The word "javelin" comes from Middle English and refers to a type of spear that could reach long distances and therefore represented a great type of weapon, however, it is currently used as a sporting object. This spear was widely used in the Middle Ages, but it was not thrown by hand as it was very heavy, which compromised the launch.
Answer: The Old Man and the Sea tells the story of a battle between an aging, experienced fisherman, Santiago, and a large marlin. He is so unlucky that his young apprentice, Manolin, has been forbidden by his parents to sail with him and has been told instead to fish with successful fishermen.