🚀 go-pugleaf

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     For some time I have been trying to find information on the
Basque culture, legends, folklore, traditions, clothing, weapons,
armor, fighting tactics, diet, courting practices, animal
husbandry, technology, etc of the period extending from the "dark
ages" through the "middle ages" (roughly 800 ad through 1550 ad).
I have had very little luck.
     So far I have found only a few references to anything on the
military side of my inquiries.  One reference was the invention
of the "two sided sword".  The reference was short and vague.
 [The Book of Basque] I do not know if the sword in question
has an edge on both sides of the weapon or if this is a reference to
the two shafted device better known as a sword breaker.  I have also
seen one equally vague reference that the basque warriors never wore
helmets or any other form of head gear.  The final reference was to the
invention of organized guerrilla tactics, or "hit and run" tactics.
If any-one on the Basque-L can offer confirmation or refutal of any
of these points I would appreciate hearing from you.
     As to everything else on my list I have found NOTHING.  It
seems that recorded history begins 50 years after the periods of my
inquiry.  (why is that?  does any-one have a thought on that??) A
race and culture that has remained homogeneous for 18,000 or so
years must have at least one or two customs that are older than the
1650's.  The British have Arthur, and a whole tower full of old
spears, swords, armor, and even a story or two about some of it.
Did not even one person in the Pyrenees pass along an old fable??
Make some mention of the "latest fashion"??, Sing a tale of joy on
the repulsion of some enemy?????????

[aside] What do you call a person that speaks three languages?
          tri-lingual..
What do you call a person that speaks two languages?
          bilingual...
What do you call a person that can only speak one language?
          American.

     I am sorry to admit that I fit that stereo-type.
It could be that my search for information has been hampered by the
limitation of material in english. Or possibly the lack of the
local libraries and booksellers to stock the books I seek.

     I would like to entertain an idea and request comment on the
logic or folly.
          If one were to take the fashion of the court of the
Daulphan and the court of Isabella and mix well, possibly adding
the austerity and practicality of a working class of the time,
could you then presume to have recreated an appropriate costume of
the Basque area circa 1480??
     One last issue I would like to raise at this writing is names:
My mothers Maiden name is Merezalde.  I Know that the name is still
in use by a family in the Bilbao area.  I have been told that the
letter M was added to several Basque names to make them seem more
Spanish.  If that be the case here, the remainder of the name would
seem to mean "beside the oak trees". Is this correct???
     Lastly I am interested in first names.  Was it ever common to
use the names of animals or things as first names. If so what would
the word meaning "hawk, raptor, or bird of prey" be in basque?
     If any of the members of the basque-l that have knowledge of such
things could comment or advise I would greatly appreciate hearing from
them.

Joe