One minor comment I'd have is about your take on "gelenkheit" as manual dexterity, or skill in handwork/bladework.
It is true that "gelenk" means "joint", but "gelenkheit" may also be a medieval spelling of modern "Gelegenheit", which translates as "opportunity, chance". Located as it is in the Codex it would make sense this way, as it follows "motus" and precedes "schrete gut" - motion can logically be taken to mean taking opportunities through good footwork.
But there is another way to interpret it. "Gelenkheit" is historically-attested to denote "Gelenkigkeit", at least for the 18th century, but quite possibly also earlier. The "Gelenkigkeit", in turn, is defined as "joint articulation" and refers to the individual's range of motion in the joints*. So I'd say that Trosclair's rendition of it as "flexibility" is likely the closest one.
These two alternative translations for "gelenkheit" are quite interesting. I like the implications for our fencing taken from the "opportunity" rendering. I like that the "Motion, opportunity, good steps." line implicitly connects movement and footwork with opportunity. I often notice that in many HEMA schools, and fencing schools generally, techniques and tactics are sometimes viewed in isolation, as a sort of Platonic idealized form of "the lunge" or "the oberhau" or what have you. But of course in live fencing, the suitability of any tactic or technique is determined by its context: Not just your position and movements, but the opponent and their position and movements. Perceiving opportunities and options then is just as important as mastery of movements in themselves. Of course, it is also true that your ability to act on an opportunity is also reliant on your skill in the movements necessary.
If we take the word as "flexibility" as given by Trosclair, what do you think would be the meaning for the fencer? The meanings about joint articulation and range of motion would suggest to me it is reminding us of the importance of being able to use our full range of motion, with smooth and free movement unhindered by any lack of mobility in any particular joint or limb. This might include my theory on dexterous handwork, but also be wider than that and encompass movement of the legs and body also.
Yes, I agree that the "opportunity" version makes a ton of sense and may be the correct one. But if we stay with the "flexibility", then I would argue that it ties to earlier remarks about the healthy body as a prerequisite for efficient fighting. Motion, by which 3227a often means "continuous motion" or "frequens motus", cannot be materialised without a coordinated use of both the body and the weapon. The freedom of movement and mobility of joints are tightly connected, especially where sudden changes of rhythm and direction are necessary - any fencer who struggled with swift return to guard after a lunge because of flexibility issues in the hip or knee joint can attest to that. Hence, I see it as logical to link motion to good steps through flexibility.
Great write-up, Eric!
One minor comment I'd have is about your take on "gelenkheit" as manual dexterity, or skill in handwork/bladework.
It is true that "gelenk" means "joint", but "gelenkheit" may also be a medieval spelling of modern "Gelegenheit", which translates as "opportunity, chance". Located as it is in the Codex it would make sense this way, as it follows "motus" and precedes "schrete gut" - motion can logically be taken to mean taking opportunities through good footwork.
But there is another way to interpret it. "Gelenkheit" is historically-attested to denote "Gelenkigkeit", at least for the 18th century, but quite possibly also earlier. The "Gelenkigkeit", in turn, is defined as "joint articulation" and refers to the individual's range of motion in the joints*. So I'd say that Trosclair's rendition of it as "flexibility" is likely the closest one.
* See, for instance, here:
- Gelenkheit as Gelenkigheit: https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Gelenkheit
- German Wikipedia on Gelenkigheit: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gelenkigkeit
Hi Maciej! Thank you for your kind comment.
These two alternative translations for "gelenkheit" are quite interesting. I like the implications for our fencing taken from the "opportunity" rendering. I like that the "Motion, opportunity, good steps." line implicitly connects movement and footwork with opportunity. I often notice that in many HEMA schools, and fencing schools generally, techniques and tactics are sometimes viewed in isolation, as a sort of Platonic idealized form of "the lunge" or "the oberhau" or what have you. But of course in live fencing, the suitability of any tactic or technique is determined by its context: Not just your position and movements, but the opponent and their position and movements. Perceiving opportunities and options then is just as important as mastery of movements in themselves. Of course, it is also true that your ability to act on an opportunity is also reliant on your skill in the movements necessary.
If we take the word as "flexibility" as given by Trosclair, what do you think would be the meaning for the fencer? The meanings about joint articulation and range of motion would suggest to me it is reminding us of the importance of being able to use our full range of motion, with smooth and free movement unhindered by any lack of mobility in any particular joint or limb. This might include my theory on dexterous handwork, but also be wider than that and encompass movement of the legs and body also.
Yes, I agree that the "opportunity" version makes a ton of sense and may be the correct one. But if we stay with the "flexibility", then I would argue that it ties to earlier remarks about the healthy body as a prerequisite for efficient fighting. Motion, by which 3227a often means "continuous motion" or "frequens motus", cannot be materialised without a coordinated use of both the body and the weapon. The freedom of movement and mobility of joints are tightly connected, especially where sudden changes of rhythm and direction are necessary - any fencer who struggled with swift return to guard after a lunge because of flexibility issues in the hip or knee joint can attest to that. Hence, I see it as logical to link motion to good steps through flexibility.