Jousting
is a Medieval equestrian sport, practiced for centuries. Most often
associated with courtly competitions, jousting has been a sport for
several centuries. In early Medieval times it was more common as a
military tactic, used to combat or dismount an adversary, and was
part of a complete repertoire that a knight or horseman could count
on to help gain honor while at war. Jousting remains a sport to this
day, although primarily used in ceremonies and for entertainment
purposes.
In
a traditional sense, a joust consists of two men on horseback. They
both wear armor, and they both hold a lance. The lance is a long
wooden post, tapered at one end and wielded by a handle at the other.
The lance is held horizontally to the ground by the rider, while he
charges his opponent. In competitions, both participants ride towards
each other on opposite sides of a small fence. The blow from a lance
could easily knock a rider to the ground from their horse and often
dealt a wounding or lethal blow. Historically, a number of weapons
can be used in jousting, but the lance has come to be the weapon of
choice to represent the method.
When
first employed for military use, battles were ruthless. The point was
for warriors to take whatever they could from their opponent, by any
means necessary. By the time of the late Middle ages, however, ideas
of chivalry and honor had taken hold. Jousting became less favorable
for battle, but transitioned to the lineup of huge tournaments of
honor that various regal courts in countries across Europe held.
Lances
used for courtly show were fashioned so they splintered upon impact,
in order to reduce injury. It is still a dangerous sport, and some
believe it was a jousting injury that hurt King Henry VIII when he
was young and fit, causing him great pain throughout the rest of his
life and keeping him from being active. A joust is a great show of
skill and courage and those that continue the sport are true experts
that have trained for years.
If
you would like to learn more about jousting in the Chicago, IL, area,
visit Medieval Times.
