In our latitudes it is still limited, but it does exist:the really warm summer days with temperatures like in Muspelheim. Then the acrid smell and the sticky robes are the lesser of two evils, because the heat can quickly push us actors to their physical limits. Many a person has already collapsed with their armor, especially on the battlefield, but overheating can also have nasty consequences in other physical activities such as handicrafts or even short distances on foot. However, we can counteract this with a few tricks.
Drinks to keep you cool
It's no secret that the body needs a lot of fluids when it's hot. Whether in camp or on the battlefield, you should always carry a full canteen with you. Without a shot, of course.
Many performers make the mistake of only drinking during the fight. However, it would be better to drink plenty of fluids about half an hour before the fight, because it is more strenuous for the body to compensate for a deficit than to fall back on reserves - especially during a stressful event such as an exhibition fight.
Also, it's a common sight that performers try to keep their drinks as cool as possible. The opposite is advisable:If you want to do something good for your body, heat your drink briefly in the kettle. Mint tea is even more effective than water, because the mint dilates the blood vessels and cools the body from the inside out, so to speak.
Alcohol is not taboo when it's hot, but it should be consumed to a limited extent. A beer in between or a courageous sip of mead before the fight shouldn't be a problem, but especially when it's hot it's sometimes difficult to estimate when the body will react.
Summer dishes from the camp kitchen
A fat pork leg for lunch? D rather not. The body has to turn up the heat to digest and that weakens the circulation. Fruit and vegetables and light soups are better.
If you like and if it suits you, you can fill up your salt balance with salted meat. If you want to use fresh meat, remember:If the day is really hot, the risk of salmonella also increases. Fry the meat and eggs crispy.
Hot spices are a double-edged sword:although the sharpness triggers a feeling of heat at first, because the heat receptors in the oral mucosa are addressed, the perspiration then cools you down more easily. It's up to you to decide whether it's worth it.
Large robes in the heat
It's tempting to wear as little as possible when it's hot, but unfortunately not the best way to go about it. To find the best robe, let's look at the world's heat experts:the Bedouins. They wear long loose clothing under which the air can circulate well. Ideally, the clothing should be kept in light colors.
Women have it easy:A long robe made of light fabric is usually easy to find. Either a cloth or a hood can be worn loosely as head protection, depending on what suits the depiction. A loosely applied veil also protects the sensitive scalp.
A combination of a wide tunic and wide trousers or leg warmers is usually suitable for men. If you wear armor, you should wear breathable clothing underneath. There is no way to prevent the armor from wearing out and making you sweat like a berserker. Some put ice cubes under their armor, but that shouldn't help much in the long run.
The most important thing is that you listen to your body. In other words:If you feel nauseous, dizzy or faint, it is better to react quickly. And if you get too warm under the armor, then take it off. An overheated fighter who falls over performs less than one who is no longer in full gear. Viewers or not.
Outsmarting the sun
Yes, many do not like the feel of sunscreen on their skin. And yes, there weren't any in 1346 either, but do your body a favor and apply lots of cream. Not just once in the morning, but regularly throughout the day. Even if you stay in the shade and even if you wear long clothes, UV rays penetrate through to your skin. You weaken your body when it struggles with sunburn and let's not even talk about the long-term effects.
What you should never, under no circumstances do when it's hot
Smoking! Since nicotine constricts blood vessels, you should avoid smoking and nicotine patches before strenuous activities such as a fight.
If the heat does get you
If you are already feeling the effects of the heat, then you should go into the shade and put your feet up. A damp linen cloth placed on the forehead helps with headaches and the same applies as before:drink, drink, drink. A doctor should be called immediately in the case of sunstroke with severe vomiting, but in any case in the case of full-blown heat stroke with clouded consciousness.
Our heat tips in the spice of brevity
- Drink a lot, preferably warm water or mint tea
- Do not drink too much alcohol the night before and only in moderation that same day
- Light foods:fruit, vegetables, soup, salted meat
- Wear loose robes to allow air to circulate
- Use sunscreen
- Do not smoke or use nicotine patches before a fight
- A little exercise for the circulatory system and veins:stand on tiptoe from time to time and rock up and down
Battlefield Heat Tips from Mighty Bear
In the turmoil of battle, not only does the individual warrior have to watch out for himself in the heat, the captains should also keep a strict and watchful eye on their subordinates. Because if the sun is underestimated, it can quickly happen that it inflicts more damage on the troop than the enemy to be fought on the other side of the battlefield.
For example, the captains of a band of lansquenets instruct their mercenaries to take their own water bottles with them into the field. Safety first, so plastic bottles that don't break like glass are preferred. As a result, everyone can quickly take care of themselves and, if necessary, their comrades. As a lansquenet you are lucky that the baggage train is always nearby and supplies the thirsty with fresh water.
Not only nearby or following drinking possibilities are important for the survival of the combatants. If the warriors have to spend a lot of time in the open air, for example on an open battlefield and not in the forest, it is also an advantage not to wear heavy armor if it is not absolutely necessary. Or you polish your armor in such a way that it reflects the sun (at best it blinds the opponent and disables it) and the armor does not heat up too much.
The right gambeson can also make a big difference when wearing a tank. Different textiles and padding of the padded jackets have different effects in the heat. For example, if the tubes run vertically, the air can flow better under the armor and develop its cooling effect.
Once the battle is over, whether won or lost, your body will thank you if you can swap heavy armor for airy, light clothing. If the helmet no longer adorns the head, it is advisable to wear a beret or a straw hat. The well-known bonnet can also be easily soaked in water and is therefore a welcome way to cool down. Of course, this also works when fighting under a helmet to keep a cool head.
After everyone has climbed out of their sweaty armour, there is nothing better than taking a bath together with friend and foe in the nearby stream, lake, pond or hot tub.
Sun protection is important not only on the field, but also when setting up the warehouse. Well sunscreened, armed with a sun hat or cap and well soaked, the sun can do no harm. If you don't pay attention to this, a nice time can quickly be ended prematurely by a nasty sunstroke!