Katniss Everdeen, the fierce protagonist of The Hunger Games series, is known for taking on her many opponents with a bow and arrow. Robin Hood protects the enemies of Sherwood forest with this equipment as well, just as Merida from the Pixar classic of the same name, and Legolas from The Lord of the Rings Series are also beloved for their archery skills.
The list goes on and on of the characters in popular culture that we have come to know whose weapon of choice is a bow and arrow. They have chosen archery as a way to protect themselves and those around them. But how exactly did archery become the sport that it is today?
According to Wikipedia, the bow and arrow are known to have been invented by the end of the Upper Paleolithic period. The World Archery website further explains that archery while archery likely dates back to the Stone Age in 20,000 BC, the earliest population that were known to frequently use bows and arrows as weapons for hunting and warfare were the Ancient Egyptians in 3,000 BC. The practice eventually grew to China, where archery dates to the Shang Dynasty in 1766 BC, and Japan, where the Chinese introduced this form of hunting and self-defense in the sixth century. Soon, archery was adopted in the Middle East and Europe, taking its prominence in countless historical battles and becoming a large part of everyday life in a variety of cultures.
Since the introduction of gunpowder, archery’s importance in warfare has significantly decreased – but the bow and arrow didn’t forever disappear only to become a thing of lore and mythology. Instead, it has developed into a popular recreational and competitive sport that continues to test endurance and strength.
Characters such as Katniss, Robin Hood, Meridia, and Legolas have made the bow and arrow what it is today, cementing its reputation as a weapon that exudes strength, courage, and incredible skill. You yourself can become a character that others associate for their stunning, history-making archery skills, and The Archery Place can help you achieve that lofty goal. The Archery Place prides itself on providing exemplary customer service and unmatched archery experience. To discover more about our summer activities and class offerings, please visit our website or call us at 844-910-6100 today. Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on current events, tips, and specials.