Brief Description:  A medieval harpoon was a heavy, spear-like projectile primarily designed for hunting large marine life, though it occasionally saw use in naval combat. It featured a long wooden or metal shaft and a sharp, barbed iron head attached to a coiled trailing rope used to impale and retrieve the target.

Anatomy of a Medieval Harpoon:

The Head (Lily Iron): A broad, forged metal head designed to pierce thick hides and blubber.

The Barbs: Backward-pointing hooks or pivoting "toggles". Upon penetrating the flesh, the barbs caught on muscle and tendons, preventing the weapon from being pulled or shaken out.

The Shaft: A heavy pole (often 5 to 6 feet) made of tough wood, allowing for strong leverage.

The Tether (Lanyard): A long, braided hemp or rope attached to the base of the head or shaft, allowing the wielder to control and haul in their prey.

Impale & Grapple: The weapon was thrown by hand at close range to pierce an enemy combatant or to snag the rigging of an opposing vessel.