Winged Hussars, Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth Traditional War Song

The Hussars were famous for their huge wings, a wooden frame carrying eagle, ostrich, swan or goose feathers. In the 16th century, characteristic painted wings or winged claws began to appear on cavalry shields. The most common theory is that the hussars wore the wings because they made a loud, clattering noise which made it seem like the cavalry was much larger than in reality and frightened the enemy s horses. Other possibilities included the wings being made to defend the backs of the men against sword