Harp

	Other Names: N/A
	Type: String
	Origin: Egypt or Babylon, in Biblical times
	In Redwall: N/A
	Appearance: A medieval riddle asks what the following item is: "This creature is odd, its habits unaccountable. It sings through its sides. Its neck is curved, skillfully carved, and above its back it has pointed shoulders. It plays its fated part as, gracefully, it stands by the roadside, high and handsome, useful to men."  Strings were made from twisted animal gut, from horsehair, or from silk.  The harp has only open strings, no frets, and so the range is determined by the number of strings.  Each harp string is attached to the neck and base by either wooden pegs or metal pins.
	Use: What the harp was used for is unknown, but it is certain that the harp was important in medieval society.  There are several references about the harp being an essential item for any man, and it was said to have supernatural powers.
	Listen to the Harp
	For More Information: The Harp