JF Ptak Science Books LLC Post 259

I don’t mean this seriously, and I’m probably mucking around with a national treasure/iconic figure by even suggesting my flippant title, but I really would like to know what in the world this violin-cello or whatever it is is doing on the head of this figure? Probably ir is just artistic license, meaning that the large-staffed giant (?) would ultimately use music as a weapon (Amphion?); maybe, probably  not.  If anyone knows, I’d love to hear the answer.

The source of this woodcut is the Heldenbuch, das Heldenbuch mit synen Figuren…, a towering work in the history of German ltierature (or at least early German literature)  printed by Heinrich Gran in Hagenau in 1509.  It is a collection of German epic poetry from the period of the Barbarian Invasions (more sweetly

referred to as the “Migration Period”, or Volkwanderung) ca. 300-700 ACE, and collected in the 13th century.  It is evidently a luxurious ride through German folklore and legend, with dragons, supernatural beasts, giants, scampering and clever warrior dwarfs, spectacular voyages to the East, shining moments of chivalry, and wide fairy lore.  So, if anyone knows the answer, would they please let me know about the very curious use of this musical instrument?