Old French: Torneiement, Tornei
Tourney
A tournament, or tourney, is the name given to chivalrous competitions or mock fights. They were held as military exercises and for display of prowess.
Tournaments were a popular and distinctive form of medieval European martial competition and pageantry that emerged during the Middle Ages. These events combined elements of sport, chivalry, and entertainment and were an integral part of the feudal and knightly culture of the time.
Tournaments are believed to have originated in the early medieval period, around the eleventh century, as a way for knights to train for warfare and showcase their martial skills. Initially, they were often informal and resembled military exercises or melees. Over time, they evolved into more structured and organized events.
Types of tournaments
There were several types of tournaments, each with its own rules and objectives.
- Melee
In a melee, large groups of knights would engage in a mock battle, often fought on horseback. The goal was to capture opponents rather than causing serious harm. - Joust
In a joust, two knights would charge at each other with lances while mounted on horseback, aiming to unseat their opponent. - Tilting
A form of jousing where knights would attempt to strike each other’s shields or armor with a lance for points. - Pas d’Armes
These were individual challenges where a knight would issue a formal invitation (cartel) to others to test his skills in various combative scenarios.
Chivalry and Honor
Tournaments were not just about combat, they were also opportunities for knights to display their chivalry and adherence to the code of honor. Participants often wore elaborate armor and heraldic symbols, and they observed rules of courtesy and fair play.
Pageantry and Spectacle
Tournaments were significant social events and attracted large crowds of spectators. They often included elaborate processions, feastings, music, and dancing. The spectacle of tournaments was a means of showcasing the wealth and prestige of the nobility.
Knighthood and Training
Tournaments served as a form of training for knights, helping them hone their combat skills, horsemanship, and battlefield tactics. Young knights or squires often participated in tournaments to gain experience before engaging in actual warfare.
Decline and Transformation
Tournaments began to decline in popularity during the late Middle Ages, partly due to the changing nature of warfare and the advent of gunpowder weapons. They transformed into more ceremonial and symbolic events, and the emphasis shifted away from combat.
Modern Revivals
In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, there was a revival of interest in medieval history and chivalry, leading to the reenactment of tournaments in a historical context. These reenactments continue to this day.
Tournament Locations
Amorous City
Ancient Castle
Annuec
Ansgoi
Aragon
Arroy
Astolat
Babylon
Baghdad
Banborc
Baroh
Becleus
Blanche Mores
Borderland
Caerleon
Camelot
Carael
Carahes
Carhaix
Carnant
Castile
Castle Dangerous
Castle Ferelois
Castle of Ladies
Castle of Maidens
Castle of the Enchantress
Castle of the Hard Rock
Castle of the Moors
Castle of the Plain
Castle Orguelleus
Castle Perilous
Causuel
Events
Joy of the Court Tournament
Knight of the Kestrel Tournament
Sparrowhawk Tournament
Sword in the Stone Tournament
Tournament of the Dead Innocence
Tournament of the Youth
See also
Arms and Armor | The Legend of King Arthur
About Knights | The Legend of King Arthur
Arthurian Clubs in the Baltic Region | The Legend of King Arthur
Chivalry | The Legend of King Arthur
Knighthood and Knight-Errantry | The Legend of King Arthur
Shield | The Legend of King Arthur
Sword | The Legend of King Arthur
Tournament Books | The Legend of King Arthur