Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen 23 Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen
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22 EMPEROR FREDERICK II OF HOHENSTAUFEN EMPEROR FREDERICK II OF HOHENSTAUFEN 23 Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen Kent L. Christopher Rexburg, ID INTRODUCTION mperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen is considered to be the foremost E falconer of all time (Burns 1944, others?). His major treatise on falconry and principal literary product of his life, De Arte Venandi Cum Avibus, was written during “the mature years of his reign” following “thirty years of preparation for the task” (Wood and Fyfe, 1943). Created primarily between the years 1244 and 1250, the work has maintained not only a biblical stature among falconers worldwide but “has long been recognized as the first zoölogical treatise written in the critical This article is from a new book edited by Tom spirit of modern science” (Shearer, 1935). Cade soon to be published about gyrfalcons. 24 EMPEROR FREDERICK II OF HOHENSTAUFEN EMPEROR FREDERICK II OF HOHENSTAUFEN 25 The scope of his work is clear ick II until modern times. Cultural and trained only by finesse.” He when quoting the Emperor directly and environmental circumstances, concluded, “not only that the art of from the General Prologue to the De in contrast, are very much differ- falconry presents greater difficul- Arte Venandi Cum Avibus: “We have ent. A focused look at the art and ties but requires more unusual skill investigated and studied with the practice of falconry with gyrfalcons than do other forms of venery.” greatest solicitude and in minute then and now reveals much regard- Frederick II was keenly aware detail all that relates to this art, ing the basic constitution of these of the “inborn antipathy” birds exercising both mind and body so Great Falcons of the North. of prey show toward mankind; that we might eventually be quali- “yet by means of this noble art fied to describe and interpret the one may learn how to overcome fruits of knowledge acquired from THEORY this natural aversion, to win their our own experiences or gleaned confidence, and to induce them from others. For example, we, at Fundamental Premise even to seek those they previously great expense, summoned from The Emperor’s fundamental avoided” (Book 1, Chapter 1). He the four quarters of the earth belief about falconry is clear from set forth the premise that birds of masters in the practice of the the title of Book I, Chapter I of the prey can be taught to go beyond art of falconry. We entertained text, Falconry Is an Art More Noble what they do in natural conditions these experts in our own domains, Than Other Forms of Hunting. Here and “hunt and capture even such meantime seeking their opinions, he classified all hunting into three birds as cranes, bustards, geese, weighing the importance of their categories “that in which inanimate and other large game birds that are knowledge, and endeavoring to re- instruments are employed; that in bigger and heavier than those they tain in memory the more valuable which live animals are trained to capture alone in their wild state, Falconers and their charges. of their words and deeds. catch other live animals; and that as well as to take smaller quarry As the ruler of a large kingdom in which combinations of the first not only in their natural fashion His thorough review was necessary per is a grave failing” and “laziness efforts. That the Emperor was fully and an extensive empire we were two are used.” The first category but more often than is effected by because as stated in the Author’s and neglect in an art that requires aware of the inherent problems is very often hampered by arduous included the use of “nets, snares, other methods.” Preface to Book II, “a work of this so much work and attention are clearly evident in Chapter XV of and intricate governmental duties, slings, bows, arrows, and numerous For the above stated reasons, kind in its very nature involves a absolutely prohibited.” As is true Book III, On the Characteristics of but despite these handicaps we did other instruments.” The second Frederick was a most passionate study of waterfowl, neutral birds, throughout his work, Frederick II Proper Flight; Also on Signs of Injury or not lay aside our self-imposed task employed “dogs, leopards, and and dedicated falconer. He pointed and land birds, raptores as well as provided ample reasoning to sub- Fatigue in Falcons, where he wrote, and were successful in committing other four-footed beasts, as well out that: “Any dabbler in venery harmless species.” Frederick II ob- stantiate his claims. “Falcons that are worn out from to writing at the proper time the as birds of prey.” Frederick gave can readily hold in leash or let viously believed a complete knowl- bad methods of transportation, a elements of the art.” no examples of the third category, loose dogs or other quadrupeds; edge of avian natural history and Health long journey, or much bating, will Although Frederick II wrote which employed combinations of but in the pursuit of falconry no behavior was requisite to successful The ability of a falconer to give evidence of their fatigue when about several kinds of falcons and a the first two. He referred to the tyro can so easily join in the chase, falconry. He once again affirmed, maintain good health in his birds flying to the lure.” variety of methods used in the pur- “noble character of falconry” and either to carry his birds or to throw “it is not everyone who can qualify was of paramount importance to suit and capture of different types believed it, “more worthy than oth- them off at the quarry. Falcons and for the practice of falconry; only the Emperor “because their useful- The Primary Aspiration and of quarry, there is no doubt that he er forms of hunting.” He thought a other hawks are rendered clumsy an indefatigable, enthusiastic lover ness depends upon it; and he must Aims of True Falconers held gyrfalcons in highest regard practitioner of falconry “will in this or entirely unmanageable if placed of it, who is fitted for the sport at learn how to treat birds that be- In one relatively short, concise, and their flight at cranes most es- way learn more about the secrets under control of an ignorant in- the same time by instinct and by come ill” (Book II, Authors Preface). and brilliant piece of prose found teemed of all. Bearing this focus in of nature than if he followed other terloper. By using his hearing and training, can succeed in it.” In Book II at the end of Chapter in the Author’s Preface to Book II, mind, the purpose here is to probe kinds of venery” and further that eyesight alone an ignoramus may Chapter XLVII of Book II is XLVIII, Frederick II stated that for Emperor Frederick II made what principles at the foundation of his falconry “does not commend itself learn something about other kinds titled, Of Falconers and Their Qualifi- the falconer, “it is imperative that could well be the most profound art, to review carefully selected to the majority because skill in it is of hunting in a short time; but cations, and here he went into detail he should also be governed in his statement ever written to identify aspects of his practice, and then difficult to acquire and because it without an experienced teacher on the topic. Physical and mental relations with his birds by the state the true essence of falconry. He to compare his approach with the is more refined.” and frequent exercise of the art attributes discussed include being of their health.” The Emperor then wrote, “The falconer’s primary aspi- way modern falconers work with The birds used in falconry, properly directed no one, noble or “of medium size,” “moderately went into considerable detail about ration should be to possess hunting gyrfalcons. In the Author’s Preface to Frederick wrote, “are indeed more ignoble, can hope to gain in a short fleshy,” “diligent and persevering” how good health is recognized birds that he has trained through Book II, Frederick defined theory noble instruments of the chase time an expert or even an ordinary and in possession of “marked sa- in a falcon. Specific methods for his own ingenuity to capture the as “the general mental survey and than inanimate objects or trained knowledge of falconry.” gacity.” Other essential qualities feeding, daily care, and training quarry he desires in the manner he understanding of the principles of quadrupeds.” Other forms of The first chapter ends by con- include “a retentive memory,” presented throughout his work prefers. The actual taking of prey our subject without reference to its hunting “are less noble because cluding falconry to be “intrinsically “good eyesight,” “hearing should all focus on his belief in the vital should be a secondary consider- practical application” and practice they depend merely upon the use an aristocratic sport; and one may be acute,” “a good carrying voice,” importance of maintaining healthy ation.” These direct yet eloquent as “the knowledge of how to put of artificial implements,” “or they once more add that it is nobler, being “alert and agile,” “of a dar- individuals. Some of these specifics words pierce straight into the heart into operation the rules that we are carried on by means of four more worthy than, and superior to ing spirit” and “able to swim.” The will be discussed in the following of the art. Falconry, according to shall expound.” These same defini- footed animals.” Quadrupeds, he other kinds of venery.” falconer “should not be too young” section on his practice, but it the Emperor, is much more than tions will serve admirably through- pointed out, are slower, more easily and “have reached manhood’s seems prudent here to mention taking quarry with a bird of prey.