Following
an earlier riddle about the term "shackle", as promised, here is
the subject of the 2nd riddle, posed to the readers of this forum along
the same theme.
PREAMBLE:
The
innovation of the "double reins", of long straps (usually connected
to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse, and its introduction
by the Arabs in Europe, serves as an excellent example of how this equestrian
implement revolutionized the culture of the Middle Ages.
REIN IN
WARFARE
As the
Arabs excelled in using their Arabian horses in raiding tactics, these
horses were bred especially for this style of warfare:
The
Arab equestrian tactics in warfare involved racing over flat ground, quickly
swooping down upon the enemy, shooting with bow and arrow or throwing the
light lance, flashing scimitars whose curving blades were designed to slash
the enemy without hurting the horse and then racing away in retreat.
To allow such maximum maneuverability, the Arabs designed a special
type of reins.
The
grip of the reins was located well forward on the horse's neck. This was
to insure plenty of "brake pedal" while under combat. Nothing was
more disconcerting than to be engaged in attack and finding the reins up
in one's chest when one needed to stop abruptly.
Since
the rigors of combat may have require the rider to drop the reins,
it was recommended they be of the continuous or buckled type. The
split type of Arab reins were tied together, and the knot placed
in the exact spot where the rider's grip lay.
This
peculiar design aided the horseman in finding the grip while wearing a
helmet, or looking about in the heat of battle. In the double reins version,
the top rein was used to balance the horse while the bottom rein was to
stop a horse abruptly.
The
Arab double reins type, were regarded as the cutting edge of innovation
in Medieval times and played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the concept
of cavalry in warfare.
So vital
was this equestrian implement, which was used by the Arabs in winning decisively
the battle of Umm al-Hakiym (Shiyduniyah) against
the Wisigoths in Spain and establishing themselves in the
Iberian peninsula, that it became the ultimate symbol of power of the ruling
class in Western Europe as exemplified in the metaphorical expression "the
reins of government". This was coined after the Arabic "zimam
al-Hukum."
Three centuries
passed, and William the Norman conqueror, recognizing its superiority,
adopted the Arab art of horsemanship. Toward that goal, he established
in Normandy a training camp for the Norman cavalry run by Arab trainers
brought from Sicily, courtesy of Roger de Hauteville.
In addition, to improve the lot of the Norman draught horses, Arab/Andalusian
sires were also brought for breeding purposes. The most well known result
was the famous Percheron breed, native to the Normandy region
of
La Perche, from which it derives its name.
Percherons
like the Andalusian "Jennets" have been used ever since for
the European cavalry. This infusion of Arabian blood was not the only improvement
introduced in Normandy. Along with the breeding program, came
the use of various Arab equestrian implements such as the Arab double
reins, girth, stirrups, and last but not least, the Bedouin
tactics of horsemanship (manège) which were readily
and enthusiastically adopted. All of these came to play decisively
in the battle of Hastings and the conquest of England.
The evidence
for the ubiquitous Arab impact in this field is overwhelming. Many of the
linguistic elements from the equestrian world were readily adopted and
integrated into the life of the Western languages, including the verbatim
Arabic terms they referred to. So overwhelming was this borrowing,
that it baffles the most exacting linguists who seek to research the origins
of these implements in Western European languages.
After
an earlier riddle about the term "shackle", here is the subject
of the 2nd riddle, posed to the readers of this forum.
Click below
to view Part One "Uncovering of the mystery of "Shackle"
According
to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language the
following term "Rein" refers to:
| 1. A long narrow
leather strap attached to each end of the bit of a bridle and used by a
rider or driver to control a horse or other animal. Often used in the plural.
2. A means of restraint,
check, or guidance.
3. A means or an instrument
by which power is exercised. Often used in the plural: the reins of government.
v. reined, reining, reins v.tr.
4. To check or hold
back by or as if by the use of reins. Often with in, back, or up.
5. To restrain or
control.v.intr. To control a horse, for example, with reins. |
The
etymology of this term is given as originating from the Middle English,
from Middle French reine, rêne, from OldFrench
resne.
Ultimately, as in many other cases, this is erroneously and blindly attributed
to the Vulgar Latin as originating from a hypothetical reconstructed
term: *retina, from Latin retinere,
to retain; see
retain.
However, this is disputed by the Oxford English Dictionary, which
offers the opinion of a leading Indo-European etymologist Körting,
who doubts the correctness of this surmise.
Actually
the most intriguing aspect of this etymology, the first of many within
the field of equestrian theme, is that the Old French term is directly
borrowed from the Classical Arabic.
Can
you guess which is this original Classical Arabic cognate term for
"rein" in question which impacted so deeply the culture of the Middle
Ages?
Hint
: It is another Arabic synonym to Zimam and it is the
origin of the English term "Rein" borrowed via Old French.
Make no mistake, the similarity is uncanny.
Therein
lies the answer, staring at you, hidden in the eye of the sun.
Contesters
are invited to send their answers to this e-mail address:
The
correct answer to this riddle will be posted on July 26, 2005.
Meanwhile
the name of the winners will appear on this board, as soon as they score
the right answer.
Ishinan
© Ishinan 2005
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