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| notableworks        = ''New Zettel''
 
| notableworks        = ''New Zettel''
| manuscript(s)        = {{plainlist | [[Codex Speyer (MS M.I.29)|MS M.I.29]] (1491) | [[Glasgow Fechtbuch (MS E.1939.65.341)|MS E.1939.65.341]] (1508) | [[Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss (MS Var.82)|MS Varia 82]] (1570) }}
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| manuscript(s)        = {{plainlist
 +
| [[Codex Speyer (MS M.I.29)|MS M.I.29]] (1491)
 +
| [[Glasgow Fechtbuch (MS E.1939.65.341)|MS E.1939.65.341]] (1508)
 +
| [[Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss (MS Var.82)|MS Varia 82]] (1570)
 +
}}
 
| principal manuscript(s)=
 
| principal manuscript(s)=
| first printed edition= [[Jeffrey Hull|Hull]], 2008
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| first printed edition=  
 
| wiktenauer compilation by=[[Michael Chidester]]
 
| wiktenauer compilation by=[[Michael Chidester]]
  
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| influences          = [[Johannes Liechtenauer]] (?)
 
| influenced          =  
 
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| awards              =  
 
| awards              =  
 
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| translations        = {{plainlist | [http://www.thearma.org/Manuals/Mertin_Siber/MS-Web.htm#.VGJ_mDRu6Ag English translation] | {{German translation|http://talhoffer.wordpress.com/2011/07/09/martin-syber-in-the-mi-29-transcribed-and-translated/|1}} | {{Hungarian translation|http://kardrendje.hu/downloads/books/Mertin_Siber.pdf|1}} }}
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| translations        = {{plainlist
 +
| [http://www.thearma.org/Manuals/Mertin_Siber/MS-Web.htm#.VGJ_mDRu6Ag English translation]
 +
| {{German translation|http://talhoffer.wordpress.com/2011/07/09/martin-syber-in-the-mi-29-transcribed-and-translated/|1}}
 +
| {{Greek translation|https://byzantineoplomachia.wordpress.com/2021/02/28/οι-διδασκαλίες-του-martin-syber-από-το-codex-speyer-ms-m-i-29-1491/|1}}
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| {{Hungarian translation|http://kardrendje.hu/downloads/books/Mertin_Siber.pdf|1}}
 +
}}
 
| below                =  
 
| below                =  
 
}}
 
}}
'''Martin Syber''' (Mertin Siber, Martein Syber) was a [[century::15th century]] [[nationality::German]] [[fencing master]]. Hardly anything is known of Syber beyond his ''New Zettel'' ("New [[Epitome]]"). His surname signifies that he came from a family of sieve makers, but gives us no indication of his birthplace. According to Syber's own account, he learned the art from a variety of masters from across Europe, including men from Bohemia, Brabant (or possibly Provence), England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Prussia, Russia, and Swabia. The inclusion of his epitome in [[Codex Speyer (MS M.I.29)|Codex Speyer]] and the [[Glasgow Fechtbuch (MS E.1939.65.341)|Glasgow Fechtbuch]] suggests a connection to the tradition of [[Johannes Liechtenauer]], and his mention of an "earlier epitome" may be a reference to that of Liechtenauer; however, Syber does not appear on the roll of the Society of Liechtenauer recorded by [[Paulus Kal]] in ca. 1470,<ref>[[Paulus Kal|Kal, Paulus]]. Untitled [manuscript]. [[Paulus Kal Fechtbuch (Cgm 1507)|Cgm 1507]]. Munich, Germany: [[Bayerische Staatsbibliothek]], 1470.</ref> so the extent of his relationship is unclear.
+
'''Martin Syber''' (Mertin Siber, Martein Syber) was a [[century::15th century]] [[nationality::German]] [[fencing master]]. Hardly anything is known of Syber beyond his ''New Zettel'' ("New [[Zettel|Recital]]"). His surname signifies that he came from a family of sieve makers, but gives us no indication of his birthplace. According to Syber's own account, he learned the art from a variety of masters from across Europe, including men from Bohemia, Brabant (or possibly Provence), England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Prussia, Russia, and Swabia. The inclusion of his Recital in [[Codex Speyer (MS M.I.29)|Codex Speyer]] and the [[Glasgow Fechtbuch (MS E.1939.65.341)|Glasgow Fechtbuch]] suggests a connection to the tradition of [[Johannes Liechtenauer]], and his mention of an "earlier ''Zettel''" is likely a reference to that of Liechtenauer; however, Syber does not appear on the roll of the [[Fellowship of Liechtenauer]] recorded by [[Paulus Kal]] in ca. 1470,<ref>The Fellowship of Liechtenauer is recorded in three versions of [[Paulus Kal]]'s treatise: [[Paulus Kal Fechtbuch (MS 1825)|MS 1825]] (1460s), [[Paulus Kal Fechtbuch (Cgm 1507)|Cgm 1507]] (ca. 1470), and [[Paulus Kal Fechtbuch (MS KK5126)|MS KK5126]] (1480s).</ref> so the extent of his relationship is unclear.
  
Syber's epitome comes in the form a cryptic poem, perhaps intended to convey the essence of the art to those who already knew it. Unfortunately, no [[gloss]] is currently known to exist for Syber's verse, so its meaning is difficult to decipher. Conversely, it is worth noting that the 16th century [[Freifechter]] [[Joachim Meÿer]] not only possessed a copy of Syber's verse (which he copied into [[Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss (MS Var.82)|his final manuscript]]),<ref>[[Joachim Meÿer|Meÿer, Joachim]]. ''Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss'' [manuscript]. [[Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss (MS Var.82)|MS Varia 82]]. Rostock, Germany: [[Universitätsbibliothek Rostock]], 1570.</ref> but also employed much of the master's unique terminology in his own teachings. Meÿer may thus hold the key to interpreting Syber's techniques.
+
Syber's Recital comes in the form a cryptic poem describing six ''Gänge'', set sequences of strikes and parries. Unfortunately, no [[gloss]] is currently known to exist for Syber's verse, so its meaning is difficult to decipher. Conversely, it is worth noting that the 16th century [[Freifechter]] [[Joachim Meÿer]] not only had access to Syber's verse (which is included in [[Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss (MS Var.82)|his final manuscript]]),<ref>[[Joachim Meÿer|Meÿer, Joachim]]. ''Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss'' [manuscript]. [[Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss (MS Var.82)|MS Varia 82]]. Rostock, Germany: [[Universitätsbibliothek Rostock]], 1570.</ref> but also employed much of the master's unique terminology in his own teachings. Meÿer may thus hold the key to interpreting Syber's techniques.
  
The Salzburg version of Syber's text is followed by an [[Anonymous 15th Century Poem|additional page of verse]]. This poem shares some common terminology with Syber's epitome and has been attributed to Syber by some authors in the past,<ref name="Hull">[[Jeffrey Hull|Hull, Jeffrey]]. [http://www.thearma.org/Manuals/Mertin_Siber/MS-Web.htm "Mertin Siber’s Longsword Fight-Lore of 1491 AD: a thesis on the ''Fechtlehre'' from Handschrift M I 29 (''Codex Speyer'') at the University of Salzburg in Austria"]. The [[Association for Renaissance Martial Arts]], 2005. Retrieved 30 November 2010.</ref> but its omission from the other two versions of his text call this attribution into question. In addition, another version of the poem was included in one of [[Hans Talhoffer]]'s manuscripts almost fifty years earlier,<ref>[[Hans Talhoffer|Talhoffer, Hans]]. Untitled [manuscript]. [[Talhoffer Fechtbuch (MS Thott.290.2º)|MS Thott 290.2º]]. Copenhagen, Denmark: [[Det Kongelige Bibliotek]], 1459.</ref> which indicates that if Syber were the author, his career was much earlier than currently believed.
+
The Salzburg version of Syber's text is followed by an [[Anonymous 15th Century Poem|additional page of verse]]. This poem shares some common terminology with Syber's writings and has been attributed to Syber by some authors in the past,<ref name="Hull">[[Jeffrey Hull|Hull, Jeffrey]]. [http://www.thearma.org/Manuals/Mertin_Siber/MS-Web.htm "Mertin Siber’s Longsword Fight-Lore of 1491 AD: a thesis on the ''Fechtlehre'' from Handschrift M I 29 (''Codex Speyer'') at the University of Salzburg in Austria"]. The [[Association for Renaissance Martial Arts]], 2005. Retrieved 23 November 2014.</ref> but its omission from the other two versions of his text call this attribution into question. In addition, another version of the poem was included in one of [[Hans Talhoffer]]'s manuscripts almost fifty years earlier,<ref>[[Hans Talhoffer|Talhoffer, Hans]]. Untitled [manuscript]. [[Talhoffer Fechtbuch (MS Thott.290.2º)|MS Thott 290.2º]]. Copenhagen, Denmark: [[Det Kongelige Bibliotek]], 1459.</ref> which indicates that if Syber were indeed the author, his career must have been much earlier than currently believed.
  
 
== Treatise ==
 
== Treatise ==
  
{{master begin
+
{{Special:RunQuery/Martin Syber}}
| title = [[Longsword]]
+
 
| width = 113em
+
<div id="longsword" style="background:transparent; clear:both; font-weight:normal; padding:3px; text-align:left; width:0em; min-width:0em;">
}}
+
{| class="master"
<section begin="credits"/>
 
{| class="wikitable floated master"
 
|-  
 
! style="width:3em;" |
 
! <p>{{translation rating|B}}<br/>Christian Trosclair</p>
 
! <p>[[Codex Speyer (MS M.I.29)|Salzburg Version]] (1491)<br/>by [[Dierk Hagedorn]]</p>
 
! <p>[[Glasgow Fechtbuch (MS E.1939.65.341)|Glasgow Version]] (1508)<br/>by [[Dierk Hagedorn]]</p>
 
! <p>[[Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss (MS Var.82)|Rostock Version]] (1570)<br/>by [[Hans Talhoffer (Blogger)|Jens P. Kleinau]]</p>
 
<section end="credits"/>
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
|  
+
! id="Trosclair0" | <p>{{translation rating|B}} (2014)<br/>by [[Christian Trosclair]]</p>
| '''[1] {{red|Item. The hereafter written new recital was created and set-down by master Martin Siber and is pulled from many master techniques and is paritioned and set-down in six courses}}'''
+
! id="Kleinau0" | <p>{{translation rating|B|Complete Translation (Salzburg only)}} (2011)<br/>by [[Jens P. Kleinau]]</p>
| '''[1r] {{red|Item dy<sup>e</sup> hernach geschriebenn nüwe zettell hat gemacht vnd gesetz meinster mertin Siber}}''' vnd ist <sup>ein</sup> zuck auß mangerley meinster gefechtenn vnd ist geteiltt vnd gesetz In sechs geng
+
! id="Hull0" | <p>{{translation rating|B|Complete Translation (Salzburg only)}} (2005)<br/>by [[Jeffrey Hull]]</p>
| '''[24v] {{red|Hernach geschribn ist ain newe zetl des langen schwerts vnd ein außzug aus der voringen zetl / vnd vil ander guetter stuck võ manches maisters handt / die hat zu samen gesetzt maister Martein Syber vnd ist getailt in segs geng /}}'''
+
! id="Salzburg0" | <p>[[Codex Speyer (MS M.I.29)|Salzburg Version]] (1491){{edit index|Codex Speyer (MS M.I.29)}}<br/>Transcribed by [[Dierk Hagedorn]]</p>
| '''[39v] Das hernach geschribenn ist ein newe zetel''' des lannegnn schwerts und ein auszug aus der vorigenn zetelnn, und vil annder guten stuck, von manches meisters handt, die hat zusamen gesetzt meister Merten Siber, unnd ist getailt in sechs geng,
+
! id="Glasgow0" | <p>[[Glasgow Fechtbuch (MS E.1939.65.341)|Glasgow Version]] (1508){{edit index|Glasgow Fechtbuch (MS E.1939.65.341)}}<br/>Transcribed by [[Dierk Hagedorn]]</p>
 +
! id="Rostock0" | <p>[[Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss (MS Var.82)|Rostock Version]] (1570){{edit index|Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss (MS Var.82)}}<br/>Transcribed by [[Dierk Hagedorn]]</p>
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
|  
+
| id="Trosclair1" | {{section|Martin Syber/Christian Trosclair|1}}
| '''[2]''' And in the recital the ox and the plow and scalper-hew is not as in the first recital of the book. Rather another interpretation.
+
| id="Kleinau1" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jens P. Kleinau|1}}
| Vnd in der zittell ist der ochß vnd der pflug vnd scheyttell haulb nicht also als in der ersten zettell des puchs Sunder eyñ ander vß legüng
+
| id="Hull1" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jeffrey Hull|1}}
| Vnd der ochß vnd der pflueg darin genant mit sambt ettlichen hewen hat ain ander art vnd auslegung da in der voringen zetl vnd gett auch anderst zu /
+
| id="Salzburg1" | {{section|Page:MS M.I.29 001r.jpg|1|lbl=1r}}
| Unnd der Ochs und Pflug darin genent, mit sämpt etlichen hewenn, hat ein annder artt, unnd auslegung dan in der vogemelten zetelenn unnd gehet auch anders zu.
+
| id="Glasgow1" | {{section|Page:MS E.1939.65.341 024v.jpg|1|lbl=24v}}
 +
| id="Rostock1" | {{section|Page:MS Var.82 039v.png|3|lbl=39v}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| <br/><br/>
+
| id="Trosclair2" | {{section|Martin Syber/Christian Trosclair|2}}
<poem><small>[1]</small>
+
| id="Kleinau2" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jens P. Kleinau|2}}
 
+
| id="Hull2" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jeffrey Hull|2}}
 
+
| id="Salzburg2" |
 
+
{{section|Page:MS M.I.29 001r.jpg|2|lbl=-|p=1}} {{section|Page:MS M.I.29 001v.jpg|1|lbl=1v|p=1}}
<small>[5]</small>
+
| id="Glasgow2" | {{section|Page:MS E.1939.65.341 024v.jpg|2|lbl=-}}
 
+
| id="Rostock2" | {{section|Page:MS Var.82 040r.png|1|lbl=40r}}
 
 
 
 
 
 
<small>[10]</small>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<small>[15]</small>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<small>[20]</small>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<small>[25]</small>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<small>[30]</small></poem>
 
| '''[3] {{red|Now here begins the forward and lessons of the recital, thereafter the six courses.}}'''
 
<poem>{{red|Whoever wishes to acquire honor}}
 
:{{red|Before princes and before lords}}
 
{{red|In fencing with the}} sword,
 
That is good and proper
 
That follow my lessons
 
They triumph continually.
 
Hold the six courses in guard
 
They are quite praiseworthily good
 
In them is well understood
 
Many good masters' wisdom
 
From Hungary, Bohemia, Italy,
 
From France, England, and Alamannia,
 
From Russia, Prussia, Greece,
 
Holland, Provence, and Swabia.
 
In them, you shall step left
 
Thereby remember the misguiding
 
Penetrate strongly in thrusting
 
So you may well succeed
 
If you see the window standing open
 
Enter it from there
 
Strike or thrust quickly
 
So you may fall hard
 
Into the work, in that, step.
 
That makes-good<ref>mitmachen</ref> the first-pass<ref>ehegefährt</ref>
 
If you now wish to undertake this,
 
You must have a strong spirit
 
Proper understanding is also good
 
Guard yourself from great wrath
 
To such, bring the parrying to them.
 
Through that, you may well succeed.
 
In all of your fencing, be swift.
 
This forward has an end.</poem>
 
| Nu hebt sich an dy vor rede vnd lere der zettell dar noch die sechß genng ~
 
<poem>{{red|b=1|Wer ere will erwerbenn}}
 
{{red|b=1|vor furstenn vnd vor herenn}}
 
{{red|Im vechtenn mit dem}} Swertt
 
dz ist gutt vnd gerecht
 
der volge mÿner lere
 
der gesiget ymermere
 
dy sechß genng halt in hu°tt
 
die sintt gar prißlich gutt
 
in den woll begriffen ist
 
vil manges gutte~ meinsters list
 
auß Vngern Behem Ÿtalia
 
auß Franckrich Engellant vnd almania
 
auß rewßen Prewßen Gretia
 
Hollant Profant vnd Sweuia
 
In den soltu tretten linck
 
der verfurüng do by gedennck
 
In stichenn st<del>r</del>arg dring
 
so mag dir wol geling
 
Sichstus venster offen stan
 
Si hinein gee dar von
 
schlag oder stich schnell
 
So magstu hartt geuell
 
in der arbeÿtt <del>d</del> vmb tritt
 
daß egeuertt mach mitt
 
Wiltu sie me hebenn an
 
ein ein starcken müstu han
 
Recht vernüfft ist auch gutt
 
von großem zornn '''[1v]''' dich behutt
 
zu sollicher versatzüng yn den pring
 
dar durch dir mag wol geling
 
In allem dinem vechten biß behende
 
dÿ vor lere hat ein ende ~</poem>
 
| {{red|b=1|Hie hebt sich die vorred an der selben newen zetl /}}<br/><br/>
 
<poem>Wer ere wil erwerben
 
vor fu~rsten vnd vor herren /
 
Im vechtñ mit dem schwert /
 
das ist gut vnd bewert /
 
der volg meiner lere /
 
der gesÿeget ymmermere /
 
die sechs geng halt in huett /
 
die sind gar preislich gutt /
 
in den wol begriffen ist /
 
vil manches gutten maisters list /
 
Aus vngerñ behem aus italia /
 
Aus Franckreich Engelant
 
 
 
hollant prabant vnd aus sweuia /
 
In den soltu treten lenck /
 
der vorforu~ng da pey gedenck /
 
In stich starck dring /
 
So mag dir wol geling /
 
Sichtüs venster offen stan /
 
Sye hin ein gee darvon /
 
schlache oder stich vmb schnele /
 
so magstu hart felen /
 
Indes arbait tritt /
 
das egefert mach mit /
 
wildu sy nu heben an /
 
ein starcken muet müestu han /
 
recht vernufft ist auch gutt /
 
vor grossen zorñ dich behuet /
 
zu sõlicher versatzung yn da pringe /
 
dar dürch dir wol mag gelinge /
 
In allen deine~ vechtñ piß ehent /
 
die vorred hat hie ein endt /</poem>
 
| '''[40r] Hie hebt sich an die vorrede de selbenn neuenn zetelnn,'''
 
<poem>Wer ehr will erwerben,
 
vor fürsen und vor hernn,
 
Im fechten mit dme schwert,
 
das ist gut und gerecht.
 
Der volg meiner lehr,
 
der gesiget immermehr.
 
Die sechs geng halt in hut,
 
die sind gar preislich gut.
 
In den wol begriffen ist,
 
vil manches guten meisters list.
 
Aus Ungernn, Boham, aus Italia,
 
aus frankreich Engellandt, und Alimania,
 
aus Reussen Preussen Graecia,
 
Holland, Prabandt, und aus Suvenia.
 
In den soltu treten lenck,
 
der Verfürung dabey gedenck,
 
In Stich starck dring,
 
So mag dir wol gelingen,
 
Sichstu das fenster offen stan,
 
Siehe hinein gehe darvon,
 
Schlag oder stich schnek,
 
so magstu hartt gefel.
 
In der arbeit umbdrit,
 
das Egevert mach mitt.
 
Wiltu sie nue heben an,
 
ein starchen mut mustu han.
 
Rechte vernunft ist auch gut,
 
vor grossen zorn dich behut.
 
Zu solcher versatzung in do bring,
 
darduch dir wol mag geling
 
In al dein fechten biß[t] behend,
 
die vorred hat hie ein endt.</poem>
 
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| <br/>
+
| id="Trosclair3" | {{section|Martin Syber/Christian Trosclair|3}}
<poem>&nbsp;
+
| id="Kleinau3" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jens P. Kleinau|3}}
 
+
| id="Hull3" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jeffrey Hull|3}}
<small>[35]</small>
+
| id="Salzburg3" | {{section|Page:MS M.I.29 001v.jpg|2|lbl=-}}
 
+
| id="Glasgow3" | {{section|Page:MS E.1939.65.341 024v.jpg|3|lbl=-}}
 
+
| id="Rostock3" | {{section|Page:MS Var.82 040r.png|2|lbl=-}}
 
 
  
<small>[40]</small></poem>
 
| '''[4] {{red|The First Course Has Five Devices}}'''
 
<poem>{{red|Speed}} the weak to the right
 
Wind through in the fencing
 
With that, make the Flicker
 
Double to both sides
 
Turn away his shield
 
Clash<ref>punch, shove, push, collide</ref>, strike, slip away the bow
 
In all work, step around
 
Clash with the proper bow.</poem>
 
| {{red|b=1|Der erst gangck}}
 
<poem>{{red|Snell}} dy swech züm rechten
 
Durch wind im vechtenn
 
Den schneller do mit mach
 
Zu beyden sitenn zwiffach
 
Seins schilt starck verwindt
 
Den bogenn stos schlag geswinde
 
In aller arbeit vmb tritt
 
Den rechtenn bogenn stos mitt</poem>
 
| {{red|b=1|Der Erst ganck hat funff Stück}}
 
<poem>Schnel die schwech zwm rechten /
 
durch wint im fechtn /
 
den schneller da mit mach /
 
zu paider seÿttñ zwifach /
 
Gens schilt starck verwint
 
den pogen stoß schlag geschwind /
 
In aller arbait vmb tritt
 
den rechtñ pogen stos mit /</poem>
 
| '''Der erst ganng hat funf stuck.'''
 
<poem>Schnel die schwech zum rechten,
 
durchwind im fechtenn.
 
Den schneller damit mach,
 
zu baider seitten zwifach.
 
Jenser schilt starck verwind,
 
den pogen stoß schlag geschwindt
 
In aller arbeit umbdrit,
 
den rechten pogen stoß mit.</poem><!--
 
          --><section begin="Krumphaw"/>
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
| <br/>
+
| id="Trosclair4" | {{section|Martin Syber/Christian Trosclair|4}}
<poem>&nbsp;
+
| id="Kleinau4" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jens P. Kleinau|4}}
 
+
| id="Hull4" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jeffrey Hull|4}}
 
+
| id="Salzburg4" | {{section|Page:MS M.I.29 001v.jpg|3|lbl=-}}
 
+
| id="Glasgow4" | {{section|Page:MS E.1939.65.341 024v.jpg|4|lbl=-}}
<small>[45]</small>
+
| id="Rostock4" | {{section|Page:MS Var.82 040v.png|1|lbl=40v}}
  
 
 
 
<small>[50]</small></poem>
 
| '''[5] {{red|The Second Course Has Six Devices}}'''
 
<poem>{{red|Curve}} into the strong
 
With that remember to wind through
 
Wind running over
 
Ready the point and pommel
 
Thrust him to the face
 
Work its cross, with that fence
 
It's misguided pommel, should you think of that
 
Upon the head, if you would like to harm him
 
In all work, step around
 
This makes-good the first-pass.</poem>
 
| {{red|b=1|Der ander ganck}}
 
<poem>{{red|Krümb}} in dy sterck
 
Durch wind mit merck
 
Wind vberlaüff /
 
verwoppen ortt vnd knouff
 
Stich im zu dem gesichtt
 
Des crutz arbeitt mit vichtt
 
Des verfurtenn knouffs das soltu gedenckenn
 
auff din haubt machstu yn krenckenn
 
In aller arbeitt vmb tritt
 
dz egeuertt mach mitt</poem>
 
| {{red|b=1|Der ander gang hat sechs stuck}}
 
<poem>Krumb in die sterck /
 
durch wint da mit merck /
 
wint vberlauff /
 
verwoppen orth vnd knauff/
 
Stich yn zu seim gesicht /
 
des kreutz arbait damit ficht /
 
des verserten knauffe soltu gedencke~ /
 
auff dem haupt magstu in krencke~ /
 
In aller arbait vnd trit /
 
das egefert mach mit /</poem>
 
| '''[40v] Der ander gang hat Sechs Stuck.'''
 
<poem>Krump in die sterck,
 
durchwend mit merck.
 
Wind uberlauff,
 
verwapen ort unnd knauff.
 
Stich in zu seinn gesicht,
 
des Creutz arbeit mit ficht.
 
Des verfürten knaufs soltu gedenken,
 
auf dem hauptt machstu in krenckenn.
 
In aller arbeit umbdrit,
 
das egevert mach mit.</poem><!--
 
          --><section end="Krumphaw"/><section begin="Twerhaw"/><section begin="Schilhaw"/>
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
| <br/>
+
| id="Trosclair5" | {{section|Martin Syber/Christian Trosclair|5}}
<poem>&nbsp;
+
| id="Kleinau5" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jens P. Kleinau|5}}
 
+
| id="Hull5" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jeffrey Hull|5}}
 
+
| id="Salzburg5" | {{section|Page:MS M.I.29 002r.jpg|1|lbl=2r}}
 
+
| id="Glasgow5" | {{section|Page:MS E.1939.65.341 025r.jpg|1|lbl=25r}}
<small>[55]</small>
+
| id="Rostock5" | {{section|Page:MS Var.82 040v.png|2|lbl=-}}
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
<small>[60]</small></poem>
 
| '''[6] {{red|The Third Course Has Seven Devices}}'''
 
<poem>{{red|Squint whatever}} comes {{red|from-the-day}}
 
Thwart-through, do not go curved
 
Therein dishounor his struggle
 
The half-squinter makes-good
 
Take away quite swiftly
 
Threaten the hew against him
 
Drive out the shield strongly from him
 
Defeat him with running-over
 
In the strong of his edge
 
In all work, step around
 
This makes-good the first-pass.</poem>
 
| '''[2r] {{red|Der tritt ganck}}'''
 
<poem>{{red|Schil wz von tag}} kümpt
 
Durch zwirch gein nit krümpt
 
dar in schaulb sin sach
 
den halb schiller mit mach
 
nyms ab gar behende
 
droe den haulb wider in
 
den schiltt ym starck verdring
 
mit vberlouff in bezwing
 
in der sterck siner klingenn
 
In aller arbeitt vmb tritt
 
dz egeuertt mach mitt</poem>
 
| '''[25r] {{red|Der trit gang hat Syben Stück}}'''
 
<poem>Schil was vom tag kumbt /
 
durchwirchgen nit frümbt /
 
darin schaw sein sach /
 
den halbschaittler mit mach /
 
nym ab gar behendt /
 
dw den haw wider endt /
 
den schilt im starck verdring /
 
mit vberlauff in bezwing
 
in der sterck seiner klingen
 
in aller arbait vmbtritt /
 
das egefert mach auch mit /</poem>
 
| '''Der drit ganzg hat Sieben stuchk.'''
 
<poem>Schil was vom tak kumbt,
 
durchzwirch gem nit frumbt.
 
Darin schaw sein sach,
 
den halbschaitler mit mach.
 
Nimbs ab gar behend,
 
dro, den haw wider endt.
 
Dem schilt im stark verdring,
 
it uberlauf in bezwing,
 
in der sterck seiner kling.
 
In aller arbeit umbdrit,
 
das egevert mach mitt.</poem><!--
 
          --><section end="Schilhaw"/><section end="Twerhaw"/><section begin="Scheitelhaw"/>
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
| <br/>
+
| id="Trosclair6" | {{section|Martin Syber/Christian Trosclair|6}}
<poem>&nbsp;
+
| id="Kleinau6" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jens P. Kleinau|6}}
 
+
| id="Hull6" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jeffrey Hull|6}}
 +
| id="Salzburg6" | {{section|Page:MS M.I.29 002r.jpg|2|lbl=-}}
 +
| id="Glasgow6" | {{section|Page:MS E.1939.65.341 025r.jpg|2|lbl=-}}
 +
| id="Rostock6" | {{section|Page:MS Var.82 040v.png|3|lbl=-}}
  
<small>[65]</small></poem>
 
| '''[7] {{red|The Fourth Course Has Five Devices}}'''
 
<poem>Push through {{red|the Ox}}
 
With two great steps
 
Wind and counter wind
 
Make the scalper-hew disappear
 
wind the hitter, strike quickly
 
In the belly and upon the neck
 
In all work, step around
 
This makes-good the first-pass.</poem>
 
| {{red|b=1|Der virdt ganck}}
 
<poem>{{red|Den ochßenn}} durch stos
 
Mitt zwienn schrittenn groß
 
Windt vnd wider windt
 
Den scheitteller haulb mach geschwindt
 
windt / den treffer bald schlag
 
in den buch vnd vff den nack
 
In aller arbeitt vmb tritt
 
daß egeuertt mach mitt ~</poem>
 
| {{red|b=1|Der viert gang hat fünff Stück}}
 
<poem>Den ochsen durch stoß /
 
mit zweÿen schrittñ groß /
 
windt vnd wid~ wint /
 
den schaittler haw mach geschwint /
 
windt den treffer pald schlag /
 
in den pauch vnd auff den nack /
 
in aller arbait vmb reyt
 
das egefert mach mit /</poem>
 
| '''Der vierd ganng hat fünf stuck'''
 
<poem>Den Ochsen durchstos,
 
mit zwei schriten groß,
 
Wind und wider wind,
 
den schaitelhaw mach geschwind,
 
Wund, den treffer pald schlag,
 
In den bauch und auf de[n] nack.
 
In aller arbeit umdrit,
 
das Egevert mach mit.</poem><!--
 
          --><section end="Scheitelhaw"/>
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
| <br/>
+
| id="Trosclair7" | {{section|Martin Syber/Christian Trosclair|7}}
<poem><small>[70]</small>
+
| id="Kleinau7" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jens P. Kleinau|7}}
 
+
| id="Hull7" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jeffrey Hull|7}}
 
+
| id="Salzburg7" |
 
+
{{section|Page:MS M.I.29 002r.jpg|3|lbl=-|p=1}}<br/>{{section|Page:MS M.I.29 002v.jpg|1|lbl=2v|p=1}}
 +
| id="Glasgow7" | {{section|Page:MS E.1939.65.341 025r.jpg|3|lbl=-}}
 +
| id="Rostock7" |
 +
{{section|Page:MS Var.82 040v.png|4|lbl=-|p=1}}<br/>{{section|Page:MS Var.82 041r.png|1|lbl=41r|p=1}}
  
<small>[75]</small></poem>
 
| '''[8] {{red|The Fifth Course Has Five Devices}}'''
 
<poem>Thrust {{red|through}} the long point
 
Pull, thrust again, then kill
 
Allow the blind-hew to bounce
 
So you may go careening well
 
Hang against, also quickly
 
Step behind, rebound
 
Upon the head, into the belly
 
So you make a right fool out of him
 
In all work, step around
 
This makes-good the first-pass.</poem>
 
| {{red|b=1|Der funfft ganck}}
 
<poem>{{red|Durch}} stich den langenn ortt
 
Zu°ck wider stich denn mortt
 
Den plintt haulb laß prellenn
 
So magtu gen wol wellenn
 
'''[2v]''' Heng wider also baldt
 
Hinder tritt wider schnall
 
Vff denn kopff in den bu°ch
 
So machstu auß im ein rechtenn gauch
 
In aller arbeitt vmb tritt
 
Das egeuertt mach mitt</poem>
 
| {{red|b=1|Der fünff gangk hat fu~nff stuck}}
 
<poem>Durch schreich den langen orth /
 
zuck wider stich den mort /
 
den plinthawen laß prellen /
 
so magstu gen wol fellen /
 
heng nyder also pald
 
hindtertruck wider / schnãll
 
auff den kopf in den pauch /
 
so magstu aus im ein rechte~ gauch /
 
in aller arbait vmb trit /
 
das egefert mach mit</poem>
 
| '''Der fünft gang hat fünf stuck.'''
 
<poem>Durchstreich denn lanngenn ort,
 
zuck, wider stich dann mordt.
 
Denn Plinthaw las prellenn,
 
so magstu yenen wol fellen.
 
'''[41r]''' Heng wider also baldt,
 
hintertrit wider schnal.
 
Auff den kopff in den bauch,
 
so machst aus in ein rechten gauch.
 
In aller arbeit umbdrit,
 
das Egevert mach mit.</poem><!--
 
          --><section begin="Twerhaw"/>
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
| <br/>
+
| id="Trosclair8" | {{section|Martin Syber/Christian Trosclair|8}}
<poem><small>[80]</small>
+
| id="Kleinau8" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jens P. Kleinau|8}}
 
+
| id="Hull8" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jeffrey Hull|8}}
 
+
| id="Salzburg8" | {{section|Page:MS M.I.29 002v.jpg|2|lbl=-}}
 +
| id="Glasgow8" | {{section|Page:MS E.1939.65.341 025r.jpg|4|lbl=-}}
 +
| id="Rostock8" | {{section|Page:MS Var.82 041r.png|2|lbl=-}}
  
 
<small>[85]</small></poem>
 
| '''[9] {{red|The Sixth Course has Four Devices}}'''
 
<poem>{{red|From-the-Day}} Travel-through long
 
Protect yourself with winding<ref>entwining, turning-away</ref>
 
Thwart-through him quite quickly
 
Rebound the blind-hew
 
Then point-hew into his chest
 
After all of your ruin.
 
In all work, step around
 
This makes-good the first-pass.</poem>
 
| {{red|b=1|Der sechst ganck}}
 
<poem>{{red|Vom tag}} lang durch var
 
Mit verwindenn dich bewar
 
Durch zwuerch ym gar baldt
 
Den plyntt haulb wider schnall
 
Den ortt haulb in sein brust
 
Nach allem deim verlu°st
 
In aller arbeitt vmb tritt
 
Daß egeuertt mach mitt</poem>
 
| {{red|b=1|Das sechs ganck hatt vier stuck}}
 
<poem>Vom tag lang dürch far /
 
mit verwinten dich bewar /
 
durchzwirch ym gar palde
 
den plint hawe wider schnalle /
 
dein orth haw yn sein prust /
 
nach allem deinem verlust
 
in aller arbait vmb tritt
 
des egefert mach mit /</poem>
 
| '''Der Sechst gang hat vier stuck.'''
 
<poem>Vom tag lang durch far,
 
mit verwinten dich bewar.
 
Durchzwirch im gar bald,
 
den Plinthaw wider schnal.
 
Den ort haw in sein brust,
 
nach allem dein lust.
 
In aller arbeit umbdrit,
 
das Egevert mach mit.</poem><!--
 
          --><section end="Twerhaw"/>
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
|  
+
| id="Trosclair9" | {{section|Martin Syber/Christian Trosclair|9}}
| '''[10] {{red|Here the new recital has an end.}}'''
+
| id="Kleinau9" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jens P. Kleinau|9}}
''Martin Sibers recital with six courses, as exactly as he set-down, from many masters technique. Whoever can understand it well is well to be praised as a good master of the long sword before other masters.''
+
| id="Hull9" | {{section|Martin Syber/Jeffrey Hull|9}}
| {{red|b=1|Finis etc}}
+
| id="Salzburg9" | {{section|Page:MS M.I.29 002v.jpg|3|lbl=-}}
| Finis huig materie
+
| id="Glasgow9" | {{section|Page:MS E.1939.65.341 025r.jpg|5|lbl=-}}
| '''Hie hat die new zetel ein enndt.'''
+
| id="Rostock9" | {{section|Page:MS Var.82 041r.png|3|lbl=-}}
Mertenn Sibers zeteln mit denn 6 gengen, Als ers zusamenn gesetzt hat, vonn mancherley meisters, gefecht, wer die wol kann, und verstehet, ist wol zu breysenn für ein gutenn meister des lannngenn schwerts vor vil andern meisternn.
 
  
 
|}
 
|}
{{master end}}
+
</div>
  
 
{{master begin
 
{{master begin
Line 570: Line 159:
 
{{sourcebox
 
{{sourcebox
 
  | work        = Translation
 
  | work        = Translation
  | authors    = Various
+
  | authors    = [[translator::Christian Trosclair]]
 
  | source link =  
 
  | source link =  
 
  | source title= Wiktenauer
 
  | source title= Wiktenauer
  | license    =  
+
  | license    = noncommercial
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{sourcebox
 
{{sourcebox
 
  | work        = [[Codex Speyer (MS M.I.29)|Salzburg Version]]
 
  | work        = [[Codex Speyer (MS M.I.29)|Salzburg Version]]
 
  | authors    = [[Dierk Hagedorn]]
 
  | authors    = [[Dierk Hagedorn]]
  | source link = http://www.hammaborg.de/en/transkriptionen/hans_von_speyer/index.php
+
  | source link =  
  | source title= Hammaborg Historischer Schwertkampf
+
  | source title= [[Index:Codex Speyer (MS M.I.29)]]
 
  | license    = copyrighted
 
  | license    = copyrighted
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{sourcebox
 
{{sourcebox
  | work        = [[Glasgow Fechtbuch (E.1939.65.341)|Glasgow Version]]
+
  | work        = [[Glasgow Fechtbuch (MS E.1939.65.341)|Glasgow Version]]
 
  | authors    = [[Dierk Hagedorn]]
 
  | authors    = [[Dierk Hagedorn]]
  | source link = http://www.hammaborg.de/en/transkriptionen/emring_glasgow/index.php
+
  | source link =  
  | source title= Hammaborg Historischer Schwertkampf
+
  | source title= [[Index:Glasgow Fechtbuch (MS E.1939.65.341)]]
 
  | license    = copyrighted
 
  | license    = copyrighted
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{sourcebox
 
{{sourcebox
 
  | work        = [[Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss (MS Var.82)|Rostock Version]]
 
  | work        = [[Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss (MS Var.82)|Rostock Version]]
  | authors    = [[Hans Talhoffer (Blogger)|Jens P. Kleinau]]
+
  | authors    = [[Dierk Hagedorn]]
  | source link = http://talhoffer.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/martin-siber-rostock/
+
  | source link =  
  | source title= The Fencing and Life of Hans Talhoffer
+
  | source title= [[Index:Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss (MS Var.82)]]
  | license    = linkware
+
  | license    = copyrighted
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{sourcebox footer}}<section end="sourcebox"/>
 
{{sourcebox footer}}<section end="sourcebox"/>
Line 601: Line 190:
 
== Additional Resources ==
 
== Additional Resources ==
  
* [[Jeffrey Hull|Hull, Jeffrey]]. "The Longsword Fight Lore of Mertin Siber." ''Masters of Medieval and Renaissance Martial Arts''. Ed. Jeffrey Hull. Boulder, CO: [[Paladin Press]], 2008. ISBN 978-1-58160-668-3
+
{{bibliography}}
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
Line 615: Line 204:
  
 
[[Category:Longsword]]
 
[[Category:Longsword]]
 +
 +
[[Category:New format]]
 +
[[Category:Modular display]]

Latest revision as of 03:22, 12 July 2024

Martin Syber
Born 15th century (?)
Died 15th century (?)
Occupation Fencing master
Influences Johannes Liechtenauer (?)
Genres Fencing manual
Language Early New High German
Notable work(s) New Zettel
Manuscript(s)
Concordance by Michael Chidester
Translations

Martin Syber (Mertin Siber, Martein Syber) was a 15th century German fencing master. Hardly anything is known of Syber beyond his New Zettel ("New Recital"). His surname signifies that he came from a family of sieve makers, but gives us no indication of his birthplace. According to Syber's own account, he learned the art from a variety of masters from across Europe, including men from Bohemia, Brabant (or possibly Provence), England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Prussia, Russia, and Swabia. The inclusion of his Recital in Codex Speyer and the Glasgow Fechtbuch suggests a connection to the tradition of Johannes Liechtenauer, and his mention of an "earlier Zettel" is likely a reference to that of Liechtenauer; however, Syber does not appear on the roll of the Fellowship of Liechtenauer recorded by Paulus Kal in ca. 1470,[1] so the extent of his relationship is unclear.

Syber's Recital comes in the form a cryptic poem describing six Gänge, set sequences of strikes and parries. Unfortunately, no gloss is currently known to exist for Syber's verse, so its meaning is difficult to decipher. Conversely, it is worth noting that the 16th century Freifechter Joachim Meÿer not only had access to Syber's verse (which is included in his final manuscript),[2] but also employed much of the master's unique terminology in his own teachings. Meÿer may thus hold the key to interpreting Syber's techniques.

The Salzburg version of Syber's text is followed by an additional page of verse. This poem shares some common terminology with Syber's writings and has been attributed to Syber by some authors in the past,[3] but its omission from the other two versions of his text call this attribution into question. In addition, another version of the poem was included in one of Hans Talhoffer's manuscripts almost fifty years earlier,[4] which indicates that if Syber were indeed the author, his career must have been much earlier than currently believed.

Treatise

Select one or more fencing styles using the checkboxes below to view the associated treatises.

The number in brackets at the beginning of each translation box is a paragraph number assigned by Wiktenauer; clicking it will take you to the translation page. The numbers in brackets in the transcriptions with an "r" or "v" are manuscript folio numbers; clicking them will take you to original page scan with the transcription alongside for comparison. If you want to sort a column by number, click the black triangles in the table headers.

Weapons

Long sword

Translations

Complete Translation Complete translation (2014) by Christian Trosclair

Complete Translation (Salzburg only) Complete translation (2011) by Jens P. Kleinau

Complete Translation (Salzburg only) Complete translation (2005) by Jeffrey Hull

Transcriptions

Salzburg Version (1491) by Dierk Hagedorn

Glasgow Version (1508) by Dierk Hagedorn

Rostock Version (1570) by Dierk Hagedorn

Complete Translation Complete translation (2014)
by Christian Trosclair

Complete Translation (Salzburg only) Complete translation (2011)
by Jens P. Kleinau

Complete Translation (Salzburg only) Complete translation (2005)
by Jeffrey Hull

Salzburg Version (1491) [edit]
Transcribed by Dierk Hagedorn

Glasgow Version (1508) [edit]
Transcribed by Dierk Hagedorn

Rostock Version (1570) [edit]
Transcribed by Dierk Hagedorn

Nu hebt sich an dy vor rede vnd lere der zettell dar noch die sechß genng ~

Wer ere will erwerbenn
vor furstenn vnd vor herenn
Im vechtenn mit dem
Swertt
dz ist gutt vnd gerecht
der volge mÿner lere
der gesiget ymermere
dy sechß genng halt in hu°tt
die sintt gar prißlich gutt
in den woll begriffen ist
vil manges gutte~ meinsters list
auß Vngern Behem Ÿtalia
auß Franckrich Engellant vnd almania
auß rewßen Prewßen Gretia
Hollant Profant vnd Sweuia
In den soltu tretten linck
der verfurüng do by gedennck
In stichenn strarg dring
so mag dir wol geling
Sichstus venster offen stan
Si hinein gee dar von
schlag oder stich schnell
So magstu hartt geuell
in der arbeÿtt d vmb tritt
daß egeuertt mach mitt
Wiltu sie me hebenn an
ein ein starcken müstu han
Recht vernüfft ist auch gutt
von großem zornn [1v] dich behutt
zu sollicher versatzüng yn den pring
dar durch dir mag wol geling
In allem dinem vechten biß behende
dÿ vor lere hat ein ende ~

Der funfft ganck

Durch stich den langenn ortt
Zu°ck wider stich denn mortt
Den plintt haulb laß prellenn
So magtu gen wol wellenn
[2v] Heng wider also baldt
Hinder tritt wider schnall
Vff denn kopff in den bu°ch
So machstu auß im ein rechtenn gauch
In aller arbeitt vmb tritt
Das egeuertt mach mitt

Der funft gang hat funf stuck.

Durchstreich denn lanngenn ort,
tzuck, Widerstich denn mordt.
Denn Plinthaw las Prellenn,
so magstu genen wol fellenn
[41r] Heng wider also baldt,
hintertrit wider schnal.
Auff denn kopff in denn bauch,
so machst aus im ein Rechtenn gauch.
In aller arbeit vmbdrit,
das Egeuert mach mit.

Additional Resources

The following is a list of publications containing scans, transcriptions, and translations relevant to this article, as well as published peer-reviewed research.

  • Hull, Jeffrey (2008). "The Longsword Fight Lore of Mertin Siber." Masters of Medieval and Renaissance Martial Arts: 223-238. Ed. by John Clements. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press. ISBN 978-1-58160-668-3.

References

  1. The Fellowship of Liechtenauer is recorded in three versions of Paulus Kal's treatise: MS 1825 (1460s), Cgm 1507 (ca. 1470), and MS KK5126 (1480s).
  2. Meÿer, Joachim. Fechtbuch zu Ross und zu Fuss [manuscript]. MS Varia 82. Rostock, Germany: Universitätsbibliothek Rostock, 1570.
  3. Hull, Jeffrey. "Mertin Siber’s Longsword Fight-Lore of 1491 AD: a thesis on the Fechtlehre from Handschrift M I 29 (Codex Speyer) at the University of Salzburg in Austria". The Association for Renaissance Martial Arts, 2005. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  4. Talhoffer, Hans. Untitled [manuscript]. MS Thott 290.2º. Copenhagen, Denmark: Det Kongelige Bibliotek, 1459.
  5. alt: departure
  6. The Salzburg differs: Item. The hereafter written new recital Master Martin Syber had prepared and set-down and is a selection of many masterful applications and is partitioned and set down in six courses
  7. G & R omit
  8. G: previous
  9. R: previously illustrated
  10. zugehen is a synonym for zufechten here
  11. S: omitted
  12. alt: the hard
  13. mitmachen. alt: completes
  14. ehegefährt note: this is attacking in the vor.
  15. know-how
  16. alt: overwhelm; turn(away, aside), entwine, entangle, wrap
  17. alt: jab
  18. G & R: the
  19. alt: make the first-pass too
  20. alt: make the first-pass too
  21. G & R: half-parter
  22. alt: make the half-squinter too
  23. S: you
  24. alt: Force-out the shield in the strong
  25. alt: make the first-pass too
  26. R: Then make...
  27. alt: make the first-pass too
  28. G & R: Strike
  29. G & R: fail or fall
  30. G: down
  31. alt: as soon as. (just in time)
  32. alt: make the first-pass too
  33. alt: twisting
  34. G: your