Days
of Olde and Knights to Remember the Medieval Banquet
Experience
by Mary McCarney
Oh, for the age of chivalry! Knights in shining amour, fiery
black stallions, fair maidens swooning. Somehow the 21st century
doesnt quite have the same romantic appeal. Well, the
good news for those of us who fancy a taste of medieval life
is that we can now step back in time for an evening of fun,
feasting and fighting (even if it is just pretend).
The Medieval Times tournament experience recreates
the splendor, pageantry and romance of an ancient era. This
is serious partying, 11th Century style.
We visited Medieval Times at Toronto Castle (there
are several other locations across North America) on a cold
Canadian winter night, but once inside, warm cries of Welcome
my Lord and my Lady! greeted us, and suddenly it felt
like 1065 all over again. Surrounded by battlements, murals
and banners, the Trumpeters of the Realm heralded the start
of the evenings festivities. We were escorted into a grand
arena, where the legend of a kingdom threatened by treachery
but strengthened by courage would unfold before our eyes.
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Our feast of steaming
vegetable soup ladled into pewter bowls with chicken and ribs
eaten in traditional fashion (without knives and forks, of course)
was served by cheery wenches as we enjoyed the show. The atmosphere
was lively and rowdy, with guests entering into the spirit of
the evening.
The show featured lance-splintering action and glorious pageantry
combined with the story of a princess's love for a gallant knight.
The magnificent Andalusian horses are specially bred by Medieval
Times for their fabulous physique, even temperament, agility
in battle and ability to carry the great weight of an armed
champion in a full suit of armor.
We watched as handsome knights astride the Andalusians charged
with 10-foot lances, intent on unseating their opponents. Once
unhorsed, the Knights continued their battles on foot employing
all the authentic weaponry of the medieval era - sword, axe,
mace and bola - in their quest for victory.
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Finally, of course,
truth, honor and love triumphed over evil, and peace was restored
to the kingdom. The beautiful princess was reunited with her
brave knight, and they all lived happily ever after.
It was with some regret that we departed this magical, bygone
world and once more faced the bitter cold night outside. We
found ourselves longing for a medieval carriage with furs to
warm us and a handsome knight on horseback to escort us home.
No chance. Back in the harsh reality of 2005 we had to make
do with a Toronto taxicab instead. My, how times have changed.
For More Information:
Text
© Mary McCarney 2005
Photos © Medieval Times and Mary McCarney
No part of this article may be reproduced without written permission
from the author.
Mary
McCarney is a teacher and freelance writer from England. She writes
articles and reviews books for a range of newspapers and magazines,
including The London Times. She is also a contributing author
of a new History textbook.
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