Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Mail Armor explained
This chapter describes the two main types of mail armor—plate or scale mail and chain mail—focusing on the hauberk, its construction from riveted iron links, and its use as body protection.
What happens
This chapter describes the two main types of mail armor—plate or scale mail and chain mail—focusing on the hauberk, its construction from riveted iron links, and its use as body protection. It details the addition of gloves, hose, and hood, the quilted lining worn underneath, and the eventual replacement of mail by plate armor around 1300. Shields are also briefly discussed as being made of wood covered with leather and reinforced with metal hoops.
Key passages
“Mail armor, of which the hauberk is a species, and which derived its name from maille , a French word for mesh, was of two kinds, plate or scale mail, and chain mail.”
Mail armor, including the hauberk, gets its name from the French word 'maille' meaning mesh, and comes in two varieties: plate or scale mail and chain mail.
Defines the origin of the term and the two main types of mail armor.
“The hauberk was a complete covering of double chain mail.”
The hauberk was a full-body garment made of double-layered chain mail.
Describes the hauberk as a specific form of chain mail armor.
“Mail armor continued in general use till about the year 1300 , when it was gradually supplanted by plate armor, or suits consisting of pieces or plates of solid iron, adapted to the different parts of the body.”
Mail armor was commonly used until around 1300, after which it was slowly replaced by plate armor made of solid iron pieces fitted to the body.
Marks the historical transition from mail to plate armor.