Comparing I.33 and Lignitzer: Play II

Today we will continue the series comparing the sword and buckler systems of I.33 and Andre Lignitzer. Today’s post will be discussing the second play from Lignitzer and comparing it to the twenty-second cross of I.33.
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As a reminder, I.33 starts each of its 40 plays with a cross in the top left of the image. To compare Lignitzer’s system with I.33, a cross that is most similar to Lignitzer’s play will be selected. If the sixth play in I.33 is referenced, then it will be identified as cross 6.

​Why Cross 22 Was Selected For Comparison

Cross 22 from I.33 was selected for this comparison because of the sequence of follow-on actions from the bind towards the end of the play.

In truth, Lignitzer’s second play showcases many of the fundamental differences between the two sword and buckler systems. While Cross 4 of I.33 arguably has a bind position similar to the second play of Lignitzer, the follow-on actions were too different to draw many comparisons.
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Cross 22 is one of the plays in I.33 that shows the actions of longpoint verses longpoint. According to I.33, all actions with the sword end in longpoint so these crosses can be helpful when discussing sword and buckler systems that attack into the engagement as opposed to I.33 that generally places the sword into the engagement.

Comparing Lignitzer Play 2 to I.33 Cross 22

I.33 Cross 22
[Image of a priest and the student bound with the priest in the underbind on the left side]… “The Priest executes the counter, and it is one of the four binds, namely and underbind on the left side…”
[Image of the student attacking the head of the Priest] “… The Student gets the Priest’s head, because his sword was above…”

[Image of the Priest defending with upper schutzen] “Just previously the Student delivered a blow, striking the Priest’s head. Here the Priest prevents this, because he executes the counter…”

• I.33 translated by Jeffrey L. Forgeng

Lignitzer Play 2
Item, from the Underhaw: (Upward Cut) when he cuts in at you from above from his right shoulder, so turn against him to your left side to your schilt, so that you stand in “two shields”,(a position like ochs from longsword but potentially with the point up like a high plugh) then turn uncovered (separate the sword and buckler while still winding with both) to your right side, and reach out to his mouth. If he defends against this and lifts his shield up, take the left leg. This goes to both sides.

• Cod.44.A.8 Translated by Kieth Farrell

Summary:

1. The Priest binds below langort to the left.
2. The Student attempts to attack the head.
3. The Priest defends with an Upper Schutzen where they maintain the bind against the opponent’s blade.

Summary:

1. When you deliver an upward cut, the opponent responds by cutting from second custodia.
2. Turn and separate the sword and buckler to increase defense. Move your sword into a position like ochs.
3. Turn to the right side. And attack towards their head.
4. If the opponent blocks with their buckler, attack the leg.

The Similarities

While not explicitly stated in the second play, it can be assumed that the underhaw strike delivered to initiate this sequence would be delivered with the sword and buckler together as advised in the first play.  This is similar to the sieges I.33 delivers.
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Another similarity is that both systems encourage attacking the opponent’s head from the bind.

The Differences

There are a number of differences showcased in this Lignitzer play that run contrary to the teachings of I.33.

The first and most glaring difference is that Lignitzer advises the fencer to separate the sword and buckler while in the bind. I.33 chooses to only separate the sword and buckler when it is safe to do so. In Lignitzer’s case, the separation appears to be done in order to maximize the area defended by allowing the sword and the buckler to independently engage in the bind.
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Another difference is the use of ochs in the bind where the hilt of the sword is brought closer to the ear while the tip of the blade remains forward towards the opponent. In general, I.33 avoids this position because of the gap it creates between the sword and the buckler.

Analysis of the Defense against the Cut Towards the Head from the Bind

Finally, and arguably most interestingly, the second play of Lignitzer concludes with the opponent defending with just buckler while cross 22 ends with an action to maintain the bind with the swords.

According to Lignitzer, “If he defends against this and lifts his shield up, take the left leg”. However, Lignitzer does not advise what to do if the opponent defends with the sword. Presumably, binding actions would occur and the first play of Lignitzer would be repeated.

The second play of Lignitzer may add context to the “why of I.33 techniques”. I.33 never advises to defend with just the buckler. Presumably this is because defending with just the buckler would be common knowledge and not the primary focus of the techniques shown in I.33.
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However, the use of the upper schutzen to defend the head as opposed to just the buckler is an explicit technique in I.33. When looking at both of the systems, it is possible that the reason I.33 prefers to maintain the bind and use the sword to defend high is because if only the buckler were used, the opponent could attack the leg as shown by Lignitzer.

Closing Thoughts

The differences between systems does not inherently mean one is superior to the other. Just because I.33 chooses to keep the sword and buckler together when binding against the opponent does not mean that Lignitzer is wrong when separating the sword and buckler hands while in the bind. Both systems have their merits and their own rationale that support their techniques.

From a HEMA perspective, learning from both systems can increase the total amount of techniques a fencer has at their disposal. I.33 does not include leg strikes; Lignitzer does.  Lignitzer attacks into the engagement to force the bind; I.33 places the sword into sieges. Both systems bring their own style that when used properly, can increase the potency of one’s own sword and buckler style.
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It is important to recognize the similarities and the differences between each system, especially systems like I.33 and Lignitzer which use similar weapon sets. By analyzing both, we can begin to see a potential pattern of what skilled sword and buckler fencers of the high medieval period felt were universal truths with this weapon combination.