In her book "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," Barbara W. Tuchman examines the role of mercenaries in the tumultuous 14th century. In France, these soldiers were known as écorcheurs or skinners, reflecting their brutal tactics, while in Italy, they were referred to as condottieri, named after the contracts that defined their service terms. This nomenclature highlights the varying perceptions and operational frameworks of mercenary forces in European society during this chaotic period. The use of mercenaries had significant implications for warfare and the political landscape of the time. Both terms illustrate how these fighters operated under self-interest, often leaving devastation in their wake. Such dynamics contributed to the instability and challenges faced by nations in the 14th century, shedding light on the complex relationships between power, employment, and conflict in this era.