Rod Parsons wrote: |
As far as I can recall, it arises from reports that Henry V made this suggestion about what the French might do with defeated archers in a speech designed to motivate his troops.
Somewhat redundant when the Oriflamme is raised by the French, signifying "no quarter". But since there is no supporting evidence that the French had ever done this or seriously declared the intention of doing so as a matter of policy, added to which it was just the sort of extreme treatment that accorded with the popular view of Forest Law, and the fact that the idea was embraced by certain authors it is now become an accepted and popular part of the mythology. Rod. |
Rod,
Could it be that the "peace sign" the two fingers were used to show defiance to the french and that they could fire a bow? and maybe somewhere in there the pluck yew thing stuck? I'm asking as there is referance to the hundred year war. The two fingers are english born and a sign of defience. Maybe they stories crossed?
I mean you are right - you do not pluck you - you pluck the string. You Have to have your pointer and middle fingers to draw a war bow and those where the ones that were "threatened if captured". I can see where the solo middle finger and meaning would come from an amercan standpoint. But the two fingers up (to my knowledge) is a british thing.
yes? no?
As far as source - none as i wrote. the only source i do have on a first hand account comes from a siege in the hundred year war. Supposedly it was Agincounrt, but the guy was dead.
David