German Student Duel / 1880
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German Student Duel / 1880
A German students duel at Gottingen. The Mensur, as practised by German fraternities, is a fast yet rarely-lethal affair with cuts accepted as marks of honour
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Media ID 600324
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10137709
Accepted Combat Custom Cuts Duel Duels Fast Gottingen Honour Lethal Marks Practised Protection Rarely Student Students
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the intense and traditional ritual of a German student duel, or Mensur, taking place at the University of Göttingen in 1880. The Mensur was a unique aspect of German fraternity culture, a fast-paced yet rarely lethal dueling practice that was deeply rooted in history and tradition. The image shows a crowded scene, with onlookers gathered to witness the combat between two students. The duelists, dressed in formal attire and protective gear, face each other with determination and focus. One duelist wears a mask to protect his face, while the other clutches a foil in his right hand and a shield in his left. The duel is about to begin, with both combatants poised to strike. Despite the intense and combative nature of the duel, it was not intended to be lethal. Instead, the duelists sought to inflict marks of honor upon each other, with cuts and wounds accepted as badges of bravery and commitment to the fraternity. The Mensur was a deeply held custom, passed down through generations of German students, and was a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and tradition that defined the student experience in Germany during this period. The photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing a window into a time when such duels were a common occurrence on university campuses. Today, the Mensur may be a relic of a bygone era, but it remains an important part of German history and a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the bonds of brotherhood.
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