The White Company · Chapter
How the Company Made Sport in the Vale of Pampeluna explained
While the council meets in Pampeluna, the White Company encamps in a neighboring valley and engages in archery practice.
What happens
While the council meets in Pampeluna, the White Company encamps in a neighboring valley and engages in archery practice. Old bowmen Johnston and Aylward critique the younger archers, and a Brabanter crossbowman challenges the English longbowmen to a contest. Johnston wins honor for the Company by shooting both a falcon and a stork with two rapid arrows, proving the longbow's speed over the arbalest.
Themes in this chapter
Camaraderie and Brotherhood
The archers cheer and support Johnston, celebrating his skill as a shared victory for the Company.
War and Violence
The archery contest is a martial display, with talk of past battles and the deadly use of bows in war.
English National Identity
The English archers take pride in their longbow tradition, contrasting it with the crossbow of foreign mercenaries.
Characters to notice
- Johnston
Old bowman who wins the archery contest against the Brabanter crossbowman, shooting both a falcon and a stork.
- Samkin Aylward
Archer who encourages Johnston and celebrates his victory.
- Black Simon of Norwich
Spearman who wagers on the longbow and observes the contest.
Key passages
“Loose it easy, steady, and yet sharp”
Release the arrow smoothly and firmly.
Aylward instructs a young archer on proper shooting technique.
“I have seen good shooting with the prod and with the latch, but, by my hilt! camarade, with all respect to you and to your bow, I think that is but a woman's weapon”
I've seen skilled crossbow shooting, but I consider it a weak weapon compared to the longbow.
Aylward dismisses the crossbow as inferior to the longbow.
“It is a pretty piece of yew, and well strung”
This is a fine longbow, well made and ready for use.
Johnston praises the bow after his successful shots.