Biography of Archer Howard Hill: The Master of the Longbow

Early Life and Introduction to Archery

Howard Hill, one of the greatest archers of all time, was born on November 13, 1899, in Wilsonville, Alabama, USA. As a child, he showed a keen interest in hunting and the outdoors, often accompanying his father on hunting expeditions. It was during these formative years that Hill developed a love for archery, captivated by the elegance and skill required to wield a bow.

Mastery of Archery

Howard Hill's archery journey began in earnest when he received his first bow at the age of six. He devoted countless hours to practice and honed his skills with unwavering determination. Under the guidance of his father and through self-discipline, Hill soon became proficient in archery, mastering both instinctive shooting and long-range accuracy.

As he grew older, Hill's talent became undeniable. He participated in local archery competitions, often emerging victorious against seasoned archers. His prowess with the bow caught the attention of the archery community, and he started gaining recognition beyond his local circles.

Hunting Exploits and Hollywood Fame

Hill's hunting expeditions in the wild became legendary. Armed with his trusty longbow, he embarked on daring hunts for big game animals, capturing these thrilling adventures on film. His hunting prowess and the resulting films attracted widespread attention and admiration, transforming Hill into a popular figure in the sporting and entertainment worlds.

His exceptional archery skills eventually led to a career in Hollywood. Howard Hill's extraordinary talents were showcased in numerous films, where he performed incredible feats of archery, including shooting arrows with pinpoint precision and executing daring stunts. His work on films like "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938) and "The Last of the Mohicans" (1936) solidified his reputation as the preeminent archer of his time.

Archery Exhibition and Worldwide Acclaim

Beyond his Hollywood success, Howard Hill embarked on a successful archery exhibition tour. His thrilling demonstrations mesmerized audiences around the world, captivating them with his seemingly superhuman accuracy and speed. From Europe to Asia, Hill's demonstrations earned him international acclaim, and he became a true ambassador for the sport of archery.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Throughout his career, Hill achieved numerous archery records and milestones. He was the first archer to successfully harvest all five species of North American big game using a longbow. His remarkable accuracy allowed him to shoot an arrow through a revolving airplane propeller, a feat that remains awe-inspiring to this day.

Legacy and Influence

Howard Hill's contributions to archery were immense, both in promoting the sport and inspiring countless individuals to take up the bow. He elevated archery to new heights of popularity, showcasing its artistry and challenging preconceived notions about the sport. Hill's charisma, talent, and captivating performances left an indelible mark on archery, leading to a surge of interest in traditional archery and longbows.

Passing

Howard Hill's incredible journey came to an end on February 4, 1975, with his passing in Burbank, California. However, his legacy lives on through the continued popularity of archery and the admiration of archers worldwide. Howard Hill's name remains synonymous with mastery of the longbow, and his enduring impact on the archery community ensures that he will forever be remembered as the ultimate "Master of the Longbow."

Biography of Ishi: The Last Yahi and Skilled Archer

Ishi, whose name means "man" in the Yana language, was a Native American of the Yahi tribe, part of the Yana people who inhabited present-day California, USA. He is remembered as the last surviving member of his tribe, making him a unique and important figure in Native American history. Ishi's life, skills as an archer, and his encounter with modern society provide valuable insights into the culture and struggles of Native American communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Early Life and Isolation

Little is known about Ishi's early life and upbringing within the Yahi tribe. Historically, the Yahi people lived secluded lives in the rugged and remote regions of Northern California. They practiced a traditional lifestyle, hunting, gathering, and using bows and arrows for survival.

Encounter with Modern Society

In 1911, Ishi emerged from his isolated existence and ventured into the outskirts of Oroville, California, seeking food and refuge. Discovered by a group of settlers, he was taken into custody by local authorities, who recognized him as a member of a nearly extinct tribe.

Ishi's arrival garnered significant attention, and he soon became an object of curiosity for anthropologists, scholars, and the general public. The University of California at Berkeley took him in, providing him with a place to live and study his culture and language.

Archery Skills and Traditional Knowledge

One of Ishi's notable skills was his proficiency in archery. Raised in the traditional ways of his tribe, Ishi was adept in using the Yahi-style bow and arrows. He shared his knowledge and expertise in archery, demonstrating the craftsmanship and techniques that his people had perfected over generations.

Through Ishi's insights, researchers gained valuable information about the Yahi's archery practices, hunting techniques, and the cultural significance of the bow and arrow in his community.

Contributions to Anthropology and Ethnography

During his time at the University of California at Berkeley, Ishi became a living anthropological and ethnographic subject. Anthropologists and researchers studied his language, customs, and lifestyle, hoping to preserve the knowledge and heritage of the Yahi people.

Ishi's willingness to share his culture and experiences helped bridge the gap between the modern world and the traditional ways of his tribe. His contributions enriched the understanding of Native American history, culture, and their resilience in the face of adversity.

Passing and Legacy

Tragically, Ishi's exposure to modern society proved fatal. In 1916, at the age of around 50, Ishi passed away from tuberculosis. His death marked the end of an era, as he was the last known member of the Yahi tribe.

Ishi's legacy lives on through his contributions to anthropology and the insights he provided into the history and traditions of his people. His story has inspired numerous books, films, and works of art, making him an enduring symbol of cultural preservation and the importance of respecting and understanding the Indigenous peoples of North America.

Today, Ishi's memory serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of Native American communities and the significance of preserving their cultural heritage for future generations.

Winter Archery in Toronto

If you're one of those people who look at the weekly forecasts on the regular basis you may have noticed that in Toronto it is actually relatively warm during November and December.

Not so much in January or February, but let's focus on the good stuff here.

What that means is that you can do archery during November, December and March and it isn't really even that cold outside in Toronto during those months.

Frequently there won't even be snow on the ground, like there is none right now, because it has a tendency to just melt during November, December and March.

So you dress warm, you go do archery, you bring some coffee or hot chocolate, shoot, have fun, and go home when you're hungry (as opposed to going home when you're cold).

But let's pretend you do want to do archery in January or February, what should you do? Well, here's a few tips:

#1. Buy Snow Pants. Seriously, you will never regret having snow pants when it is really cold outside.

#2. Get a nice stainless steel Thermos that is vacuum sealed so it keeps your drinks very hot.

#3. Wear lots of warm layers, especially around your core (chest, abdomen, etc). If you keep your core warm then your body will circulate more warm blood to your extremities.

#4. Wear two pairs of socks.

#5. Go to the bathroom BEFORE you leave.

#6. Buy Winter Archery Gloves (possibly from Gary at Basically Bows Archery)

#7. Bring hot food with you OR eat before you leave.

#8. Long Underwear. Like the snow pants, it is seriously worth it.

#9. Travel light. Bring the least amount of your archery equipment as you can, so you're not exhausting yourself with unnecessary gear.

#10. Take breaks to just relax.

#11. Bring a blanket for your breaks.

#12. Bring pocket warmers, either the electric ones that charge using USB, or the chemical ones.

#13. Invite a friend and send them this list so you have someone to talk to. Do not invite anyone who ignores this list because they'll wuss out when it gets too cold for them. Also, do not ignore this list yourself either.

#14. Pray to Ullr, the Norse god of skiing and archery. Just because he's awesome.

#15. Have fun shooting!

Historical Fiction Books with Archery

Here's a list of historical fiction books where archery plays an important role in the story:

1. "Arrow's Fall" by Judith Tarr: Set in medieval England during the reign of Richard the Lionheart, this novel follows the story of Alric, a skilled archer who becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue.

2. "The Archer's Tale" by Bernard Cornwell: Part of "The Grail Quest" trilogy, this book is set during the Hundred Years' War and follows the adventures of Thomas of Hookton, an archer seeking a stolen relic.

3. "Daughter of the Forest" by Juliet Marillier: Based on the Celtic legend of the Seven Swans, this book tells the story of Sorcha, who must weave shirts from nettles to break a curse on her brothers, and archery plays a pivotal role in her journey.

4. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel: Set in the court of Henry VIII, this novel features historical characters such as Thomas Cromwell, who is known for his archery skills and cunning politics.

5. "The Outlaws of Sherwood" by Robin McKinley: A retelling of the Robin Hood legend, this book follows Robin's band of outlaws, with archery being a central skill in their struggle against injustice.

6. "The Warbow" by Angus Donald: This book focuses on the adventures of Alan Dale, an archer in the service of Robin Hood, during the tumultuous times of the Crusades and the Plantagenet era.

7. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak: Although not entirely historical fiction, this novel is set in Nazi Germany and features Liesel Meminger, who develops a fascination with archery as an escape from the horrors of war.

8. "Agincourt" by Bernard Cornwell: Another historical fiction by Cornwell, this book revolves around the famous Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War, where archery prowess plays a decisive role.

9. "The Forestwife" by Theresa Tomlinson: A retelling of the Robin Hood legend from the perspective of Maid Marian, who learns the art of archery and disguises herself to aid the poor and oppressed.

10. "The King's Arrow" by Michael Cadnum: This book follows the story of Geoffrey, a young archer who becomes entangled in the dangerous intrigue of the English court during the reign of King Henry VIII.

These historical fiction books beautifully capture the essence of archery in different historical contexts, providing readers with a fascinating blend of adventure, skill, and historical accuracy.

Fantasy Books with Archery

 

1. "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien: Legolas, one of the members of the Fellowship of the Ring, is an elven archer known for his remarkable archery skills and keen eyesight.

2. "Graceling" by Kristin Cashore: The main character, Katsa, possesses a special skill called a Graced talent, and hers is the ability to be a deadly archer.

3. "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas: The protagonist, Celaena Sardothien, is an assassin and a skilled archer, and her marksmanship plays a significant role in the story.

4. "The Ranger's Apprentice" series by John Flanagan: The main character, Will, is a Ranger's apprentice and is trained in the art of archery among other skills.

5. "The Chronicles of Prydain" series by Lloyd Alexander: The character Taran, an assistant pig-keeper, becomes skilled with a bow and arrows during his adventures.

6. "The Wheel of Time" series by Robert Jordan: Many characters in this epic fantasy series, including Perrin Aybara and Faile Bashere, are proficient archers.

7. "The Way of Kings" by Brandon Sanderson: The character Shallan Davar is an accomplished archer and artist in this first book of the Stormlight Archive series.

8. "The Legend of Drizzt" series by R.A. Salvatore: Drizzt Do'Urden, a dark elf, is a highly skilled archer, and his bowmanship aids him in numerous battles.

9. "The Green Rider" by Kristen Britain: The main character, Karigan G'ladheon, becomes a member of the king's messengers and learns archery as part of her training.
   

10. "The Adventures of Wrathgar" series by Charles Moffat: Wrathgar Baarstammderstark uses his archery and woodsman skills to help people, solve murder mysteries and fight against evildoers.