Archers

Throughout history, archery has been seen as a way to defend, hunt and provide food and even as competition, pitting player skills against one another. Since the history could be recorded, there are been archers in the forefront. Because of this prominence, there have also been many stories and fables surrounding this sport.

Ancient Archers

The bow and arrow had been used for hundred to thousands of years on the battlefield. Before the invention of other means of defense, the bow and arrow along with swords was the only true way to fight in battle. Of the many cultures around the world, the Asian cultures have often been the ones most prominent.

One Chinese archer in history was rather prominent in his country in the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries. Zhou Tong was actually an archery teacher much revered for his skill in training warriors. Not much is known about him and many of the stories about him from China are folklore.

The ancient samurais also were great archers who fought bravely in battle. Some of the most notable ones in history come from what is now known as Japan. Pictures of these archers can be seen in various museums honoring the history of these countries. Most of them are depictions.

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Fictional Archers
There are many fictional archers named throughout history and pop culture, some even based on real people. William Tell was among one of these famous archers that was supposedly a real person. However, some of his exploits were highly fictionalized which brings up the fact that he was never real at all. No one truly knows if he was real or not.

Among the most famous of male archers is Robin Hood, the character who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Many movies and books throughout the years have been made on this heroic character mired in English folklore. Girl archers of the mythical variety abound with the Amazons and even in literature with Susan Pevensie, one of the sisters from the C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series.

Professional Archers

In the present, real day, there are a number of professional and famous archers that have competed world-wide and have won Olympic fame. South Korea boasts several female archers who have won many championships including a win at the Olympics. One girl archer is Park Sung-Huyn. She beat out one of her own country teammates for the gold in the 2004 Olympics.

Perhaps one of the most prolific male archers in the archery world was Howard Hill. He lent his expertise to many movies featuring archery as well as won hundreds of championships. His winning record was 196 straight wins in tournaments. He was also known for his many archery tricks such as shooting an apple off someone’s head and shooting bulls-eyes even when drawing his bow with his feet.

All in all, archery is by turns a tough and graceful sport. From competition to the battlefield to hunting, archery will always be a presence.