb ring, a cylinder that fits around the outer part of the thumb and protects its pad from damage as the string is released, is typically made from Chinese jade or agate, but leather, metal and bone is also known to have been used.

Mongolian soldiers used to shoot while sitting on horseback, and with deadly accuracy. This was done by skilfully timing the shots to the moment when the hooves of the horse were in mid-air, so as to avoid disturbing the aim when they hit the ground.

The Arrows

Birch is a typical material for arrows too. The normal length of an arrow is between 80 and 100 cm, and the shaft's diameter is around 10 mm.

As for fletchings, tail feathers of crane are favored, but tail feathers of all birds are usable. Eagle feathers make a particularly exclusive arrow, but since eagles are rare most arrows obviously cannot have fletchings from eagle's tail feathers. Feathers taken from the wings are said to flow less smoothly through the air, so if given the choice tail feathers are picked. The Mongols characteristically pay close attention to minutest of details. The placement of the fletchings in relation to their size, and what part of the bird they were taken from, is of great importance for correct rotation and good balance in the air. Consequently these factors are painstakingly considered when making arrows after the Old Mongol standard.

The arrowheads, or points, could be everything from wide metal blades used for big game (or in war) to bone and wooden points, which are used for hunting birds and small animals. The high impact of this bow ensures that a bony point will be lethal when hitting the body of a smaller animal or a bird. In addition to these kinds of arrows, whistling arrows are useful during hunting, because the effect on animals of an arrow whistling away high above the ground is often to make it stop, curious to see what is in the air. This gives the hunter time to launch a second arrow, this time with a game head to kill the animal. How are these whistling arrows made? They are made by inserting an arrowhead of bone in which air channels have been created. When shot, such arrowheads make a very audible sound through the air.

Source: http://www.coldsiberia.org/monbow.htm

Next Tuesday Part VIII of The Mongols

[MikefromOhio]

good night....

thanks for the ping

[Kathy in Alaska]

((HUGS)) Merry almost Christmas, Diva!! Hope you aren't too cold.

[Soaring Feather]

And may all your stop lights look like this.

[potlatch]

Beautiful flowers Tonk! I have this poem-prayer on my Profile page and think it is really special;

[Soaring Feather]

Good night Tonkin.

God Bless you.

[HopeandGlory]

I love that book "A Man Called Intrepid" . . . it's a fantastic insight into WW II and some of the devious ways the US and the British defeated Germany.

[potlatch]

I'm ashamed to say I've never read it and I need to now. I got the 'poem' from TEXOKIE' on the Troop Prayer thread a long time ago and loved it.

[AZamericonnie]

Prayers up every night Hope.

[MoJo2001]

Hey! I know you. You're that really awesome guy in Iraq by the name of Mike, huh?

Can I have your autograph? If you want to kiss the screen after you do it, I could probably get a nice chump of change on Ebay for it.

Thank you,
MoJo

*HUGS*
Hehe!

[MoJo2001]

I'm perfectly fine being delusional about it.

I wasn't around during the 1200s. I figure today people would rather carry a gun or rifle. Seems a bit easier to carry these days.

When I talk to Eleanor Roosevelt the next time around, I'll ask her whether she can channel herself into a Mongolian Warrior. Just so I can ask for next week's thread.

[MoJo2001]

6 shots of Vodka and you came home with a Mongolian Bow?

Note to self: The Sailor is not allowed to EVER have Vodka while away.

Question: Can I ask what would have happened if you had 12 shots of Vodka? Do we need to go there? LOL!

Thanks for sharing this. That is too cool!!

[The Mayor]

December 21, 2004

Road Builders

Read: Hebrews 12:12-24

Make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. —Hebrews 12:13

Bible In One Year: Micah 4-5; Revelation 12

---

The cover of a recent Our Daily Bread pictures a leaf-strewn road through the mountains of Vermont. Those who use the road can enjoy a smooth and beautiful ride over difficult terrain. To make this possible, others had to work hard to chart the route, clear the trees, and level the rough spots.

In a way, all Christians are road builders. We are paving the way of faith for the next generation. The faithfulness of our lives may determine how difficult their journey will be. Will they have to repair the damage we have done to the road? Will they be able to build new roads for others to find the way to God?

To be good road builders, we must heed the advice found in God's Word. The author of Hebrews instructed us to live in peace and be holy (12:14), to make sure no one misses the grace of God, and not to permit a root of bitterness to grow and cause trouble (v.15).

Those of us who have come to Jesus owe gratitude to those who have made "straight paths" for our walk of faith (v.13). In turn, we must remember those who will follow us and make straight paths for them. Let's practice our faith in a way that makes it easy for others to come to Jesus and to follow Him. What kind of road builder are you? —Julie Ackerman Link

Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful;
May the fire of our devotion light their way;
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe,
And the lives we live inspire them to obey. —Mohr
© 1987 Jonathan Mark Music and Birdwing Music

A life lived for God leaves a lasting legacy.

[HopeandGlory]

Yes please do . . . I think it's a "Must Read" . . .;-)

[HopeandGlory]

HUGS

[MoJo2001]

That's why I hang around this place. I figure some of the brillant people will eventually rub off on me. I'll let you know potlatch if it ever works. Hehe!

Thank you both for posting tonight.
*HUGS*

[potlatch]

Hugs back attcha. I think we all 'rub off' on each other and learn a lot here!!

[Air Assault]

Merry Christmas Everyone

[HopeandGlory]

Hugs backatcha cuz . . . ;-)

[MoJo2001]

My little cuzzes are coming back up here early. It seems that a certain relative is driving them nuts already.

Hehehe!

It's also supposed to snow on Saturday. UGH! That should be a treat for both of them!

[HopeandGlory]

Uh Oh!!! . . . the dreaded Auntie??? . . .LOL!!! . . . will you have them for Christmas??? . . . are they used to Hot Springs instead of snow???