I’ve long been drawn to the Wild East of the 17th Century Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth frontier. For the frontiersmen of that time and place, the far-famed Polish saber was the national weapon, much the way the long rifle came to symbolize the American frontiersman.
The algorithmic sorcerers conjured up a new docudrama and sent it across my horizon this morning. Born For The Sabre is right in the wheelhouse, and I sure hope it finds its way to the U.S.
Set during the first half of XVII century, the epic documentary-drama “Born for the Saber” tells the story of a young noble growing up in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Documentary part of the movie is a cinematic journey through history and art of the mystique of high-end crafting of the Polish saber, which to date is considered to be one of the best melee weapons on the globe. Word class experts demonstrate the art of saber fighting and forging this extraordinary weapon.
Until Born For The Sabre finds its way here, I shall have to content myself with another viewing of the epic With Fire And Sword, which is, in fact, the perfect way to while away three hours in the twilight of a winter’s day…
Frontier knights of touchy honor. The undying love of a beautiful woman, sparked at first sight. Wild steppe and forest, dotted with log forts and lodges. Cossacks. Excellent fur hats and mustaches. What’s not to love?
Matthew says
I believe I read somewhere that our Founding Fathers were influence by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in writing our Constitution.
Poland has a fascinating history that I need to read more about.
JimC says
I haven’t heard that, but it’s certainly possible. It was a rare example of a semi-republic in Europe in an age of monarchy.
RLT says
Today has been full of war. First reading (and reviewing) Alice Oswald’s book-length poem, Memorial, and now this Poles and their sabres! I dated a Polish girl in high school once. They’re a breed unto themselves.
You should check out Memorial, by the way. Oswald took the Iliad and removed the plot, leaving us with the names of the dead and Homeric descriptions of their final moments. It’s a relentless litany of slaughter and lament, and the cumulative effect is quite powerful.
JimC says
Will check it out.
Black Tyrone says
Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Henryk Sienkiewicz no need to say more.
John Roberts says
Also author of the much-filmed QUO VADIS.
Black Tyrone says
Right on! John a man of historical culture no doubt.