Why do helmets all look different?
Medieval helmets come in all shapes, sizes and styles. What you might not know is why some helmets look so completely different from others from the same time period. It’s all about function. Ok, and some looks. It may have been called the Dark Ages, but people still had a sense of style.
You will notice that some helmets are closed, or they have a face plate that can be raised when not in use. Close helms are really the hardcore battle helmets. The heavy gauge of the metal protects not only the head, but keeps the face safe from weapons and shrapnel. You will often see elaborate air flow holes in these close helms, as they are meant to be closed for long periods of time. You might have seen castle guards wearing such helmets, as they had to be prepared for anything, at any time. A great example of a close helm is the Sugarloaf Great Helm. This helmet offers excellent protection, and is meant to be kept on for long period of time. You will notice that there is no way to life the face plate. The elaborate pattern of air holes and the very narrow slits for the eyes indicates that this helmet was mainly used for defense or for border guards. Plus, the pointed top is excellent for deflecting strikes made on the top of the head.
This Barbute helmet is made much more open, and was probably used as a precautionary measure. Not necessarily for defense. The crest on the top makes for excellent head protection against blunt weapons, but the more open face leaves a lot exposed. The open face also makes it a lot easier to see out of, which could indicate this style was used more for close combat fighting.
Medieval helmets are just part of the whole medieval armor package. Medieval knight armor was very extensive but for a very, very good reason.
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