Tryhard HEMA

Thanks in no small part to JRR Tolkien and George RR Martin, medieval Europe is central to what most people understand under fantasy. And medieval warfare means knights in armor and swords. For some enthusiasts it's more than enough to experience the atmosphere vicariously through Renfairs or visiting a historical castle. But for serious hobbyists, the game goes much deeper. Welcome to the world of Historical European Martial Arts, where you will learn not only the difference between a rapier and a zweihander, but also how to wield each of these. The ultimate challenge is of course to test your mettle against that of other enthusiasts. For anyone who wishes to join the community, but doesn't have a clue where to start, this Facebook Group is a valuable entry-level resource. Browse through the lively discussions about motivation and technique and watch video clips that offer an insight into the activities of various historical European martial arts schools and clubs. Another community Historical European Martial Arts Resources 

Members: 7.9k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

A related Facebook page, Historical European Martial Arts Resources (3.5k followers) can be found here. 

Related Posts:

The Medieval Horse and its Equipment

Roma Urbs Aeterna

Medieval Mirth & Jollity

The Medieval Horse and its Equipment

The horse is such a central figure in popular media depictions of the Middle Ages that most people seldom notice the inaccuracies or misconceptions. For example, fantasy movies would have us believe that every average farm boy with dreams of grandeur just happened to have access to a well-bred Friesian stallion, never mind the fact that destriers were expensive, high-maintenance and exclusively reserved for the elite. There were times when laws prohibited the peasantry from even owning equines above a certain height, or at all. If however, you are interested in scratching beneath the glamor of modern myth to uncover some real facts, this fascinating Facebook group, dedicated to the tack and care of medieval steeds should give you plenty to digest. Posts include period depictions, book references, real artifacts from museums and links to re-enactments. 

Members: 2.2k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

Equine Art

Reliving Arabian Horse History

Castles in the World

Mia's Bayeux Tapestry Story

Mia's Bayeux Tapestry Story

The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the world's most famous pieces of handcraft. And it tells the story of one of the most significant events in English history - the 1066 invasion of William of Normandy. The original is believed to be around 950 years old. To single-handedly reproduce this incredible piece of cultural art is no mean feat, but that is exactly what the self-taught, Swedish-born artist Mia Hansson has set out to do. To tell the story of this incredible project (which started in July 2016), and to share media about its tie-ins, she had created this Facebook group. The posts offer fascinating insights into the scale and effort involved in bringing the work to life. 

Members: 5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

Mia's website: https://www.miasbayeuxstyleart.uk/

Mia's other Facebook Group: https://web.facebook.com/groups/miasdrawingandsewing?_rdc=1&_rdr

Medieval Mirth & Jollity

 Hollywood often paints the Middle Ages as a grubby, depressing time of religious conservatism and superstition. But even a quick glance at surviving media from the period will cure you of that misbelief. The medieval era was gaudy, ribald, naughty and funny. They enjoyed feasts and jousting, mischievous monks and naughty nuns. And this Facebook group is a great space for sharing the lighter side of life in the Middle Ages or expressing a yearning for simpler times. Enjoy knightly humor, kings and queens, fair maidens and hilarious re-interpretations. 

Members: 166.5k at time of writing

Trigger Warnings: Gruesome medieval depictions.

Go here to visit or join. 

Castles in the World

Castles make some of the most intriguing tourist attractions in the world. But one thing you'll notice very quickly when browsing through the images posted on this Facebook Group is the fact that not all castles are created equal. From humble, dark age fortifications to the opulence of Versailles and jaw-dropping towers that perch precariously from steep cliffs, the sheer variety in historical architecture is astounding. Some castles are citadels that once housed vibrant communities. Others are now little more than ruins. There are castles that fit perfectly into their surroundings, be it hilltop or port-side. Example are the beautiful Mont St Michel in Normandy, Artana Castle in Kosovo, and Cochem Castle in Germany. Feed your appetite for fairy-tales and fantasy. 

Members: 301.6k at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join.