An exploration of the Zornhut and its use in Joachim Meyer’s longsword system.

Weapon: Longsword

Source: Joachim Meyer, Kunst des Fechtens, 1570

The Zornhut [Wrath Guard] is probably the most iconic stance from the longsword section of Joachim Meyer’s manuscript of 1570. It is, of course, the starting position of the Zornhau: a powerful diagonal strike which – according to Meyer – is the strongest of all, as in it all the strength of the fencer against their enemy in fight and fencing lies. But the Zornhut is much more than merely the origin of the wrath strike. It is also the starting position for many devices in Meyer’s book, providing numerous examples of how to fence from this guard, whether in the Vor or in the Nach. In this workshop, we will take a closer look at this versatile guard and explore several of Meyer’s devices that arise from it.

Skill level of Participants: Any skill level
Needed Equipment: Longsword, if available: mask, gloves, lower arm & elbow protection

About the trainer – Amelie Eilken

Amelie Eilken began practicing historical fencing in 2014 with Hammaborg. Her primary fencing interest lies in the Renaissance longsword tradition of Joachim Meyer from the late 16th century. She is a founding member of the Meyer Class and has led the Meyer Class Women training group at Hammaborg since 2019. She was German Longsword Champion in 2020 and a member of the German national longsword team from 2020 to 2023.