Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 21st November 2010, 04:57 PM

The Wyvern is well known in medieval heraldry and among the mythical beastiary. The symbolism often associated with it, as I understand, includes valor, strength, wardenship and protection. It seems widely apparant in Great Britain and is of course notably present as seen on the Welsh flag.

I believe the symbolism of the Green Man may be seen in many applications in many countries and probably variants culturally, and of course it does have ancient roots including use in Pagan beliefs, rituals and symbolism. The term Neopagan signifies, as I understand, various groups and followings who practice the perpetuation of many of these traditions and beliefs from ancient times as well as modern versions, and are very much recognized as Faiths and Religions in thier pursuit of them.

I personally had not understood the magnitude of importance in understanding this beforehand, and have learned a great deal from resultant discussions here how important it is to approach these matters in discussion with the same respect and understanding which must be applied to all cultures, religions and creeds.

I think it is important to learn from all things, in our case the study of weapons, and in the context of our discussions emphatically respect these as we add observations and suggest thoughts and views.

Having said that, it is interesting to see the motif here as heavily reflecting heraldic symbolism, and while I had noted the ecclesiastic symbolism that is sometimes seen with the green man device, clearly its interpretation may be found in many cultural contexts and variations.

Though I dont believe we have reached any sort of consensus on the possible provenance or probable associations with this dagger, it seems well established it is a fascinating item which probably is from the 19th century and English in my opinion.

All best regards,
Jim

21st November 2010, 04:57 PM	#42
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	The Wyvern is well known in medieval heraldry and among the mythical beastiary. The symbolism often associated with it, as I understand, includes valor, strength, wardenship and protection. It seems widely apparant in Great Britain and is of course notably present as seen on the Welsh flag. I believe the symbolism of the Green Man may be seen in many applications in many countries and probably variants culturally, and of course it does have ancient roots including use in Pagan beliefs, rituals and symbolism. The term Neopagan signifies, as I understand, various groups and followings who practice the perpetuation of many of these traditions and beliefs from ancient times as well as modern versions, and are very much recognized as Faiths and Religions in thier pursuit of them. I personally had not understood the magnitude of importance in understanding this beforehand, and have learned a great deal from resultant discussions here how important it is to approach these matters in discussion with the same respect and understanding which must be applied to all cultures, religions and creeds. I think it is important to learn from all things, in our case the study of weapons, and in the context of our discussions emphatically respect these as we add observations and suggest thoughts and views. Having said that, it is interesting to see the motif here as heavily reflecting heraldic symbolism, and while I had noted the ecclesiastic symbolism that is sometimes seen with the green man device, clearly its interpretation may be found in many cultural contexts and variations. Though I dont believe we have reached any sort of consensus on the possible provenance or probable associations with this dagger, it seems well established it is a fascinating item which probably is from the 19th century and English in my opinion. All best regards, Jim Attached Images Last edited by Jim McDougall; 22nd November 2010 at 12:39 AM.