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Pseudo-Peter von Danzig

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Gloss and Interpretation of
the Epitome on the Long Sword
die Glos vnd die auslegũg der Zedel des langen swertz
Author(s) Unknown
Ascribed to Pseudo-Peter von Danzig
Illustrated by Unknown
Date before 1452
Genre
Language Early New High German
Archetype(s) Hypothetical
Manuscript(s)
First Printed
English Edition
Tobler, 2010
Concordance by Michael Chidester
Translations

"Pseudo-Peter von Danzig" is the name given to an anonymous late 14th or early 15th century German fencing master; this name stems from the false assumption of many 20th century writers identifying him with Peter von Danzig zum Ingolstadt. Some time before the creation of the Codex 44.A.8 in 1452, ps-Danzig authored a gloss of Johannes Liechtenauer's epitome which would go on to become the most widespread in the tradition. It is possible that he was in fact Jud Lew or Sigmund Schining ein Ringeck, both of whose glosses show strong similarities to the work. On the other hand, the introduction to the Rome version of the text—the oldest currently extant—might be construed as attributing it to Liechtenauer himself.

Early on in its history, this text seems to have split into two primary branches. The first branch, found in the Rome (1452), Krakow (1510-20), and Augsburg (1564) versions, has slightly longer descriptions and is always accompanied by illustrations. The second branch, appearing first in the Augsburg (1450s) and used in all extant versions except the three listed above, has shorter descriptions but a number of additional devices (some of which seem to be drawn directly from Ringeck's gloss).

Treatise

In order to achieve a greater degree of organization and readability, Liechtenauer's verse has been separated into its proper couplets in this presentation. The verse is laid out this way in the Salzburg version, but in most of the other manuscripts it is included inline.

Additional Resources

References