Difference between revisions of "Hugold Behr's Fechtbuch (MS Var.83)"

Hugold Behr's Fechtbuch
	MS Var.83, Universitätsbibliothek Rostock; Rostock, Germany
Type	Fencing manual
Date	Before 1573
Language(s)	Early New High German
Author(s)	Unknown
Scribe(s)	Unknown
Material	Paper
Size	51 folia (160 mm × 200 mm)
Format	Text with scattered illustrations
Script	Cursive
External data	Library catalog entry
Treatise scans	Digital scans

Latest revision as of 18:50, 26 August 2024

Hugold Behr's Fechtbuch (MS var. 83) is an anonymous 16th century German fencing manual created some time before 1573.^[1] The original currently rests in the holdings of the Universitätsbibliothek Rostock in Rostock, Germany. It was previously owned by Hugold Behr the Elder, from whom it takes its nickname, but its original author and artist are unknown.

Provenance

The known provenance of the MS Var.83 is:^[1]

Created in the mid-16th century.
before 1573 - Owned by Hugold Behr the Elder (1527-1576).
1573 - In the library of Johan Albrect I (1525-1576), Duke of Mecklenburg; included in a library catalog in 1573.
before 1789 - Acquired by the University of Bützow.
1789-present - Transferred to the University of Rostock when the two universities merged.

In this short guard, indicated with the numbers 2 and 3, you must firstly observe that your left foot must stand on the 3, and your right behind on the 2.^[2] Then deliver a full thrust to his left breast, so that your counterpart likewise^[3] attacks with a full thrust. You must take this out with your dagger, and immediately attack this arm in the same thrust.

[4r.1] Dasz kurtze lager

In diesem kurtzen lager gezeichnet mit der ziffer 2 und 3 ist vor erst zu observiren das der lincken fuß sol auff die 2 stehen und der rechte hinden auff die dry und bringen einen vollen stich nach der lincken brust auff das dein widderpart im geleichen mit einen vollen stich auß fahre welchen du mit den dolchen außnemmen salt und fahren strax zu auff denselbigen arm im geleichen stich.

But if he delivers a strike above, then cross against this with your dagger, and drive your point against his arm from below.

[4r.2] So er aber oben einen streich bringet so creuitz mit den dolch dargegen und fahre mit der spitzen unten gegen seinen arm.

Secondly, if your counterpart attacks hard with a full thrust on the outside of your dagger, then step with your right foot onto the 6, threaten him above with a half thrust, and strike through below to his legs.

[4v.2] Zum zweiden so dein widderpart mit vollen stich auswendichs des dolchs hart einfalt so verfal mit dem rechten fuß auf die 6 dreu ihm oben mit einen halben stich und slach unten durch nach den schenckelen.

Thirdly, if he thrusts on the inside of your dagger, to your right side, you must drop against that with your dagger straight, and attack with a thrust over [your] dagger, to his right side.

[4v.2] Zum dritten so er inwendicks dolchs nach der rechten seitten sticht solt du dargegen fallen mit stracken dolch und fahren auß mit einen stich uber dem dolch nach der rechten seitten.

Fourthly, make a half thrust to his face and lower your blade to the middle of the body, and then drive on in the same thrust.

[5r.1] Zum vurdten thue einen halben stich nach dem gesicht undt laß die clinge zu halben leib sincken undt fahre also im geleichen stich fort.

Or threaten him below with a half thrust, and attack above with a full thrust.

[5r.2] Oder dreu ihm unten mit einem halben stich undt fahre oben zu mit follen stoes

Observation

If your counterpart stands in the same guard with you, then step into the long guard.

[5r.3] Obseuation

So dein widderpart im geleichen lager mit tier leicht soo verfalle in dem langen lager

Secondly

If your adversary stands short, remember to [go] with your rapier into the long [guard], staying with your foot in the short guard.

[5v.2] Zum zweiden

So der adversarius corts leigt salt gedenken das rappier zu langen undt mit die fuß im cortsen lager zu bleiben

Thirdly

If your fist is not protected well by your dagger, you must always remember to stand with your blade long.

[5v.2] Zum dritten

So tier die faust nit wol mit dem dolch verwaert is salt altzeit gedenken im langer clingen zu leigen

If in this previous guard of 3 and 6,^[4] a thrust is delivered at you below your dagger, or between your two weapons, to your right breast, you must take this out with your dagger blade flat, and complete a strike to his right ear.^[5]

[7r.1] Wan in diesem vorigen lager 3 und 6 dier einen stich unten dem dolch gebracht wirdt oder zwischen beide wehr nach der rechten brust solt du den selbigen mit platter dolch clingen ausnhemen undt einen streich folfuhren nach dem rechten ohr 3.

Secondly, in the same strike to his right ear, you can lower your blade, and, with a movement of your right foot, attack with a full thrust to his breast.

[7r.2] Zum anderen magstu in geleichem streich nach dem rechten ohr die clinge sincken lassen et admoto pede dextro mit einem vollen stich nach der brust außfahrn.

If you get the opportunity, you can take out a thrust with your dagger blade flat, and direct a strike over your adversary’s blade, very low to his right knee.

[7v.1] So sich die gelegentheit gebe canstu einen stich ausnemmen mit flach dolch clinge undt den streich fuhren uber des adversarii clinge gar nidderich nach das rechte cnie.

Then, if someone thrusts below to your legs, you must take this out with your blade hanging, and step forth with your right foot, changing with [your] blade to his groin.

[7v.2] Item so einer unten naech den schenklen sticht salt den selbigen mit hangender clinge außnehmen undt tridten mit den rechten fuß vorts mit abwexel der clinge auff die virilia.

In this guard, indicated with the numbers 3 and 6,^[6] at the outset, in this play, you must note that you attack with a full thrust to your adversary’s right side, and afterwards, with a movement of your right foot to number 6, complete the thrust over his blade to his face, or to his left breast if you want to direct your blade under his arm.

[11r.1] In diesen lager gezeichnet mit der zifer 3 undt 6 ist anfenclich im diesem stuc zu mercken das man mit einen follen stich außfahre nach des adversari rechten seitten undt hernachmalß uber seiner clinge her admoto pede dextro in signum 6 den stich nach dem gesicht volfuhre oder nach der lincken brust so du die clinge unter seinen arm her fuhren wilst.

When [you]^[7] let the blade run off, always remember to set your dagger at your blade, to thus be secure from your adversary’s actions.

[11r.2] So eer die clinge laest ablauffen geden ke allen wegen deinen dalch bei deine clinge zu schicken om also sicher zu syn von des adversarii arbeit.

Secondly, when you deliver a thrust to the right breast, you can, with a movement of your right foot to number 6, strike through below to his legs, though such that you are well covered against his blade with your dagger.

[12r] Zum andern [wan] du einen stich bringest nach der rechter brust canstu admoto pede dextro in signum 6 unten nach den schencklen durch slagen toch alsoo das du mizt dem dolch widder seine clinge wol gedecket seist

Thirdly, in this guard indicated with numbers 3 and 6, you can also stand with your rapier extended, and when your opponent directs a cut to your left, take this out^[8] with your blade hanging, and with a movement of your fist direct a strike to his legs with the advantage of stepping to.

[12v] Zum dritten can man auch wol in disen lager gezeichnet mit der ziffer 3 undt 6 mit dem rappier lanc außleigen undt wan der widdersager einen streich fuhret nach der lincken mit hangender clingen dem selbigen außnehmen et admoto pugi one einen streich nach den schen[k]len fuhren mit forteil des zutriddens.

Fourthly, in this guard, when your counterpart stands with his rapier extended, you can take out or gain his point with your dagger, and immediately attack with a sudden thrust to his breast or groin.

[13r] Zum vierdten can man auch in disem lager wan dem widderpart mit seinem rappier lanck außlaigt die spitse mit dem dolch außnemen oder gewunen undt also balt mit einem stich nach der brust oder virilia plutslich ausfahren

If your adversary makes hard strikes down from above, you can cross against that with your rapier and dagger, such that your dagger is below, and then you can deliver a wing-strike to his left leg.

[15r.1] Wan dein adversarius harte streich dort von oben raeb can man mit rappier undt dolch dar iegegen creuitzen also das der dolch unten sey undt bringen einen flugel streich nach dem lincken schenckel.

But if your rapier blade is below, you must remember to make a strike to his right leg.

[15r.2] So aber die rappier clinge unten is sal[t] gedencken einen streich nach den rechten schenkel zu doen.

If your adversary fences with false twitches,^[9] you can step back with your left foot, and attack with a straight thrust.

[16r.1] So der adversarius mit falschen tucken vefechtet can man mit den lincken fuß zuruc tridden undt fahren mit einem rechten stich auß.

Or, if [you]^[7] want to reach [him] better, step crosswise with your left foot, off the straight line, and deliver a thrust to his breast.

[16r.2] Oder so eer besser reichen wilt fallet mit dem lincken fuß im creutts extra lineam rectam undt bring einen stich nach der brust.

Then, if your adversary cuts at your left ear, remember to throw your rapier in front [of that] in the long cross, and then suddenly, just as [you]^[10] bind him, attack with a thrust.

[17r] So wan der adversarius dich naech das lincken ohr hauwet gedencke das rappir vorzuwerfen im lange cruits undt als dan plutslich mit einem stich so eer auch arnbindet zuzufahren.

Then, when [you]^[7] want to take it out in a cross, remember to mainly do this when your adversary cuts at your right ear, dropping with [your] body to [your] left side, to constrain his weapon and come through with a thrust.

[19r.1] So wan eer im cruits ausnemmen willest gedencke das vornemtlich zu doen wan auch der adversarius nach das rechte ohr hauwet mit dem leibe auff die lincke vervallende [c]endt eer syn wer verfassen undt mit dem stich zu dringen

Then, take it out with your half blade, or [your] point swaying.^[11] Thus, he exposes himself on his right arm.

[19r.2] Item nim mit der halbe clingen auss oder spitze im swanc so erblosset he sich auff den rechten arm.

Then, if your adversary makes high strikes, you must remember to suddenly attack against that with a thrust to his arm.

[20r] So wan der adversarius hohe streich thuet salt gedencken plotzlich daiegen zu fallen mit dem stich auff den arm.

In this long guard, at the outset, you must note that you must stand with your right foot in front, and then, when your adversary makes a thrust or strike to your right side, you must take this out with the long cross, and with a movement of your left foot to number 5, make a thrust with your dagger.

[22r] In disem langen lager ist anfenclich zu mercken das man mit dem rechten fuß mus vorn steyn undt wan als der adversarius einen stich oder streich nach der rechte seitten dhut demselbigen mit langen cruitzen ausszunem men et admoto pede sinistro in signum 5 einen stich mit dem dolch zu dhun.

Secondly, if your adversary thrusts or strikes, [you]^[7] must attack in this same strike, and with a movement of your left foot deliver a half thrust to his face, so that [he]^[12] falls against that with [his] rapier, and then make a full strike below to the legs.

[23r] Zum anderen so der adversarius e sticht oder streicht solt eer im selbigen streich ein fallen et admoto pede sinsitro einem halben stich nach dem gesicht bringen damit eer mit dem rappier dariegen falle undt doe als dan einen follen streich unten nach den schenck[le]n.

If you stand straight above in this long guard, and your adversary delivers a thrust below at your body, you will take this out with your dagger, and step forth with your left foot, lowering your blade onto [your] knee, to deliver a thrust to his lower legs.

[24r] So du in disen langen lager oben recht außleigest undt der adversarius einen stich unten naech dem leib brinct solt du den selbigen ausnemmen mit der dolch clinge undt tritten mit den lincken fuß forts lassende die clinge sincken aufs knie undt bring einen stich naech den unterschencklen.

If your adversary thrust to the right side of your rapier, you can step with your right foot to your left side, and deliver a thrust to his arm.

[25r.1] Wan der adversarius nach der rechten seitten vom rappier sticht canstu mit dem rechten fuß auff die lincke seitten vervallen undt bringen einen stich nach den arm.

If [you]^[7] cannot step to the side, simply step back, and make a full thrust against this. Thus, you can injure your adversary’s fist, if it is not well protected by his rapier.

[25r.2] So eer auff die seitte nit cundt verfallen tridt nour [?] zuruck undt dhu einen follen stich daeriege alsoo can man des adversa rii faust soo das rappier nitt woll bewaret is verletzen.

Then, when your adversary makes a strike or a thrust to your left [side], you can take this out with your dagger and rapier, and suddenly drop your rapier onto his legs, though with the advantage of stepping to with your left foot.

[27r.1] Soo wan der adversarius einen streich dhoet oder stich naech der lincke can man den selben ausnhemen mit dolch undt rappier undt lassen das rappier plotzlich auff den schenckel vallen toch mit vortel des zutriddens mit den lincken fuß.

Then, then someone thrusts up from below at your fist, remember to raise your arm high and turn your point onto your adversary’s arm.

[27r.2] So wan einer tier von unten of nach der fauste sticht gedencke den arm in die hohe zu heben vnt die spitze auff es adversarii arm zu wenden

When your adversary directs his dagger high, then remember to lower your blade, and threaten a thrust below, and if [he]^[7] takes it out, complete the thrust above his arm.

[28r] Wan der adversarius in dolch hoch leit soo gedencke die clinge zu lassen sincken undt unten einen stich dreuen undt so eer ausnemmet den stich obens arms volfuren.

In this high guard, if your adversary thrusts at your breast, you will take this out with your dagger, and deliver a thrust at his face, which you can conveniently do by raising your hand and lowering your point.

[30r.1] Wan in disen hohen lager der adver sarius nach der brust sticht solt du den selbigen mit dem dolch ausnhemmen undt einen stich nach dem gesicht bringen welches man bequemelich thun can wan man die handt auffhebet undt die spitse unter sich sincken laest

Then, you can deliver a lower cut^[13] to his legs when your adversary makes a thrust. But if [he]^[7] cuts, you will avoid the strike, and come against it with your point below.

[30r.2] Item can man einen unterhauw nach den schencklen bringen wan der adver sarius einen stich thut so eer aber hauwet sol man den streich entweichen undt mit der spitsen unten dariegen khamen.

When you make a round thrust^[14] to his legs, you will stand with your rapier on your left knee and step straight^[15] to with your left foot, having your point [aimed] at your adversary. If he now delivers a thrust to your right side, you will take this out with your dagger and drive your point to his right side with a movement of your right foot.

[31r] Wan du einen runden stich nach den schencklen thust soltu mit dem rappir auff das lincke cnie leigen undt tritten mit den lincken fuß geleich zu habende die spitze naech dem adversario. So nu der einen stich nach der rechten seitten brinct soltu den selbigen mit den dolch aussnhemmen undt fharen mit der spitzen admoto pede dextro nach der rechten seitten.

If, in the above-said strike, your adversary attacks hard with uncertain blade, you must step back again with your left foot, off the straight line, and deliver a lower strike^[16] to his legs.

[32r.1] So der adversarius im obgemelten streich mit ongewisser clinge hart einfhallet salt mit den lincken fuß widder zuruck ex directa linea vefallen undt bringen einen unterstreich nach den schenkelen.

Fourthly, you must note that in equal guards, you can suddenly reach your adversary’s left hand.

[32r.2] Zum vierten is zu mercken das man im geleichen lager des adversarii linken handt platslich erlangen can.

In this low guard, you must be diligent that when your adversary thrusts, you must step forth with your right foot, and make a thrust below^[17] halfway before [he]^[7] steps to. But if [he]^[18] steps forth, you will complete your thrust above to his breast.

[34r] In dissen niddrigen lager is zu beflissigen das wan der adversarius sticht man mit den rechten fuß sol vorts tridten undt dhuen einen unterstich halber wysse voer das eer zutriddett so eer aber dorts triddest salt dyn stich oben volfuren naech der brust.

In this guard, if someone makes a strike to your right ear, you will take this out with your rapier blade extended over [your] dagger, and immediately bind with your dagger and direct a strike to his head.

[35r] Wan dier einer in diesen laeger einen streich naech dem rechten oher thutt soltu den selbigen mit langer rappier clinge uber den dolch her ausnhemen und also bald mit dem dolch binden undt furen einen streich naech dem copff

If your adversary delivers a full thrust on the inside of your dagger, you will take this out with the point of your blade, and then press in with your blade.

[36r] So der adversarius einen vollen stich brinct inwendichs dollichs salt den selbigen mit der clinge spitsen aussnhemen undt dringen also mit der clingen.

If you stand long in this high guard, and your adversary delivers a thrust below, you will take this out with the blade of your dagger, and attack above with a half thrust, and immediately lower your blade behind [your] dagger and deliver a thrust to your adversary’s breast, or at his genitals.

[38r] Wan du in disen hohen lager lang außleigst undt der adversarius unten einen stich bringt solt tu den selbigen mit der dolch clinge aussnhemen undt oben mit ein halben stich zufharen undt alsobalt die clinge hinden den dolch sincken lassen undt bringen einen stich nach des adversarii brust aut circa virilia.

When you stand long with extended arm, and your adversary strikes at your head, you will take this out with the half cross, and slice at his face.

[39r] Wan du in langen leigst mit gestricten arm undt der adversarius nach dem copff streicht soltu die selbige mit halben cruits aussnhemen undt sneiden nach dem gesicht

40v - 51r

Illustrations of human figures

Gallery

Front Cover

Inside Cover

Ir

Iv

Folio 1r

Folio 1v

Folio 2r

Folio 2v

Folio 3r

Folio 3v

Folio 4r

Folio 4v

Folio 5r

Folio 5v

Folio 6r

Folio 6v

Folio 7r

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Folio 8r

Folio 8v

Folio 9r

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Folio 10r

Folio 10v

Folio 11r

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Folio 12r

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Folio 13r

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Folio 14r

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Folio 15r

Folio 15v

Folio 16r

Folio 16v

Folio 17r

Folio 17v

Folio 18r

Folio 18v

Folio 19r

Folio 19v

Folio 20r

Folio 20v

Folio 21r

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Folio 22v

Folio 23r

Folio 23v

Folio 24r

Folio 24v

Folio 25r

Folio 25v

Folio 26r

Folio 26v

Folio 27r

Folio 27v

Folio 28r

Folio 28v

Folio 29r

Folio 29v

Folio 30r

Folio 30v

Folio 31r

Folio 31v

Folio 32r

Folio 32v

Folio 33r

Folio 33v

Folio 34r

Folio 34v

Folio 35r

Folio 35v

Folio 36r

Folio 36v

Folio 37r

Folio 37v

Folio 38r

Folio 38v

Folio 39r

Folio 39v

Folio 40r

Folio 40v

Folio 41r

Folio 41v

Folio 42r

Folio 42v

Folio 43r

Folio 43v

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Folio 46r

Folio 46v

Folio 47r

Folio 47v

Folio 48r

Folio 48v

Folio 49r

Folio 49v

Folio 50r

Folio 50v

Folio 51r

Folio 51v

Inside Cover

Back Cover

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.

Bauer, Matthias Johannes (2007). "Die unbekannte illustrierte Fechthandschrift des Hugold Behr. Vorbemerkungen zur Edition von Rostock UB Mss. Var. 83." Medium Aevum Quotidianum 55: 80-85.
Bauer, Matthias Johannes (2020). "The Fight Book of Hugold Behr: A Late Sixteenth-Century Fight Book in Comparative Perspective." Acta Periodica Duellatorum 8(1): 89-104. doi:10.36950/apd-2020-006.

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Bauer, Matthias Johannes. "The Fight Book of Hugold Behr: A Late Sixteenth-Century Fight Book in Comparative Perspective". Acta Periodica Duellatorum 8(1). 2020. pp 89-90
↑ Note, that here the original reads “that your left foot must stand on the 2, and your right behind on the 3”. Based on the illustration, this is incorrect, interchanging “2” and “3”, and this was corrected in the translation presented here.
↑ Here, an alternative translation for im geleichen could be “at the same time”.
↑ In the previous guard, as well as in the image preceding the current lesson, the fencer stands on 2 and 3, rather than 3 and 6. However, in the previous lessons, the fencer does step with his right foot from 2 to 6.
↑ In the manuscript, this line is followed by a 3, the meaning of which is unclear.
↑ Note that the illustration on page 10r shows a fencer standing with his feet on numbers 4 and 5.
↑ ^7.0 ^7.1 ^7.2 ^7.3 ^7.4 ^7.5 ^7.6 ^7.7 German: eer.
↑ Alternatively, this could be “and when your opponent directs a cut, take this out to your left”.
↑ I.e., if your adversary makes feints.
↑ German: eer. An alternative translation here would be “if he binds you as well”.
↑ The exact meaning of oder Spitze im swanc is unclear.
↑ German: eer. Note the change in meaning.
↑ German: unterhauw.
↑ The exact meaning of this runden stich is unclear, but it may imply that the thrust is delivered along an arc, rather than straight at his legs.
↑ German geleich may alternatively simply mean “at once”.
↑ German: unterstreich.
↑ German: unterstich.
↑ German: eer. Note that in these two instances, what person is intended by eer is rather unclear.

Copyright and License Summary

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

Work	Author(s)	Source
Images	Universitätsbibliothek Rostock	Universitätsbibliothek Rostock
Translation	Reinier van Noort	Ensis et Mente
Transcription	Matthias Johannes Bauer	Index:Hugold Behr's Fechtbuch (MS Var.83)

[Bauer-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Bauer, Matthias Johannes. "The Fight Book of Hugold Behr: A Late Sixteenth-Century Fight Book in Comparative Perspective". Acta Periodica Duellatorum 8(1). 2020. pp 89-90

[2] Note, that here the original reads “that your left foot must stand on the 2, and your right behind on the 3”. Based on the illustration, this is incorrect, interchanging “2” and “3”, and this was corrected in the translation presented here.

[3] Here, an alternative translation for im geleichen could be “at the same time”.

[4] In the previous guard, as well as in the image preceding the current lesson, the fencer stands on 2 and 3, rather than 3 and 6. However, in the previous lessons, the fencer does step with his right foot from 2 to 6.

[5] In the manuscript, this line is followed by a 3, the meaning of which is unclear.

[6] Note that the illustration on page 10r shows a fencer standing with his feet on numbers 4 and 5.

[eer-7] 7.0 ^7.1 ^7.2 ^7.3 ^7.4 ^7.5 ^7.6 ^7.7 German: eer.

[8] Alternatively, this could be “and when your opponent directs a cut, take this out to your left”.

[9] I.e., if your adversary makes feints.

[10] German: eer. An alternative translation here would be “if he binds you as well”.

[11] The exact meaning of oder Spitze im swanc is unclear.

[12] German: eer. Note the change in meaning.

[13] German: unterhauw.

[14] The exact meaning of this runden stich is unclear, but it may imply that the thrust is delivered along an arc, rather than straight at his legs.

[15] German geleich may alternatively simply mean “at once”.

[16] German: unterstreich.

[17] German: unterstich.

[18] German: eer. Note that in these two instances, what person is intended by eer is rather unclear.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

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@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 | Wierschin's catalog= —
 | Hils' catalog      = —
-| Beck catalog       = [[BC::38.9.10]]
+| Beck catalog       = [http://kdih.badw.de/datenbank/handschrift/38/9/10 38.9.10] {{#set:BC=38.9.10}}
 | Also known as      =
 | Type               = [[type::Fencing manual]]
@@ Line 42: / Line 42: @@
 | below              =
 }}
-'''Hugold Behr's Fechtbuch''' (MS var. 83) is an anonymous 16th century [[nationality::German]] [[fencing manual]] created some time before 1573.<ref>Bauer, Matthias Johannes. "The Fight Book of Hugold Behr: A Late Sixteenth-Century Fight Book in Comparative Perspective". ''[[Acta Periodica Duellatorum]]'' '''8'''(1). 2020. pp 89-90</ref> The original currently rests in the holdings of the [[Universitätsbibliothek Rostock]] in Rostock, Germany. It was previously owned by Hugold Behr the Elder, from whom it takes its nickname, but its original author and artist are unknown.
+'''Hugold Behr's Fechtbuch''' (MS var. 83) is an anonymous 16th century [[nationality::German]] [[fencing manual]] created some time before 1573.<ref name="Bauer">Bauer, Matthias Johannes. "The Fight Book of Hugold Behr: A Late Sixteenth-Century Fight Book in Comparative Perspective". ''[[Acta Periodica Duellatorum]]'' '''8'''(1). 2020. pp 89-90</ref> The original currently rests in the holdings of the [[Universitätsbibliothek Rostock]] in Rostock, Germany. It was previously owned by Hugold Behr the Elder, from whom it takes its nickname, but its original author and artist are unknown.
 == Provenance ==
+The known provenance of the MS Var.83 is:<ref name="Bauer"/>
+* Created in the mid-16th century.
+* before 1573 - Owned by Hugold Behr the Elder (1527-1576).
+* 1573 - In the library of [[wikipedia:John Albert I|Johan Albrect I]] (1525-1576), Duke of Mecklenburg; included in a library catalog in 1573.
+* before 1789 - Acquired by the University of Bützow.
+* 1789-present - Transferred to the University of Rostock when the two universities merged.
 == Contents ==
@@ Line 141: / Line 147: @@
 |-
-| <p>When [you]<ref>German: ''eer''.</ref> let the blade run off, always remember to set your dagger at your blade, to thus be secure from your adversary’s actions.</p>
+| <p>When [you]<ref name="eer">German: ''eer''.</ref> let the blade run off, always remember to set your dagger at your blade, to thus be secure from your adversary’s actions.</p>
 | {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|2|lbl=11r.2}}
@@ Line 157: / Line 163: @@
 |-
-| rowspan="4" | [[file:MS Var.83 14r.png|400px|center]]
+| rowspan="5" | [[file:MS Var.83 14r.png|400px|center]]
-| <p></p>
+| <p>If your adversary makes hard strikes down from above, you can cross against that with your rapier and dagger, such that your dagger is below, and then you can deliver a wing-strike to his left leg.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|1|lbl=11r.1}}
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 15r.png|1|lbl=15r.1}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>But if your rapier blade is below, you must remember to make a strike to his right leg.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|2|lbl=11r.2}}
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 15r.png|2|lbl=15r.2}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>If your adversary fences with false twitches,<ref>I.e., if your adversary makes feints.</ref> you can step back with your left foot, and attack with a straight thrust.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|1|lbl=12v.1}}
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 16r.png|1|lbl=16r.1}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>Or, if [you]<ref name="eer"/> want to reach [him] better, step crosswise with your left foot, off the straight line, and deliver a thrust to his breast.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|2|lbl=12v.2}}
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 16r.png|2|lbl=16r.2}}
 |-
-| rowspan="4" | [[file:MS Var.83 18r.png|400px|center]]
+| <p>Then, if your adversary cuts at your left ear, remember to throw your rapier in front [of that] in the long cross, and then suddenly, just as [you]<ref>German: ''eer''. An alternative translation here would be “if he binds you as well”.</ref> bind him, attack with a thrust.</p>
-| <p></p>
+| {{paget|page:MS Var.83|17r|png}}
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|1|lbl=11r.1}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| rowspan="3" | [[file:MS Var.83 18r.png|400px|center]]
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|2|lbl=11r.2}}
+| <p>Then, when [you]<ref name="eer"/> want to take it out in a cross, remember to mainly do this when your adversary cuts at your right ear, dropping with [your] body to [your] left side, to constrain his weapon and come through with a thrust.</p>
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 19r.png|1|lbl=19r.1}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>Then, take it out with your half blade, or [your] point swaying.<ref>The exact meaning of ''oder Spitze im swanc'' is unclear.</ref> Thus, he exposes himself on his right arm.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|1|lbl=12v.1}}
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 19r.png|2|lbl=19r.2}}
-|-
-| <p></p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|2|lbl=12v.2}}
-|-
-| rowspan="4" | [[file:MS Var.83 21r.png|400px|center]]
-| <p></p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|1|lbl=11r.1}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>Then, if your adversary makes high strikes, you must remember to suddenly attack against that with a thrust to his arm.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|2|lbl=11r.2}}
+| {{paget|page:MS Var.83|20r|png}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| rowspan="5" | [[file:MS Var.83 21r.png|400px|center]]
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|1|lbl=12v.1}}
+| <p>In this long guard, at the outset, you must note that you must stand with your right foot in front, and then, when your adversary makes a thrust or strike to your right side, you must take this out with the long cross, and with a movement of your left foot to number 5, make a thrust with your dagger.</p>
+| {{paget|page:MS Var.83|22r|png}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>Secondly, if your adversary thrusts or strikes, [you]<ref name="eer"/> must attack in this same strike, and with a movement of your left foot deliver a half thrust to his face, so that [he]<ref>German: ''eer''. Note the change in meaning.</ref> falls against that with [his] rapier, and then make a full strike below to the legs.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|2|lbl=12v.2}}
+| {{paget|page:MS Var.83|23r|png}}
 |-
-| rowspan="4" | [[file:MS Var.83 26r.png|400px|center]]
+| <p>If you stand straight above in this long guard, and your adversary delivers a thrust below at your body, you will take this out with your dagger, and step forth with your left foot, lowering your blade onto [your] knee, to deliver a thrust to his lower legs.</p>
-| <p></p>
+| {{paget|page:MS Var.83|24r|png}}
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|1|lbl=11r.1}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>If your adversary thrust to the right side of your rapier, you can step with your right foot to your left side, and deliver a thrust to his arm.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|2|lbl=11r.2}}
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 25r.png|1|lbl=25r.1}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>If [you]<ref name="eer"/> cannot step to the side, simply step back, and make a full thrust against this. Thus, you can injure your adversary’s fist, if it is not well protected by his rapier.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|1|lbl=12v.1}}
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 25r.png|2|lbl=25r.2}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| rowspan="3" | [[file:MS Var.83 26r.png|400px|center]]
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|2|lbl=12v.2}}
+| <p>Then, when your adversary makes a strike or a thrust to your left [side], you can take this out with your dagger and rapier, and suddenly drop your rapier onto his legs, though with the advantage of stepping to with your left foot.</p>
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 27r.png|1|lbl=27r.1}}
 |-
-| rowspan="4" | [[file:MS Var.83 29r.png|400px|center]]
+| <p>Then, then someone thrusts up from below at your fist, remember to raise your arm high and turn your point onto your adversary’s arm.</p>
-| <p></p>
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 27r.png|2|lbl=27r.2}}
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|1|lbl=11r.1}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>When your adversary directs his dagger high, then remember to lower your blade, and threaten a thrust below, and if [he]<ref name="eer"/> takes it out, complete the thrust above his arm.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|2|lbl=11r.2}}
+| {{paget|page:MS Var.83|28r|png}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| rowspan="5" | [[file:MS Var.83 29r.png|400px|center]]
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|1|lbl=12v.1}}
+| <p>In this high guard, if your adversary thrusts at your breast, you will take this out with your dagger, and deliver a thrust at his face, which you can conveniently do by raising your hand and lowering your point.</p>
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 30r.png|1|lbl=30r.1}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>Then, you can deliver a lower cut<ref>German: ''unterhauw''.</ref> to his legs when your adversary makes a thrust. But if [he]<ref name="eer"/> cuts, you will avoid the strike, and come against it with your point below.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|2|lbl=12v.2}}
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 30r.png|2|lbl=30r.2}}
 |-
-| rowspan="4" | [[file:MS Var.83 33r.png|400px|center]]
+| <p>When you make a round thrust<ref>The exact meaning of this ''runden stich'' is unclear, but it may imply that the thrust is delivered along an arc, rather than straight at his legs.</ref> to his legs, you will stand with your rapier on your left knee and step straight<ref>German ''geleich'' may alternatively simply mean “at once”.</ref> to with your left foot, having your point [aimed] at your adversary. If he now delivers a thrust to your right side, you will take this out with your dagger and drive your point to his right side with a movement of your right foot.</p>
-| <p></p>
+| {{paget|page:MS Var.83|31r|png}}
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|1|lbl=11r.1}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>If, in the above-said strike, your adversary attacks hard with uncertain blade, you must step back again with your left foot, off the straight line, and deliver a lower strike<ref>German: ''unterstreich''.</ref> to his legs.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|2|lbl=11r.2}}
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 32r.png|1|lbl=32r.1}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>Fourthly, you must note that in equal guards, you can suddenly reach your adversary’s left hand.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|1|lbl=12v.1}}
+| {{section|page:MS Var.83 32r.png|2|lbl=32r.2}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| rowspan="3" | [[file:MS Var.83 33r.png|400px|center]]
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|2|lbl=12v.2}}
+| <p>In this low guard, you must be diligent that when your adversary thrusts, you must step forth with your right foot, and make a thrust below<ref>German: ''unterstich''.</ref> halfway before [he]<ref name="eer"/> steps to. But if [he]<ref>German: ''eer''. Note that in these two instances, what person is intended by ''eer'' is rather unclear.</ref> steps forth, you will complete your thrust above to his breast.</p>
+| {{paget|page:MS Var.83|34r|png}}
 |-
-| rowspan="4" | [[file:MS Var.83 37r.png|400px|center]]
+| <p>In this guard, if someone makes a strike to your right ear, you will take this out with your rapier blade extended over [your] dagger, and immediately bind with your dagger and direct a strike to his head.</p>
-| <p></p>
+| {{paget|page:MS Var.83|35r|png}}
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|1|lbl=11r.1}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>If your adversary delivers a full thrust on the inside of your dagger, you will take this out with the point of your blade, and then press in with your blade.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 11r.png|2|lbl=11r.2}}
+| {{paget|page:MS Var.83|36r|png}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| rowspan="2" | [[file:MS Var.83 37r.png|400px|center]]
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|1|lbl=12v.1}}
+| <p>If you stand long in this high guard, and your adversary delivers a thrust below, you will take this out with the blade of your dagger, and attack above with a half thrust, and immediately lower your blade behind [your] dagger and deliver a thrust to your adversary’s breast, or at his genitals.</p>
+| {{paget|page:MS Var.83|38r|png}}
 |-
-| <p></p>
+| <p>When you stand long with extended arm, and your adversary strikes at your head, you will take this out with the half cross, and slice at his face.</p>
-| {{section|page:MS Var.83 12v.png|2|lbl=12v.2}}
+| {{paget|page:MS Var.83|39r|png}}
 |}

Difference between revisions of "Hugold Behr's Fechtbuch (MS Var.83)"

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