13th century sword mystery

Ian · 8th August 2015, 06:22 PM

Given the extensive European content that has appeared in this thread, I have copied it from the Ethnographic Forum to the European Armoury as well. Lee, Jim, Ibrahiim and others have made some very intriguing observations and posted several links that may be of interest.

Ian.

Jim McDougall · 9th August 2015, 05:26 PM

This was a good move to bring this thread and the concurrent thread titled 'odd sword' to the European forum given the subject matter, which decidedly focuses on these European blades and their inscriptions.

At this point I think it is important to consider some of the perspective which is important in approaching this most arcane and often even occult related subject matter with the understanding of these curious inscriptions and their ever elusive meanings. The term 'polluted' pertaining to some references to the descriptions and references to these indeed 'mysterious' inscriptions perhaps well describes the unfortunate posture often taken toward much of the investigation and research concerning these kinds of topics.

Descriptions and news pertaining to old swords and these 'mysterious ' inscriptions are of course rendered sensationally in the media, and allude to all manner of sometimes almost bizarre notions and suggestions. Most academic and scholarly works typically avoid including the terms magic or occult in discussing inscriptions on blades such as these. However, most of these same mediums will recognize the reference to many of these inscriptions and acrostics in various letters and groupings as 'sacerdotal' or religious invocations.

Indeed, many of these apparent groupings of letters and sometimes included symbols or devices, particularly crosses, have been compellingly revealed to have been just that, religiously oriented. This is of course clearly reminiscent and profoundly associated with the crusades and the fact that swords and weaponry were most often closely associated with and directly connected to the Church.

However these practices of using letters in acrostic groupings, as well as the use of symbolic devices has been held to have roots in the pagan use of runes and invocations to their gods for strength and protection in battle.

While this would of course well explain the well known and plausibly suggested use of these inscriptions from religious standpoint, it is important to note that in the Middle Ages, as suggested in one article within the link Lee noted, there were few who would differentiate between religion, science and magic.

The well known sciences of today had not yet been developed, and along with the well established fiber of religion, practices such as alchemy (later chemistry); astrology (later astronomy) and magic, strongly associated with superstition and other metaphysics fluourished.
The largely illiterate population while hugely uninformed on these of course, could very distinctly relate to symbols and devices.

Even blacksmithing and the forging of swords and weapons was considered magical, and these men were regarded with great caution though of course recognized as quite essential. It would seem quite natural that these weapons would temporally or in decoration be imbued with talismanic powers, whether religiously oriented or as noted, amalgamated with other occult or esoteric associations.

It is with these things in mind that I hope that members and readers here alike, might join together in looking further into our understanding of these particular blades in these two threads, as well as into the entirely fascinating study of the swords of these times.

While many often scoff at the idea of including occult or mystical matters in the study of weapons and their decoration and embellishment, in my view it is profoundly held that.....we do not need to believe in or approve of the beliefs or symbolic meanings being investigated, but it is absolutely essential that we try to understand what the people who made and used these weapons believed.

Best regards,
Jim

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 9th August 2015, 07:56 PM

If I may begin to collect to Forum documents there are available in terms of these ancient swords and inscriptions starting with The Vlfberht Sword which from Wikipedia I QUOTE "Vlfberht or Ulfbehrt is a modern transcription of the inscription +VLFBERH+T, found on some Early Middle Ages Germanic swords of the 8th to 11th century. Swords so inscribed have been found in many parts of Europe, most numerously in Scandinavia. They are believed to originate from the Taunus region of Germany in what was the Frankish realm.

There are many variations of the inscription, including +VLFBERHT+ and +VLFBERH+T. The inscription is a Frankish personal name and became the basis of a trademark of sorts, used by multiple bladesmiths for several centuries.

In a 2008 paper, Anne Stalsberg, of the Museum of Natural History and Archaeology of Norway, argues that a blacksmith is unlikely to have been literate, and that the presence of crosses in the signature suggest an ecclesiastical or monastic origin. She discusses how the swords may have reached Scandinavia, suggesting smuggling, looting by Vikings, or as ransom for dignitaries captured by Vikings. Much of this work was re-presented (though uncredited to Stalsberg) in detail in the PBS Nova 2012 documentary, Secrets of the Viking Sword.

Most Vlfberht swords are of Oakeshott Type X form. They are forged from excellent steel with a very low content of sulfur and phosphorus and up to 1.1% carbon. This steel was most likely acquired through trade through the Volga trade route, which could have supplied ingots of the steel, obtained ultimately from central Asian cultures, who were producing crucible steel to emulate the famous wootz steel of India.

A 2012 documentary, Secrets of the Viking Sword, showed a blacksmith who specializes in ancient techniques successfully create both a high-quality steel ingot and an inlaid Vlfberht sword from it."UNQUOTE.

It is noted that Anne Stalsberg stated that the blacksmith was unlikely to have been literate and that the material was imported possibly from Asia...This poses two difficulties; firstly in deciding if the blacksmith had made a mistake in the inscription and secondly that trying to tie a sword down to a particular workshop through analysis of the material would be much more difficult...when the materials were being drawn from far afield...i.e. not locally. I also find it interesting that Ann Stalsberg suggests a monastic link because of the crosses because if the swords were associated with a place of learning would not the letters be correct...at least at the time of going to print; so to speak? It would appear that the puzzle we run into in Ethnographic Weaopons these days associated with the "whats in a word" syndrome was as common then as it is now...

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

fernando · 9th August 2015, 10:18 PM

Let me bring here some considerations of a scholar about inscriptions as found in tapestries, as those depicting scenes relating the discoveries period (circa 1500). Somehow its essence may be applied to weapons inscriptions ... i guess

"The phenomenom of decorative inscriptions may be circumscribed to three categories: Firstly, inscriptions composed by purely fantasist letters; cufic characters, pseudo-greek, pseudo-hebraic or cabalistic signs. Secondly, inscriptions composed by real characters but not forming legible words or phrases. In these cases, the intention is, as in the first category, to accentuate the exotic character of the represented figures. And thirdly, inscriptions that, although with a decorative character, allow for the recognition of a certain sense, a certain significate; it is in such circumstance that one may find signatures or other details relative to the genesis of the work. In these inscriptions, the legible parts may be inserted in two lines of letters which goal is purely decorative and don't have any comprehensible sense. "

-

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 10th August 2015, 05:56 PM

Essentially tapestries were the news or noticeboards of the day, however, anyone with the skills could render a completely fictional character real ...from myth and legend. See the tapestry of the fictional King Arthur at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Arthur

Trying to deduce what is meant on blade inscriptions is quite interesting since it is not known if the deliberate mistakes (if indeed they are mistakes) were introduced by the sword maker/engraver or insisted upon by the sword owner...or a total error?

If in the case of a Monastic order being involved ... to oversee the correctness of the inscription or possibly as the manufacturer of the swords which in their own right were religious icons in many cases... (it is assumed there was some collusion because of the + ) the religious cross often at both ends of the inscription...e.g +VLFBERHT+) how or why were simple mistakes made in the spelling? Perhaps the assumption that religious orders were involved is in fact wrong?

The spelling mistakes therefor could have been simply the result of the blacksmith being illiterate....or he was simply following the orders of the person commissioning the weapon...Perhaps equally illiterate?

There is of course the other possibility that the mistakes were planned and deliberate.

There is one peculiar aspect of medieval swords which does intrigue...the seemingly across the board idea of chucking ones sword into a lake or river...in a sort of ritual and one which is apparent in legends like the one I opened with at para 1; The Arthurian Legend.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 10th August 2015, 07:57 PM

As an easy reference I have a stack of details best rendered for readers here and for Library. These are key Oakshot styles and show some blade mark details and inscriptions. Some are excavated and others fished out of rivers or lakes...

This site will take you to any of the detailed sites below placed for reference only...See Read more: http://sword-site.com/thread/118/oak...#ixzz3iROdzmRn

************************************************** **************
Oakeshot Sword Type X : sword-site.com/thread/118/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Oakeshot Sword Type Xa : sword-site.com/thread/123/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Oakeshot Sword Type XI - XIa : sword-site.com/thread/126/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Oakeshot Sword Type XII : sword-site.com/thread/127/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Oakeshot Sword Type XIIa: sword-site.com/thread/128/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Oakeshot Sword Type XIII - XIIIb : sword-site.com/thread/152/oakeshott-xiiib-records-medieval-sword

Oakeshot Sword Type XIV : sword-site.com/thread/159/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Oakeshot Sword Type XV - XVa : sword-site.com/thread/166/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Oakeshot Sword Type XVI - XVIa: sword-site.com/thread/167/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Oakeshot Sword Type XVII : sword-site.com/thread/175/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Oakeshot Sword Type XVIII - XVIIIa : sword-site.com/thread/183/oakeshott-xviii-xviiia-records-medieval

Oakeshot Sword Type XIX : sword-site.com/thread/187/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Oakeshot Sword Type XX - XXa : sword-site.com/thread/200/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Oakeshot Sword Type XXI - XXII : sword-site.com/thread/204/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

************************************************** ***************
Read more: http://sword-site.com/thread/118/oak...#ixzz3iROdzmRn

Jim McDougall · 24th August 2015, 08:55 PM

I think this is a remarkably fascinating aspect of these medieval swords, from the earliest inscriptions and inlaid names etc of earlier examples to the later copies and commemorative style applications. It is one of the most esoteric factions of arms study, and probably one of the least attended to and most avoided academically, due primarily to the highly subjective nature of the subject matter.

While most interested in these early swords likely pursue their own degree of study on these esoteric topics quite privately, and as can be seen here, most typically avoid any open discussion on them. There are of course varied studies which have been undertaken by some of the key figures in arms scholarship, but these are seemingly stalled at point, and are seldom ever brought into any sort of furthering or advancement condition .

Here we have the British Museum asking for ideas on discovering the meaning of the inscription on this sword, as if it was a new find. In reality, this is just one of a number of swords found in the River Witham, and each with similar cryptic inscriptions, and these finds go back to 1788 as well as through the 19th century. When Oakeshott wrote his seminal work "The Archaeology of Weapons" in 1960, there was not much more perspective on these inscriptions than today. While even then, he and others could recognize many of the religious invocations and may of the symbols and devices, there is virtually zero advancement among arms scholarship with respect to the presence of magical and occult symbolism in these kinds of inscriptions.

I consider this a very regrettable circumstance reflecting the situation in the study of arms, but one becoming more prevalent as general attitudes with political correctness issues affecting museums and such holdings, and the trend toward more casual interaction in arms oriented venues such as forums. I write with results of my seemingly relentless researching on these fascinating subjects, and always hope there will be others who share this enthusiasm to advance the disposition of our collective knowledge on them.
I always appreciate the well reasoned and learned entries of Fernando in many entries on these subjects, as well as the continued enthusiasm and tenacity of Ibrahiim in his efforts to create viable discussions here.

While I have little expectation that further discourse will ensue on this sword or the topic in general, I wanted to enter another soliloquy to express my personal view on these matters. I would have very much welcomed ideas or perspectives on the curious inscriptions seen on this sword and others like it on these pages, but clearly these are not forthcoming. Personally, there have been some good observations.......such as the 'M' which is indeed upside down.....the nature of some of the characters which seem aesthetically aligned toward magical alphabets, as well as the potential for numeric values even Hebrew lettering. All of these certainly worth review and discussion.
My research has been intense and gets more intriguing as I learn more on these topics, and has been so since I was first inspired by this post. I hope others have been equally moved even if we do not see such entries here, as even if we cannot solve this mystery wholly, the study of it will certainly benefit those of us who find this fascinating.

9th August 2015, 07:56 PM	#3
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	The VLFBERHT Sword If I may begin to collect to Forum documents there are available in terms of these ancient swords and inscriptions starting with The Vlfberht Sword which from Wikipedia I QUOTE "Vlfberht or Ulfbehrt is a modern transcription of the inscription +VLFBERH+T, found on some Early Middle Ages Germanic swords of the 8th to 11th century. Swords so inscribed have been found in many parts of Europe, most numerously in Scandinavia. They are believed to originate from the Taunus region of Germany in what was the Frankish realm. There are many variations of the inscription, including +VLFBERHT+ and +VLFBERH+T. The inscription is a Frankish personal name and became the basis of a trademark of sorts, used by multiple bladesmiths for several centuries. In a 2008 paper, Anne Stalsberg, of the Museum of Natural History and Archaeology of Norway, argues that a blacksmith is unlikely to have been literate, and that the presence of crosses in the signature suggest an ecclesiastical or monastic origin. She discusses how the swords may have reached Scandinavia, suggesting smuggling, looting by Vikings, or as ransom for dignitaries captured by Vikings. Much of this work was re-presented (though uncredited to Stalsberg) in detail in the PBS Nova 2012 documentary, Secrets of the Viking Sword. Most Vlfberht swords are of Oakeshott Type X form. They are forged from excellent steel with a very low content of sulfur and phosphorus and up to 1.1% carbon. This steel was most likely acquired through trade through the Volga trade route, which could have supplied ingots of the steel, obtained ultimately from central Asian cultures, who were producing crucible steel to emulate the famous wootz steel of India. A 2012 documentary, Secrets of the Viking Sword, showed a blacksmith who specializes in ancient techniques successfully create both a high-quality steel ingot and an inlaid Vlfberht sword from it."UNQUOTE. It is noted that Anne Stalsberg stated that the blacksmith was unlikely to have been literate and that the material was imported possibly from Asia...This poses two difficulties; firstly in deciding if the blacksmith had made a mistake in the inscription and secondly that trying to tie a sword down to a particular workshop through analysis of the material would be much more difficult...when the materials were being drawn from far afield...i.e. not locally. I also find it interesting that Ann Stalsberg suggests a monastic link because of the crosses because if the swords were associated with a place of learning would not the letters be correct...at least at the time of going to print; so to speak? It would appear that the puzzle we run into in Ethnographic Weaopons these days associated with the "whats in a word" syndrome was as common then as it is now... Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

9th August 2015, 10:18 PM	#4
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Let me bring here some considerations of a scholar about inscriptions as found in tapestries, as those depicting scenes relating the discoveries period (circa 1500). Somehow its essence may be applied to weapons inscriptions ... i guess "The phenomenom of decorative inscriptions may be circumscribed to three categories: Firstly, inscriptions composed by purely fantasist letters; cufic characters, pseudo-greek, pseudo-hebraic or cabalistic signs. Secondly, inscriptions composed by real characters but not forming legible words or phrases. In these cases, the intention is, as in the first category, to accentuate the exotic character of the represented figures. And thirdly, inscriptions that, although with a decorative character, allow for the recognition of a certain sense, a certain significate; it is in such circumstance that one may find signatures or other details relative to the genesis of the work. In these inscriptions, the legible parts may be inserted in two lines of letters which goal is purely decorative and don't have any comprehensible sense. " - Last edited by fernando; 10th August 2015 at 11:36 AM.

10th August 2015, 05:56 PM	#5
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Essentially tapestries were the news or noticeboards of the day, however, anyone with the skills could render a completely fictional character real ...from myth and legend. See the tapestry of the fictional King Arthur at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Arthur Trying to deduce what is meant on blade inscriptions is quite interesting since it is not known if the deliberate mistakes (if indeed they are mistakes) were introduced by the sword maker/engraver or insisted upon by the sword owner...or a total error? If in the case of a Monastic order being involved ... to oversee the correctness of the inscription or possibly as the manufacturer of the swords which in their own right were religious icons in many cases... (it is assumed there was some collusion because of the + ) the religious cross often at both ends of the inscription...e.g +VLFBERHT+) how or why were simple mistakes made in the spelling? Perhaps the assumption that religious orders were involved is in fact wrong? The spelling mistakes therefor could have been simply the result of the blacksmith being illiterate....or he was simply following the orders of the person commissioning the weapon...Perhaps equally illiterate? There is of course the other possibility that the mistakes were planned and deliberate. There is one peculiar aspect of medieval swords which does intrigue...the seemingly across the board idea of chucking ones sword into a lake or river...in a sort of ritual and one which is apparent in legends like the one I opened with at para 1; The Arthurian Legend. Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi. Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 10th August 2015 at 06:15 PM.

10th August 2015, 07:57 PM	#6
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Excavated Swords. As an easy reference I have a stack of details best rendered for readers here and for Library. These are key Oakshot styles and show some blade mark details and inscriptions. Some are excavated and others fished out of rivers or lakes... This site will take you to any of the detailed sites below placed for reference only...See Read more: http://sword-site.com/thread/118/oak...#ixzz3iROdzmRn ************************************************ ********** Oakeshot Sword Type X : sword-site.com/thread/118/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword Oakeshot Sword Type Xa : sword-site.com/thread/123/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword Oakeshot Sword Type XI - XIa : sword-site.com/thread/126/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword Oakeshot Sword Type XII : sword-site.com/thread/127/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword Oakeshot Sword Type XIIa: sword-site.com/thread/128/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword Oakeshot Sword Type XIII - XIIIb : sword-site.com/thread/152/oakeshott-xiiib-records-medieval-sword Oakeshot Sword Type XIV : sword-site.com/thread/159/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword Oakeshot Sword Type XV - XVa : sword-site.com/thread/166/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword Oakeshot Sword Type XVI - XVIa: sword-site.com/thread/167/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword Oakeshot Sword Type XVII : sword-site.com/thread/175/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword Oakeshot Sword Type XVIII - XVIIIa : sword-site.com/thread/183/oakeshott-xviii-xviiia-records-medieval Oakeshot Sword Type XIX : sword-site.com/thread/187/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword Oakeshot Sword Type XX - XXa : sword-site.com/thread/200/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword Oakeshot Sword Type XXI - XXII : sword-site.com/thread/204/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword ********************************************** ************* Read more: http://sword-site.com/thread/118/oak...#ixzz3iROdzmRn Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 10th August 2015 at 08:16 PM.

8th August 2015, 06:22 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,453	Given the extensive European content that has appeared in this thread, I have copied it from the Ethnographic Forum to the European Armoury as well. Lee, Jim, Ibrahiim and others have made some very intriguing observations and posted several links that may be of interest. Ian.

9th August 2015, 05:26 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,459	This was a good move to bring this thread and the concurrent thread titled 'odd sword' to the European forum given the subject matter, which decidedly focuses on these European blades and their inscriptions. At this point I think it is important to consider some of the perspective which is important in approaching this most arcane and often even occult related subject matter with the understanding of these curious inscriptions and their ever elusive meanings. The term 'polluted' pertaining to some references to the descriptions and references to these indeed 'mysterious' inscriptions perhaps well describes the unfortunate posture often taken toward much of the investigation and research concerning these kinds of topics. Descriptions and news pertaining to old swords and these 'mysterious ' inscriptions are of course rendered sensationally in the media, and allude to all manner of sometimes almost bizarre notions and suggestions. Most academic and scholarly works typically avoid including the terms magic or occult in discussing inscriptions on blades such as these. However, most of these same mediums will recognize the reference to many of these inscriptions and acrostics in various letters and groupings as 'sacerdotal' or religious invocations. Indeed, many of these apparent groupings of letters and sometimes included symbols or devices, particularly crosses, have been compellingly revealed to have been just that, religiously oriented. This is of course clearly reminiscent and profoundly associated with the crusades and the fact that swords and weaponry were most often closely associated with and directly connected to the Church. However these practices of using letters in acrostic groupings, as well as the use of symbolic devices has been held to have roots in the pagan use of runes and invocations to their gods for strength and protection in battle. While this would of course well explain the well known and plausibly suggested use of these inscriptions from religious standpoint, it is important to note that in the Middle Ages, as suggested in one article within the link Lee noted, there were few who would differentiate between religion, science and magic. The well known sciences of today had not yet been developed, and along with the well established fiber of religion, practices such as alchemy (later chemistry); astrology (later astronomy) and magic, strongly associated with superstition and other metaphysics fluourished. The largely illiterate population while hugely uninformed on these of course, could very distinctly relate to symbols and devices. Even blacksmithing and the forging of swords and weapons was considered magical, and these men were regarded with great caution though of course recognized as quite essential. It would seem quite natural that these weapons would temporally or in decoration be imbued with talismanic powers, whether religiously oriented or as noted, amalgamated with other occult or esoteric associations. It is with these things in mind that I hope that members and readers here alike, might join together in looking further into our understanding of these particular blades in these two threads, as well as into the entirely fascinating study of the swords of these times. While many often scoff at the idea of including occult or mystical matters in the study of weapons and their decoration and embellishment, in my view it is profoundly held that.....we do not need to believe in or approve of the beliefs or symbolic meanings being investigated, but it is absolutely essential that we try to understand what the people who made and used these weapons believed. Best regards, Jim

24th August 2015, 08:55 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,459	I think this is a remarkably fascinating aspect of these medieval swords, from the earliest inscriptions and inlaid names etc of earlier examples to the later copies and commemorative style applications. It is one of the most esoteric factions of arms study, and probably one of the least attended to and most avoided academically, due primarily to the highly subjective nature of the subject matter. While most interested in these early swords likely pursue their own degree of study on these esoteric topics quite privately, and as can be seen here, most typically avoid any open discussion on them. There are of course varied studies which have been undertaken by some of the key figures in arms scholarship, but these are seemingly stalled at point, and are seldom ever brought into any sort of furthering or advancement condition . Here we have the British Museum asking for ideas on discovering the meaning of the inscription on this sword, as if it was a new find. In reality, this is just one of a number of swords found in the River Witham, and each with similar cryptic inscriptions, and these finds go back to 1788 as well as through the 19th century. When Oakeshott wrote his seminal work "The Archaeology of Weapons" in 1960, there was not much more perspective on these inscriptions than today. While even then, he and others could recognize many of the religious invocations and may of the symbols and devices, there is virtually zero advancement among arms scholarship with respect to the presence of magical and occult symbolism in these kinds of inscriptions. I consider this a very regrettable circumstance reflecting the situation in the study of arms, but one becoming more prevalent as general attitudes with political correctness issues affecting museums and such holdings, and the trend toward more casual interaction in arms oriented venues such as forums. I write with results of my seemingly relentless researching on these fascinating subjects, and always hope there will be others who share this enthusiasm to advance the disposition of our collective knowledge on them. I always appreciate the well reasoned and learned entries of Fernando in many entries on these subjects, as well as the continued enthusiasm and tenacity of Ibrahiim in his efforts to create viable discussions here. While I have little expectation that further discourse will ensue on this sword or the topic in general, I wanted to enter another soliloquy to express my personal view on these matters. I would have very much welcomed ideas or perspectives on the curious inscriptions seen on this sword and others like it on these pages, but clearly these are not forthcoming. Personally, there have been some good observations.......such as the 'M' which is indeed upside down.....the nature of some of the characters which seem aesthetically aligned toward magical alphabets, as well as the potential for numeric values even Hebrew lettering. All of these certainly worth review and discussion. My research has been intense and gets more intriguing as I learn more on these topics, and has been so since I was first inspired by this post. I hope others have been equally moved even if we do not see such entries here, as even if we cannot solve this mystery wholly, the study of it will certainly benefit those of us who find this fascinating.