So after my previous story of the staffs, I had a fellow blogger inquire as to what an actual staff was.
"The walking stick or "cane" has long held a place in man's history, its roots leading back to the "big stick" wielded by prehistoric man as a weapon of both self-defense and aggression. Civilized man carried on the tradition. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks represented their rulers and gods carrying staffs which symbolized authority. These staffs became the scepters of kings during the Middle Ages. The staff's role as an aid to travel was exemplified in the hands of pilgrims and shepherds. These wooden staffs usually were heavy sticks about 5 feet long. Very often the tops of the sticks held secret compartments for carrying valuables or for smuggling contraband. Records show that silkworm eggs were smuggled into Europe via a hollow staff. The first tulip bulb introduced into Holland also was reported to have made a similar entrance."
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Robin Hood and Little John Fighting with Staff Weapons on the Bridge
"Little John gave Robin a knock on the crown,
Which caused the blood to appear,
Then Robin enraged, more fiercely engaged,
And followed with blows more severe.
So thick and fast did he lay it on him,
With a passionate fury and ire,
At every stroke he made him to smoke,
As if he had been all on fire."
Stories of Robin Hood Told to the Children by H. E. Marshall
For more information and history on staffs, go to this Staff Weapon site.
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