Dompfeil

A Dompfeil (German, literally "Dome Arrow") is a specialized type of arrow designed to be fired from the top of a building, typically a church, cathedral, or similar structure with a dome or spire. Its primary historical purpose was to attach a line or rope to a building or other object at a distance. This line could then be used to haul heavier ropes or cables up, facilitating repairs, construction, or the installation of equipment such as lightning rods or weather vanes.

The construction of a Dompfeil typically involved a weighted head, often made of metal, to improve accuracy and range. The arrow's fletching (feathers) was designed for stable flight, considering the potentially windy conditions at elevated firing positions. Specific designs would vary based on the intended target, available materials, and the archer's skill. The use of Dompfeile required considerable skill and knowledge of archery principles, taking into account factors such as wind resistance, gravity, and the trajectory of the arrow.

While the term Dompfeil is specifically German, the concept of using arrows to deploy lines for construction or repair purposes is not unique to German-speaking regions. Similar techniques may have been employed in other cultures using different types of arrows or projectile devices. The term Dompfeil, however, refers specifically to the specialized arrow used in the context described above.