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HIGHLIGHTED HELMETS

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Helmets of History:
A Bulwark Through Time

The narrative of the helmet is as old as civilisation itself, charting a course through human ingenuity and the unrelenting quest for survival. In ancient Greece, the Corinthian helmet, forged from a single piece of bronze, was not just armour but a statement of intent. Its design, allowing for narrow eye slits, transformed the visage of the warrior into something almost divine, echoing the immortal gods they worshipped and sought to emulate on the battlefield. The psychological impact was as strategic as the physical protection it offered.

FROM THE MIDDLE AGES...

The Middle Ages saw the helm evolve into a symbol of chivalry. The advent of the visored helmet in this era was a breakthrough, balancing the need for maximum protection with the necessity of visibility and breathability. This period underscored the helmet's role in warfare and the social hierarchy of the times, with knights adorning their helmets with crests and plumage as marks of their lineage and honour.

...TO TODAY

Today's helmets, particularly those used in military contexts, are marvels of science. They incorporate materials like Kevlar and Aramid fibres that can withstand high-calibre impacts and even explosions. Innovations such as modular systems integrating communication devices, ballistic visors, and NVG mounts demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of modern warfare's demands. Yet, at their core, these contemporary guardians are driven by the same principle that guided their ancient predecessors: preserving life.

From Myth to Mainstream:
Helmets in the Pantheon of Pop Culture

Helmets have long transcended their original purpose, embedding themselves in the fabric of our myths and the identity of our heroes. The helm of Achilles, detailed with such reverence in The Iliad, was considered impenetrable, a gift from the gods, representing the zenith of divine craftsmanship and mortal bravery. This blend of myth and material has endured, inspiring countless tales where the helmet is as crucial to the hero's identity as their deeds.

In fantasy and science fiction, helmets continue to captivate our imagination. With its menacing silhouette and mechanical respirations, Darth Vader's helmet has become an icon of villainy, embodying the character's complexity and the consequences of his choices. Similarly, with its winged design, the helmet of Marvel's Thor immediately distinguishes him as a being of power and nobility, a visual cue to his godly heritage and heroic purpose.

These helmets, whether borne of myth or media, serve as talismans, imbuing their wearers with the essence of their character. They are not just protective gear but are portrayers of story, personality, and power, turning the wearer into a symbol of greater ideals or darker realities.

Adding a visually striking helmet to your costuming kit can do the same for your character! Watch this video to learn how to customize your helmet to suit your character's story and personality.

HOW TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR METAL HELMET?

Diving deeper:

THE GREAT HELM & JOUSTING GLORY

Beyond their functional role in protection, helmets served as a canvas for expressing identity and status in the medieval era. The Great Helm, made famous by the templars and later used for grand tourneys, with its imposing silhouette, was a symbol of the knightly class, often adorned with crests, coats of arms, and other heraldic symbols to signify lineage and allegiance. This practice turned the battlefield into a pageant of colours and symbols, where a helmet could tell friend from foe at a glance.

As the Middle Ages progressed, the advent of tournaments brought about the development of specialised ceremonial and jousting helmets. These pieces were heavier and more elaborately decorated than their battlefield counterparts, designed not only for protection but to dazzle the audience and celebrate the chivalric virtues of the wearer. Some jousting helmets were crafted with visors that depicted human or animal faces, turning the helmet into a work of art. Our selection of helmets honours these traditions, offering both functional replicas for reenactment and ornate pieces for collectors. Each helmet tells a story of valour, artistry, and the relentless human pursuit of excellence.

WE TEST BONKED SOME HELMETS,
SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO

How well do modern medieval helmets protect against impact? We used a frying pan to test it out! Join us for this fun bonking-game!

Thank you for staying with us all the way down here, reading and hopefully learning something new about Helmets!
As a little thank you, for reading a long,
We offer a 15% discount on all helmets with the exclusive promo code
DarkHelmet
lasting until 19/05.