Mythical medieval swordmaker, Novak the Blacksmith, turns out to be real

DamascusBowie · Sep 25, 2021

According to Serbian epic poetry, Novak was a blacksmith who forged a sword for a medieval hero, Marko. According to the poem, when Marko asked Novak if that was the greatest sword he ever made, Novak told him that it was his second best, and that his best work was the sword he made for Marko's mortal enemy, Musa.

The grave was recently uncovered and it was determined that it was indeed Novak the Blacksmith, who was burried with some honor near a chapel by the fortified medieval city of Kotor.

I had a chance to visit a few years ago and paid my respects with my B11

ScoMa · Sep 25, 2021

That’s legit.

DamascusBowie · Sep 25, 2021

This is the mountain fortress, the chapel and graveyard are below. Its called fortress Saint John or San Giovani and it provided good defense from pirates and ottomans.

Cobalt · Sep 25, 2021

Looks like an awesome place to visit, thanks for sharing the story and pics. Love it

DamascusBowie · Sep 25, 2021

Cobalt said:
Looks like an awesome place to visit, thanks for sharing the story and pics. Love it

Due to the geography, the area has been a hot spot of activity for a couple thousand years. And they are always digging up more structures and artefacts. There are Ilyrian and Roman forts, buildings and roads everywhere.

Jerry Busse · Sep 25, 2021

WOW!. . . Just WOW!!!

Great story coupled with amazing pics. Really, really cool!!!!

Jerry

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RobStanley · Sep 25, 2021

Awesome stuff man. Amazing story. I had never heard of that before.

Private Klink · Sep 25, 2021

^^^ What they said !

oldmanwilly · Sep 26, 2021

This is a really unique and intriguing link to someone from history, thank you for sharing.

I couldn't help but notice that the pic with the B11 was the only graveside photo taken at night... Is there any particular reason for that or is it just a happy coincidence?

DamascusBowie · Sep 26, 2021

Jerry Busse said:
WOW!. . . Just WOW!!!

Great story coupled with amazing pics. Really, really cool!!!!

Jerry

.

Thanks Jerry, the moment I saw it I knew I had to share it with the Hog family, who better to understand the historical beauty of the riddle of steel.

oldmanwilly said:
This is a really unique and intriguing link to someone from history, thank you for sharing.

I couldn't help but notice that the pic with the B11 was the only graveside photo taken at night... Is there any particular reason for that or is it just a happy coincidence?

I thought the same, but I didnt have my B11 with me when I visited the town and fortress. I came back later with the knife, and it was already dark by then. It would be a funny story if I had to do it stealthily under cover of the night but it wasnt an issue.

DamascusBowie · Sep 26, 2021

It's worth noting that the archeological project was funded by a donation from the American ambassador to Montenegro at the time, Roderick Moore. Thank you and God bless America and Mr. Moore.