Talhoffer Fechtbuch (MS Thott.290.2º)

Talhoffer Fechtbuch
MS Thott.290.2º, Det Kongelige Bibliotek Copenhagen, Denmark
x230px x230px
Hagedorn Leng 38.3.4
Wierschin — Hils 27
Type	Fencing manual War book Wrestling manual
Date	1459
Language(s)	Early New High German
Author(s)	Jud Ebreesch Konrad Kyeser Hans Talhoffer Johannes Liechtenauer
Scribe(s)	Michel Rotwyler
Illustrator(s)	Clauss Pflieger (?)
Material	Paper, in a metal-bound leather cover
Size	150 folia
Format	Double-sided; one illustration per side, with brief text
Script	Bastarda
Previously kept	Otto Thott (1703 - 1785)
External data	Library overview page
Treatise scans	Digital scans (4500x6000) Digital scans (1300x2000) Digital scans (600x900)
Other translations	Magyar fordítás Slovenski prevod

The title of this article contains the character º. Where it is unavailable or not desired, the name may be represented as Talhoffer Fechtbuch (MS Thott.290.2o).

The MS Thott.290.2º is a German fencing manual created by Hans Talhoffer in 1459. The original currently rests in the holdings of Det Kongelige Bibliotek in Copenhagen, Denmark. This manuscript was likely a reference book created for Talhoffer's personal use. Aside from his own work, this manuscript also includes Johannes Liechtenauer's Recital (Zettel) and Konrad Kyeser's Bellifortis ("Battle Force"). On the final ten folia, the text is inverted and opening the book from the back reveals a brief treatise on a variety of mystical subjects.

Contents

Irv	Front matter Images No Translation Transcription
1r	Anonymous poem
1v, 8r - 11v	Preface by Hans Talhoffer Images Complete Translation by Jeffrey Hull Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann Conclusion of hewing: Would that your fighting be lucky – Then be lively, withhold not long the play. The dandy laugh at that While the earnest make – They trust in the sword. As the Talhoffer does teach: In the sword you shall have trust and belief, So that blood runs not over the eyes, etc [1v] Beschliessung der höw Wiltu daz dirß fechten glück Bïß frisch verhalt nit lang die stück Darzuo hypschlich lachen Und die ernstlichen machen Daz trow Jm Schwert Die der talhofer lert Jm Schwert soltu nyemen trowen noch gelouben So Rint dir daz bluot nit uber die ougen etc ~ Thus here is the key to Rightful Art, according to all the masters, the sundry hands of converging ways; which is also consigned to memory; and which is the right grounding: Jtem die Sloß der rechten kunst nach dem alß die maister Die abgetailt hand von genähe wegen Daz ouch billich zu behaltent ist wen diß ist der recht grunde Thus firstly, when you will fight in earnest with someone, then look out for how you and he agree what hour thereafter; thus by all means you act according to pressing need; and keep that to yourself and tell nobody what you have in mind or would do, since the World is so false. And by all means, the gauntlets serve to your vantage; sword and gambeson and leggings and whatever you will that is customary; yet mark how you and he agree upon that – and so then abide by it. Even if the sword has no other right, then it has that which is one’s own and free will. Thus when you come within the barriers and will begin / attack, then let any foe say and do what he will; and cower not within yourself; and have the earnest in mind; and whatever he says unto you, do not react to it; and fight earnestly for yourself thusly; and let him have no rest and become no threat; and follow the art, thus fear not his strikes; and would he draw you into meetings of the blades, then counterstrike merrily. Jtem zu dem ersten wenn du Jn ernst mit ainem fechten wilt So luog wie du mit jm abredst und uff wolche stund nach dem so richt dich nach notturft mit allem zuog und daz tuo selber haimlich Und sag nymant waß du Jm sinn habest oder tun wollest wenn die welt ist also Valsch und richt diu hentschuch nach deim vortail mit Allem zuog Schwert und wameß hosen und waß du Den bruchen wilt und merck aber wie du mit Jm Abredist Dann darby wirt eß beliben wan daz schwert Hat sunst kain recht Dann daz es aigner und fryer will ist Jtem wen du in den schrancken kumpst und an gan wilt So lauß yederman sagen und tun waß er wöll und sich Nit hindersich und hab den ernst jm sinn und waß er mit Dir red da ker dich nit an und ficht ernstlich für Dich daz Und lauß im kain Ruo und trou und folg der kunst furcht nit Sine sleg und wil er ernstlich an Dich zuck jnnß treffen dz uh (!) How wider fröhlich Thereupon speaks Hans Talhoffer: The good man must speak up for the truth – even when it seems obvious and happens often, etc daran spricht Hanß talhofer der guot man Daz muß er für Die warhait Jehen Wann eß ist Jm ouch Wol Eben dick und offt beschehen etc ~ ~ Here finds one written of judicial combat Thus what now be decreed as forbidden of all combatants. So by and by, it has become the custom of kaisers and kings, princes and lords, to whom one likens himself and emulates, that one is obliged to fight, especially regarding several causes and articles which are written down hereafter. [8r] hie vint man geschriben von dem kempfen Item wie daz nun sy daz die die decretaleß kempf verbieten, So hat doch die gewonhait herbracht von kaisern und künigen fürsten und hern noch gestatten und kempfen laussen, und darzu glichen schierm gebent, und besunder und umb ettliche sachn und artikeln, alß her nach geschriben staht. Yet firstly this – Nobody is happy when one of his comrades cuts him up with loud words. He who would have at dueling with such a comrade, indeed he is within his rights and may well-fight him if he would. Thus dueling is wantonness. Item zu dem ersten maul daz im nymant gern sin Eer laut abschniden mit wortten ainem der sin genoß ist Er wolte Er hebat mit im kempfen wie wol er doch nit recht wol von im kem ob er wolte und darumb so ist kämpfen ain muotwill Now those aforesaid causes and articles are seven, wherefor a man has duty to fight: Thus the first is murder. The second is treason. The third is heresy. The fourth is becoming an urger of disloyalty to one’s lord. The fifth is betrayal in strife or otherwise. The sixth is falsehood. The seventh is using either a maiden or lady. Item der sachen und ardickelen sind siben Darumb man noch pfligt zu kempfen Item daz erst ist mortt Daz ander verräterniß Das dritt ketzery Daz vierd wohher an sinem herrn trulos wirt Daz fünfft umb fanknuß in striten oder sunsst Daz sechst um valsch Daz sibent da ainer junckfrowen oder frowen benotzogt That is why one man challenges another to duel. Such a man shall come before court and shall lay down his case through his own advocacy. Therefor he who accuses shall name the man by baptized name and surname. At the appointed hour it is right that he who calls for the tribunal also complains to three tribunes after the accused comes – unless either one comes not and answers for himself. Yet nobody of one’s ilk may do so, for truly one may answer better for himself. Then the accuser proves his need be just and right. So shall the man under accusation, as much as his accuser, comprehend and likewise this helps the land. Only after all the testimony is done shall verdict be rendered. Item spricht ain man den andern kempflich an, der sol komen für gericht und sol durch sinen fürsprechen sin sach für legen, darumb er in denn an kagt und sol den man nennen mit dem touff namen und zuo namen. So ist recht, daz er in für gericht lad und in dry stund beklag uff dryen gerichten nach ain ander. kumt er denn nit und veranttwurt sich nach nymant von sinen wegen, so mag er sich fürbaß nit mer veranttwurten, [8v] er bewyse dann Ehafte nott als recht sy, so sel man in verurtailen alß fer in daz sin bott innerhalb landes begriffen hant. Je dar nach, alß die ansprach ist gegangen, darnach sol daz urtail ouch gan. Thus he who was challenged, he comes singularly before the three tribunes to respond and gainsay. Therefor the man who was challenged, he speaks thus that he be blameless and he repeats that the accusations be not true and thereover he would honour with struggle upon that knowledge, as then be right for and required by the land wherein this be and so thereupon is dealt his training-time. So he is dealt six weeks and four days from this tribunal for his training time. Thereupon is also dealt that the men shall struggle as is customary and right in the land. Thus the two men pledge willingly to go before court and struggle against each other – each also with about six weeks of trainingtime in peace, during which either or both are banished if someone breaks peace – thus not until when it is agreed upon as right by the judge. Item der da kempflich angesprochen wirt uff den dryen gerichten und er ainost zuo der antwort kumpt und leugnot darum man in an gesprochen hat und spricht er sy des also unschuldig und der sag uff in daz nit war sy und daz wöll er widerumb mit kempfen beherten und uff in daz wysen alß denn recht sy un dem land darinn eß sy und forttert dar über mit urtail seinen lertag, so werdent im sechß wochen ertailt zu sinem lertag und vier tag von dem gericht werdent im auch ertailt, daruff sie kempfen süllent alß in dem land gewonhait und recht ist. Item versprechent sich zwen man willkürlich gen einander ain kampfez vor gericht, den git an auch sechs wochen lertag und sol in frid bannen baiden, und wolcher under den den frid brech, uber den richtet man on den kampf alß recht ist. How one may lawfully meet the other. Thus is one man challenged to fight by another man. The man said to be not as good by the other – he may with right meet that other, if he will. Or if a man would be said or become spurious, then he may instead disregard the duel. Thus indeed the noble challenge the craven to dueling – so may the craven not well disregard that. wie ainer dem anderen mit recht ußgan mag Item ist daz ein man kempflich angesprochen wiert von aim der nit alß guot ist alß er, dem mag er mit recht uß gan ob er wil oder ob ain man echtloß gesagt würde oder worden wer, dem mag man ouch des kampfes absin. Item spricht aber der edler den mindern an zu kempfen, so mag der den minderen nit wol absin. Thus why indeed two men may not combat one another; though whichever among them, of the two, may well want to meet the other: Thus these two men are intent to duel – except they who are within five places of kinship, they may not rectify with one another by dueling; which seven men must swear, who may be of either the paternal or maternal half of either man’s family. [9r] Item wie aber zwen mann nit mit ainender mügent kempfen und wolcher wil under den den zweye dem andern wol uß gan mag Item wenn zween mann ?gesinnt sind biß uff die fünffte sipp oder näher die mügent durch recht nit mit ein ander kempfen und des müssn siben man schwern die die vatter und muotter halb mäge sind. Thus how one or the other may disregard the duel, if he has such a handicap as written and stated here: Thus if a lame man, or one who has bad eyes, becomes challenged to duel. Yet if he may well-manage somehow to meet the sound one, it be then the wise decree to make this person on par with the other; and that wise decree must be done upon their oath; such that just as well the lamed or poorly sighted man thus may well win instead of the other one in any duel of theirs. Item wie aber ainer dem anderen kampfes absin mag mit solichem gelimpf alß hie geschribn stät Item ob ain lamer man oder einer der böse ougen hett und kampfes an gesprochen wirt der mag sich der auch wol behellffen und dem gesunden usgan, eß sy denn daz wyse lüt daz gelich nach der ?person machen und daz müessent wyß lüt uff ir eid tun und daz also glich machen. Es mag auch der lam oder mit den bosen ougen wol einen an ir statt gewinnen der für iro ainen kempfe. When thus the six weeks are past and the last day is come, then the judge has summoned them, whereupon shall be combat. So shall they both come before the judge with such training and in such respect as the customs and law teach in the land wherein the duel shall be; or accordingly as they have otherwise willingly agreed and so forth. Item wenn also die sechß wochen uß sind und der letst tag komen ist den in der richter beschaiden haut daruff kempfen sullen, so sullen sie beide für den richter komen mit solichem ertzögen und in solich acht alß die gewonheit und das recht lert in dem lande dar inn sie kempfen sullen oder nach dem alß sie mit einander gewillkürt habent Item etc. - Thus so there, the complainant shall swear that he therefor has cause for fighting the other; and that he has deemed the other man guilty. And then shall the judge assign a ring and “grit-wardens” and verdict; and counsel wise decrees according to the customs of the land; whereupon the day in the ring arrives for the verdict. One erring man vanquished as honour demands; which he shall take as proof and as rightful / lawful. Item so soll da der cleger schweren daz er der sach darum er dem ainen man zugesprochen haut schuldig sy und denn so sol man in ainen ring machen und grieß wartten und urttail geben [9v] nach wyser lute raut und nach des landeß gewonhait. Und wer uff den tag in den ring nit kumpt den urttailt man sigeloß in irre denn Ehafte nott die sol er bewysen alß recht ist - Here is stated how one shall hold oneself when the combatants are come into the ring upon the appointed hour, at which time one thus shall duel the other adversarily: When the combatants are thus come into the ring, then the judge of that hour shall stare at all there; and advise that hiding is forbidden, by health and wealth; and that he shall not allow one or the other to be aided by someone else; thus shall each both do combat exclusively; so may the judge intimidate any rabble. Hie staut wie man sich halten sol wenn die kempfer in dem ring komen sind uff die stund und uff die zit so man pheindiglich kempfen sol WEnn die kempfer also in den ring komen sind So sol der richter von stund an alle stür und ler vestecklich verbieten by lyb und guot und sol nicht gestatten daz man einem für den andern nicht zulege und sel inß beiden machen so er imer gelichest mag ungenerde. That which is lawful if one of the combatants flees out, or becomes driven out, of the ring: Thus whichever combatant comes out of the ring, before then the duel has its deadly ending, because he becomes knocked out of the ring by the other or he flees thereout, or however else he comes thereout; or he admits that the other man’s position regarding the cause for challenge is right – then shall that man be adjudged vanquished, or otherwise slain and killed; for another man has conquered him. Then a man shall rectify indeed as is lawful and customary in the land. And thereby they have battled one another. Das ist was recht wer ob der kempfer ainer uss dem ring fluch oder getriben wurd Item wolcher kempfer uss dem ring kumpt Ee denn der kampf ain ende haut Er werde daruß geschlagen von dem andern oder fluche daruß oder wie er daruß käme oder aber ob er der sache vergicht darum man in denn mit recht an gesprochen haut, den sol man sigeloß urttailen. Oder wolcher den andern erschlecht und ertötett der haut gesiget. Dem sol man aber richten alß des landes gewonhait und recht ist darumb sie dem mit ainander gekemppffet hand. Now mark this bond that you need to understand: Thus firstly you should know well the master who will teach you; that his art be right and protective; and that he be pious / sober; and that he not embezzle you; and that he not shorten / beguile the lore; and that he wits to broaden the arsenal wherewith he will battle. However – should that master not accept that, swearing upon his profits ingratiatingly and his prejudices devotedly and thus shall his ilk become masters because of him – then swear neither to further nor to teach his so-called art. [10r] Nun merck uff dissen punten der ist notturfftlich zu uerstend Item des ersten so soltu den maister wol erkennen der dich lerren wil dz sin kunst recht und gewer sy und dz er frum sy und dich nit veruntruwe und dich nit verkürtz in der lerr und wiß die gwer zü zerbraitten da mit er kempfen wil. Och sol er den maister nit uff nemen er schwer im dann sin frumen zwerbent und sin schaden zwendent deß glich sol er dem maister wider um sweren sin kunst nit witter zleren. Here heed the master: Thus the master, who has a student to teach, he shall wit that he recognise well the man whom he will teach; whether he be weak or strong and if he be coxcombraging or gentle-minded; whether he has good breathing / endurance or not; and whether he may work heartily. So when you the master have well-recognised him as into the lore and what work he is able to do, thereafter you must teach the student such that it avails him against his foes. Yet the combatant and the master shall guard that they let no man see them nor also the arsenal with which they work. And they both shall guard their doings from much of society; and say little of the fighting, so that no notice is made thereof. Hie merck uff den maister Item der maister der ain understat zu leren, der sol wißen daß er den man wol erken, den er lerren wil, ob er sie schwach oder starck, und ob er gäch zornig sy oder senftmüttig, och ob er gütten auttem hab oder nit, och ob er arbaitten müg in die in die ?harr; und wenn du inn wol erkunet haust in der lerr, un wz arbait er uermag dar nach müstu in lerren dz im nütz ist gen sinen vind. Och sol der kempffer und der maister sich hütten dz sie niemand zu sehen laussend und in sunder sie gwer da mit sy arbaittent und sich baid hütten vor vil geselschafft und von dem vechten wenig sagen dz kain abmercken da von kom. About patronage: How the combatant and the master want to relate: Remit the fee and reciprocate. What be his nature? If he be strong or weak, if yet he be coxcomb-raging or not; and how his top heats up if someone would quarrel or fight. It is also needful to wit by the master who teaches him: That the man strives to set himself aright. von kuntschafft wie der kempffer und der maister kuntschafft möchte hon zu rem widertail, wz sin wesen wer, ob er sy strarck oder swach, ob er och sy gechzornig oder nit, und wie sin touff nam hieß, ob man wölt dar uß bracticiern oder rechnen. Ws ist och nottürfftig zu wissen wz maister in lerr dz man sich darnach müg richten When now the combatant is taught and shall go within the barriers: So firstly, when he shall fight, accordingly shall he hear a priest say mass, in honour of Our Lady Mary and of Saint George patron of knights, and the priest shall bless him in the name of Saint John of the gospel, with which the combatant agrees. Thereafter the master shall try earnestly to advise the combatant one last time; whereupon the combatant shall stay; and shall fathom nothing, yet focus upon his foe and earnestly look at him. wenn er nun gelert ist und in den schrancken sol gon So sol er zu dem ersten bichten, dar nach sol im ain priester ain meß lesen von unßer frowen und von sant jörgen, und der priester sol im segnen sant johanns myne und dem kempfer geben. Dar nach sol der maister in ernstlich versüchen [10v] und inn under richten dar uff er bliben sol, und sol in uff kein ding haissen acht hon dann uff sin vind, und den ernstlich an schowen. Mark the presentation when one thus comes within the barriers: So shall he make one cross with the right foot and one cross with the right hand at his breast and shall sign in the name of the Father and Son and the Holy Ghost. The grit-wardens bearing staves or spears take the men in and present them and they turn round in the Sun. So then shall each combatant bid well the witnessing princes and lords; and they stand around the circle, as each bids God would help him and would give him victory over his foe, as He has truth and right. Merck uff dz infüeren Item wenn der man kompt in den schrancken so sol er machen mit dem rechten fuß ain krütz und mit der hand aines an an die brust und sol fürsich gon im namen des vatters und sunes und des hailigen gaistes. Dann sind in die grießwartten nemen und sind inn fürren gegen der sunnen umbhe. So sol dann der kempfer die fürsten und herren bitten und die umb den kraiß stand dz sy im wölle helffen got bitten dz er im sig wölle geben gegen sinem vind und alz er war und recht hab. Thereafter shall one sit down in the chair: When he is now seated, so shall someone overspan him with a tent, and his bier is behind him at the barriers, and his arsenal is well-arrayed and is lawful and ready for his needs / as required by court. Dar nach sol man in setzen in den sessel Wenn er nun gesessen ist so soll man im fürspannen ain tüch und sin bar hinder im an den schrancken und sine gwer sind wol gehenckt sin und gericht nach nottürfft The grit-wardens or armigers: The master and grit-wardens should heed the judge, or whomever else then as agreed previously. Dueling is started at the first call – so shall he the judge call the combatants to stand up and draw up from the tents; and when he has called for the third time, calling them by name, then he goes thence and commends them unto God. Die grieß wartten oder täpffer Der maister und die grieß wartten söllend mercken uff den richter oder uff den, der den kampff an lauffen wirt. Wann der rüfft zu dem ersten mal, so sol er den man haisen uff ston un dz tüch von im ziehen, und wann man rüfft zü dem dritten mäl so sol er in haissen hin gon und in got enpfelhen. He “inscribes” a message within a knotted twine He records the words of the mouth upon paper and those shall become black later. [11r] der schribt an ain knü faden der schribt uf dem mund und wirt schwartz 400x400px [11v] [No text]
2r - 5v	Recital on long sword fencing by Johannes Liechtenauer
12r - 48v	Bellifortis by Konrad Kyeser
49r - 60v, 138r - 139r	Grappling devices by Hans Talhoffer Images Complete Translation by Jeffrey Hull Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann 400x400px Thus rushing-wrestling the outer arms. [49r] Item zulouffend ringen uß den armen 400x400px Thus arm-breaking and throwing over the shank. [49v] Item daz arm brechen und uber den schenckel werffen 400x400px Thus bear-clinching. [50r] Item das burn vassen 400x400px Thus tugging out of that and throwing foreward upon the elbows. [50v] Item daz uß zucken und werffen vor der elenbogen 400x400px Thus going through. [51r] Item das durchgan 400x400px Thus the counter for that going-through. [51v] Item der bruch uber daz durchgan 400x400px Thus seizing by wambeson. [52r] Item daz vassen im wammeß 400x400px The counter for that seizing of the wambeson. [52v] Der bruch über daz vassen im wammeß 400x400px The play over arm and foot. [53r] Daz stuck uber den arm und inn fuoß 400x400px Throwing over the hip. [53v] Daz werffen uber die huffte 400x400px The arm-break. [54r] Der armbruch 400x400px The hinter-treading. [54v] Das hinder tretten 400x400px The arm-break over the shoulder. [55r] Der armbruch uber die achsel 400x400px Yet another hinter-treading. [55v] Duch ain hinder tretten 400x400px The shoulder-breaking. [56r] Dea achsel brechen 400x400px The throat-strangling. [56v] Daß halß würgen 400x400px Trying to go through or to hinter-tread. [57r] Daz versuchen durchgan oder hinder tretten 400x400px The boys-wrestling / knaves-wrestling overhead. [57v] Der buobnwurff überß houpt 400x400px Attack and counter. / Play and break. [58r] Stuck und bruch 400x400px The neck-clinching. [58v] Daz genick vassen 400x400px The inverted throw. [59r] Der verkertt wurff (similar) 400x400px Getting away from foe. [59v] vom man zu komen 400x400px The locking-clinch. [60r] Daz beslossen vassen 400x400px The counter for heaving behind oneself. [60v] hinder sich der bruch für daz heben
61r - 71r	Dagger devices by Hans Talhoffer Images Complete Translation by Jeffrey Hull Draft Translation Open Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann 400x400px For foe’s over-stab with the dagger when you are unarmed – catch his arm with your left arm… For the upper stab, with the left arm. [61r] Für den obern stich Mit dem linggen arme 400x400px And then grabbing it with both hands you twist it to arm-break. The arm-break. [61v] Der arm bruch (similar) 400x400px Inverted throwing versus over-stab. The inverted throwing. [62r] Daz verkertt werffen 400x400px Throwing the foe who over-stabs with his dagger. To throw the opponent with the dagger. [62v] Den man zu werffen mit dem tegen (similar) 400x400px Ward the under-stab and then arm-break. Resist the lower stab and break the arm. [63r] Den undern stich weren und den arm brechen 400x400px Throwing the foe who over-stabs. To throw the opponent forward. [63v] Den man für zu werffen 400x400px Taking, with one’s own dagger, the dagger of someone who over-stabs. One taking the dagger with his dagger. [64r] Den tegen ainem Nymen mit sim tegen 400x400px The over-shield. The upper shield. [64v] Der ober schilt 400x400px The throw over the hip countering the over-stab. The throw over the hip. [65r] Der wurff uber die hufft 400x400px Throwing, with dominance, the foe who overstabs. Throwing the opponent with force. [65v] Den man werffen mit gewalte 400x400px Throw foe down as you lunge your dagger through and pull it toward yourself to counter his over-stab. Throwing before and shooting through, pull toward yourself [66r] Für werffen und durch schiessen zuck an dich 400x400px The catching, thus the scissors –for countering over-stab… The catching. [66v] Das fahen 400x400px And the counter thereover. The counter against it. [67r] Der bruch darüber 400x400px The throw over the back to counter the counter to the over-stab. The throw over the back. [67v] Der wurff ubern ruggen 400x400px The over-counter and death-stab. The counter and death-stab. [68r] Der bruch und dot stich 400x400px The under-counter and heart-stab. The lower counter and heart-stab. [68v] Der under bruch und hertz stich 400x400px The weaving-stab and the counter for that. The woven-stab and counter for it. [69r] Der wabet stich und bruch dar für 400x400px The play is achieved that counters over-stab. Technique is completed. [69v] Stuck ist volbracht 400x400px The under-shield that counters under-stab. The lower shield. [70r] Der under schilt 400x400px The morte-stab / murder-stab achieved by catching, locking and striking. The murder-stab. [70v] Der mortt stich 400x400px The ending play – throw and stab the overstabbing foe in his belly. The finishing technique. [71r] Das end stuck
71v - 74v	Poleaxe devices by Hans Talhoffer Images Complete Translation by Jeffrey Hull Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann 400x400px Forsetting the strike and stop-thrusting to the heart. [71v] Den slag versetzen und hertz abstossen 400x400px Forsetting foe’s thrust and thrusting to the foe. [72r] Den stich versetzen und in er stechen 400x400px The break and throw. [72v] Den bruch und wurff 400x400px The neck-wrenching. [73r] Daz hallß ryssen 400x400px The needed stance countering the strike. [73v] Der nott stand fur den slag 400x400px The play achieved. [74r] Stuck verbracht 400x400px Catching the armament. [74v] Daz gwer sachen
74v - 79v	Mixed Weapon devices by Hans Talhoffer Images Complete Translation by Jeffrey Hull Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann 400x400px With the sword one counters the strike with the spear. [75r] Mit dem schwert fur den Slag mit dem spieß 400x400px The woven thrust. [75v] Der gewäbet Stich 400x400px The over-hew countering the thrust. [76r] Der oberhow fur den stich 400x400px The ending play with the longsword countering the halberd. [76v] Daz end stuck mit dem schwert für die hellen barten 400x400px Oone blinds the other at the head and thereby he throws into the body. [77r] Daz blenden ab dem huopt Darby der wurff [in leib] 400x400px The ending play with the bastard-sword countering the halberd. [77v] Daz endstuck mit dem messer für die hellen bartten 400x400px The forsetting of the spear. [78r] Daz versetzen gen dem spiess 400x400px The short-pike counters a long-spear with its shaft. [78v] Ain billgerin für ain langen spieß mit sinem stab 400x400px The needed stance with the messer. [79r] Der nott stand im messer …And the play whereby the hand is lost. [79v] Daz stuck [da die Hand verlohren.]
80r - 84r	Duel between a man and a woman by Hans Talhoffer Images Complete Translation by Jeffrey Hull Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann 400x400px Here he strikes at her foot and she hits his head. [80r] Hie schlecht er nach dem fuoß [und sy trifft dz houpt.] 400x400px Here he has negated her strike and caught it around his arm. [80v] Hie hat er den schlag ir entwert und dem arm gefangen 400x400px The grip at the throat. [81r] Der griff nach dem halß 400x400px Here she nods / neutralises the man / husband. [81v] hie nickt siu den man 400x400px The neck-breaking. [82r] Daz halß brechen 400x400px Here he makes an ending play. [82v] Hie macht er ain end stuck 400x400px Here she would hammer him / deafen him, and here he be felling her. [83r] Hie wil sy in töben und er siu sy vellen 400x400px Here the woman / wife drives an ending play. [83v] Hie tribt daz wib ain endsstuck 400x400px Here they make an end. [84r] Hie macht er end
84v - 94r	Short sword fencing by Hans Talhoffer Images Complete Translation by Jeffrey Hull Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann 400x400px The commencement of the armoured duel. [84v] Der anfang des kampfs 400x400px Here both knights be sitting. [85r] Hie sitzend sy bed 400x400px The stance countering the hurl. [85v] Der stand für den schutz 400x400px Here the first hurl is forset… [86r] Hie ist der schutz versetzt 400x400px …And here the second hurl is forset. [86v] Der ander schutz versetzt 400x400px The rushing with longswords after the spear-hurls. [87r] Daz anlouffen nach dem schutz 400x400px The morte-strike/murder-strike is forset. [87v] Der morttschlag ist versetzt 400x400px The fire-poker/branding-iron, thus the half-sword. [88r] Daz brendschürn 400x400px The sword-taking from binding at fire-pokers. [88v] Daz schwert nymen 400x400px Out of the morte-strike into the jugular-stab. [89r] uß dem morttschlag den gurgelstoß 400x400px The leaning. [89v] Das lemen 400x400px The back-throw. [90r] Der ruggen wurff 400x400px The forsetting, ripping and face-punching. [90v] Die versatzung zer ryssen und daz antlut stossen 400x400px The neck-strike. [91r] Der hallß Schlag 400x400px An ending play. [91v] ain ander stuck 400x400px Attack and counter. [92r] Stuck und bruch 400x400px Locking then throwing down out of fire-poker… [92v] Daz under werffen uß den brend schürn 400x400px …Which at last is ended by dagger-stab. [93r] und daz selbig end am letsten 400x400px Here he thanks God. And here the winner thanks God; as he had great need; and there lies the loser dead… [93v] Hie dancket er got [Mair: und hat groß noth] Da lyt er tod 400x400px …Whom they carry away to the freedom of the grave that God has for all worthy souls. Amen. [94r] Daz tragent in die fryheit hin weg inß grab / Daz got alle gelöbig selen hab amen
94v - 97r	Mounted fencing by Hans Talhoffer Images Complete Translation by Jeffrey Hull Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann 400x400px Advancing to the foe. [94v] Daz anryten zu den vynden 400x400px For forsetting during skirmishing. [95r] Daz versetzen im schärmitzlen 400x400px Shooting while fleeing. [95v] Daz schiessen an der flucht 400x400px The crossbow and sword: Countering protectively. / Countering after the shot. [96r] Daz armbrost und swert bruchen nach dem schutz 400x400px The lance counters half and whole. [96v] Daz glen bruchen halb und gantz 400x400px The thrust done out of the forsetting. [97r] Der stich uß versatzunge
97v - 101r, 102v - 103r	Longshield devices by Hans Talhoffer Images Complete Translation by Jeffrey Hull Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann 400x400px The first rush with pavise and sword according to the Swabian tradition. [97v] Der erst anlouff mit schilt und schwert nach schwäpschen Siten 400x400px Seeking there, behind / from behind the pavise. [98r] Dau suchen hinder schilt 400x400px The kick and jugular-thrust. [98v] Der drit und gurgel stich 400x400px The hinter-treading and heart-thrust achieved. [99r] Daz hinder treten und hertz stich volbringen 400x400px Here is the duel determined by the mace. [99v] Hie ist der kampf uff dem kolben gericht The onslaught. / The provocation. [100r] Der anlauß The hampering… [100v] Daz zwierhen im Schilt …And the thwarting inside foe’s pavise. [101r] und daz ynbinden [102v] [103r]
101v - 102r	Talhoffer's owner's mark Images Complete Translation by Jeffrey Hull Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann Here Master Hans Talhoffer Heralds / Armigers bear the weaponry of Talhoffer, one with banner-wrapped spear and the other with sword & buckler, with his personal heraldry shown in the next leaf: [101v] Hie Maister Hanns Talhofer Talhoffer's coat-of-arms: black shield charged with two steel longswords crossed within gold crown, surmounted by steel jousting-helm crested with the baton of a teacher, surrounded by gold & black mantling and flanked by longsword-bearing haloed & winged lion and banner-bearing haloed eagle offering motto: Bethink Thee Right [102r] bedenck dich Recht In the year of our Lord 1459: Thus this Book is that of Master Hans Talhoffer; and he is self-avowed with his life that someone (Clauss Pflieger) has illustrated this Book according to him; and that it became illustrated during Whitsuntide in that year after the birth of our beloved Lord Christ which is the one-thousand-four-hundred-fifty-ninth year thereafter. Truly, Michel Rotwyler scribed “me” the Book. [103v] Anno domini 1459 Item Daz buoch ist Maister Hannsen Talhoferß und der ist selber gestanden mit sinem lybe biß Daz man daz buoch nach Im gemalet hat und Daz ist gemalet worden uff pfingsten In Dem Jar nach der gepurt Unsers lieben Herrn Christi Tusent vierhundert und darnach in dem Nün und fünfftzugosten Jar schrib mich Michel Rotwyler für waer
110v - 117r	Images of Longshield
104r - 110r	Equipment for dueling by Hans Talhoffer Images Complete Translation by Jeffrey Hull Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann This pavise is "hard" versus the mace. [104r] Der schlilt hert zuo Dem Kolben - Versus the mace. [104v] zuom kolben Versus the sword. [105r] zuo dem schwert Versus the sword. [105v] zuom schwert Versus the sword. [106r] zuom schwert Learn to wield maces. [106v] lern kolben The garments for the pavise and for dueling that Talhoffer advises to put on. [107r] daz gwand zuo dem schilt und zuo dem Kampf. + talhofferß an tuon Varieties of specialised dueling longswords / bastard-swords: For the harness Yet also for any armoured dueling And versus pavises. [107v] zu dem harnasch och gewapnet zum langen schilt Some more varieties of specialised dueling longswords / bastard-swords: Versus pavises Twain “sword-horns” for armoured dueling [108r] zuo dem schilt die zwen ?swerthörne zu dem kampf gewapnet The three daggers for dueling – dagger in sheath replete with throwing-blades and a spike. [108v] die dri degen zu dem kampff These weapons break armament & armour, truly as one wills: A double-gaff, a spear and a corseque. [109r] Die gwer bruch war zuo man wil These pollaxes / luzern-hammers / ravens-beaks are for dueling. [109v] Die agsten zu dem kampff This is a modularly and optionally assembled pollaxe for the duel, with which one lays low his foe by stabbing thus it serves also like spear and/or gaff… This axe is assembled and ready for dueling. [110r] dis ist ain agst zu dem kampff legt man zu stichen die agst zu dem kampff
117v - 123v	Sword and buckler devices by Hans Talhoffer Images Complete Translation by Jeffrey Hull Transcription  by Dieter Bachmann [117v] Folio 118r [118r] Folio 118v [118v] The right and needed stance against two foes. [119r] der recht not stand gen zwainen [119v] [120r] [120v] [121r] [121v] [122r] [122v] [123r] [123v]
124r - 130v	Images of Mounted Fencing
131r - 137v	Images of Poleax
138r - 139r	Images of Grappling
150v - 140r	Hie Lert (astrological treatise) by Jud Ebreesch

Gallery

Images hosted by WikiMedia Commons. Higher-resolution images may be viewed on the museum website, linked in the infobox above. Folia 68 and 118, which have been conceptually restored by artist Tracey Zoeller, are hosted by Wiktenauer.

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Additional Resources

• Hull, Jeffrey, with Maziarz, Monika and Żabiński, Grzegorz. Knightly Dueling: The Fighting Arts of German Chivalry. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2007. ISBN 1-58160-674-4

Copyright and License Summary

For further information, including transcription and translation notes, see the discussion page.

Work	Author(s)	Source	License
Images	Det Kongelige Bibliotek	WikiMedia Commons
Images (ff 68 and 118)	Tracey Zoeller	Historical European Martial Arts Alliance
Translation	Jeffrey Hull	Historical European Martial Arts Alliance
Transcription	Dieter Bachmann	Index:Talhoffer Fechtbuch (MS Thott.290.2º)