Jousting - The Greatest Duel on Horseback

Jousting Games at a Renaissance Festival

When you go to your local Renaissance Faire or Festival, three things come to mind: Ye Olde King's Talk, turkey legs, and jousting. Arguably one of the most-anticipated attractions to any historical festival of the Medieval or Renaissance kind, jousting has taken on more of a "showy" role than any actual combat, although you might not guess that by the cheers, gasps, and cries of the crowds as they hear the clanging of swords and thundering of hooves!

So, exactly how old is the sport, and why is it still so popular today? To begin, we go all the way back to the Middle Ages.

Jousting has its origins in the military tactics of heavy calvary during the High Middle Ages (1000-1300). By the 14th century, many members of the nobility (including kings) had taken up jousting to showcase their own courage, skills, and talents. However, as you can imagine, jousting became so dangerous that eventually nobility stopped participating, leaving the knights to pave the way to honor and greatness without the need for direct warfare. The main weapon was the lance (a lot), with other choices being short-range weapons in the event of being unhorsed. Specialized jousting armour was typically heavier than suits of plate armour intended for combat, and could weigh as much as 110lbs, nearly twice that of what was worn for the battlefield!

With the development of the courtly ideals of chivalry in the late medieval period, the joust became more regulated than just a martial meeting (duel), resembling more of how we see and practice it today. As rulers rose and fell, jousting eventually lost its luster as a sport, with tournaments at one point being seen as more of a parade or show than an actual martial exercise. Modern-day jousting has been alive since the 1970s thanks to the efforts of various reenactors. In addition, the chain venue Medieval Times is another example of consistent jousting entertainment outside of Renaissance Faires, being located in many states across the U.S. Movies throughout Hollywood have glorified the lifestyle of knights and their jousting aspirations - A Knight's Tale, anyone?

While we at Renboots can't make you the shining armour, of a knight, we can at least provide you with the footwear and confidence of one! Our Lancelot line of boots have proven time and time again their historical accuracy in looks and functionality, while not sacrificing any of the modern-day comfort and longevity of 100% hide leather. So if you dare to be a chivalrous man hoping to attain the glory of knighthood, be sure to stop by our booth on your way to the jousting arena!

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