Sometimes I enjoy going back over older threads, and often see great posts that are somehow sadly neglected. These I regard as missed opportunities, as they should inspire us to check into things further and enjoy learning more on the subject at hand.
In the case of this thread, I looked more into the history of the Landsknechts, and am almost embarassed at how little I apparantly knew about them. I did not know for example, that the Landsknechts were actually German and sometimes other nationalities, versions of Swiss mercenaries.
All this time I thought that the Landsknechts WERE the Swiss mercenaries!
Apparantly these German mercenary troops were modelled on the Swiss mercenaries, and at times even fought withy them on opposing side!
While the Landsknechts were famed as pikemen, they also used halberds as well as thier arming swords known as 'katzbalgers' (Ger. katz=cat, balg=skin, or also balgen=brawling, loosely cat-gutter). Always looking for symbolism, this terminology reminded me of the pommel on the distinct sword used by Dalmatian mercenaries for the Doge of Venice, the 'schiavona', which has as a trademark, the 'cats head' pommel.
It would seem that the cat fighting analogy may have been somewhat loosely adopted as the 'totem' of the mercenary soldier, in my interpretation at least.
Looking further into characteristics of these well known mercenary soldiers, one cannot avoid considering their distinct clothing. It would seem that these elaborate, multicolored and almost gaudy costumes were in effect yet another means of psychological warfare. It was said that the often outlandish attire chosen and typically personalized by these men were officially approved by Maximilian I, as they were entitled to this priviledge with their almost Spartan lives and often too short lives.
The slash and puff method of pulling through under fabric in slashed openings possibly suggested garments damaged in combat. It is known these men sometimes took items of clothing etc. as spoils of war, and this would have proclaimed their seasoned veteran status. The bright, clashing and parti colored garments, deliberately asymmetrical, torn, festooned and so on would present a disturbing countenance as an opposing enemy heavily armed.
I just though I would share what I was able to find in learning from these interesting illustrations posted, and nicely commented on by Michael. I very much appreciate these fascinating and clearly inspirational posts he has shared here, and am always compelled to 'pick up the gauntlet'
to learn from them.
Thank you Michael!
All best regards,
Jim