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

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

[LaDivaLoca]

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday...
Thank the Veterans who served in
The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom?
Support The United States Armed Forces Today!

ANCIENT WARFARE





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

[uncleshag]

Agreed. It was moe like a full court "press" conference.

The 'Old Media' can phrase a question knowing there is no correct answer, for the question isn't based on fact. Beginning a question with the word - IF - changes the question to a conjecture. There sure were a lot of IF questions today.

There is a name for reporters like that but using it here in a family forum would not be in nice so I'll just call them all "Ol' Rathers".

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good almost lunchtime, Mike. Working hard today? 19 get ups?

[Kathy in Alaska]

I hear you. I have given up wondering how some of these so called "reporters" can look themselves in the mirror. Do they take no pride in the jobs they do?

[MikefromOhio]

yep....

Can't go to lunch again today. But they will bring me back some utterly tasteless, bland nasty food :)

[rmlew]

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.

Actually, this technique was used by virtually all steppe people for 1000 years before the Mongols. Chinese Han dynsty records mention it in their studies on the Huns (Hung-Nui).

[Kathy in Alaska]

[MikefromOhio]

dont I wish.....

we have nothing like that up here yet....

[Kathy in Alaska]

Merle Haggard & Janie Fricke ~ A Place to Fall Apart

[uncleshag]

Hi Mike!

Thought of you often today as I was posting music. Wish you could here the jams! I suppose it won't be long 'til you get the chance to catch up, though.

Take care my friend.

I am up 'til the HVAC man comes in 5 hours.
Homey loves his coffee tonight! Ahhh...Caffiene.

Keeping the home fires burning.

[MikefromOhio]

caffiene keeps the world spinning sometimes....

[Kathy in Alaska]

I'd get you a beer, but don't want you drooling on your work.

[uncleshag]

Looking for a place to fall apart ...

Thanks Kathy!

[MikefromOhio]

nah I would survive :)

most of my work is done via key board, I couldnt drool on it too much or else I would fry it :)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, potlatch, for sharing the beautiful prayer reminding us of our troops and what they do.

[Cindy]

http://www.alighthouse.com/ofchristmas3.htm
"THE SANDS OF CHRISTMAS"

http://www.alighthouse.com/back2.htm
"CHRISTMAS MEMORIES FILL MY HEART"

[Kathy in Alaska]

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thank you, TM, for the coffee and inspiration for our troops.

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Tuesday!

Have a cup while you Freep !

For those who prefer hot chocolate.....

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good day, Air Assault, and welcome to the Canteen.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, LW, for the frosted Christmas cookies.